Category Archives: Breckenridge

TSTC Vocational Nursing student adapts to new learning environment

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Virdi Crawford admitted she took a “leap of faith” when she began studying Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College in late 2019.

What she learned over the past five months is that she was able to adapt to a new learning environment.

“This is an experience that I will never forget,” said Crawford of finishing the spring semester from her home in Abilene. “What this made me realize is how easily I was able to adapt to a stressful situation.”

Crawford said students had to adjust to the new learning environment, but were able to stay connected through online resources.

“It was sad that we could not go to class and talk to each other. Not having the one-on-one with the instructors was also a huge adjustment,” she said. “All of this taught me to roll with the punches.”

The spring semester experience is something Crawford said she will remember after completing the program and getting a job.

“I know there will be days that are work-heavy and I will want to give up,” she said. “But what COVID -19 has taught me to analyze everything and take a deep breath. I will be able to keep going because if we can make it through this, we can make it through work.”

Crawford completed the spring semester from her home while her husband also worked from home. The couple also had to make sure their two children, ages four and seven, were active.

“It was hard to explain to my children that mom and dad needed a little time to get their work done,” she said. “We were able to do it.”

She knew other students were facing the same situation.

“A majority of my classmates are working and have children. They also had to make this adjustment,” she said.

Crawford said the Breckenridge instructors helped with the transition.

“When this first started, we did not know what was going to happen. We did not know if we would have to start the program over,” she said. “The instructors are always there fighting for us and adapted to the new learning environment. It was definitely challenging for them and for us.”

Crawford said working through the spring semester helped her realize she made the right choice to study nursing. She said that other students interested in the field should look at TSTC first.

“TSTC has so many resources available. The doors are always open for the instructors to talk to you,” she said. “Breckenridge may be a small campus, but everyone cares how you are doing.”

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

TSTC to offer OSHA-compliant degree program in Breckenridge

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Safety on worksites is important.

The person behind the scenes making sure that all of the rules and regulations are being followed is a certified Occupational Health and Safety Administration technician. Texas State Technical College will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety Compliance Technology at the Breckenridge campus this fall.

TSTC had planned to start classes in the program in Breckenridge last year, but Martin Knudsen, the program’s department chair, but did not have enough applicants. Knudsen said he expects to see the program thrive in West Texas, where oil fields and wind farms are in need of safety compliance officers and directors.

“A lot of our students are those that were in the trade industry and are getting older. We tell them we will retrain you so you will know the hazards in your industry,” he said. “When you learn the compliance side of the industry, that is what makes a good safety person.”

Knudsen said he has seen enrollment increase when the economy drops.

“When the economy hiccups, we explode (with enrollment),” he said. “I am expecting that to happen this fall in Breckenridge and Waco. People always say they want to go back to school and they need to go back to school. This is the best time for a person in the field to become an OSHA technician.”

The reason for that, according to Knudsen, is the fact that the need for OSHA technicians will never end.

“Once you learn (OSHA training), you learn it for life,” he said. “The technician position is not going anywhere.”

Teresa Purcell will be instructing the five-semester course in Breckenridge. She and Knudsen both said the OSHA technician position is misrepresented as being the “bad guys.”

“A lot of people, when they hear OSHA, they say, ‘Oh, my God.’ They are not the bad guys,” Purcell said. “They are on the sites training workers and providing the knowledge to better educate people to be safe.”

Knudsen said the primary objective for technicians is to “make sure people do not get hurt.”

“Safety is enormous on the job site,” he said. “Technicians want to make sure all areas are in compliance with all of the current regulations. They want to make sure that mom or dad gets to go home safely at the end of the day.”

Students will learn the hazards of machines, safe work methods, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures during the five semesters.

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

TSTC students practice social distancing during lab sessions

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A limited number of Texas State Technical College students returned to campus Monday, May 4.

Students allowed back on campus are studying in programs that require them to complete hands-on lab work in order to finalize their semester. While on campus, students and instructors practiced social distancing guidelines and wore face coverings at all times.

Students were glad to be back on campus and have social interaction with classmates.

“I am excited to be back,” said Diesel Equipment Technology student Jacob Rambo, of Wichita Falls. “While we were away, I did a skills test and had to align my own vehicle.”

Devyn Johnson from Lubbock, who is also a Diesel Equipment Technology student, said he spent time at work and with his family while away from campus.

“It feels good to be back. I missed the bonding with my friends and the coming together we had before getting started with class,” he said. “I have learned a lot from these guys.”

The return to on-campus instruction is specifically authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which has identified career and technical education as one area of education that may continue under the Texas governor’s Executive Order No. GA-16.

