ethos 2011 Annual Report
TSTC progress reflects system core values and mission
Our college community does not accept the status quo to merely keep pace with modern technology or place progress on hold to await ideal budget circumstances. Instead, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen seeks improvements that continually benefit students, promote workforce development, and lead to future economic growth. We’re cooperating with an increasing number of stakeholders and strengthening articulation agreements with universities to better prepare graduates for rewarding careers or the pursuit of advanced degrees.
Our newest degree, the Associate of Science in Engineering Science (ASES), goes straight to the core of the TSTC System mission. It means TSTC will be the first two-year college to implement an ASES degree that contains curriculum to meet industry standards established by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Students within the partner institutions of TSTC, the University of Texas-Tyler (UTT), Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) and South
Texas College (STC) will transfer seamlessly between institutions for the biomedical, engineering and transportation fields of study.
With the construction and opening of the University Center in cooperation with the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, TSTC and eight universities make more higher education options a reality for many Rio Grande Valley citizens. The South Texas Educational Partnership (STEP) experienced an enrollment increase from fall semester 2011 to spring semester 2012 for the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB), UTPA, TAMUK and Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU); we are confident that Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), LeTourneau University (LU), Wayland Baptist University (WBU) and the University of Houston (UH) will achieve similar gains soon. A grand opening for the Renewable Energy Education Center (REEC) in Ingleside expanded the boundaries of our Wind Energy Technology (WET) Program. The REEC, a cooperative effort between TSTC and Del Mar College of Corpus Christi,
became the first resident for economic development on the site of a naval base that closed several years ago. The REEC is designed to train the workforce for land-based and off-shore wind energy farms, prepare displaced naval base personnel with skills for new careers, widen training programs to solar and corrosion energy, and pioneer new ventures between higher education and industry. Besides affordable tuition at TSTC, more students are saving money by traveling to campus aboard Valley Metro (VM) public transit bus routes that opened in 2011. The inexpensive bus schedules make classes easily accessible for riders from Santa Rosa, La Feria, Combes and San Benito. Route 45 celebrated the New Year to transport passengers between UTB, Los Fresnos and San Benito to TSTC. Our support personnel and the Student Government Association (SGA) are assisting VM with the promotion efforts, and as VM boosts ridership it would like to plan toward additional routes connecting to TSTC with more communities in Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties. No two students are alike and each year is unique for TSTC. The constant progress originates with the foresight of the TSTC System Board of Regents and the combined strengths of the System campuses in Harlingen, Marshall, Waco and West Texas (Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Sweetwater). The core values – Innovation, Responsiveness, Leadership, Excellence, Collaboration,
Accountability and Stewardship – affect each decision, each lesson and each activity as we anticipate the evolving needs of our students and stakeholders. The Step Forward initiative among employees reminds us of our intrinsic motivation and the dedication we bring to our jobs that serve students each day. The annual Noche de Gala banquet to celebrate accomplishments of students made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Long Foundation and matching funds from charitable individuals and businesses, including college employees, demonstrates a substantial commitment to TSTC achieving its goals. We are very thankful for the resources that make the best possible education opportunities available at TSTC, and we invite more donors, elected representatives, government officials, business stakeholders, civic organizations, colleges and universities, and alumni to become involved with our college community to build on our successes. We invite you to join us in applying optimistic, practical approaches to new challenges!
innovation | 6
responsiveness | 14 leadership | 22
excellence | 30
collaboration | 38
accountability | 44 stewardship | 54
table of contents
08 | University Center opens opportunities 10 | Energy partners unite at Ingleside center 12 | EMT Program receives new breathing device
16 | Valley Metro buses add to college accessibility 18 | Firefighter Academy centralizes training 20 | Master Plan relies on versatility for progress
24 | Tree dedication symbolizes core values 26 | TSTC recognizes value of student leaders 28 | ECHS grads lead new phase of legacy
32 | Career placement quantifies excellence 34 | Couple converted diplomas to success 36 | Wind Energy grad earns management title 40 | TSTC grad visits NASA en route to job 42 | Students build rover and drive tech frontier 46 | TSTC signs articulation agreement with universities 48 | New Enrollment & Graduation Trends 50 | Unrestricted Operating Expenses & Unrestricted Revenues 52 | Step Forward initiative focuses on accountability 56 | Prospective students attend Tech Day 58 | Annual banquet boosts scholarships funds
innovation
Dozens of classes are being offered in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs which were previously unavailable in the lower Rio Grande Valley.
“The South Texas Educational Partnership (STEP) has been a uniquely effective group,” said Texas A&M UniversityKingsville (TAMUK) President Dr. Steven H. Tallant. “I am reminded of the dedication ceremony for the University Center, when I was able to join President Maldonado of TSTC and the other presidents and administrators that make up the partnership. The day represented months of hard work and combined efforts to make a learning facility
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University Center opens opportunities
More than 500 students enrolled in courses offered by eight universities at the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen University Center for fall semester.
that would benefit all of the institutions in the partnership, the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas. The University Center is a culmination of a successful multiinstitutional partnership.”
Universities in the STEP partnership include the University of Houston, Our Lady of the Lake University, LeTourneau University, Wayland Baptist University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, University of Texas at Brownsville, and the University of Texas-Pan American. The partnership will expand with more curriculum and more degree programs in 2012.
Ramiro Silva of Harlingen, a full-time kinesiology major at the University of Texas at Brownville (UTB) who plans to become an elementary school physical education instructor, joined some of the students in the fall semester to start kinesiology classes in the University Center. The Navy veteran said the Harlingen class site will help him save time and gas money. “All the students I have been with in my University Center classes are from Harlingen, Lyford, Mercedes, La Feria and San Benito. It is a lot more convenient for them to drive to Harlingen instead of Brownsville,” Silva said. Physical education captured Silva’s interest about three years ago when he started to instruct and coach elementary students at St. Paul Academy in Harlingen. “I wanted to work with the youth because of the obesity problem and to teach them their motor skills as they develop to establish and maintain good health.”
Members of STEP opened the center with 23 bachelor’s programs, 23 master’s programs and one doctoral program at the center. Some energy conservation features at the University Center include a high-albedo roof that supports 442 solar panels to provide up to 106 kilowatts of electricity, a sun-shaded curtain wall, reclaimed wood for walls and ceilings taken from disassembled barracks at the former Harlingen Air Field. The two-story, 38,000-square-foot facility – finished on time and on budget – is a candidate for gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. SpawGlass Contractors received a regional Award of Merit in the Green Project category from Engineering News-Record magazine. The building earned the Excellence in Construction Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC)-South Texas Chapter, which represents first place among institutional projects south of San Antonio.The University Center also was nominated for the nationwide Excellence in Construction award from the ABC and it ranked second among more than 200 entries as it received an Award of Merit in the institutional category. The ABC’s Awards of Excellence Program is the premier competition within the construction industry.
