It is safe to say that Enrique Carrillo is thought of highly by his peers after recently being awarded the 2016 Chancellor’s Excellence Award at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration.

Carrillo is the Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Officer at Texas State Technical College and said he could not believe he had been selected as one of the recipients for this award.

“I was very humbled because I work with a lot of talented personnel who also deserve this award,” said Carrillo. “It’s an honor and makes me feel special. I never thought this was a possibility, but it makes me believe I must be doing something right.”

Carrillo’s wife accompanied him to the awards celebration, and he said he could not think of a better person to have by his side.

“My wife is a huge contributor to my success. She’s been there with me through thick and thin,” said Carrillo. “She’s been so patient and has allowed me to accomplish my goals. She’s my rock, my support, and she deserves this award more than I do.”

It was back in 2007 when Carrillo first set foot at TSTC as a student. He had lost his job in the power plant industry after 30 years and this was his time to pursue a college degree.

“I started working in power plants at 19, I didn’t know anything else,” said Carrillo. “This was my chance to come back to school, but I loved TSTC so much, I never left.”

Carrillo earned his associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in 2013, and graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. He is also currently working toward becoming a certified safety and health officer with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“The people, the atmosphere make TSTC what it is. As a student I wanted to work here, and here I am,” said Carrillo. “Nobody is perfect, but as a campus we do a real good job at working together to achieve our goals.”

Carrillo’s career at TSTC has ranged from teaching to safety officer. His supervisor and Executive Director for Governance, Risk and Compliance Tom Hooker praised him for his commitment to safety.

“Enrique provides exceptional oversight and enforcement of the safety programs for both Harlingen and Fort Bend as an invaluable professional as a Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs (SHEA) Officer,” Hooker said.

Carrillo said he will continue working hard in implementing safety programs that will keep everyone safe.

“My goal is zero accidents,” said Carrillo. “I want to plant a seed of safety so everyone will continue what I started, make us all accountable and look out for each other. Safety never ends. It starts with you and ends with you.”