(FORT BEND) – From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001. Klix was first introduced to TSTC as a student in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning pursuing a certificate and associate degree.
Prior to graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and earning his certificate in 2002, and his associate degree in 2004, Klix worked in food service and retail management.
“Let’s just say I haven’t been unemployed since the age of 13,” said Klix.
As a young teenager, Klix started working at his family’s butcher shop “Village Food Lockers,” located at University Village in Houston. He has been unstoppable since then. He went on to work in the foodservice industry as a supervisor in restaurant maintenance and service, and in food retail management.
“Working in food retail management required such long hours and traveling between stores. It definitely wasn’t suited for a man with a family,” said Klix. “After five years, I needed a change. I always liked HVAC and working in restaurant maintenance, but I needed an education.”
Klix had attempted college during his working years. He attended San Angelo State University where he studied math, photojournalism and computer science, but couldn’t find the right fit.
“I never earned a degree,” said Klix. “I got three quarters of the way in each major, but I knew a four-year degree wasn’t for me and I had to work. I have a wife and a son.”
So when Klix decided to return to college, he found TSTC which had just opened its doors in the county.
“I went to school fulltime and worked part-time, never regretting my decision,” said Klix. “And when I graduated with my associate degree I got called back by TSTC to teach the night classes offered for HVAC associate degree.”
Klix’s teaching stint at TSTC started in the spring of 2006, and in the spring of 2007 he officially took over the program full-time.
“I love teaching,” said Klix. “I teach all of the time. I love helping people better their career/life and improve or learn new skills.”
When Klix is not at TSTC, he can be found teaching remote control airplane flying. He holds a Federal Aviation Administration Drone Pilot Registration Certification. Klix is also an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Advisor with the Boys Scouts of America.
With TSTC’s new campus opening in Fort Bend County in Fall 2016, Klix is looking forward to the opportunity of being able to increase the number of students he teaches.
“We’re going to have so much more space, new equipment and more visibility” said Klix. “This is definitely a new chapter for the program.”
For information on the HVAC program at TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. HVAC is also offered at the Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.
TSTC registration begins April 4. Apply anytime online at tstc.edu
Keith Klix is the HVAC instructor at the TSTC Fort Bend County campus. From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001.