Dr. Tallant said that the first-semester results pleased TAMUK, especially in the Early Childhood Education Program. “The University Center is broadening the landscape of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley by providing more educational options. More higher education options will hopefully encourage more citizens to continue their education beyond high school. It should mean that more college graduates will enter the workforce with more opportunities available to them, and the Rio Grande Valley will receive a larger, better quality workforce ready to take the region and Texas to the next level of success.” More than 150 guests crowded into the University Center lobby for its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 31. “Education is the foundation for opportunities in the Valley and this center is going to make the future brighter for us,” said Ernesto Silva, president of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC). The HEDC, which has its offices on the first floor, funded $4.2 million of the $7.2 million for the building; TSTC arranged for most of the remaining balance of construction costs.
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Energy partners unite at Ingleside center
Copyright 2011 Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Photographer: George Gongora
No fear of heights is a prerequisite for Isabel Harris of Corpus Christi, a Wind Energy Technology (WET) student at the Renewable Energy Education Center (REEC) in Ingleside, Texas.
She and her 19 classmates in the program, offered by Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen, plan to become entry-level wind energy technicians to construct or maintain land-based or off-shore turbines that will generate electricity for the Coastal Bend region – the east coast of Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. “I knew I could do this,” said Harris, who was an auto parts technician for five years before she chose wind energy training. “These Certificate Level One courses are preparing me for the advanced level. I enjoy the WET Program because I like a hands-on environment where I
can touch what I am working on. The land-based wind energy farms are expanding and plans are under way for off-shore wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico. I know I can move around for job opportunities.” Harris’ father saw a TSTC advertisement on television and told her about the new program. The REEC is part of a job training and economic development initiative in response to the closure of the naval base at Ingleside and the industry trend to produce electricity with technology that reduces environmental impact.
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The WET will provide instruction for students and companies in cooperation with Del Mar College of Corpus Christi to award graduates a Certificate of Completion Level One diploma and specialized training. The graduation goal is entry-level jobs in wind energy with an average salary of $60,000 and possibly solar energy and geo-thermal energy careers.
The REEC has a five-year lease for the property with the Port Authority of Corpus Christi and the center’s educational role as the first occupant for the former naval base could open the door for private industry with a wide range of potential business uses. TSTC Harlingen President Dr. Cesar Maldonado said that Ingleside is a great opportunity for TSTC and Del Mar to share resources that will generate jobs to boost the economy. “I predict the partnership between Del Mar and TSTC will become a model for higher education,” said Dr. Maldonado.
Del Mar College President Dr. Marcus Escamilla agreed. “We are not duplicating services and we’re doing more with less,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.” Dr. Escamilla explained that technology equipment and specialized instruction offered by TSTC make strong combinations with academic and basic technology available from Del Mar College. Dr. Larry Lee, Dean of the Business, Professional and Technology Education Division at Del Mar, said that REEC courses will fit into numerous career paths such as engineering technology. Evan Smith, wind power field service engineer based in Houston for Siemens Energy, toured the REEC at the ribbon-cutting event. He has hired several wind energy technicians who graduated from TSTC West Texas. “Industry will have a chance to hire graduates from this Ingleside program who have a lot of skills required for new wind energy technicians. All of our new employees from TSTC made a smooth transition into their jobs,” he said. The TSTC System also offers wind energy diplomas and industry training at its Harlingen and West Texas campuses. Admission for the Ingleside program is handled by TSTC Harlingen.
“This is exactly the education and economic development niche we needed to fill in the Coastal Bend,” said Gene Seaman, a member of the TSTC System Board of Regents.
“We have the wind energy companies here and they can use highly trained employees.”
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The 8,600-square-foot building, located at the former naval base about 12 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, is the new home for state-of-the-art equipment purchased by TSTC with a $1.9 million grant made available by the Office of the Governor. The project also received a $500,000 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission for the purchase of laboratory equipment.
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EMT Program receives new breathing device
TSTC Associate Vice President of External Relations Angie Gonzalez thanked the company and TSTC administrators for cooperating on the equipment donation that will allow students to be prepared for modern technology on ambulances. “For me, this project was personal because my father’s death may have been caused by incorrect use of breathing equipment at the scene of his accident,” she said. “It was
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The McGrath portable video laryngoscope was donated by Aircraft Medical, the company that makes this new product.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) students have become among the first to train in the use of a stateof-the-art medical intubation device that could save lives.
very important for me to let students know what that complication meant to surviving members of the victim’s family and get this new device into their hands.”
The $2,500 intubation device comes complete with a microscopic camera that allows emergency personnel to watch as the laryngoscope opens the airway of a patient. It is designed to insert through an injured victim’s mouth into the throat. EMT instructor Roxanne Peña said that the McGrath portable video laryngoscope reduces time to administer first aid, guarantees a patient is breathing and almost
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Aircraft Medical Vice President of U.S. Sales and Marketing Robert Hoxie demonstrated its use on mannequins. “It’s a little thing,” Hoxie said, as he raised a video laryngoscope to show the EMT class, “But it can go a long way toward saving a life. Time is of the essence for helping a patient. Correct use of this intubator is a matter of simplicity. It’s a matter of looking at the screen and trusting the screen.”
Aircraft Medical manufactures the laryngoscopes in Edinburgh, Scotland and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved the product. Aircraft Medical also supplied the EMT Program with reading and study materials for correct use of the device.
said Robert Delgado, an EMT cadet from Harlingen.
“This new device will be helpful in the classroom and in the field,” he said.
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eliminates the possibility of an emergency response error. The EMT students will master intubation skills before they start to ride with ambulance crews for clinical experience.
“Breathing and blood circulation are two of the most important factors paramedics monitor,”
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responsiveness
Valley Metro buses add to college accessibility Valley Metro (VM) buses have rolled to new routes connecting the lower Rio Grande Valley to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen.
Valley Metro began transportation service to campus in February 2011 making stops in Santa Rosa, La Feria, Primera, Combes and San Benito. In addition, the public transit system celebrated the New Year by establishing Route 45, which links TSTC with the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) via Los Fresnos and San Benito.
own a car, they can’t afford a car and lack a way to reach campus without public transit,” said Ruth Treviño, president of the TSTC Student Government Association (SGA).
VM Program Administrator Rodney Gomez says that passengers on the new Los Fresnos route will ride free through March 2012 as a promotion to draw more riders. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, a regional organization of municipalities, paid for initial VM startup costs with federal government stimulus grants and matching local funds.
“It’s a lot cheaper to ride the bus, which costs $1.50 round trip, because with my truck I would waste $5 per day on gas,” he said recently as he sat waiting for the Route 44 bus at the stop located near the front of the University Center at TSTC.
“The VM services, with wheelchair lifts, bicycle racks and special accommodations for pickups and drop-offs, are really important for students because many students do not
Edward Riojas of La Feria, a GED student who plans to enroll in the University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences in Harlingen, said that choosing VM was an easy decision.
The bus timing closely fits his transportation needs Monday through Friday. He leaves home at 8:10 a.m., and Route 44 takes him through Santa Rosa and Primera en route to arrival on campus at 9:30 a.m. The bus leaves TSTC at 2:45 p.m. to complete his round-trip time line. Riojas said that three or four TSTC students usually are on board.
