(HARLINGEN) – Described as a man with a strong passion for his work and a positive infectious attitude, Robert Foshie is Texas State Technical College’s first Employee Spotlight honoree.

The Employee Spotlight was created by TSTC’s Staff Senate to recognize employees who are excelling in their positions and making a difference in their department and around campus.

“I’m blown away by this award. I’m honored,” said Foshie, interim coordinator for TSTC Assessment and Advisement. “This is one of those awards that means a lot because the nominations came from my colleagues. I guess this means that I’m making an impact.”

The Tennessee native has been employed with the college for nearly nine years, but before that, he could be found walking the halls and corridors of TSTC as a student.

Foshie graduated in 2009 with an associate degree in Business Office Technology, now known as Business Management Technology. He said this was an unexpected achievement after never finishing high school, adding that it was his move to Texas that changed his life.

It was during this time Foshie finished his GED certificate, graduated from TSTC, earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Grand Canyon University, and his master’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.

“I owe TSTC everything for who I am,” Foshie said. “I went on to other degrees and I couldn’t have done it without the values that TSTC instilled in me. That is why I wanted to remain here to help other students also achieve their dreams.”

Foshie began working at TSTC as an intern in the Business Office Technology department and was immediately hired after graduating as the department secretary. He has also worked in admissions and as an advisor.

It is this dedication to the institution that inspired Foshie’s award nominations. Although the nominations remain anonymous, comments submitted are printed on his certificate.

“He is very knowledgeable and has a strong passion on everything he does throughout the campus,” reads one such comment.

Yet another states, “Robert is always reliable and very understanding. He is always willing to work with his staff and always puts the students first. He is always looking for ways to make our department better and more efficient.”

And a final comment, “He is always helpful to students and conducting trainings. He is a wonderful asset to TSTC.”

TSTC prides itself in being a great place to work and Foshie could not agree more.

“Being an employee of TSTC means gaining a family,” he said. “We’re all one team and always willing to lend a helping hand. And it is awards like this that reassure employees that they matter. It’s a great reminder that what we do is important and making a difference.”

Foshie said he will continue to work at TSTC as long as he can and he hopes that someday he can use his English degrees to write a novel and teach at the college.