Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC in West Texas Holds Fall 2018 Commencement

(ABILENE) – More than 140 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2018 Commencement held Monday, Dec. 10, at the Abilene Convention Center. Graduates from TSTC’s four West Texas campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater were recognized.

For Ronnie Pitts, an instructor and statewide department head in the Emergency Medical Services program at Abilene, watching his students achieve their educational goals does not get tiring. It was especially significant when one student bestowed upon him an honorary Phi Theta Kappa stole as a thank-you.

“This is the event that makes everything we do as instructors worthwhile,” Pitts said. “Being able to watch our students succeed is what we live for. But, to be given this honor on top of it all is a special recognition that I greatly appreciate.”

Students could be found thanking their instructors and excitedly talking about having accepted job offers.

Chris Russell, an Army veteran and member of Phi Theta Kappa, received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology Compliance. He started working full time last Monday at Clean Harbors.

“I worked in the oil field after the Army and saw that there was a way to make good money while staying clean and dry,” Russell said. “So now I get to do what I enjoy and be comfortable.”

During the commencement ceremony, Julian Alvarez III, the commissioner representing labor with the Texas Workforce Commission, encouraged students to be humble in their success and spend time with successful people.

“You will face careers, not jobs, the rest of your life,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez is a first-generation college graduate. He said that, just like TSTC did for him when he was a student, the graduates have received the tools needed to think for themselves.

“You are ready to meet those challenges you will face in the workplace,” Alvarez said.

Many of Monday’s graduates were inspired and led to success by family members.

Mary Mares of Brownwood, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from Sweetwater, said it was her son who inspired her to pursue her degree.

“My son was born with craniosynostosis, and it was his birth that motivated me to get this degree so I can help him and others to the best of my ability,” Mares said.

Phillip Cruz of Sweetwater received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology. He said his 6-year-old daughter was his inspiration for pursuing his studies.

“It’s a second career,” Cruz said. “I used to be a police officer. The country is changing to green energy. I figured I would help the country move forward.”

Cruz is considering job offers at energy companies in Michigan and Texas.

Earlier in the day, the Nursing programs held pinning ceremonies for graduates in Abilene and Sweetwater.

For more information, go to www.tstc.edu.

TSTC hosts an out-of-this-world experience for the community

(HARLINGEN) – Katlyn Nuncio mixed baking soda, salt and water to watch her rocket launch during “Journey to Mars,” a first-of-its-kind event hosted by the Texas State Technical College Challenger Learning Center.

“It was so cool watching how the mixture reacted and how high my rocket went,” said the 9-year-old fourth grader from Ed Downs Elementary School in San Benito. “The event was great. I love science and I hope to become an engineer when I grow up.”

The half-day event, which was free and open to the public, was attended by more than 200 people.

TSTC Journey to Mars

It was organized in partnership with NASA to celebrate the center’s 5^th and NASA’s 6^th anniversaries.

“We’re are so excited with the response we received from the school districts and community,” said Yvette Mendoza, TSTC College Readiness coordinator. “The number of families who attended this event surpassed all of our expectations. This event was a definite success.”

The event included hands-on activities for all ages from space crafting and gravity affects to Mars rover building and Mars habitat creating.

Every booth was divided into phases, and resembled a space mission set up. Planetarium shows were also available throughout the morning.

For 11-year-old Aiden Barrera from San Benito, “Journey to Mars” was a great way to celebrate his birthday.

“I’m into science and engineering, but my favorite subject is math so this event was so much fun for me,” said Barrera. “It was a great way to spend my birthday weekend.”

The fifth grader said he had the most fun creating a home for a Mars extraterrestrial creature using paper plates, paper cups, paint and glue.

“This was truly a team effort. We really wanted this event to introduce children of all ages, from toddler to high school, to the science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) fields,” said Mendoza. “It’s important to plant the seed at a young age, especially because STEM is a huge priority for our school districts and our state.”

“Journey to Mars” was a result of a signed NASA Cooperative Agreement that was introduced to the TSTC Challenger Learning Center by the National Challenger Center.

Through this agreement, TSTC’s center will receive upgraded hardware and software to add new missions to its lineup.

“Our goal with this is to be able to offer new, educational and exciting opportunities for the students who visit us,” said Mendoza. “All that matters is that they are learning while having fun.”