Students with college photo identification cards ride at half the regular fare, only 75 cents one way. Tickets for elderly, disabled, military veterans and Medicare passengers also are 75 cents one way; there is no transfer fee. A package of 20-ride tickets is $10 for riders in these categories. Adult regular fare is $1.50 or $20 for 20 rides. Tickets are sold at the TSTC Bookstore and there are local ticket outlets along the routes. Children under 7 accompanied by an adult ride free. Riders should pay drivers with the exact fare because drivers do not carry change. Special reservations for pickups and drop-offs within one-half mile of routes may be made if riders callVM at 800-574-8322 a day in advance. Links to route VM maps, schedules and fares for Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties are available online at www.harlingen.tstc.edu or http://www.lrgvdc.org/transit.html.
Irma Quintanilla of Los Fresnos, who is taking Academic Core credits toward a major in law enforcement at UTB, says that Route 45 does more than save gas and money. “We have one car and my mother has two jobs, so having her drive to TSTC during fall semester caused problems for her work hours. The VM route allows me to reach campus fast so my mom doesn’t have to take time off work. It’s perfect,” she said. The Los Fresnos bus route provided 500 rides in its first 10 days of operation, VM Director Tom Logan told an audience of about 50 people at the Route 45 kickoff ceremony held January 19 at Los Fresnos Memorial Park. “Lack of transportation should never be a barrier to receiving a quality education,” Student Life Director Adele Clinton said. All SGA officers are trained to provide VM instructions and answer questions. Wall maps detailing bus stops and routes at TSTC are located next to the Student Life Office and SGA Office in the Student Center and at the Housing Office. The buses roll from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; a Saturday schedule is available on routes when there’s demand. Signs with schedule information are posted at route pickup and drop-off sites.
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Vince Abrigo of the McAllen Fire Department, who is training coordinator for the academy, said that cooperation among fire departments allows the ETAB-RGV to respond to the communities’ needs for safety and exceed Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) standards.
“We want to set a high standard for cadets who graduate. We want them to be well-rounded and well-versed. Courses or activities that other academies present as electives are requirements for the ETAB-RGV,” said Abrigo.
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Firefighter Academy centralizes training
The Emergency Training Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley (ETAB-RGV), based at Texas State Technical College Harlingen (TSTC), is the only regional firefighter training organization serving multiple municipalities in the state.
The ETAB-RGV conducts two firefighter academies per year through the Corporate and Community Education Department at TSTC. Fire cadets must be sponsored by one of 18 fire departments. Basic firefighter certification consists of a six-month training session with classroom and hands-on experience to comply with TCFP requirements. The ETAB-RGV also oversees two-month training academies for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). According to Abrigo, the Firefighter Academy unified training provides benefits such as:
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allowing departments to combine experience among its leaders for quality instruction; giving fire departments flexibility and independence to pursue specialized training unique to their settings; the sharing of equipment, books, administrative costs, facilities, classroom sites and budget resources with an estimated value of more than $3 million; and standardized training for firefighters, who eventually could work together during major emergencies.
Municipalities in the alliance vary in size from the smaller towns of La Villa and La Casita to the bigger cities of Brownsville and McAllen. Besides education for incoming firefighters, the ETAB-RGV offers ongoing specialized training on hazardous materials, fire inspection to prevent blazes, aircraft and water rescues, and fire investigations for veteran firefighters. “The biggest benefits that cadets have are the experiences our instructors pass onto us,” said Cadet President Roberto Chavez of Weslaco, who plans to work for the Alton Fire Department. “The instructors were the best part of this course because each of them has at least eight to 10 years of professional background and various specializations. They each had so much to give us. They emphasized avoiding bad habits or sloppy performance that could cause catastrophic errors. Instead of learning the hard way from disasters, the instructors provided us with scenarios they went through and that we’ll face when we are forced to make life-or-death decisions,” he said. Chavez held some jobs in the medical field and law enforcement before he chose to become a first responder to help people and join the brotherhood of firefighters. “You’ve got to depend upon your co-workers if you are inside a burning building and something unexpectedly goes wrong,” he explained. “Firefighters bring a special set of ethics with them to work daily.” The ETAB-RGV has produced more than 1,000 graduates since it began offering Rio Grande Valley firefighters training in 1988. The Firefighter Academy will welcome its 39th class of cadets in early spring.
Flexibility key to Master Plan
The 10-year Master Plan for Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen unveiled in 2010 outlined a phased program of development that is moving forward. True to expectations, the concept features flexibility and practicality designed to make it “do-able” and affordable.
The enormously successful University Center project was completed on schedule and earned multiple green awards.
“We are continually evaluating and revising the details of the implementation plan in order to capitalize on our successes. While remaining true to the original concept, we are altering the sequence of some planned work in order to have a bigger early impact,” Associate Vice President of Administrative Services Chuck Smith said.
“Apart from its operational significance, the University Center is important because it sets a new standard for future construction on our campus,” Vice President of Financial & Administrative Services Teri Zamora said.
This past summer, 10,000 square feet of Service Support Center warehouse space was converted to administrative use. The re-purposed area serves as headquarters for the Tech Prep Program, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research, TSTC System Internal Auditors, and the Grants Administration group. That project was originally programmed for Phase II of the Master Plan, but it was completed far ahead of schedule.
The Building B space vacated by Corporate and Community Education was rapidly renovated for the myriad of programs within College Readiness and Advancement. Associate Vice President of College Readiness and Advancement Javier De Leon said the achievement represents the first time all 15 of the department’s programs have been located in the same part of campus, much less under one roof. The new facilities offer convenience and a pleasant venue for students, employees and guests.
Energy efficiency gained momentum with installation of the 106-kilowatt solar array on the University Center roof, seven new wind turbines in the Service Support Center parking lot, and the start of a campus-wide $2.4 million energy efficiency retrofit program. Numerous other minor projects supporting the Master Plan were completed in 2011: • the first of six new monumental entrance signs was erected; • the central mall was extended to connect the University Center with the north campus; • roadways and parking areas at Oak Tree Village dormitories were expanded and repaved; • the computer science programs office suite was upgraded; • portions of the Senator Eddie Lucio Health Science Technology Building were renovated to provide improved teaching spaces for Surgical Technology, Vocational Nursing and Nurse Assistant programs; • and the Auxiliary Services Building (Building A, the first building constructed by TSTI in Harlingen) was overhauled to become the home for the regional Emergency Medical Technology, Firefighter and Police academies.
As the campus moves into 2012, progress on featured elements within the Master Plan will move forward as well. Renovation of the former Physical Plant offices to accommodate the needs of the Marketing Department and the Human and Organization Development Department will be complete early in the year, followed at mid-year with the construction start of the Consolidated Student Services Center. The largest of the new projects will be the conversion of the former United Launch Alliance facility. That building was acquired last year and given a rapid facelift and weatherization upgrade. Recently, the structure’s roof was replaced to provide a base for 154 kilowatts of new solar Photovoltaic panels. Physical Plant staff is working with various stakeholders to craft the scope of work to convert the former warehouse into state-of-the-art, flexible laboratories. Construction of those labs will support engineering-related programs including the Mechatronics Technology, Biomedical Technology, Telecommunications Technology, and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology programs.
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leadership
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Tree dedication symbolizes core values
The WLI held the tree planting ceremony similar to other events held system-wide to celebrate Value Week and promote the inaugural women’s leadership development program.
