Turney is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration at TSTC with a goal of beginning his new career.

“I was seeking a higher-paying career, and that is the reason I chose to attend TSTC,” he said. “I am halfway through the program and have not been disappointed.”

Turney is not a stranger to TSTC, but he decided several years ago not to finish college. He did know that TSTC would be a good choice if we wanted to return to school. 

Instructor Renee Blackshear now sees in him a motivated student who plans to succeed.

“Matthew started his information technology education while in high school and has come to college at TSTC with a positive attitude and incredible work ethic,” she said. “His ability to master complex topics is phenomenal, and we are delighted to have Matthew as part of the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program.”

Turney returned to TSTC because of a new style of learning available to him and other students.

TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program now uses the performance-based education model, which allows students to have flexibility with their schedules as they master set competencies. Faculty members guide the students as they take courses.

“I enjoy the new accelerated program because we are able to learn at our pace,” he said. “I was surprised by how quickly it can be done. It is very nice getting a degree twice as fast and at half the cost.”

Turney is also surprised by what he has been able to learn during the first half of the program.

“I’ve gained a good bit of knowledge about networking and servers,” he said.

Turney has some advice for students beginning the program.

“I would tell people to get ahead on your assignments as early as possible,” he said. “It will help you out in the future.”

Turney is motivated to complete the program for his children.

“I am trying to be a good example for them and everyone around me,” he said.

Turney knows that he will have job opportunities closer to graduation. One specific opportunity for him would be a perfect fit.

“I think a remote system administration job would be ideal for me and my family,” he said.

TSTC also offers an advanced technical certificate in Cloud Computing. Both the associate degree and certificate programs are available completely online.

Computer-user support specialists can make an average of $47,460 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Onetonline.org predicts that this career will grow by 19% in Texas by 2028.

For more information about TSTC, 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.

When Bangs High School students toured TSTC’s Welding Technology lab in Brownwood earlier this month, Ruiz talked to them about his military career and what he is doing today. 

“I wanted to let those students know that it is never too late to do something new,” he said. “I said, ‘Look at me – I am 50.’ Then I said to the students that you can learn new tricks no matter your age.”

Ruiz also had another message for the high school students and his TSTC classmates.

“I have told people to get their certification in welding done first because you will always have time to work on your advanced education,” he said. “It is good to learn a skill and have that to fall back on if you need it.”

Ruiz is studying for a certificate of completion at TSTC to help his father-in-law on the family ranch. Welding is not one of the skills he picked up during his time in the U.S. Army. He was an air defense officer and worked on the military’s Patriot and Stinger missiles.

“I initially joined the National Guard when I was 17, and a couple of years later I went to college and joined the ROTC,” he said. “I received my commission and was immediately in the Army.”

When Ruiz gets the chance, he talks about his military service, and TSTC welding instructor Daniel Aguirre is always willing to listen.

“Rodger has so many great stories and is an inspiration to others,” Aguirre said. “I enjoy it when he comes to class because he always has a positive attitude and is willing to learn.”

Ruiz said he wishes he would have learned different welding skills earlier in life but is grateful for the chance now.

“This is a tremendous skill to have,” he said. “I am learning different things that will help me around the ranch and look forward to trying different techniques.”

He will put that skill to use on his father-in-law’s ranch. When his wife wanted to be closer to her family in Brownwood, Ruiz agreed to move.

“I asked my father-in-law if we could get a couple of acres on his ranch to build a house, and he agreed,” he said. “I found out some welding needed to be done around the ranch, and it was nearly impossible to get someone.”

That is when Ruiz decided to look into learning a new skill. After doing some research and knowing he had some GI Bill funds available, he enrolled in TSTC’s Welding Technology program.

Ruiz said Aguirre has accommodated him during his first semester in the program. Juggling work and school led to some extra time in the lab.

“He is dedicated to getting his work done and will do anything it takes to make sure he is successful,” Aguirre said.

After his first semester, Ruiz says welding could become a second job for him.

“I could consider a second job in welding along with the work I do on the ranch,” he said. “I know there will be enough to keep me busy. It will be nice to know another skill and not have to rely on other people to get the work done.”

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/.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. 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.

The Brownwood native is studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College with a purpose. He wants to help others, as well as his younger brother.

Barnhart suffered from Chiari I malformation, a brain disorder, after discovering that he could not feel the strings on his guitar. In 2020 he had corrective surgery, and his outlook on life changed. 