Under this cooperative, Mendoza said the TSTC Challenger Learning Center introduced its new mission “Expedition to Mars” this year and will introduce “Lunar Quest” in 2019 and “Operation Comet in 2020.”

Mendoza also said the community can expect to see more free, community events that provide educational opportunities in the near future.

For more information on TSTC’s Challenger Learning Center or to book a mission, call 956-364-4517.

TSTC online classes help local man pursue a career change

(HARLINGEN) – At a crossroads in his life, Robert Ahrens decided to enroll at Texas State Technical College, opting for an online program so he could continue supporting his family.

“With a family it’s not all about me,” said the 37-year-old. “I still need to make a decent paycheck, so online classes have been the most convenient for me.”

The La Feria native is enrolled in Business Management Technology, one of four programs with degrees that are offered entirely online.

The other TSTC programs with online degree tracks are Digital Media Design, Architectural Design & Engineering Graphics and Health Information Technology. These are among the many other hybrid programs available, which offer lectures and labs both on campus and online.

“With these programs there really is no excuse for not going to school anymore,” said Ahrens. “What matters is the discipline and hard work you’re willing to put in. It’s so flexible anyone can do it.”

A retired police officer of nearly a decade, and now a full-time truck driver with Spirit Truck Lines in Pharr, Ahrens said he has exceeded his own expectations.

Ahrens, who expects to earn his associate degree in Summer 2020, boasts a 3.9 grade-point average, is on the dean’s list and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in 2016 for his high marks.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s been a challenge,” said Ahrens. “I’m traveling out in the middle of nowhere and finding internet isn’t always easy, but I manage. It’s possible.”

Ahrens is also a recipient of the Lozano Long Promise Opportunity Scholarship, Shell National Merit Scholarship and Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) grant.

“Just because I’m in school doesn’t mean the bills stop and I found myself in a bind,” he said. “But TSTC has helped me fund my education. It has been a tremendous help and motivation to keep going.”

The full-time worker and full-time student said he’s only home 34 hours a week, the rest of his time is spent transporting goods across the country, finding hotspots or truck stops with internet. He also said even his laptop has seen better days, but he’s not letting anything stop him.

“All the technology of today makes it easy to navigate TSTC’s online programs, communicating with instructors and keeping in contact with my family,” he said. “I know someday all this sacrifice will be worth it.”

TSTC Campus Lead for Business Management Technology Edna Claus said Ahrens has done exceptionally well despite the fact he is on the road most of the time and cannot depend on constant or reliable access to his courses.

“Robert has done well. His persistence is one that can be modeled by all of our students,” she said.

Ahrens is registered and ready to begin his Spring 2019 semester.

“TSTC has made me a well-rounded student and I know whether I stay at Spirit or end up somewhere else I will find success,” he said.

For more information about online programs at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/tstconline.

Student Success Profile – Jennifer Atkinson

(HARLINGEN) – Jennifer Atkinson is an Agricultural Technology major at Texas State Technical College and boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

The Rio Hondo native expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2019, and when the 23-year-old is not in the classroom or out in the field she is busying doing community service with the TSTC Agriculture Club.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science with a teaching certificate.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to have a successful career in agriculture with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been making it on the Chancellor’s List and maintaining my honor roll worthy grades. I never used to be an “A” student so this has helped motivate to continue and appreciate school even more.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned in life is that everything happens for a reason and in God’s perfect timing.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

All of my instructors and my classmates have had a great influence on my success. First, my instructors have been a blessing. They genuinely care about us, are easy to talk to and take every step necessary to ensure we succeed. Last but not least, my classmates. They have become lifelong friends and an extension of my family.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to work hard because nothing in life is handed to us on a silver platter.

TSTC in Marshall Holds Fall 2018 Commencement

(MARSHALL) – More than 60 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College in Marshall’s Fall 2018 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 7, at the Marshall Convention Center.

Students from different backgrounds and all walks of life gathered to celebrate their accomplishments with family and loved ones. Associate Provost Nathan Cleveland always takes a minute to appreciate the success of his students.

“This is why I got involved in education,” Cleveland said. “To watch our students, who range from the first member in a family to attend a postsecondary education institute to a second- or third-generation student, succeed, inspire others and thank their support systems — it’s what it’s all about.”

