Latest news with #TexasStateTechnicalCollege
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TSTC Abilene Campus to launch new facility with trade programs
ABILENE, Texas () – Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Abilene Campus is nearing completion of a new facility that will provide new programs to meet the increasing demand for trade workers in the Big Country. The Big Country is seeing an ever-expanding growth of new industries and infrastructure, and with that growth comes a need for workers. Texas State Technical College in Abilene is using that need as a new opportunity for expansion with its campus. The project began for an additional building for TSTC classes in April of 2024 and has seen lightning movement with its construction. This 52,800 square foot building came with a total project cost of $30.3 million and is looking to open its doors very soon. To help pay for this project, TSTC was allocated funding through the Capital Construction Assistance Projects, under Senate Bill 52, during the 87th Texas Legislative Session in 2021, for expansion projects at 7 of the 10 campuses across the state. With the new facility also comes new programs of study, and Provost for TSTC West Texas, Andy Weaver, outlined what those new programs will be. 'In this building, we're going to be adding diesel technology, electrical line worker, plumbing, and HVAC. It's going to be an exciting offer, and it's serving a lot of our industry partners across the region,' Weaver said. Weaver went on to outline how TSTC prides itself on having the tools to bring real-world scenarios into the classroom for more in-depth student learning. One example of this is the state-of-the-art ambulance simulator, which is only found in a few select locations across the globe, and which TSTC students in medical studies have already been using. This new campus will be no different. The plumbing program will have a pit inside the facility filled with dirt and a variety of pipe layouts to simulate plumbers having to locate and repair pipes in the field. Weaver spoke about another addition to their Electrical Lineworker program that will be used as a teaching aid while prioritizing the safety of the students. 'We've already built the pole yard for that program. And then behind the building, there will be a short pole yard where students will be able to learn how to do the work at the top of the pole without having to climb to the top of the pole,' Weaver said The construction is expected to be completed by July of this year, allowing students to attend the new facility starting in the fall semester of 2025. Weaver stated that they are preparing for the new students and are actively working to ensure everything is ready for their arrival. 'We've already began accepting applications. We're already working those applications. We already have some students enrolled in those programs. We are absolutely pushing to get more applicants. Right now, we need more applicants, want more applicants. But we're headed in the right direction,' Weaver said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Harlingen school trustee Jaimez wins fourth term; Batot to fill Place 3
May 6—HARLINGEN — After winning his fourth term, school board trustee Eladio Jaimez is planning to work with officials as they try to pull the school district out of its deepest financial crisis in decades. In the crowded race to fill outgoing board President Greg Powers' Place 3 seat, Rebekah "Bekah" Herrmann Batot was victorious with 1,520 votes to Diana Cortez Young's 1,387. Laura Longoria accounted for 419 ballots in that race, while Linda R. Gonzales secured 289. In the race for the board's Place 7 seat, Jaimez, a Texas State Technical College provost, pulled 2,049 votes, or 57.9%, to defeat Lorraine De Leon-Galarza, a retired registered nurse, who took 1,485 votes, or 42%. "It was the ability to connect with people and build meaningful and working relationships that I credit with our success," Jaimez said in a Facebook post. During his campaign, Jaimez was called to respond to residents' concerns months after the district budget's fund balance plunged during former Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez's administration. "The board took a hit this past year and we've had to work hard to earn that trust back from our community," Jaimez said in his post. In the last eight months, the school board's worked with Superintendent Veronica Kortan and officials to cut costs while boosting the district's fund balance from about $17.5 million to $36.7 million. "I talked to a lot of folks from our community on the campaign trail, and while some instances were easier than others, I was able to connect with many and strengthen and/or mend those relationships," Jaimez said in his post. "Throughout the day on Saturday, and as results came in, I was very grateful to our community. So to the entire Harlingen-HCISD community, I thank you for your continued confidence in me. I will continue to be humble and work hard for you." After 15 years in office, Powers announced his "bittersweet" decision against running for a sixth term in January, opening up his Place 3 seat to a four-candidate scramble. Powers' decision against running for reelection opened up his seat to one of the district's most contested races in years, with many residents speaking out against the school board as officials worked to pull the district out of its financial crisis. ------ Editor's note: This story and headline was updated to correct the outcome of the Place 3 race. Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
TSTC graduates celebrate, look forward to life's next chapter
May 1—ABILENE — With cheers and applause, friends, family and classmates celebrated the accomplishments of Texas State Technical College's Spring 2025 graduating class on Wednesday, April 30. A majority of the students, when their name was announced, noted that they will begin their careers within the industry they studied. One of those students is Tyler Flippen, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls and is going to work at German printing press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer. "Tonight is a milestone that shows that a lot of hard work has paid off," he said. "This is the first reward of knowing the importance of getting our education." Garrett Deroche, who earned a certificate of completion in Welding Technology, already has two job offers to consider and knows that TSTC is the reason why. "Thanks to TSTC, I am going to have a lot of success in life," he said. "I am a better welder, and I am a better teammate." Yvette Escobedo, who received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, has a long-range goal. She plans to work for the next few years and then pay her career forward. "I hope that one day I can come back to TSTC and teach the program," she said. Escobedo, who earlier in the day received an Emergency Medical Services program award for outstanding contributions during her time at TSTC, said her classmates became her second family. "We have gone through the trenches together," she said. "We are excited to see where everyone is going to go." Brandy Bird, who received a certificate of completion in Environmental Compliance, knows where she is going to go next. "I am coming back in the fall to study the safety side (of the Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program)," she said. Bird said the program meant many things to her, but earning her certificate of completion is an accomplishment that she is most proud of. "This program was a lot of crying, stress and late nights, but it was fun," she said. Registration for TSTC's summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information, go to
