To help him prepare for the future, Denson is working on a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems at Texas State Technical College. 

His father owns two businesses in the Abilene area, and Denson wants to be his successor.

“I plan to own those businesses one day, and I do not know everything I need to know about them,” he said. “I have worked for him for the past six years, and I know he cannot teach me everything.”

For that reason, Denson enrolled at TSTC to learn a little of everything in the maintenance field. Industrial Systems students learn skills needed to repair and maintain hydraulic systems, pneumatic equipment, conveyor systems, and electrical and mechanical controls, as well as learning welding.

“I know I will need to work on my troubleshooting skills in order to be successful,” Denson said.

His father’s two businesses include a tree service company, which clears areas for power and transmission lines, and a wind turbine recycling business.

Instructor Terry Steelman said Denson is motivated to take over his father’s businesses.

“I see his drive each time he is in class, and I know he will be successful,” Steelman said. “He has learned a lot from his father, and I know this program will help him grow.”

Denson has been able to show his new skills to co-workers, and they have been impressed.

“We were working on a tractor one day, and someone said we needed to rethread a helix coil,” he said. “That was one of our assignments a few days earlier, and I told everyone I could do it. They were impressed with what I was able to do because of what I learned in class.”

Denson has also used the skills he has learned on the job while in the lab. He has been able to help classmates with different scenarios and has built many friendships.

Those friendships extend to a weekly lunchtime Bible study led by Industrial Systems instructor Daniel Diaz.

“When I saw some of my classmates attend, I knew I wanted to go,” Denson said. “We have become really good friends, and it is important to have that close environment so we can all succeed.”

Denson learned about the Industrial Systems program when his Jim Ned High School class toured the campus.

“I also knew some of the graduates of the program. They told me they loved the program and were already working,” he said.

The one area of his father’s businesses that he does not have to worry about is the business side.

“My father is teaching me everything about the business aspect,” he said. “I know a lot of the stuff in the shop and have already been OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certified.”

Denson said his father did offer him one piece of advice before he started college.

“He told me to do the best I can possibly do,” he said. “I know that I will be using everything I learn in the real world, and I want to learn all of this.”

The need for industrial machinery mechanics will increase over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, such positions are expected to grow by 13% in Texas by 2028. The average salary for an industrial machinery mechanic in Texas is $54,980, according to the website.

At its Abilene campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.

Industrial Systems is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

To help keep up with new trends, Texas State Technical College and Practice Management Institute have teamed up to train Hendrick Health staff members on the new upscale medical and billing coding systems. The one aspect of the industry that never changes is the need for current, up-to-date information by doctors, nurses and staff on the business side of running a practice.

TSTC recently received a $255,586 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to facilitate the training with PMI for Hendrick employees in Abilene and Brownwood.

“This is a great opportunity for us to partner with a great team at PMI to facilitate this training,” said Cindy Brunett, TSTC’s executive director of workforce training.

PMI, recognized by both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Labor for training in medical coding, third-party billing, office management and compliance, is a leading training, networking and credentialing resource for medical office professionals.

Michael Moore, PMI’s vice president of partner development, is thrilled with the continued difference that these partnerships are making in the everyday work lives of Hendrick Health employees.

“Our organizations share a common mission to help medical office personnel stay on top of the latest industry changes, trends and solutions, and we support them fully in the commitment they have to the success of their employees,” he said. “This is our third Skills Development Fund grant in the Hendrick Health/TSTC/PMI collaboration, and it is so great to see the Texas Workforce Commission mission being carried out in this way.”

Hendrick employees will be offered numerous courses taught by TSTC and PMI employees.

“We are going to cover a wide range of topics, from clinical documentation to medical coding,” said Sarah Brooks, TSTC’s Health Information Technology program director.

Lori Sweet, compliance manager for Hendrick, said having the most up-to-date information will help the staff become stronger.

“Hendrick is very supportive of their staff and believes any education that will support and help build a stronger health care system is important,” she said. “The partnership with TSTC and PMI has helped to build and improve employee skills that impact the quality of care of patients, families, the community and surrounding areas.”

In 2021, Hendrick expanded its services to a larger community and new facilities.

