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.

Rogers toured the campus December 2 with some members of TSTC’s West Texas administration and experienced using some equipment that students train with on a daily basis.

“I am really impressed with the technology that is available at TSTC and the Breckenridge campus,” Rogers said. “From Welding to Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance to Nursing, the level of technology is great.”

During the tour, Rogers took part in some Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance lab activities. He “extinguished” a virtual fire, then donned a hazmat suit and worked with chemical tank simulators.

Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance instructor Teresa Purcell also showed Rogers some water samples that students have tested during lab sessions.

“I am grateful he took the time to come here, put on our suit and see how our students train,” Purcell said.

Throughout the tour, Rogers asked instructors questions related to job needs in the state. During his visit with Welding Technology instructor Stephen Hope, Rogers asked about the need for welders in different fields.

Hope said he wants his students to find jobs that are best suited for them.

“We have students who work on pipelines and others who work construction,” Hope said. “I want my students to be the best at the profession that they want to pursue.”

While touring the Nursing lab, Rogers asked about job prospects for licensed vocational nurses compared to registered nurses. Instructor Marchelle Taylor said there is always demand for all nurses.

“We are seeing more of a need in our area for LVNs, and we want to make sure we fill the needs of our health care systems,” she said.

After the tour, Rogers said he was pleased to see TSTC training the future workforce.

“I am definitely a supporter of TSTC and the programs it offers,” he said. “The people who lead these programs are very dedicated to what they do, and that was evident during the tour. Having passionate teachers will help our future workforce.”

TSTC’s spring semester registration is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Demere enrolled in a registered nursing program but quickly realized that she was not ready for the rigorous schedule. After taking some time to think about her options, she learned about the Texas State Technical College Vocational Nursing program in Breckenridge.

She is now a few weeks away from earning her Vocational Nursing certificate of completion and has not regretted her decision to give nursing a second chance.

“I decided early on that I wanted to work in the health care industry. I thought it would be cool to learn more about the nursing industry,” Demere said.

Working as a phlebotomist in Cisco was her first venture into health care. While employed at the Cisco hospital and living in Goldthwaite, Demere has been making the long drive to Breckenridge to attend school.

“It has been a lot of miles, both physically and emotionally, for me,” she said. “I told myself to remain dedicated and I would finish. I am getting closer to that goal.”

Demere said instructor Jenny Wingate had approached her about the program since they both live in the same area.

“She told me all about the program and that I should look into it more,” she said. “I learned a lot about TSTC online and only heard great things from people I talked to. I knew if I wanted a second chance in the medical field, TSTC would be the place to start.”

Instructor Marchelle Taylor has seen Demere grow since her time in the program.

“Abbey is a hard worker and has been one of those students whose growth we can see,” she said. “Driving to school like she does is a motivation to work hard and succeed. She will be a good nurse in the industry because she has that type of dedication.”

Demere has especially liked the clinical sessions in hospitals.

“I have enjoyed my experience, especially at Hendrick (Medical Center). I was able to do a lot,” she said. “I was able to see my first birth, and other things happened that I never expected to see. I know I picked the right career.”

Having completed hands-on lab sessions prepared Demere for what she saw in the hospital.

“It helps you feel more comfortable in the hospital when we work in the lab,” she said. “It gives you more confidence when you actually do have to perform.”

TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is available at the Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. Upon completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, graduates are classified as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).

According to onetonline.org, LVN jobs are forecast to increase 11% in Texas by 2028, with more than 82,000 nurses in the workforce. The median salary for LVNs in Texas is $47,760, the website showed.

TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Nelson has been a certified nursing assistant for 16 years and a certified medical assistant for 10 years. With that experience on her resume, She decided to take the next step and is studying to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).

She did not have to look far to take classes. The Breckenridge native knew that Texas State Technical College was the place to study.

“I love TSTC and knew this was going to be the place I needed to be,” Nelson said. “My mom took the nursing program in the Rick Perry building in Breckenridge years ago.”

Instructor Marchelle Taylor said Nelson will be successful in nursing.

“She is one of our first students to volunteer for any clinicals we have,” she said. “She will get in there to get the experience she needs, and I have no doubt she will be successful.”