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
TSTC students in West Texas qualify for national SkillsUSA competition
Apr. 15—ABILENE — Four Texas State Technical College students representing the West Texas campuses recently qualified for the upcoming 2025 SkillsUSA National Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference. One two-member team and two individuals won gold medals in their respective events at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference held in Corpus Christi earlier this month. Kelly Coontz and Elizabeth Hammons qualified in the Emergency Medical Technician event, Shawn Couet won Electronics Technology and Samantha Trevino won Medical Assisting. The four students will compete in the national SkillsUSA event June 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. For the second consecutive year, a TSTC Emergency Medical Services team from Abilene captured the Emergency Medical Technician gold medal. Coontz, of Pearland, and Hammons, of Richland, Mississippi, were excited about the competition and the win. Both students are currently enrolled in Emergency Medical Services — EMT. "It was a very friendly competition, mostly focused on being the best you can be," Koontz said in a news release. "It is good to know the quality of students TSTC, especially TSTC in Abilene, is putting out at a national level." "Winning made us feel that going through the classes and the skills we have been taught was rewarding," Hammons said. "Winning for the second straight year makes us proud." Couet, a current Electromechanical Technology student from Kerrville, said winning the state gold medal will help him during the national event. "This will give me a baseline on what to study for nationals," he said. "I now know what my strengths and weaknesses are and can work on them." Trevino, a Vocational Nursing student from Abilene, said she was "shocked" to learn that she won a gold medal. "I went into the competition with the skills I have learned from school and on the job, and won," she said. "I am excited to be going to nationals. This is a humbling experience and something I was not expecting." Also during the state event, three other West Texas students earned medals. The team of Rachelle Arthur and Gerardo Carrillo, both current Electromechanical Technology students, earned silver in Mechatronics, while Vocational Nursing student Kelly Perry received the bronze medal in Nurse Assisting. SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and be part of a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 100 specific contests at the state and national events in which students can compete, from 3D Visualization and Animation to Welding Sculpture. Registration for TSTC's summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information, go to
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mechanical issues with family-owned vehicle leads Harris to TSTC
Apr. 4—SWEETWATER — Case Harris' journey to Texas State Technical College's Diesel Equipment Technology program started with a family-owned pickup truck. "We own an F-350 pickup called 'The Beast,'" Harris said. "Our family has owned it since 1999, and it has been a pain." Harris said someone from his family would start the diesel engine pickup once or twice a week and let it idle for a few minutes. When the family moved from Eula to Roby, they noticed that the pickup was having fuel issues. "We took it to two or three shops, and it cost more than $45,000 to fix," Harris said. "At one point, we paid $800 at a shop for it only to sit there and idle." When Harris left that shop in "The Beast," it died on the side of the road. He was given information about a roadside diesel mechanic who immediately recognized the issue and made the needed repairs. "I knew right then after talking to (the mechanic) that this is what I wanted to do," Harris said. "I wanted to work in the diesel engine field." When his Roby High School counselor told him about TSTC's Diesel Equipment Technology program, Harris said it was an easy decision to enroll. "I knew that I wanted to go to college and this (program) is what I wanted to do," he said. "It is close to my home, and the atmosphere is great." Harris, who is studying for an associate degree, said the program's instructors make learning both challenging and fun. "I want to come in here to learn more and more about the engines," Harris said. "The instructors have a great style. They give you little tips and pointers but will not tell you what to do." Harris, who was among the students who signed with TSTC during the National CTE (career and technical education) Signing Day ceremony in 2024, said he hopes to be able to work for Warren CAT after he graduates. "After signing day, I went with my parents to see the facility in Abilene," he said. "I was given a tour, and it was a great experience. I knew I would like to work there one day." Diesel Equipment Technology instructor Shannon Weir sees Harris having a successful career. "He is a built-in leader of this class," Weir said. "He is going to make someone in the industry a really good hand. He is the definition of a team player." According to jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists were expected to increase 19% in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Such technicians employed in the state earn an annual average salary of $56,780, the website stated. Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC's Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. This fall, the program will be offered at the Abilene campus. Depending on campus location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with different specializations. Several certificates of completion also are offered. To learn more about TSTC, visit