“This opportunity has brought training to staff that has not had opportunities of specialized training,” Sweet said. “This partnership has created an enthusiasm by staff to expand their knowledge and expand on their skills within our organization.”

Brooks said employees will learn the latest information to keep pace with the growing health care industry – with one goal.

“We want the staff to be abreast of the best and latest practices because this all leads back to offering the best patient care possible.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Employees with five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years of employment were honored during a West Texas virtual staff meeting hosted by Andy Weaver, interim provost of TSTC in West Texas.

Employees thanked their co-workers and reflected on their time at TSTC during the meeting.

“TSTC does great things for not only its students, but the employees as well,” said Shelby Bennett, a dual enrollment recruiting representative in Sweetwater who was honored for five years of service. “I am looking forward to the next five years with TSTC.”

Also honored for five years of service were Renee Blackshear, Computer Networking and Systems Administration instructor in Brownwood; Boyd Cates, construction project manager in Abilene; Annette Collins, veterans program officer in Abilene; Ricky Graham, maintenance worker in Sweetwater; Sarah Guelker, custodian in Sweetwater; Teresa Purcell, Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance instructor in Breckenridge; James Spivey, building maintenance supervisor in Sweetwater; Jonathan Westra, police sergeant in Sweetwater; and Nina York, enrollment coach in Brownwood.

Elizabeth Reyes, a graphic designer in Sweetwater, and Tim Rudloff, the safety, health and environmental affairs officer in Brownwood, were honored for their 10 years with TSTC.

Griselda Sanchez, the transition center administrator in Sweetwater, was honored for 15 years with TSTC. Sanchez said she has seen lives changed during her time with the college.

“During my time at TSTC, I have met some wonderful families and witnessed lives change positively,” she said. “I feel honored anytime someone thanks me for being a part of their college experience.”

Terra Alvarado, associate vice president of online learning in Abilene, and Ronnie Pitts, an Emergency Medical Services instructor in Abilene, were also honored for their 15 years of service.

Weaver and Carrie Bernal, executive director of solution management in Sweetwater, have worked for TSTC for the past 20 years.

“Some choose to love what they do, and others are blessed to do what they love,” Weaver said. “I am blessed and surrounded by amazing people.”

Lorie Dixon, accounting assistant in Brownwood, and Julie Rhoades, Web Design and Development instructor in Brownwood, have been employed by the college for 25 years.

Dixon said her fondest memories are of the students.

“When I think back on the past 25 years, it makes me proud to remember all the students I’ve been able to help achieve their goals,” Dixon said.

Rhoades said helping people change their lives has been her goal since joining TSTC.

“I love the challenging opportunities that TSTC provides,” Rhoades said. “I enjoy working with web technology, and I especially enjoy helping others learn new skills, acquire new careers and change their lives for the better.”

Lulu Morales, student learning operations manager in Sweetwater, was honored for her 35 years with TSTC. 

Weaver said Morales’ contribution to TSTC is immeasurable.

“Lulu is an amazing woman who has supported all of us at TSTC,” he said.

Morales said TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans in the workforce is one she values on a personal level.

“I personally know the impact (TSTC’s mission) has made in my immediate family with myself, my sisters, my children and family members to receive a technical education and advance in their career goals,” she said.

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

More than 100 fall 2021 graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas during the first in-person TSTC commencement ceremony since fall 2019.

“Tonight means the completion of two years of hard work paying off,” said Chase Carey, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology with honors. “Earning the honors means that all of my late nights of studying were worth the time and effort.”

Edward Deanda, who earned a certificate of completion in Aircraft Powerplant Technology, also graduated with honors.

“These honors accomplishments mean so much to me,” Deanda said. “But I am not through because I am coming back to work on a backup career in Digital Media Design. I want to have something to fall back on, and TSTC is the place to do that.”

For Omar Alvarez, it was the completion of a second degree program. After earning a degree in Automotive Technology, he returned to TSTC and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology. He graduated as a TSTC Board of Regents Honor Roll member.

“It was a lot of work for me, and it was worth it because I maintained a 4.0 grade-point average during each semester,” he said. “The best part is I now have a job lined up and am ready to start my career.”

Alfred Rodriguez also added to his TSTC collection of TSTC degrees. After earning a certificate of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology, he added an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems.