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Innovation, responsiveness, leadership, excellence, collaboration, accountability, and stewardship represent the core values of the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) System. This past spring the TSTC System Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) dedicated an oak tree on the east side of the University Center in Harlingen to represent those values.
An oak tree along the east side of the new University Center symbolizes the Texas State Technical College System core values.
TSTC Regent Linda McKenna participated in the tree dedication ceremony. She received part of her college education at TSTC Harlingen and serves as an administrator at Christus Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi. “Our TSTC values are the basis for our words and actions. These values help us follow what’s important for the System by overcoming distractions to be resourceful with our time and energy. We use our values like a compass to set priorities and keep us on course,” said McKenna. Marketing Director Keri Gutierrez, Procurement Management
Control Director Linda Rodriguez-Guillen, and Communications and Humanities instructor Dr. Valerie Terry were chosen as WLI members from the Harlingen campus. The WLI developed the tree dedication concept for the Harlingen, Marshall, Waco and West Texas campuses.
Linda McKenna, Linda Rodriguez-Guillen, Dr. Valerie Terry, & Adam Hutchison
“The WLI is a great way to network with women throughout the system. We chose the core values project to educate the college community, so the community could know the core values and live by them,” Gutierrez said. “We also benefited from presentations by guest speakers who helped us learn about ourselves as professionals and as individuals.” Provost Adam Hutchison said that the oak tree represents a metaphor of the system values because the tree thrives largely thanks to outof-sight processes in the roots, branches and leaves. Likewise, college buildings and facilities become hollow and useless without staff, faculty and administrators to assist students. “The WLI is strengthening the leadership skills of women within our system and communities,” he said. “By promoting core values systemwide, the WLI demonstrates that the system internally sets a role model for students’ character development.”
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TSTC recognizes value of student leaders A record number of Texas State Technical College (TSTC ) Harlingen students participated in the programs and activities of Learning to Lead Workshop Series (L2L) and the Critical Thinking Workshop Series (CT) during fall semester 2011.
Aline Zamudio of Brownsville, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Systems Management Technology and continues to take classes toward a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree at the University of Texas at Brownsville, became the second student to earn the Learning to Lead Double Platinum Award as a Certified Student Leader. She was among more than 80 students to receive either L2L or CT honors for extra-curricular studies and community service efforts. “I wanted to continue with the L2L workshops this semester because of the new topics and the different speakers for subjects that appealed to me,” Zamudio said. “I tell my colleagues to participate in the series because they will learn how to grow as a leader in terms of student and professional experiences based on how they relate to other people by improving their communication skills.” Two of the presentations she especially benefited from
included personal communication and time management for achieving goals. Zamudio worked as a community assistant in the Student Housing Department, served two terms as a Student Government Association officer, and participated in Keep Harlingen Beautiful projects. College President Dr. Cesar Maldonado said that modern work environments often organize employees into teams, but effective teams need leaders to harness individuals’ divergent thoughts and help the teams focus. “Leadership is not about you as an individual. Leadership involves taking on responsibility for the team and having a vision that allows for adapting to changes so that the team will move forward.” Support Services Director Edda Urrea said that students participating in the leadership and critical thinking workshops achieve added value with their educational experience. “These programs add to their education. The
Ruth Treviño
SGA President
experience each student gains from the participation is included on their co-curricular transcripts,” she said. Non-Traditional Ambassadors honored by the Support Services Office included Claudia Carr, Brenda Jimenez, Karla Solis, Gabriel Perez and Maritza Salazar. Vice President for Student Development Cathy Maples praised the leadership role models provided by students in the L2L and CT programs. She said that the CT workshops and L2L programs prepare students for success in the workforce. Students who have completed the programs include: LEARNING TO LEAD Double Platinum – Aline Zamudio; Platinum – Jose Martinez; Gold – Claudia Linda Carr, Tony Carr Jr., Martin Leal, Jaime Torres; Silver – Sylvia Hinojosa, Lily Tarango, Narciso Zapata, Robbie Beth Zapata; Bronze – Jose M. Alaniz, Silvia K. Alonso de la Cruz, Roberto Arguelles, Leslie Ayala, Jessica Amber Cain, Angelica E. Castillo, Rebecca Rae Coats, Candy Cruz, Shwaun Dizayee, Natalie Echavarria, Christina Yvette Flores,
Ricardo Gallaga, Nicholaus Garza, Robert Anthony Garza, Jose Eduardo Gonzalez, Julian Gonzalez, Ruth Perez Gonzalez, Fernando Guerrero, Reynaldo Hernandez III, Ana R. Lerma, Coretta Miles, Pamela K. Peña, Mark Anthony Piñon, Michael Angel Portales, Cristel Betzabel Prado, Josefina Quintero, Veronica Quintero, Sotero Regalado III, Clemente Rodriguez, Nayeli Salazar, Jared Stanco, Veronika Tillery, Ruth Alexandra Treviño, Maria Fernanda Zamudio, and Zeyla Zuniga CRITICAL THINKING Griselda Aimee Alanis, Silvia K. Alonso de la Cruz, Isabel Arellano, Rebecca Atkinson, Claudia Carr, Tony Carr Jr., Angelica E. Castillo, Melissa Cortez, Bertha Cruz, Brian De La Rosa, Keila De La Rosa, Josie De La Rosa, Jenny Delgado, Juan Jose Elissetche, Brittney Gasca, Beatriz N. Gonzalez, Daniel Javier Gutierrez, Edgar Hankin, Odilia F. Lopez, Brenda Loo, Emma Martinez, Karen Julissa Martinez, Victoria Mata, Maria Perez, Courtney Quiñones, Jazmin Quiroz, Daisy Rodriguez, Erica Rodriguez, Randall Lee Rodriguez, Benjamin Sarabia IV, Karla Solis, Ruby Marie Sosa, Edson Soto, Sandra Velez, Ibbysema Villa, Cathy Weaver, and Narciso Zapata
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ECHS grads lead new phase of legacy
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Lyca Incal received the Board of Regents Honors Graduate designation for scoring perfect A’s at TSTC to earn an Associate of Science degree in biology. She was a National Honors Society representative and served three years as class president. She plans to become a cardiologist and open a clinic in Harlingen.
Seventeen Early College High School (ECHS) seniors wore black caps and black gowns like their 209 Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen peers at spring commencement, but they stood out because they received their college diplomas about one month before their high school graduation, thanks to tuition-free dual enrollment credits from TSTC.