Several of Friday’s graduates boasted academic honors, including five Board of Regents recipients. Board of Regents recipients must complete their degree program with a 4.0 GPA.

Tyra Levine of Beaumont was displaced after Hurricane Harvey destroyed her home. She relocated to Marshall to live near her family and decided to complete her education. Working two jobs to support her family while battling health issues, Levine still maintained a 4.0 GPA to graduate with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Operations.

“I just made sure I was at class every day and I was in contact with my teachers whenever I needed help or had questions,” Levine said. “My whole experience really has been a testimony, and I am so thankful to be here.”

Several graduates are leaving with jobs already lined up, while others are still considering their options.

Zachary Garner of Forney was a Phi Theta Kappa graduate who received his third degree from TSTC. Garner earned associate degrees in Cyber Security and Network Administration, then changed course to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology.

“It took me a minute to figure out what I wanted. But I love working with my hands, and I’m really excited with my options,” Garner said. “I’ve interviewed with a couple companies in the area, and things are looking good.”

The evening was two times as special for the parents of brothers Calvin and Quenton Rowe. The brothers both earned certificates of completion in Structural Welding.

“It was awesome to see them accomplish these goals they set for themselves and their focus to get it done,” Latarsha Rowe, mom, said. “I am just immensely proud.”

For Shaquilyn Peoples, a Precision Machining Technology graduate, today was the validation she had been working toward.

“As a girl in PMT, it can be intimidating, but it feels so good to say I did it and that I get to do something different,” Peoples said. “I hope I can encourage other girls to get involved.

This was the 69th commencement ceremony for TSTC in Marshall.

For more information, visit www.tstc.edu.

TSTC in Waco Holds Fall Commencement

(WACO) – More than 350 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2018 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 7, at the Waco Convention Center.

TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison started the ceremony with a moment of silence for Curt Persilver, former coordinator of student services, who died in October.

Many of the graduates already have jobs.

Jansice Baesler-Ridge, 21, of Waco graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Visual Communication Technology. She began working this summer as a designer at American Domino Co. in Lacy Lakeview.

“I’ve always loved art, and I have wanted to do art that is applicable,” Baesler-Ridge said. “Visual communication technology is the art of the future.”

Garrett Selby, 19, of Pleasanton graduated with an associate degree in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. He already has a job at Kirby-Smith Machinery in Abilene.

“It feels pretty nice,” he said.

Selby said he will miss the instructors giving their knowledge and the camaraderie with his classmates.

Some of the graduates will continue job hunting.

Cory Hoover, 23, of Burnet was the only graduate in Waco receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Communication Technology. He wants to look in the Austin area for a job.

“I enjoyed my time here and made a lot of good friends,” Hoover said. “I was able to have a close relationship with all the instructors because of the small classes.”

Anderson Merchant, 27, of Bryan received an associate degree and certificate from the Auto Collision and Management Technology program. He said he enjoyed learning about the painting and airbrushing processes during his studies.

“I’m really excited and nervous — and really curious what I will do after I graduate,” Merchant said. “It’s exciting to see my hard work recognized and translate that into true work skills.”

TSTC has more than 900 students graduating this fall across the state.

For more information, visit www.tstc.edu.

TSTC in East Williamson County Holds Fall Commencement

(HUTTO) – Fifty graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2018 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 7, at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

Former Texas Rep. Larry Gonzales was the guest speaker and talked about the graduates’ decision to pursue a technical education and their importance to the Texas economy.

Many of the graduates already have jobs.

Stuart G. McLennan IV, 38, of Georgetown received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cyber Security and began work earlier this year as a TSTC instructor. Although still a student, McLennan taught some of the same cyber security classes he had already taken.

“It will be nice to be done with the student side and done with exams and instead give them,” he said.

McLennan earned a bachelor’s degree in computer programming several years ago but had difficulty finding work in the Killeen area. He decided to go back to college to expand his knowledge.

“I have always been interested in the computer area,” he said.

Some graduates are continuing their job search.

Joseph Hartman, 20, of Jarrell received a certificate in Cyber Security. He said he was inspired to study the field after doing research while a student at Jarrell High School, where he graduated in 2017.