“This is a great day for me, and I am so excited because it has already paid off for me at work,” he said.

Kiana Abarintos said she can now pursue her passion in aviation with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

“My father was in aviation for 20 years, and it was always something I wanted to do,” she said. “When my husband was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base, I did my research and found TSTC had an aviation program. I am so proud of myself for achieving this goal in my life.”

Misty Burton, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, also realized a dream.

“This was 16 years in the making,” she said. “I graduated in licensed vocational nursing when my baby was a baby. That was 16 years ago, and I have completed my goal of completing the program. This has been an amazing experience.”

Ken Becker, interim executive director of the Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development, said students were given a key during the ceremony.

“The key is your hard work. The key is the completion of your studies,” he said. “The key is the certificate or associate degree that you will walk across the stage tonight to receive. It’s the key that can take you places you want to go.”

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

For that reason he chose Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program and is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“I thought about going into welding, but a friend told me to look at Industrial Systems,” he said. “After looking at the program, I knew that I would learn welding and so much more.”

Nino, of Laredo, toured the Industrial Systems lab and was immediately confident that he had picked the right career.

“I have not seen anything like this before,” he said. “I know I would be learning a lot of different things that would help me find a career.”

Nino said he has been surprised to learn more about electricity and how it works during his first semester.

“It really surprised me of all the things that involve electricity,” he said. “This is something we all take for granted, and now I appreciate it even more.”

Nino said he is enjoying each lesson and working with instructors Daniel Diaz and Terry Steelman.

“They have been pushing me and my classmates through the lessons. They want us to succeed,” he said.

Steelman said Nino is very observant when he instructs students during an assignment.

“He always watches what we do and takes the information and goes with it,” he said. “He has exceptional skills and will be a great technician when he completes the program.”

Some of Nino’s skills come from working with his father, who is an engineer. He said the one thing his father told him was always to be careful in the lab and on the job.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself and want to make sure to get my work done correctly and safely,” Nino said.

Nino and his classmates have worked together to make sure projects are complete and to help anyone who is falling behind.

“It is nice to have a small class because we have become friends,” he said. “Having someone there to help you when you are having a problem is good for me. I know I can count on my classmates and instructors.”

The need for industrial machinery mechanics will increase over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, such positions are expected to grow by 13% in Texas by 2028. The average salary for an industrial machinery mechanic in Texas is $54,980, according to the website.

Industrial Systems is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to participating students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition.

At its Abilene campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

“TSTC is training the workforce of tomorrow,” he said of his first visit to the Abilene campus. “Many of the things we take for granted, like turning on the power, are being taught and trained on (at TSTC) in Abilene.”

Perry described himself as a technical person and enjoyed visiting the different labs available in Abilene. 

“I am a career tech guy and have a shop at the house,” he said. “I always enjoy seeing how things work. It is fun to see the revitalization of how things are put together.”

Perry visited the Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Technology hangar, as well as the Electric Power and Controls, Emergency Medical Services, Industrial Systems and Welding Technology labs.

“The facilities are impressive,” he said. “All of these programs are the answer to our workforce needs.”

Perry asked instructors about the programs and where graduates are hired.

“A lot of our graduates like to stay local,” said Terry Steelman, an Industrial Systems instructor.

While touring the Emergency Medical Services program, Perry saw the new immersive virtual reality lab, which allows students to experience various medical crises in a virtual setting, complete with sounds and smells.

“This is a new feature we have to teach our students to respond to all types of situations,” said Ronnie Pitts, EMS instructor and state department chair of the program. “We can provide them with any scenario, and they will have to react in real time.”

Perry and his staff appreciated the virtual teaching tool.

“This is amazing technology, and it is good to see we are training with the best equipment,” Perry said.

Perry’s final stop was the aviation hangar. 

“There is a sense of accomplishment and pride when you build something,” he said. “I have always valued being able to work with my hands and seeing that project come to fruition.”

Andy Weaver, interim provost of TSTC’s West Texas campuses, said with more industry moving to the region, TSTC will play a key role in developing the workforce.

“We are excited about the future and what TSTC can do for our area,” he said. “We want the companies to know that we are here to best serve their needs. We appreciated Sen. Perry’s visit and the support he has given TSTC and the mission we have to positively impact Texas industry and workforce.”