In her final semester of the LVN program, Nelson has not been disappointed with her time in school.

“This experience has been amazing. It is everything I expected and more,” she said. “I have learned so much, and that is thanks to the instructors and the people I work with in clinicals.”

When Nelson is on campus during lab sessions, she said instructors make sure they relay information like a nurse in the hospital.

“They make sure we know the material, and we retain what we have learned,” she said. “But it is so much more than that. If we are down about an assignment, the instructors are there to pick us right back up. They motivate us to do our best.”

The lab sessions have been one area that Nelson has enjoyed the most.

“Having a program that is hands-on at TSTC is so much better than reading a book all the time,” she said. “We have seen what happens in real time during clinicals and refer back to our time in the lab to make sure we are prepared.”

Nelson said she plans to return to her job at a Breckenridge nursing home with a new title. She is also excited to celebrate graduation with her mother and family.

“My mom is so excited for me, especially since she graduated from TSTC,” she said.

Nelson said adding LVNto her resume may be in the future as well.

“I am going to take a little break, but I may come back and become a registered nurse,” she said. “It will be through TSTC because I know it will be the best place to study.”

According to onetonline.org, LVN jobs are forecast to increase 11% in Texas by 2028, with more than 82,000 nurses in the workforce. The median salary for LVNs in Texas is $47,760, the website showed.

TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is available at the Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Stephenson hopes that more nurses like her enroll in Texas State Technical College’s Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program. She admitted that she began the program because it interested her but quickly learned that it was more than she expected.

“The program did interest me. It was something I had some education in before, but I wanted to learn more,” she said. “In almost every job, there is going to be some type of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance and compliance officers are going to be needed.”

According to onetonline.org, the need for occupational health and safety technicians will increase in Texas 16% by 2028. A technician’s median salary in Texas is $46,840.

Stephenson talked to nurses both in person and online about what she has learned so far.

“I started opening the door up for discussion with people I know in the nursing field,” she said. “A lot of them showed interest and wanted to learn more.”

Stephenson said the more that people learn about the program being available in West Texas, the more it has the possibility to grow.

“I know this program has not been offered for a long time, but once the ball gets rolling and people know about it, there should be a lot of interest in our area,” she said.

Instructor Teresa Purcell said Stephenson is a perfect student for the program.

“The knowledge of the medical field will help her understand the health and safety importance of workers’ health in daily activities,” she said. “She knows how important it is to follow safety protocols to keep the worker safe from hazards in the workplace. When a worker is exposed to hazards like air pollution, unsafe drinking water, or biological or ergonomics hazards, (Stephenson) has the upper hand of the effects on the body, having worked as a nurse.”

Stephenson has moved away from being a daily bedside nurse, but she still wants to make sure that people are safe.

“The health and safety of others is really important to me,” she said. “I figured with all of my past jobs, this would be a different route to take, and I have enjoyed it so far.”

Stephenson said having an experienced instructor leading the program is important in order for her to become a qualified technician.

“She (Purcell) is wonderful and knows a lot about the program,” she said. “She truly wants to know you more than as a student, and the communication we have is great. She wants to get to know her students on a more personal level to make sure they succeed.”

Purcell said Stephenson is always engaged during lab sessions and that will help her in the field.

“She has shown that she is a caring individual, always making sure things are taken care of with top priority,” she said. “She speaks what’s on her mind, is engaged in classroom activities, and shares things she has witnessed in the nursing field that pertain to everyone’s safety in daily activities.”

Stephenson knows that studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree will be a challenge over the next two years. She is glad to be able to study at home and attend lab sessions at the Breckenridge campus.

“I am excited I am able to take classes so close to my home,” she said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Love is studying to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), with plans to remain in her hometown of Breckenridge after graduating.

“I know nursing has a very vast job field,” she said. “When you finish your degree, you will always have a place to work. Nurses are always in need, and I am glad to be joining this profession.”

Nursing intrigued Love at an early age.

“When I was younger, I was in a hospital and was intrigued by what the nurses were doing,” she said. “One of the nurses had an impact on me, and that is one of the reasons I chose to become a nurse.”

TSTC instructor Jenny Wingate sees a bright future for Love.

“Sherry possesses excellent skills working with both classmates and professional health care members in the clinical settings,” she said.