“I want to work as a welder for two or three years and save my money,” he said. “My goal is to become a radiology technician so I can help people who need help. I want them to be treated well.”

Barnhart said he researched the cost and length of becoming a technician. Working as a welder for a few years would help him achieve his dream of entering the medical field.

“It is a one-year program to become a technician, and I know the money I make from welding will help pay for that education,” he said.

That is not the only reason that Barnhart is working toward a certificate of completion.

“I am also going to save money so I can pay for my little brother to go to college,” he said. “I do not want him to worry about school when he gets to be my age.”

Barnhart said when his goals are achieved, he will have a sense of accomplishment.

“It will be great to have a trade to work with while I also pursue other interests,” he said.

Welding instructor Daniel Aguirre sees Barnhart’s passion each time he comes to the lab.

“He has such a big heart, and that is why he is working so hard for others,” Aguirre said. “That is great for a person to do, and I am proud to be helping him reach his dream.”

Barnhart spent his sophomore and junior years in high school welding, but immediately noticed a difference in the methods and his performance at TSTC.

“This is a whole different ball game,” he said. “In high school, we learned a lot of the basics. Here, Daniel teaches us everything.”

Barnhart said he was surprised by what he has learned during his first semester and is already finding out it pays off at home.

“I am going home and fixing things around the house,” he said. “It is all thanks to what I have learned at TSTC.”

Barnhart said his second semester will be more challenging.

“I will be learning more of the aluminum style of welding,” he said. “I know that will be more difficult, but it will actually help me at work. We have aluminum carts that are falling apart, and when I know how to weld aluminum, I plan to fix them.”

Aguirre said Barnhart has picked up his pace on projects.

“His progress since the beginning of the semester is outstanding,” he said. “He is going to be a great welder, but an even better person.”

Barnhart said welding was not his first choice. But after looking into the program, he knew it would be a good fit.

“I wanted to go into diesel mechanics, but I decided welding would be a good way to stay close to home,” he said. “TSTC offers a great hands-on learning experience, and I learn better by working with my hands.”

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/.

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

What factored into your decision to go to TSTC?

I wanted to attend college to further my education and focus on a program that I enjoy and that I can get a career in. I also wanted to attend college to show my gratitude toward my parents that have worked so hard to get where we are right now.

What made you decide to choose the program you are studying?

I have always wanted to do something that involved technology. When I was looking at TSTC and looking at what programs they had, I saw Computer Networking and Systems Administration and decided to do my research on it and found it interesting.

What are your career goals right now?

The career goals that I have are to gain experience and knowledge and, maybe in the future, a certification. The company I work for recently got bought out by a bigger company, and they have already talked to me about what I wanted to do for the company and told me that there is room to move up.

What advice would you give to high school students interested in your field of study?

The advice I would give to high school students is to not procrastinate and do not be afraid to ask for help if they are having trouble in classes. Using a daily planner goes a long way to help keep you on track.

What inspires and motivates you to wake up each day?

What inspires me is my ambition to do something that I am determined about accomplishing in my life. When I see people who are full of ambition, it makes me want to achieve something that I truly desire.

TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program uses the performance-based education model, which allows students to have flexibility with their schedules as they master set competencies. Faculty members guide the students as they take courses. 

TSTC’s Fall 2021 Commencement for the Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses will be held Monday, Dec. 13, at the Abilene Convention Center.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

But after graduating, he realized that welding could be a good professional opportunity and enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. 

Mogen is now pursuing a certificate of completion at TSTC.

“I might continue and earn an Associate of Applied Science degree at some point,” he said. “This has been a fun experience, and I am learning a lot from (instructor) Daniel (Aguirre).”

Aguirre admires Mogen’s work ethic.

“When Tyler is in his booth, he is focused on the work he needs to do,” he said. “He does his best work when he is alone. I am always going to be there to help him and all of my students.”

Mogen said he likes to get in extra work in the lab when he can in order to improve on his chosen career.

“I have worked on what I need to do to be a success,” he said. “I also have learned how to maintain our equipment.”

Mogen knows that what he is learning at TSTC will be valuable in the field. He also said his family is supporting him during his journey.

“My family has been very supportive while I am in school,” he said, adding that one else in his family has welding experience.

Mogen hopes that he continues to improve in the program. Aguirre said he has already seen Mogen become a better welder and student.

“He has improved leaps and bounds since the beginning of the semester,” he said. “If he continues to put in the work, he will be a good welder. When he sets his mind to something, he will accomplish his goal.”

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.