Perry was able to see how TSTC educates the future Texas workforce with a hands-on approach, and said the state’s future workforce is in good hands.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

The first-year Industrial Systems student said it was only natural for him to work on equipment because he has done it his entire life. He spends his spare time working on his 1968 Chevrolet C10, which led him to choose a career working on machines.

“I am leaning more toward the electrical side of the program. I really want to become an electrician,” he said. “I could also go into the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) side as well. No matter which way I go, I feel like I am going to have a good career opportunity.”

Instructor Daniel Diaz said TSTC teaches students different areas of maintenance systems that can lead to good careers.

“We teach our students what they need to do to be successful in industrial maintenance,” Diaz said, adding that students learn skills needed to repair and maintain hydraulic systems, pneumatic equipment, conveyor systems and mechanical controls, as well as learning welding.

During his first semester, Vann said he has struggled in some areas. He said his dedication to the program motivates him to complete his assignments.

“I am working hard on all of my assignments and want to make sure I continue to pass everything,” he said.

Vann said having Diaz as an instructor has helped him grow as a student.

“Daniel makes sure we know what we are doing before we move on to something else,” he said. “He wants to make sure we are prepared for the next session.”

Vann, who is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, first became interested in TSTC during a campus tour while attending Hawley High School.

“I liked what I saw being offered in Abilene,” he said. “I knew that my experience working on things would lead to a technical school and a career.”

Having the opportunity to work in a hands-on environment was also a reason Vann chose Industrial Systems.

“I learn so much better by working on the equipment. I learn from my mistakes so they will not happen again,” he said.

Vann also said having a guarantee in place for a career helped him finalize his decision.

“Having the money-back guarantee was what really led me to attend TSTC,” he said. “Everyone believes in us that we will succeed.”

Industrial Systems is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition.

Vann said when he is not in school he hopes to work part time as an electrician.

“I would love to learn from someone who does this for a living while also learning how to do things in school,” he said. “I think the more you learn, the more you will be successful.”

The need for industrial machinery mechanics will increase over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, such positions are expected to grow by 13% in Texas by 2028. The average salary for an industrial machinery mechanic in Texas is $54,980, according to the website.

At its Abilene campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

While attending Liberty Hill High School, Aiken started a journey to join law enforcement. But when the teacher leading that program left prior to Aiken’s sophomore year, he decided to find a different career and found he enjoyed welding things together during agricultural science classes.

“I am going to make this my career,” said the Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student. “That is why I am studying to earn my Associate of Applied Science degree.”

Aiken was one of several high school students to participate in TSTC’s welding competition in May. But even before entering the event, he knew he would be attending TSTC.

“A family friend told me about TSTC, saying it would be the best place to learn welding,” he said. “When I came for the competition, I already knew this is where I wanted to go to school.”

While Aiken finished fourth in the competition, he said being able to work in the shop and talking to instructors validated his decision.

“Lei (Barnes) is a great instructor,” he said. “Lei is very detail-oriented and wants to make sure we are better welders.”

Before beginning the program, Aiken talked to TSTC instructor Greg Nicholas about his options.

“Greg talked me into earning an associate degree because I wanted to make this my career,” he said. “After graduating, I plan to do ironworking.”

Barnes said Aiken and his classmates are among the best first-semester welding students he has seen at TSTC.

“The group we have right now is working really hard, and they are some of our strongest welders,” he said. “They are going to have promising futures in the workforce.”

Aiken likes the class environment.

“Our class is not too big, so we get a lot of one-on-one time with Lei and the instructors,” he said. “It may not seem like much while we are here, but welding six hours for two days in school is great.”

Aiken’s welding passion led him to Abilene, where he now lives and works.

“I am working full time building fences,” he said. “It is great that TSTC works with you to schedule school and work together.”

Welding is not only Aiken’s career choice, but also his therapy.

“It is therapy for me under the (welding) hood,” he said. “Everything is different when you are welding. You are working to make sure it works and are only thinking about what you have to do.”

According to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median salary of more than $45,000 in Texas. These jobs are expected to increase 13% by 2028 in the state, according to the website.

TSTC offers Welding Technology at each of its 10 campuses located throughout Texas.