“Coming here was a lot cheaper than going to a big university,” he said.

His future plans are to pursue an associate degree, earn industry certifications and look for jobs in the Austin area.

“I really want to start making money,” he said.

TSTC has more than 900 students graduating this fall across the state.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC provides grad with second chance at a career

(FORT BEND) – With a bachelor’s degree, but ready for a career change and a new challenge, 58-year-old Joel Staner enrolled in Diesel Equipment Technology-Heavy Truck Specialization at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County two years ago.

And on Monday, Staner will graduate with an associate degree and as a Board of Regent honors graduate with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“TSTC has been such a great experience for me,” said Staner. “I was a little intimidated coming back to school at my age, but I think that also gave me an advantage because I knew the kind of dedication and commitment it would take to successfully finish.”

Staner said when he first received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and general business in 1993 he was young and only took this path because it was the only opportunity available to him at the time.

“I never used my degree,” said the Sheridan native. “I took advantage of the educational opportunity, but these fields were never truly my passion.”

Leading up to his time at TSTC, Staner worked as a car salesman, a hardware customer service and sales specialist and as a general manager for an animal rescue shelter in his hometown.

For the man who owns acreage with horses, chickens and at least a dozen dogs and cats, the animal shelter gig was his favorite.

“For the last nine years I have worked at an animal shelter and it’s been the greatest,” said Staner. “But I needed a change, a career of my own; one that I was passionate about.”

With the exception of minor repair and maintenance on heavy farm equipment such as tractors, the diesel equipment field was new to Staner.

“After touring the campus and visiting with advisors, Diesel Equipment Technology seemed like the best fit for me,” said Staner. “And honestly the hands-on approach TSTC takes in its teaching is what got me.”

Staner said what made all of the difference during his time at TSTC was the genuine care faculty has for their students and their willingness to answer questions and ensure that students understand the material.

He credits not only his hard work, but also the faculty for his success because not only was he inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for his grades, but he accepted a job offer and started his career before earning his degree.

“This college offers its students so many opportunities to network with industry recruiters and professionals,” said Staner. “It was during one of these events that I was offered a job.”

Staner is now a diesel technician with Travel Centers of America, where he has been working full-time since May.

“The pay is great, the benefits are excellent and they worked with my school schedule,” said Staner. “Going to school and working full-time has been no easy feat.”

Unfortunately, for Staner, he will be traveling to Ohio for job training on the day of TSTC in Fort Bend County’s commencement, so he will be unable to walk the stage in his cap and gown.

“Sure, I’ll miss the commencement experience, but it’s worth it,” he said. “This is the career that will sustain me for the next 15 years or so. So I’m excited to be done and focusing on a new career.”

Staner also said there may be management opportunities with Travel Centers of America in the future, so just maybe he’ll get to use his general business degree after all.

“I changed directions in my life and TSTC was the vehicle that enabled me to change careers,” said Staner.

Staner is one of close to 1,000 TSTC students earning a certificate or associate degree statewide and will join an alumni network of more than 100,000 TSTC graduates.

TSTC in Fort Bend County will host its commencement ceremony on Monday, December 10 at the Stafford Centre in Stafford, Texas at 6 p.m.

For more information on Diesel Equipment Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/DieselEquipmentTechnology.

TSTC Student Finds Passion in Building Construction Technology

(WACO) – Mariano Perez of Waco learned early on about the meaning of work.

Perez, 19, began working at 13 with his father in the family’s residential concrete business. He spent many holiday breaks, weekends and sizzling days helping to pour concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks in McLennan County.

“It all started off with respecting the guys pushing the shovel all day long,” Perez said. “I learned the value of a dollar. I learned the general skills. I learned how to measure with the tape, how to hit a nail, how to use a sledgehammer.”

The knowledge Perez gained launched him into the Building Construction Technology program at Texas State Technical College. He is a candidate for graduation with an associate degree at TSTC’s Fall 2018 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Waco Convention Center.

“Mariano is a very hard worker and dedicated to everything he puts his hands on,” said Herschel Miller, a TSTC Building Construction Technology instructor.

Perez will start work on Monday, Dec. 10, at Big Creek Construction Ltd. in Lorena, where he will be trained on project scheduling.