“I feel very accomplished and honored to reach this goal with guidance from the HCISD staff and faculty and the TSTC faculty. I will always carry on what they taught me. Knowing I achieved this lets me know I can achieve more,” Incal said. The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District
(HCISD) opened the ECHS on the TSTC campus in fall 2007. HCISD alumna Leticia Abygail Reyes of Harlingen returned to ECHS in December 2011 to speak with underclassmen. She reflected on her transition from TSTC and ECHS to medical studies at South Texas College (STC). She recalled how as an ECHS upperclassman she and her friends guided underclassmen adjusting to TSTC. “College courses are more rigorous than high school and the ECHS-TSTC experience helped me seriously focus on goals. I decided to attend ECHS because I always wanted to be a doctor and TSTC could get me closer to my goal.” In an informal session April 26 with HCISD Superintendent Dr. Steve Flores, the ECHS departing seniors agreed that ECHS and TSTC instructors helped them with the transition from high school to college. “I remember that people in the college classrooms looked at us because we sat in a group,” one student said, “but after a few weeks one of the real college students asked me for some assistance with study notes and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I can do this!’” Dr. Flores praised the seniors for accepting the challenges to become the “legacy class” at ECHS. “You’re blazing a path for others and I want you to know this is a great honor for the school district,” he said. “You can start here
at TSTC and graduate from any university, anywhere. This is a very important institution of higher education for the 21st century.” ECHS senior James Gorman, who earned an Academic Core diploma in Education & Humanities, intends to pursue a career in aviation. He’s undecided about becoming a Navy pilot or majoring in Aviation Maintenance Technology (AER) at TSTC. “The reason I do not have a specific plan set in stone is because I have learned to expect the unexpected and be prepared for changes,” he said. “In having backup strategies, I have the opportunity of being able to pick up on another job.” Gorman cited advantages to starting college at ECHS. “I got a huge head start on my college credit hours at zero expense to me and my family. ECHS allowed me to make plans and act upon them early to see what I wanted to do.” ECHS Principal Veronica Kortan called the ECHS seniors “my kids” as she saw the families gather after commencement. “I got to watch our kids evolve, but for me it has been the most rewarding experience of my life to see their achievements and what they’ve done collectively,” she said. “They have changed my life probably more than I know.”
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excellence
Career placement quantifies excellence
George Reyes and George Luis Reyes II of Brownsville represent two generations of Dental Laboratory Technology (DLT) graduates from Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen. The father graduated in 1975 and the son in 2010.
The senior member of the father-son duo said he has had a rewarding career as a dental technician and owner of Central Dental Lab. “Students understand the more they learn, the more they’re going to get paid, and that incentive is one of the advantages to this career,” he explained. “More people would probably pursue such careers if they were fully aware of the rewards and benefits.” The DLT Program familiarizes students with the fundamental skills of building artificial dental products. When the younger Reyes expressed an interest in officially joining his father’s business, the father immediately recommended an education at TSTC. “I knew I would need to master terminology and techniques,” the son said. “I chose TSTC for its commitment to excellence.”
The younger Reyes also cited the advantage of combining career training with other majors or programs. Students could take computer courses to better prepare for the job market. “I could work in any DLT facility and not have any problems. The technicians are the experts behind the dentists in this industry, but technicians need more visibility so the industry can recruit more people to seek these jobs,” he said. The DLT Program boasts a tradition of excellence and a 100 percent job placement rate in part because of the work of Chair Randy Bauer and instructor Aquileo Cortes who keep job recruiters interested in TSTC. The duo has compiled a total of 65 years in higher education and the industry. Each instructor has received recognition for his
George Reyes II & George Reyes Dental Laboratory Graduates
achievements and both regularly make presentations before industry leaders. “Over the years, it is interesting to meet many of our graduates who advance to work for prominent clinics and companies,” Bauer said. “Leo and I find that eventually we learn from our former students who are continually advancing at the forefront of technology and business.” Today the elder Reyes leads professional training workshops. Since earning his diploma he has earned more than 50 credit hours in additional coursework.
Placement Success
All 22 students who completed the DLT Program in 2011 got jobs immediately upon graduation. Another 15 graduates are expected to join the workforce this coming May.
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Couple converted diplomas to success
Regalado attended the Auto Collision Technology (AUB) program and Lucy majored in General Office Technology. Today they own Collision Center Auto Body & Glass, a very successful body shop with offices in McAllen, Weslaco and Harlingen. Regalado’s dream began in high school. He admired a small, immaculately kept auto-body shop he walked past as he traveled from field work to his home. He recalled thinking to himself, “I want to work in the shade some day instead of working under the sun.” Gradually, he realized that he had inherited some instincts
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Armando & Lucy Regalado
Armando Regalado achieved his goal of business ownership and now he and his wife Lucy, both graduates of Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen, are living the dream.
from his father, an agricultural entrepreneur. Regalado began his first business shining shoes. He often asked himself, “How could I do more to improve business?” Eventually, a few boys worked as part of his private business.
“I never considered myself able to get to college, but I knew I would need an education to gain qualifications and credentials. After graduation from TSTC, I realized that I could go as far as I wanted with a business based upon my effort,” Regalado said. “I never imagined in the early days of Collision Center that the business would reach the size and volume we experience today. If we count my wife and me, we have 50 employees.”
Before he owned a business, Regalado managed a body shop for a local automobile dealer for seven years; he was 26 years old when he went to a bank to seek a business loan. Lucy Regalado handled bookkeeping, insurance, receiving and payroll work at a factory until she could join her husband’s first shop located in Pharr. Armando Regalado says some of his most valuable life lessons came from AUB Chair Jose Vargas. “Teaching Armando was easy due to the type of person he is,” Vargas said. “He inherited a strong work ethic from his family and he understood his parents’ message about education. Whenever he finished a project or an assignment, he would want to do something more. He asked a lot of questions and he could accept criticism.” Vargas said he often uses Regalado as a success story and a role model for students. “I always tell my students that an education will get you out of hard times. Be proud of whatever you do and seek improvement because it leads to success. They know I want them to be prepared for greater challenges.” Lucy Regalado said that she and her husband are part of
the business “team” with employees. “We’re no better than any of our employees and we treat them with respect. We also are open to their ideas for improvements.” The couple arrives at the office early and stays involved in daily operations. They say the business has benefited from recruiting the best technicians. Regalado advises entrylevel employees to keep a positive attitude and a willingness to learn on the job. He also suggests that graduates going into the automotive industry earn professional certifications before they expect a high salary. “There’s a shortage of qualified entry-level personnel in the automotive industry, but the career field and salary range for this type of work show there are great opportunities. There are many ways for graduates to go. We, for example, are looking for two people to become insurance adjusters,” Regalado said. Armando and Lucy Regalado believe in giving back and have remained involved with TSTC. He judges at student competitions and serves on the AUB Advisory Committee. She often represents the business at community functions and leadership seminars.
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Fernando Figueroa
Enrique Carrillo
Antonio Gonzalez
Wind Energy grad earns management title A Texas State Technical College (TSTC) graduate of the Wind Energy Technology (WET) Program is seeing early success in his new career. More than a year ago, Antonio Gonzalez was named construction site manager with Vestas, an international leader in renewable energy. Gonzalez said he began exploring new career options after a slowdown in the general construction industry. “I could see that wind energy was taking off and it was booming,” Gonzalez recalled.
At the time Gonzalez was traveling extensively for his construction projects. So, he began the WET Program with an online course offered by TSTC for its first cohort in summer 2010. The San Benito native had graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in December 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
“I spoke with TSTC educators about making a smooth transition into Wind Energy Technology and I couldn’t have completed registration without program Chair Enrique Carrillo. I knew the only way to get into wind energy was to show a company that I had some knowledge of the industry and I anticipated there would be competition in the job market. The online course was a good start because it was aggressive and challenging,” he said. The coursework covered the history of wind energy, government involvement to sustain early phases of industrial development, and all the parts of wind energy turbines.