“CTE programs that require hands-on instruction that cannot be delivered online can continue to be delivered, but in strict accordance with CDC guidelines,” the executive order states.

“It is good to be back in the groove,” said Diesel Equipment Technology student David Wilson, of Brownwood..

Welding students in Sweetwater were also excited to be back on campus. Brian Naza, of Colorado City, admitted he did not do any welding at home.

“It is important that I improve my cutting and torch skills,” he said about what his focus would be on during the on-campus lab sessions.

Welding student Hector Mendez, of Senora, said returning to campus was a fresh start.

“I am looking forward to finishing what I started. I want to make good grades and put my skills to use,” he said.

Mendez said that before starting the lab session, his classmates talked about what they did during the past five weeks.

“We were really glad to see each other, but more importantly we want to finish and graduate,” he said.

For more information about how TSTC has prepared to return students to campus, visit https://tstc.edu/coronavirus.

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

Virtual events keep TSTC students engaged

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students are facing a new challenge with online learning.

Michael LeRoux, coordinator of Retention Services for the West Texas campuses, said the staff wanted students to have a sense of normalcy. Through a brainstorming session with team members, LeRoux said the idea of a daily virtual experience was the way to go.

These experiences include Trivia Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, and discussions about what students face working at home.

“We are talking a lot about time management in what is our new normal,” LeRoux said. “We are doing things online that we did during our leadership luncheons. We had to adjust the approach by doing them online.”

Belinda Palomino, Harlingen’s Student Life and Engagement coordinator for TSTC, said students are wanting something positive to do with their time.

“We are there for the student experience on campus and wanted to keep that going in these times of uncertainty,” she said.

Eight students participated in the first Wellness Wednesday event, LeRoux said. However, as word spreads, he expects the numbers to grow.

There is an incentive for students, LeRoux said. Each student who signs in will have a chance to win prizes and shout-outs in future events.

There is also the chance to be the top campus. LeRoux said each of the 10 TSTC campuses is conducting virtual activities. But Wellness Wednesday is a statewide challenge. With the theme “Commit 2 B Fit,” students will have a chance to win prizes throughout the month.

“All students have to do is log 30 minutes of activity in order for it to count toward the challenge,” he said.

LeRoux and other staff members will send wellness tips and links to workout videos to help keep students active. One of the wellness tips was for students to do school work outside because, as LeRoux said, it can “break up the day.”

The experiences will vary by campus, and Palomino said Harlingen students can expect online hangouts with counselors, receiving positive messages. She said that a virtual movie night is in the works.

“With the different demographics, we are setting up each experience specific to where we are at,” Palomino said.

Fridays have been set aside as a virtual hangout for students just to talk about the week, LeRoux said.

“The students participating so far have really liked the activities,” he said. “We are getting some very positive feedback.”

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

TSTC to Offer Paramedic Program in Spring

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will offer a certificate and an associate of applied science degree in Emergency Medical Services Paramedic at the Brownwood campus beginning next semester. 

 

“We are very excited to offer the paramedic program at the Brownwood campus and believe this will be a great opportunity for local community members,” Andy Weaver,  TSTC director of EMS and division director of Allied Health Services, said. 

 

While the paramedic program was offered at the Brownwood campus over 10 years ago, TSTC phased it out due to lack of interest. With rising job demand and need for those with paramedic licenses, the program has been brought back. 

 

“There is a huge need in this community for paramedics, and now we can fill that need and allow our students to further their career path in their hometown area without having to commute or transfer,” Stephen Sharp, instructor for EMS at the Brownwood campus, said. 

 

TSTC is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs and recently received approval to teach the paramedic program at the Brownwood campus. 

 

“We are so excited and ready for this program to get started. We have the right staff and the right equipment to serve these students at the highest standard,” Weaver said. 

 

The paramedic program is now offered at the Abilene, Brownwood and Harlingen campuses.

 

Sharp encourages anyone interested in attending the paramedic program at the Brownwood campus to attend an information session hosted every Tuesday at 2 p.m.

 

“My door is always open to provide information about this career field because it such a rewarding field. If you feel called to this line of work and are ready to work hard and help people, we want you,” Sharp said. 

 

Registration for the Spring 2020 semester is underway. For more information about TSTC, go online at tstc.edu.

Texas State Technical College will offer a paramedic program in spring of 2020 at the Brownwood campus. 

 

TSTC Students Volunteer With Houses for Healing

(ABILENE, Texas) – When someone is in need, you can count on Texas State Technical College students to answer the call. 

 

On Friday morning, more than 25 TSTC students, faculty and staff, along with some of their family members, volunteered their time with local nonprofit organization Houses for Healing. 

 

Houses for Healing provides free temporary housing to those who are receiving medical treatment away from home.