Love said Wingate has been helpful throughout her time in college.

“She goes out of her way to make sure we have all the things we need to study the curriculum and provides us with external resources,” she said.

Love had to overcome some hurdles during her studies..

“COVID has been a challenge because it made us adapt to a new way of learning, and the winter storm was a setback,” she said. “We had to overcome (having) a week away from school, but we all made it through the situation.”

But one thing came out of the challenges.

“I know when I am working, challenges will come up, and this showed me that I can work through them,” Love said.

Wingate said Love possesses one key skill that nurses need.

“She is able to critically think in critical situations and is very knowledgeable about disease processes utilizing the nursing process,” she said. “Due to these things, coupled with a high sense of integrity, I have no doubt she will be successful in her future journey in health care.”

Love has a passion to help others and wants to do that in her hometown.

“I am excited to get my license and be a productive member of the workforce,” she said.

Love will join a growing profession, according to onetonline.org. The website stated that LVN jobs are forecast to increase 11% in Texas by 2028, with more than 82,000 nurses in the workforce. The median salary for LVNs in Texas is $47,760, the website showed.

TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is available at the Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. 

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

A total of 119 students are on TSTC campuses during the day, learning from instructors in a variety of programs. 

The most popular program is Welding Technology, with 63 students enrolled this semester.

Stephen Hope, TSTC’s welding instructor in Breckenridge, has a record 22 dual enrollment students enrolled this semester.

“This is great for our program,” he said. “The dual enrollment program gives students another foot in the door learning a trade while in high school. It also helps them because they will be two semesters away from earning a certificate and one step closer to a career.”

In Sweetwater, eight Colorado High School and four Sweetwater High School students are part of the Welding Technology dual enrollment program.

“It is good to have those high school students here with us working on a career,” said TSTC instructor Taylor Elston.

Shelby Bennett, a TSTC dual enrollment recruiting representative, has seen some new trends in dual enrollment participants.

“I have seen more females coming into programs like Aircraft Airframe Technology and Welding Technology,” she said. “I think this is fantastic because those types of programs have mostly male students in them. I love seeing more females learning these skills and showing their peers that girls can work in these fields as well.”

Bennett and other dual enrollment representatives have a goal to train students with the skills needed for high-paying jobs.

“Our goal in dual enrollment is to place high school students into programs that best fits their long-term goals so they can get a head start on the program while still in high school,” she said. “By doing this, they can spend less time and money as a traditional student after high school, (and) we are helping get those students out in high-paying jobs faster.”

Bennett has heard only positive reviews from school district officials about dual enrollment.

“I have had counselors in the past tell me what a great opportunity it is for their students to experience technical college courses while in high school and learn some college student responsibilities that they will have to do once they are traditional students,” she said. “This has helped students learn that it is OK and much more affordable to go to a technical school.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

After reviewing his options, Reid said he chose Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology because of the respect everyone at TSTC showed him. He said he made the correct decision to attend TSTC in Breckenridge.

“Everyone I talked to was so friendly over the phone and was so helpful,” he said. “The customer service of TSTC sold me on coming to school. Everyone welcomed me and was always available for any questions.”

Welding instructor Stephen Hope said he likes to tell prospective students about TSTC, knowing that the way people are treated is important.

“It is really good to know that William chose to attend TSTC because of how he was treated and respected,” he said.

One concern Reid did not have to worry about was traveling to Breckenridge three days a week.

“My grandmother lives in Breckenridge, and I stay with her,” he said. “She is glad I am here for the three days I am in class.”

Now in his second semester studying for a certificate of completion, Reid said he has been able to learn new techniques, thanks to Hope.

“I would say one of the most difficult things I have had to learn was TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding,” he said. “At first, I was really skeptical of doing it, but our instructors have shown us how it is done and made it look really easy.”

TIG welding is an arc welding process that produces the weld with a non-consumable tungsten electrode, Hope said.

Reid said Hope reminds him of his high school agriculture science teacher and appreciates how he works with students.

“He will do anything for his students and wants them to be successful,” he said. “He also likes to spend time with us and talk about how we are doing. We are more than just students, and that is something I appreciate.”