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“The course gave students more than theories. We got to understand the applications involving turbine components, schematics, drawings and operations,” said Gonzalez, during a visit to TSTC. “Students worked with computerized monitors and the newest technology advancements in wind energy. Gaining experience by adding qualifications in hydraulics and electronics was crucial for my resume.”
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After commencement in December 2010, he entered training with Vestas, traveling to Portland, Ore., the Mojave Desert and Toronto. The company emphasized safety and provided instruction about wind energy site development, turbine installation, time-line plans, budget processes, personnel management, customer service, communications and record keeping. He regularly consulted with experienced managers.
“Safety is extremely important for Vestas and throughout the industry,” Gonzalez said.
“There are many roles for new employees within wind energy because the industry is growing,” Gonzalez said. “We have just hit the beginning of it and it is going to get larger as we replace fossil fuels with renewable, cleaner energy sources.”
Carrillo said that several programs such as Mechatronics Technology (MET), Chemical-Environmental Technology (CET) and courses in the Computer Information Systems Division (CIS) connect with careers in energy. He suggested that students test their aptitude before choosing a career and then make a commitment to reach the academic goals required for professional success. The WET Program, which built its foundation on the WET Program at TSTC West Texas, plans to add a Certificate of Completion II and Associate of Applied Science degree to its diploma opportunities. The Engineering Division (ED) expanded its courses in August 2011 to the Renewable Energy Education Center (REEC) in Ingleside, Texas, the site of a former naval base that is undergoing conversion into an education-business incubator to spur workforce and economic development. Del Mar College in Corpus Christi is part of the REEC partnership.
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collaboration
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TSTC grad visits NASA en route to job
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Olmos was one of 16 Education and Training Program (ET) graduates from TSTC to complete a prekindergarten through sixth grade interdisciplinary studies Bachelor of Science degree at TAMUK in May 2011. This was part of an articulation agreement signed in 2009 to produce more four-year certified educators from the Rio Grande Valley. Olmos was selected from among thousands of applicants nationwide and traveled to the Johnson Space Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute in Houston this past summer. The workshop advanced her science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching capabilities.
Nancy Olmos launched her career as a teacher by taking classes at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) and even the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
“The experience I got from TSTC and TAMUK made me the teacher I am. The professors at both colleges were there for me every step of the way,” Olmos said. “I tell everyone I know that there is nothing better than starting college at TSTC.”
She put her education and the NASA curriculum to work in a first-grade classroom at Agape Christian School in Mission, where all grade levels joined the adventure. Olmos borrowed moon rocks from NASA and built a three-dimensional, floor-to-ceiling lunar landscape with Earth in the sky that stretched along one side of her room
and her students studied the solar system. The second graders decorated the hallway with illustrations and facts from the universe, while the fifth graders built space exploration robots. All grade levels and many parents toured five science-related workstations in her classroom.
Elementary School in Harlingen during her clinical work for TAMUK, she created a book about children’s images of themselves wearing their career hats as adults so they would think about higher education. She also became involved in the school’s reading centers.
“I hope the excitement and optimism I experienced during my college education stays with me all the time,” said Olmos, who plans to have students compare seeds grown aboard the International Space Station to seeds grown on Earth. “I get excited when the students get excited because it tells me that I’m doing my job. I like to have students go beyond reading to see, touch and feel what they learn.”
“The boys and girls always wanted me to look forward to do something new and I wanted them to keep that attitude,” Olmos explained. Part of her optimistic outlook came from being a first-generation college student and surviving cancer that was diagnosed when she was 26 years old.
She continues to network with instructors from TSTC, TAMUK and NASA; plus, she stays in contact with students from her college days. Some of the outer space educational materials she uses are available online at www.nasa.gov. Her goal to become a teacher began as a dream when she worked as an attendance clerk at Porter High School in Brownsville. “I woke up in bed at about 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. one morning. I sat straight up because I was wide awake and I told my husband, ‘I want to go back to school and be a teacher,’” she recalled. “He said, ‘Go ahead and do it.’”
ET Chairman Dr. Tony Desjardins said the faculty and staff are proud of Nancy Olmos and her peers for becoming pioneers in the first TSTC-TAMUK teacher cohort. “Although resilience is something we often see within many of our students, Nancy provides a true example for all students of where dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence can take you. I am confident that Nancy will become a world changer through the influence that she will have on children,” he said.
The mother of three enrolled at TSTC in 2007. She met ET Lab Assistant Charline Lareau. “She told me about all the courses I should take to complete the Academic Core credits required to transfer. We regularly discussed my progress and my plans; I never felt lost,” Olmos said.
Dr. Albert Ruiz, dean of the College of Education and Human Performance at TAMUK, said that TSTC and TAMUK share a pride in the accomplishments of Olmos. “I am very proud of Nancy, as well as the TAMUK and TSTC communities,” he added. “This was an individual accomplishment with the help of family, as well as both institutions’ faculty and staff. It speaks volumes for the vision both institutions of higher education had to make things a reality for everyone involved.”
In a second-grade, bilingual classroom at Sam Houston
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Students build “Earth Rover” and drive tech frontier
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Computer Drafting & Design Technology (CDDT) students and faculty designed and constructed an all-terrain “Earth Rover” that will make land surveying more efficient and more exact. Complete with geographic information and global positioning systems, the durable machine will let one or two people take geographic measurements of the Earth’s surface, effectively replacing a team of five or six surveyors using hand-held equipment. Daniel Olivarez of Weslaco, a CDDT major, said the Earth Rover team wanted to make the best possible GIS / GPS cart and work began with plans to re-engineer the front end of the frame. “We wanted something that looked modern and tough. So,
we made a three-dimensional drawing, cut Styrofoam and fit it together for visualization,” he said. Armando Villarreal of San Benito, also a CDDT major, said that students added space to the frame for extra computer equipment and more batteries. They added solar panels on the top of the hood to re-energize the batteries that power the cart and its computers. The tires are larger than those on an average all-terrain vehicle. Some nuts and bolts came off the storage shelves, but there are also expensive titanium elements custom built to reduce weight and add strength.
The project’s engineers, technicians and production experts are all students who voluntarily work extra hours beyond normal class time. Olivarez and Villarreal graduated in December 2011 and accepted jobs with L3 Communications in Waco. CDDT Chairman Hector Yanez said that the project serves as excellent hands-on experience for students because they cooperate to design and assemble a complex, marketable product from start to finish. “It’s very innovative to move forward with these technologies because in the process we created drawings, including the computer designs, and plastic models for all the parts. The vehicle has energy-saving features and it
will communicate with satellites from Russia, Europe and the United States,” said Yanez. Villarreal agreed. “This project went beyond textbooks to test the creativity of our imaginations,” he said. “It showed us the importance of communication through discussion and interaction. We really had to listen to each other. We heard a lot of constructive criticism within the team.” CDDT instructor David Campos said that faculty and students consulted with industry professionals for input. The Machining Technology and Auto Collision Technology program students also contributed their skill sets to the pioneering adventure.
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accountability
TSTC signs engineering articulation agreement with universities
The Associate of Science in Engineering Science degree at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Representatives from TSTC, the University of Texas-Tyler, University of Texas-Pan American, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and South Texas College recently signed an articulation agreement symbolizing the engineering partnership between the institutions.
institutions. TSTC administration and faculty worked alongside other ABET accredited institutions to develop the curriculum. Faculty and staff have already begun working in preparation for submission of the ABET application.