 

Michael Leroux, coordinator of Student Retention Services for TSTC’s West Texas campuses, said he was more than happy to partner with the organization. 

 

“I think that it is important that the school gives back to the community it is part of, and it’s important for the students to experience this,” Leroux said. “When we decided to work with Houses for Healing, I discovered the founder, Brian Massey, is a TSTC alum. So I think this makes it an even better opportunity for the students to see someone who has gone through what they have and to learn from him.”

 

Massey graduated in 1991 from the Sweetwater campus after earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automation Robotics. Following a successful career, he felt called to do something else with his skills.

 

“We are supposed to love our neighbor, really love them. And after talking and praying about it with our church, we decided this would be how we would embrace that charge,” he said. 

 

Massey said Houses for Healing plans to construct 20 mini-houses total, one for each county of the Big Country, plus a home specifically for veterans. The organization has four homes completed.

 

TSTC welding student Daniel Trevino said it was a great opportunity to get involved in the community.

 

“I love doing stuff like this. After learning what this company was about, it makes me feel even better to be here,” he said. 

 

The volunteers worked from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., clearing away debris and a fallen structure, as well as gutting the interior of an older home on the property. The land is where the next 16 homes will be built.  

 

For aviation maintenance student Omar Alvarez and welding student Curtis Sonstegard, it was a day to meet fellow classmates while doing some good. 

 

“We get to help people who need it. Of course we wanted to be here, and it’s great to be meeting other students and working with our hands,” Alvarez said.  

 

As the event finished, TSTC students and employees alike agreed it was the perfect way to spend a Friday morning.    

 

For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

Some Texas State Technical College students and employees, along with some of their family members, volunteered their time with Houses for Healing Friday morning.

 

TSTC Students to Pursue New Program

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will offer Occupational Safety Compliance (OSC) Technology at its Breckenridge campus starting this fall, and two current TSTC students can hardly wait to take advantage of it. 

 Ivan Chavez and Brittoni Thornhill are both students in the Environmental Technology program and are expected to graduate in spring 2020 with their Associate of Applied Science degrees. When they found out that TSTC will offer the OSC program in Breckenridge, they chose to stay an extra semester to earn the second degree.

“It just fit really well with what we learned in the Environmental Technology program, but it goes even further and opens up even more job opportunities,” Chaves said. “I’m excited to learn CPR and go more into emergency-response safety.”

The Environmental Technology program has courses similar to what they will study in the new OSC program. This crossover allows the students to add on only one extra semester of college but graduate with two degrees. 

“I was always fascinated with science and knew I wanted to pursue something in that field. TSTC allowed me to explore the various job opportunities in the field and learn the skills that will make me competitive as I look for jobs or continue my education,” Thornhill said. 

The program will educate students about Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations within the workplace to keep employees from harm.

“The demand for workers with a safety degree is rising. Employers need safety personnel to manage the workplace so no one gets hurt,” TSTC Environmental Health and Safety instructor Teresa Purcell said. 

Purcell encourages anyone who wants to ensure safer work environments to apply.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, log on to tstc.edu.

Pictured left to right, Ivan Chavez and Brittoni Thornhill are students enrolled in the Occupational Safety Compliance program.

TSTC Associate Provost Recognized With Service Award

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Breckenridge native Debbie Karl was recently recognized for her exceptional service to Texas State Technical College with the Avery Staff Award of Excellence during TSTC’s Employee Appreciation Day. 

The Avery Award was established in 2000 by Johnnie Lou Avery Boyd to celebrate TSTC staff employees who go above and beyond to serve the mission of the college. Only one winner is selected from all four TSTC campuses in West Texas. 

“Debbie is a great asset to TSTC and a wonderful ambassador for the college and the Breckenridge campus. She is always willing to do the hard tasks that others may shy away from — with that ever-presentt smile on her face,” TSTC Provost Rick Denbow said. 

Karl said hearing her name called was shocking at first, but it was also very validating. 

“I was not expecting it. I was very humbled and honored because I worked with Mrs. Avery (Boyd) when she was at TSTC, and she was the epitome of good customer service, internally and externally, and hard work. So, to win an award in her honor was very humbling,” Karl said. 

With over 26 years of service, Karl has held various roles in the college. She started her career at the Abilene campus working in Continuing Education. Later she became an instructor of Business Management Technology and Computer Networking Systems Technology, then was named associate vice provost of Student Learning. 

Karl moved back to her hometown three years ago, assuming the role of associate provost of TSTC’s Breckenridge campus and executive director of Institutional Accreditation. 

“I believe in what we do for our students. We change lives. I believe it so much that I put my son through the diesel program,” Karl said.