Hernandez is working toward a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College with the hopes of finding employment in the Brownwood area. Before he completes the program, Hernandez wants to gain more knowledge about his career field.

“I knew coming in I would have to have a good attitude because I have been welding most of my life,” he said. “I have noticed that it is the little things that matter when you are welding — some of the things I did not even think about before I noticed it in class.”

One of the areas Hernandez said he has worked on over the first few weeks is his posture.

“I noticed that I had to work on my posture while I am welding,” he said. “I did not realize how important posture is to welders, but it does make a difference in your work.”

Hernandez also noticed other areas that he did not consider important before beginning the program.

“I have learned the details really do matter– from the amps to the voltage on our machines to the types of rods we need to use,” he said.

One area Hernandez is looking forward to learning is the tungsten inert gas (TIG) method. TIG welding is an arc welding process that produces the weld with a nonconsumable tungsten electrode.

“I have never attempted TIG welding, but I am excited to be able to learn how to do it,” he said.

Hernandez began appreciating welding by watching his father at a young age.

“I picked up my first welder and loved it,” he said. “My dad is proud that I am attending school and learning new techniques.”

However, Hernandez’s father did have a little fun at his son’s expense.

“My dad told me I better be glad he is not in the class with me because he would have to show me up,” he said. “I go home and show him the things I have learned, and he is proud of my accomplishments.”

Instructor Daniel Aguirre said Hernandez will succeed in welding mainly because of his work ethic.

“Hernan has been on the job before and got that taste of what it is like. He wanted to come back to school so he could learn more and be a better welder,” he said.

Hernandez said his biggest regret was not beginning TSTC at a younger age. After graduating from high school in 2016, he immediately went to work.

“Some of my classmates are fresh out of high school, and, looking back, I should have done that,” he said. “But I made the right decision coming back to school when I did because I am going to learn more techniques.”

Hernandez is also going to listen to the advice from his fiancee.

“She told me to keep making good grades and make sure I have my work done on time,” he said.

Aguirre said the project schedule is something Hernandez maintains all the time.

“He may not be the fastest to turn in a project because he wants to make sure it is done correctly,” he said. “Hernan always puts pride into the projects he submits.”

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.

Adrian Medrano, a Computer Networking and Systems Administration instructor, said the program’s goal is to produce a graduate who is knowledgeable in all areas of information technology.

“We do not focus on one area, and that is due to the fact that most information technology shops need a versatile tech,” he said. “The days of techs focusing on one specific job have slowly been fading away. Employers are looking for techs that can think quickly on their feet, problem-solve and interact with the public. A tech that can diagnose a problem, interact properly with a user or customer and fix the problem, all within a timely manner, is worth their weight in gold.”

Medrano discussed the program’s benefits and the job outlook for its graduates.

What benefits do students have by working online, and how will that help them in the workforce?

Working online has always been beneficial to our program. Remote work in information technology has provided workers access to essential programs and devices for a long time. Since COVID, we have seen an increase of remote workers in the industry, which I believe has led to employers seeing firsthand how effective remote workers can be.

Do students need to have any basic computer experience to start the program?

It has been my experience that (new) students with zero computer skills have been just as successful as students with computer skills. In fact, those without computer skills have been more successful due to their drive to be better than those with some computer skills.

How has TSTC kept up with the constant updating of computers in the workplace?

We have found that TSTC has surpassed what the industry is using in regards to equipment and software, the difference being that large companies tend to have a higher budget for upgraded equipment. TSTC is definitely at the forefront of having up-to-date equipment, which allows us to train students on equipment that some industry partners are using, and to prepare students who may be working for companies that may have dated equipment and software.

What areas in the workforce have the most need for technicians?

I see job applications for companies in the medical field all the time. We have industry partners scattered throughout the job workforce requiring entry-level and some advanced-level techs.

What can students expect to learn?

Students should be prepared to learn information technology-related tasks, for example, fixing broken computers, resetting passwords, connecting to printers and scanners, setting up profiles for users on a network, working the help desk, and (having an) understanding of TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and network addressing. Students may also be tasked with working with server equipment, configuring routers and switches on the network, and assisting network administrators and managers on upgrades and migration of data and users.

What have graduates told you about their experiences in the field and how TSTC prepared them for success?

I have students that always comment on how much they have learned while being at TSTC and how much they retained in such a short period of time. They remember lectures and labs that have helped them while working in the field. They tell me, “I am glad I paid attention when you showed us how to configure a router and switch or when you showed us how to wire a network properly.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.