TSTC President Dr. Cesar Maldonado said that this partnership would allow TSTC students to transition to universities throughout the state in the biomedical, engineering, and transportation fields.
“This is a special day. Something started today that will make a difference in Texas. This is an ingenious solution to increase the number of engineers,” said UT-Tyler President Dr. Rodney Mabry.
With the curriculum approval from THECB, TSTC will begin the process of applying for ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accreditation, giving engineering students an enhanced opportunity to transfer seamlessly into the partnering
The UT-Tyler spearheaded the initiative to have a two-year college’s curriculum meet the rigor of that for the first two years of a university program in engineering. Guest speaker Dr. James Nelson of UT-Tyler described the
significance of the partnership and what the certification means for future engineers. “What an accomplishment! We’ve been working on this since 1947, and today we’ve done it. Students who maintain a 2.5 GPA with no grade lower than C will now be able to enter into the engineering program at partner intuitions and transfer 65 credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree.” Dr. Mary Smith of the THECB commented about the degree’s future impact. “This Associate of Science in Engineering Science holds promise of becoming a statewide model for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs,” she said. “More than half of the 30 fastest growing careers require math and science.” ABET was founded in 1932 as the Engineers’ Council for Professional Development (ECPD), an engineering professional body dedicated to the education, accreditation, regulation, and professional development of the engineering professionals and students in the United States. Currently, ABET accredits over 3,100 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities worldwide. To learn more about ABET certification visit its Web site at www.abet.org.
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New Student Enrollment and Graduation Trends
Annual statistics reflect new student enrollment increases for Texas State Technical College Harlingen. These increases include each of the divisions within the college. The positive new enrollment figures correlate with an escalation in the number of graduates.
1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Allied Health
New Students by Division
2009
Total New Students
Computer Information Systems
1680 2009
2010
Engineering
Industrial/Manufacturing
1884
2010
2011
Core Completers/Field of Study
1980 2011
Education & Training
180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 0 Allied Health
Graduates by Division
2010
2009 Computer Information Systems
Engineering
Industrial/Manufacturing
2011 Core Completers/Field of Study
Total College Graduates 497
2009
509
2010
Education & Training
648
2011
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Unrestricted Operating Costs & Unrestricted Operating Revenues
The TSTC Harlingen budget, like the TSTC System Core Values, dedicates its focus to the needs of students. Facts prove the priority on students is more more than a policy or a statement. The budget expresses the college's commitment to students in dollars and cents as the percentage of available funds spent on instruction and student services at TSTC Harlingen continually exceeds the state average for two year public colleges.
Unrestricted Operating Costs by Type FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
Instruction/Academic Support
$17,287,950
$17,685,194
$18,685,194
$19,447,259
Institutional Support
$3,569,707
$3,353,977
$3,569,911
$3,648,783
Student Services
$3,601,111
Operation & Maintenance of Plant Scholarships & Fellowships
Auxiliary Enterprises
$4,409,057 $2,005,644 $2,889,259
$3,921,605 $4,828,732 $1,921,900 $2,860,164
$33,762,728 $34,571,572
$3,772,015
$3,754,789
$4,647,581
$4,560,952
$2,610,398 $2,903,820
$35,691,309
$2,664,757 $3,044,382
$37,120,922
State Average vs. TSTC Allocations
TSTC
*Source - Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) - State Profile for Texas Colleges offering 2 year degrees
27.7%
Other Core Services
9.8%
Institutional Support
10.1%
Student Services
Instruction/Academic Support
State Average
29.0% Other Core Services
15.3%
Institutional Support
8.3%
Student Services
52.4%
Instruction/Academic Support
47.4%
Unrestricted Revenues by Source FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
State Appropriations
$20,671,925
$20,905,391
$21,354,329
$20,225,941
State Tuition
$7,314,347
$7,461,659
$8,868,201
$9,153,260
Auxiliary Enterprises
$2,639,868
$4,180,081
$3,241,030
$3,182,795
HEAF Appropriations
Designated Income
$398,085
$3,060,252
$801,312
$747,594
$2,139,734
$34,084,477 $35,488,177
$5,513,684
$176,622
$6,157,503
$39,724,838
$38,896,121
FY10
FY11
Unrestricted Revenues by Percentage FY08
FY09
State Appropriations
60.7%
58.9%
53.8%
52.0%
State Tuition
21.5%
21.0%
22.3%
23.5%
Auxiliary Enterprises
7.7%
11.8%
8.1%
8.1%
HEAF Appropriations
1.2%
Designated Income
9.0%
100%
*Net of transfers and amounts moved to Plant Funds
70%
2.3% 6.0%
100%
1.9%
0.5%
13.9%
15.8%
100%
100%
60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2008
State Appropriations
2009
HEAF Appropriations
2010 State Tuition
Designated Income
2011
Auxiliary Enterprises
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Step Forward initiative focuses on accountability We each have a role to play in helping our students succeed. That’s the principle at the heart of the Step Forward initiative which kicked off this past fall at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen. The plan is to align, advance and achieve together – we align our activities and operation with these objectives, advance together toward the common goal of student success, and achieve our mission of providing Texas the work force it needs to step forward into the future. Provost Adam Hutchison described the marketing concept behind Step Forward as “a logo with a phrase” so employees will remember to align activities and objectives within the strategic plan to help students.
“The Step Forward definition applies to everyone’s job because we want employees to understand the impact on students that we make daily,” Hutchison said. Motivational speaker and author John G. Miller helped TSTC kick off Step Forward. He told a large crowd of employees that the Step Forward initiative for continual improvement focuses on their commitment to students. He emphasized that employees should choose to believe in the organization’s values and accept responsibility to guarantee success for everyone.
Mirna Garcia, Developmental English instructor and president of the Faculty Senate, said that employees embraced the message. “Step Forward validates what the TSTC faculty have done all along, which is to ‘ask not what my college can do for me, but what can I do for my college?’” Miller told employees faced with change to ask themselves two questions: What can I do to learn, adapt and change? What can I do to move the team forward? “I suggest that you be willing to do anything and everything possible that’s ethical to help this organization succeed,” he said. “The ultimate ‘question behind the question’ is, how can I let go of what I can’t control?”
He cautioned employees to avoid three potential traps that they sometimes encounter – thinking like a victim, procrastination and blame.
“Don’t whine and complain; instead, do something positive to make progress. Procrastination is the friend of failure. Stand up and accept responsibility. If you make a mistake; don’t make excuses. “If the organization’s values do not align with mine, I should not stay,” he added. “Believe or leave is one of my favorite themes. Some people think this is harsh, but you should say it to yourself. If you don’t like it, change it. Life is not based on chance; it’s based on choice.” Future employee development programs and workshops will all be designed to reinforce the Step Forward initiative to advance, align and achieve together.
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The Step Forward banners and notices posted campus-wide remind employees that they fill important roles working together to help students graduate in their program of study and reach their career and education goals. They also emphasize the college’s strategic plan to enhance instruction, nurture the college community, be the stewards of resources and enhance image.