Karl’s son, Zach, was in attendance when she was presented with her award.

“My son is in the military; so having him there to celebrate with me just made it even more special,” she said. 

To win the Avery Award, employees must be nominated by their co-workers with supporting letters of recommendation. The winner is selected by an independent third party. 

Cassie Love, an enrollment coach at TSTC, said her recommendation letter was just one of many supporting Karl. 

“We are so blessed to have Debbie here. She is so deserving of this award because she just puts her heart and soul into this place and is always so welcoming,” Love said. 

With over 26 years of memories at TSTC, Karl said it is hard to pin down a favorite. But if she had to choose, it would be the time spent getting to know her co-workers. 

“We all eat lunch together in one of the classrooms every day, and it’s just a great way for me to get to know my co-workers and their families,” she said. 

 For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

Debbie Karl received the Avery Staff Award of Excellence for her exceptional service to Texas State Technical College.

 

TSTC Student to Compete for Third Time at SkillsUSA Nationals

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – The saying goes that all good things come in threes, and Texas State Technical College nursing student Kacee Merrifield hopes that saying will ring true for her.

Merrifield will represent Texas and TSTC for the third time at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in late June.

A Mineral Wells native, Merrifield is enrolled in the LVN to RN Transition program and working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Previously she had earned a Vocational Nursing certificate from TSTC.

During her time at TSTC, Merrifield has competed at SkillsUSA three years in a row, winning state all three times and placing nationally twice.

“It’s a very validating feeling when you get to test your skills against others in your industry. But it’s so much more than just winning a medal,” Merrifield said.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership between students, teachers and industries working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce.

In 2017 Merrifield placed first in state for Health Knowledge Bowl, continuing on to win fourth place at nationals. In 2018 she won first place in state for Nurse Assisting and sixth at nationals. She competed in Practical Nursing this year and won first place.

“I really love SkillsUSA and what it does for me and for others. A big part of being a nurse is people skills, and at SkillsUSA you meet so many people and work with so many different personalities (that) you really get to practice that skill on top of all your other skills,” Merrifield said.

During the Practical Nursing competition, Merrifield will take both a written test and a hands-on test. She will work with a volunteer and perform various tasks.

“We practice everything from medications to vital signs to wound care and even what we would delegate to someone else; it’s a real-world environment,” she said.

With such an impressive record, it is no surprise that her instructors are proud of her.

Marchelle Taylor is TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program director in West Texas and the West Texas SkillsUSA coordinator.

“Kacee has been a huge success story in the TSTC nursing program,” Taylor said. “She has worked full time, attended classes and helped other contestants prepare for Skills competitions.  It is students with her dedication and work ethic that make teaching at TSTC such an honor.”

Merrifield says the best part of going to SkillsUSA nationals again is the chance to meet more people.

“My favorite thing has to be talking with other nursing students, learning what is different in each state and getting to learn more about this career field. SkillsUSA is really amazing. I really encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go,” Merrifield said.

She is expected to graduate in summer 2019.

For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

TSTC Student to Compete for Third Time at SkillsUSA Nationals

Kacee Merrifield, pictured above, is a three-time state champion in various nursing competitions for SkillsUSA. This year she will compete in Practical Nursing at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in late June. 
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Occupational Safety Compliance Technology Coming to TSTC in Breckenridge

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge will offer a new program of study starting this fall: Occupational Safety Compliance Technology.
Students who successfully complete the five-semester program will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Registration for the fall semester is underway.
“We brought the OSC course to Breckenridge because many of our Environmental Technology students were getting jobs in the occupational health and safety fields as health safety officers,” TSTC associate provost Debbie Karl said.
“Safety officers are needed in all types of industries, from oil field to wind to manufacturing. Just about any large company will need a safety officer if they need to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations,” she said.
The program will educate students about OSHA regulations within the workplace to keep employees from harm.
“The demand for workers with a safety degree is rising. Employers need safety personnel to manage the workplace so no one gets hurt,” TSTC Environmental Health and Safety instructor Teresa Purcell said.
“I’m excited we have this program here. It is a great opportunity for anyone to learn how to become a successful leader in the workplace, to put safety first,” Purcell said. “Not only will they know the regulations, but the graduate will be able to teach fellow workers how to safely do their job.”
During the first two semesters, students will be in class only two days a week for an average of six hours. For the last three semesters, students will be in class three to four days a week.
Purcell encourages anyone who wants to ensure safer work environments to apply.
For more information, go to www.tstc.edu.
Occupational Safety Compliance Technology Coming to TSTC in Breckenridge
Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge will offer a new program of study starting this fall: Occupational Safety Compliance Technology.
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