Reid does not have plans after he completes the program but knows he would like to return to Cisco. He said he could build fences and “barndominiums,” buildings usually built with steel that include living areas and a shop/garage.

“I know he will do a good job in whatever he chooses to do. I have seen some of his work, and he is going to be a good welder,” Hope said.

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.

Those efforts have had good results, according to Daniel Martin, TSTC’s student recruitment director for the West Texas campuses.

“Student recruitment representatives found great success over the past 12 months, and we expect an improved enrollment for fall 2021 following a consultative recruiting model,” he said. “COVID-19 made every aspect more difficult for prospective students and their influencers, like parents, teachers and counselors. Our biggest gains have come from a complete shift to a recruiting approach that prioritizes relationships to identify the best means for our customers’ needs.”

Martin said that began by working with high schools and community organizations.

“We have made every effort to adapt by doing virtual presentations, developing unique program experiences for individual schools on campus, and continuing face-to-face presentations,” he said.

Chris Johnson, lead student recruitment representative for TSTC’s West Texas campuses, said it is important to meet students in person to build a relationship.

“It’s very important for us to go out and visit schools and events throughout the state,” he said. “We don’t want to be the best-kept secret in Texas; we want them to know there’s another way to get a high-paying career.”

Recruitment representatives also worked with prospective students more in-depth.

“A call was made to every applicant,” Martin said. “And we did not just help them discover which program and campus met their passion, but we also focused on barriers to registration that have been impacted by COVID or life circumstances, which could be transportation, finances or other issues.”

Johnson said recruiters also worked to make sure the student was placed in the right program.

“Not just any program, but the one that best fits their skills and desires,” he said. “Our goal was to match, if not even beat, last year’s goals, and we did it even with all the challenges last year brought.”

These approaches led to a good recruiting session and a new way of reaching prospective students.

“As a result, our student recruitment representatives have become advocates for prospective students rather than salespeople,” Martin said. “Our fall enrollment is trending upward from both 2020 and 2019, and student readiness is improving as well.”

While visiting with students, Johnson also noticed a certain question being asked more often.

“One big change is that students are asking more about jobs that can withstand economic pressures,” he said. “They are also wanting a more one-on-one approach when it comes to preparing for college.”

Johnson said with new tools, recruiters will be working to reach out to prospective students even more.

“I think that virtual recruitment will be a tool we can use to enhance our efforts in the future, especially to reach those nontraditional students who might not be able to attend events,” he said. 

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

With more construction sites showing up in the region, the need for welders is growing. TSTC will be preparing students for jobs on construction sites and in the oil field. Some graduates may decide to open their own business or travel the country.

Stephen Hope, a Welding Technology instructor at TSTC’s Breckenridge campus, said he has seen an increase in people interested in pursuing the program.

“Recent news of construction increasing has helped gain many new students,” he said. “COVID had a huge impact on businesses around the world. Although we are not quite in the clear yet, many are back up and running again.”

Many of Breckenridge’s new faces this fall were able to work in the welding booths in May during a scholarship competition. Hope said that helped him with recruiting efforts.

“Starting in the fall, there will be 13 students, six of which had started the dual enrollment program their junior year of high school,” he said. “There will also be 24 dual enrollment students starting in the fall.”

Hope will also have 13 students returning this fall for their second semester.

“I am very excited to see what the future holds for each of them,” he said.

Daniel Aguirre, Brownwood’s Welding Technology instructor, is excited about the fall semester.

“My plans are to take that excitement and energy and channel it into the students’ work,” he said. “I want to get them buzzing about safety, as well as get them talking and asking questions about the things they are excited about.”

Aguirre likes to bring his personal experience into teaching future welders.

“I will try and show them what I love about welding and fabrication. Maybe they will learn to love it too” he said. “I can easily get lost in my work, especially when I’m fabricating. Eight hours of work seems to fly by when you enjoy what you are doing. And I hope that is something the students can take with them.”

According to onetonline.org, more than 54,400 welders were employed in Texas as of 2018. By 2028, the number of welders is forecast to be more than 61,000, a 13% increase. The average annual salary for welders in Texas is $45,250, according to the website.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology, as well as two welding certificates of completion and an occupational skills award. The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee program, which refunds a participating graduate’s tuition if they have not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.