Welding Technology is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to welding students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the Money-Back Guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

The son of a former Air Force mechanic, Hummel is hoping to honor the memory of his late father by earning Associate of Applied Science degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at Texas State Technical College.

“I know that he is proud of me,” Hummel said of his father. “I was able to watch him work in the Air Force, and what he did was always intriguing.”

Hummel’s father worked on the hydraulic systems of B-1 Lancers at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. He said the progression of technology is what led him to TSTC.

“We, as people, had to learn to survive in the wild by using sticks and stones,” he said. “Now we are able to fly in the sky, and the technology is only going to improve and grow.”

The ATEMS (Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science) High School graduate knew that TSTC offered aviation programs. After his first tour of the college’s Abilene campus hangar, Hummel knew where he wanted to continue his education.

“I have never been in a professional hangar before with this many planes,” he said. “The Air Force hangars only had one plane, and many of the others I have been in were for one plane. This hangar and the planes we have are great to learn on.”

Hands-on lab sessions are Hummel’s favorite part of the curriculum. He said they fit his learning style.

“I am a big visual learner,” he said after working in the cockpit of one plane.

TSTC aviation maintenance instructor Brian Wilkins said students benefit from the lab sessions.

“Our students learn so much by working together in the lab,” he said “We want them to work together and solve the problems we have in class.”

Hummel said he is looking forward to the advanced classes, especially when he will learn the ins and outs of a jet engine.

“I cannot wait to get in there and work on those engines,” he said. “The experiences we have are great and will only get better.”

Hummel said the instructors make sure that students know what is going on both in class and in the industry.

“They teach us so much more than what we learn in the book,” he said. “The book may illustrate the way to do something, but our instructors have working experience and can recommend doing it a different way for better results. That working experience is the best way for all of us to learn.”

After earning his degree, Hummel said he will have many options, from being employed as a technician at an airport to working for a private company.

“I know no matter which way I go, I will be able to work because TSTC is preparing me for a career,” he said.

The need for aircraft mechanics in Texas is forecast to grow 8% by 2028, according to onetonline.org. The average salary for a technician is $66,260, the website showed.

TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion in both Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at its Abilene, Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

The former nurse is pursuing Associate of Applied Science degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at Texas State Technical College. In her first year in the program, Dupre has been pleased with what she has been able to accomplish.

“I have worked at Eagle Aviation for two years as a parts crew chief, and the TSTC programs caught my interest,” Dupre said. “I have always loved airplanes, and the program has already helped me move up at work.”

Dupre is now a repair person and wants to continue to advance at Eagle Aviation.

“This is home for me and my family,” said the Trent native. “I am really excited about the opportunities in store for me at school and work.”

According to Dupre, her father taught his daughters to be independent and self-sufficient. That meant learning to work on engines.

“I worked on vehicles and motorcycles,” she said. “My dad taught all of his daughters the things they needed to know to survive.”

Dupre said it was natural for her to grow from the small engines of a motorcycle to those in airplanes. While working at Eagle Aviation, she knew that TSTC offered degrees in aviation.

“I never knew what was in the (TSTC) hangar while I was working at Eagle — and it is right across the street from work,” she said. “When I first walked in the hangar, I was like ‘wow.’ It was impressive to see everything in the hangar and what was being offered.”

What drew Dupre to the program was the hands-on approach during class. Instructor Brian Wilkins said the first-year students are working hard together to make sure everyone succeeds.

“We have a big first-year group, and that is great for our program,” he said. “All of the students are working hard during lab sessions, and they are working together.”

Dupre said the online portion of class is a challenge for her. However, she has a support system both at school and at home.

“I am married and a mom of three. With a full-time job and working full time, I have to find time to get my assignments done,” she said. “My husband is supportive and helps me when he knows it is time for me to study.”

Dupre hopes she continues to see more women enroll in the program.

“It is not like the old days when it was a male-dominated job,” she said. “We know there are some challenges as women, but we will work through them.”

Dupre’s co-workers are showing her support while she is in school.

“They are so easy to work with and supportive at work,” she said. “Everyone wants to see me succeed.”

The need for aircraft mechanics in Texas is forecast to grow 8% by 2028, according to onetonline.org. The average salary for a technician is $66,260, the website showed.

TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion in both Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at its Abilene, Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.