Wade Miller, Big Creek’s assistant director, said Perez is the first graduate to be hired directly out of TSTC. The company currently employs several TSTC alumni.

“We are excited to have Mariano coming aboard,” Miller said. “He’s a very impressive young man, and we expect him to do well at our company.”

The company is a heavy-highway contractor working on Texas Department of Transportation road and bridge projects and occasional projects for the city of Waco.

Miller said TxDOT’s increase in spending on projects due to state propositions being passed by voters means more road and bridge improvements will be made in the next decade.

“This equates to roughly 70,000 employees needed to build this work,” Miller said. “The workforce across our industry and state is aging. We are running out of people to do this work. For this reason, programs by TSTC make sense to contractors like us.”

Perez’s goal is one day to own his own concrete business.

Perez graduated in 2017 from West High School where he took dual enrollment classes in general academics and automotive technology. He decided to pursue construction during his senior year.

“Honestly, I never gave up until I found my passion,” Perez said. “It is difficult to be successful if you don’t know what to do.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to www.tstc.edu.

TSTC implements mixed reality into curriculum, a first for the college

(HARLINGEN) – Bringing emerging technology into the hands of its students, Texas State Technical College will be implementing HoloLens Mixed Reality into its curriculum as early as next year.

The first programs to introduce the Microsoft application, in partnership with Pearson Education, are Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, Vocational and Registered Nursing and Chemical Technology.

Students strap on a Microsoft HoloLens, similar to virtual reality gaming headsets, to see 3D computer graphics shown on top of the real-world classroom environment.

“There is nothing as powerful as using HoloLens for educating our students,” said TSTC Senior Vice President of Student Learning Hector Yanez. “This is a unique tool for explaining lessons in-depth, beyond a traditional lecture. Students can feel the knowledge.”

With a number of virtual reality and augmented reality applications being utilized in higher education, mixed reality brings a different approach to the already popular technology.

Unlike its counterparts that set a user in a virtual, or digital landscape, mixed reality blends the person’s real-world and digital world, and introduces a hologram that the user can interact with.

It is a three-dimensional immersive learning experience that can be used anywhere or anytime.

“Mixed reality applications have been around for only a few years,” said TSTC Executive Director of Instructional Support Orlando Penuelas. “So there was a lot of research that went into this decision making; this is a great investment for our students and institution.”

A pair of HoloLens applications: HoloPatient and HoloChemistry, were among the first to be demonstrated to TSTC students recently.

TSTC Vocational Nursing students Ana Decuesta and Celina Romo were first to use HoloPatient to interact with holographic medical scenarios.

“I’ve only seen this type of technology on TV. So being able to actually touch it and use it is exciting,” said Romo, the 39-year-old Raymondville native. “At first I was intimated; it’s cutting edge technology, but it turned out to be very user friendly and I can’t wait until it’s fully implemented into our program.”

Decuesta shared the same sentiment. She said she is happy that this type of technology is now available to her and her peers.

“This type of technology is usually found in big universities, so TSTC giving us this opportunity is invaluable to our training,” said 19-year-old Decuesta. “This will allow us to build on our confidence, which is key in our field, before beginning our clinical rotations and beginning our careers.”

Yanez said the goal of the applications is to bridge a gap between understanding and visualization, which will lead to student retention and placing more Texans into good paying jobs.

“HoloLens gives TSTC and our students a competitive edge,” said Yanez. “We are just seeing the start of the endless possibilities that these tools can offer our students.”

Penuelas agrees that with industry increasingly using mixed reality for their daily processes, training students in the software and how to use HoloLens correctly will make them more marketable when looking to start their careers.

Large organizations such as Chevron and NASA are using HoloLens to provide visual aids and remote assistance for their employees.

“HoloLens is the golden standard for mixed reality and our students have it at their fingertips,” said Penuelas. “This will definitely give them a leg up.”

TSTC in Harlingen will kick off the pilot program in the coming year and will eventually be implemented at the college’s 10 other campuses across the state.

“Our goal is to implement HoloLens statewide once we completely understand how to implement the system and its applications,” said Yanez. “Every TSTC campus will have access to this advanced technology sooner rather than later.”

Registration for Spring 2019 is underway. The last day to register is Jan. 2.

For more information on the programs offered, to apply or register, visit tstc.edu.

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Texas State Technical College News Site