“Everyone has a choice to either be with positive people moving forward or to be with a negative group that’s going backward – or nowhere.”
The author’s latest book is “Outstanding! 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional.” He also wrote “Question Behind the Question” and “Flipping the Switch.” The books frequently cite experiences, stories and principles behind learning, ownership, creativity, service and trust that benefit individuals to build stronger businesses, churches, non-profit agencies or other organizations. Details are available online at www.QBQ.com.
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stewardship
Prospective students attend Tech Day
Hundreds of seniors from high schools stretching between Brownsville and Zapata visited Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen for a tour of the campus during Tech Day. The annual event gives prospective students a chance to learn about the different programs being offered at TSTC.
apart and put together engines. So, I am going to look into more specifics about the program.”
Students, mostly seniors, took tours of classrooms, laboratories and dormitories. They were treated to faculty presentations and got to hear the firsthand experiences of students currently attending TSTC.
Rick Ramirez, an AUT instructor who addressed Tech Day groups, encouraged young ladies to select the program as a major. He said that research proves women excel in transportation careers and often score higher on professional tests compared to men. He emphasized that electronic analysis of automotive components as well as engines with greater fuel efficiency and computerization make the auto industry much more advanced in the 21st century.
Samantha Waite, a senior at La Feria High School, was most interested in the Automotive Technology (AUT) program. “I’ve worked with cars and trucks my whole life, especially on the ranch,” she said. “Automotive Technology with its diesel engine training is something that interests me. I want to learn in-depth how to take
“Not just anybody can perform reliable repairs or maintenance on modern vehicles. The technicians must gain approved certification,” Ramirez said.
Alex Reyes, a CSMT major from Mercedes, described how computer installation, repair, system integration and other facets of the program go beyond textbooks and lectures to give students “real world experience” in laboratory and professional settings. “This education really, really prepares graduates for the jobs that are out there. If you want to fix computers, there’s a huge job market in the Rio Grande Valley,” he said. La Feria Principal Mirella Livingston said Tech Day gave her an opportunity to visit TSTC for the first time. “Tech Day is very important for the growth of TSTC,” she said. “It provides a lot of valuable information to our students.” Tech Day has been so successful, the TSTC College Information Office plans to expand Tech Day to two days – one for high school seniors and one for high school juniors – this year.
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Touring students were also introduced to the Building Science Technology (BST), Chemical-Environmental Technology (CET) and Computer Systems Management Technology (CSMT) programs.
“Tech Day is very important for the growth of TSTC.”
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Annual banquet boosts scholarship funds
Rhiannon Soto, a Health Information Technology major, is among the scholarship recipients. The single mother of two quit a retail sales associate job, left her relatives, and moved into a dormitory with her children when she enrolled at
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The event is the culmination of a cooperative effort between TSTC, the community and the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Foundation. The goal is for TSTC and its supporters to raise $100,000 which is then matched dollar per dollar by The Long Foundation to assist deserving students with scholarships.
The seventh annual Noche de Gala fundraiser for Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Harlingen shined a celebratory spotlight on honoree Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, scholarship recipients and donors.
TSTC in 2009. She applied for and earned financial aid for tuition, living expenses and books from the Lozano-Long Opportunity Scholarship Fund. She also gained recognition as a President’s Honor Roll student and became a mentor for students facing college challenges. “Every time I received an award letter from the scholarship fund, it felt like someone gave me a big pat on the back and said, ‘Job well done, Rhiannon. Keep up the good work!’” she said. “Because of your faith in me, I am happy to announce that I will graduate in the spring of 2012.”
Donors included DIAMOND – The Long Foundation, South Texas Academic Rising Scholars (STARS); PLATINUM – CocaCola Bottling Co., United Launch Alliance (ULA); GOLD – Chevron,TSTC Employees, Oxy, SpawGlass, Rotary International, Harlingen Cotton Committee; SILVER – First Community Bank, Dr. Cesar & Liz Maldonado, Capital One Bank, Boggus Ford; BRONZE – Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Daniel Cavazos Scholarship,Texas Gas Service, Dr. Bill & Regent Linda McKenna, Nolan E. Perez, M.D., H-E-B, HALFF Associates Inc., and STAR – Blanca Vela, Cardenas Autoplex, State Rep. Rene Oliveiria, Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
Soto plans to re-enroll at TSTC after graduation to prepare for a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Administration at Texas State University in San Marcos. “From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank you for helping students make their dreams their reality. It is because of your gracious generosity that you made the toughest decision of my life become the easiest decision of my life,” she said. Dignitaries and guests honored a longtime proponent of education, U.S. Rep. Hinojosa of the 15th Congressional District in Texas. The eight-term congressman received a letter of commendation for his commitment to education from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. TSTC President Dr. Cesar Maldonado presented Hinojosa with the Noche de Gala Honoree Award. The congressman has been instrumental in bringing more than $4.2 million in federal grants to TSTC for renewable energy laboratory equipment, solar energy panels for two buildings, wind energy turbines at the Service Support Center, equipment for engineering classes and infrastructure improvements. “Education continues to be the key for our youngsters and adults who seek a successful future. The scholarships make a college education much more affordable for many students,” Hinojosa said. Dr. Maldonado closed the event, held at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center, with special thanks to scholarship donors and praise for the students. “Your hard efforts keep students in college, but the students’ hard efforts get them across the finish line.” Since the gala’s inception, close to $1 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 1,400 students.
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Mike Northcutt
CHAIR OF THE BOARD Longview,Texas 2002-2013
Mike Northcutt, a resident of Longview, has been a Regent since 2002.Northcutt is president of the Longview Branch of Southside Bank -Tyler.
Dr. Cesar Maldonado, P.E.
Board
President,TSTC Harlingen
Mike Reeser, MBA
Chancellor,TSTC System
Regents
John Hatchel
James Virgil (JV) Martin
Penny Forrest
John Hatchel retired in 1999 after serving 32 years in municipal management. He remains active in municipal management as a municipal consultant withTexas First Group. He has also been an active volunteer on community/civic boards and committees.
JV Martin was appointed originally to the Board in 2004. Martin most recently served as the CEO of First Financial Bank in Sweetwater, where he is the Chairman of the bank board.
Penny Forrest, of Waco is the librarian and museum curator of The Scottish Rite Foundation of Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and pursued graduate classes in library and information studies from Texas Woman’s University.
Linda McKenna currently serves as an administrator for Christus Spohn Health System. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Brownsville in government and a master’s degree in public administration from UT-Pan American.
Gene Seaman
Ellis M. Skinner II
Joe M. Gurecky
Joe K. Hearne
Gene Seaman of Corpus Christi served the State of Texas as a state representative from 1996 to 2006 for District 32. He has devoted much of his career to the insurance industry, first for Prudential and then for Mutual of New York.
Ellis M. Skinner II, of Spicewood, is president of Ellis M. Skinner Company, Inc., a construction services company in Dallas.
Joe M. Gurecky, currently serves as the mayor of Rosenberg, a position he has held since 1999. Gurecky is the owner/founder of Gurecky Manufacturing Services.
Joe K. Hearne of Dallas is a retired quality assurance engineering and supply chain manager from ELCAN OpticalTechnologies –Texas, a division of Raytheon Systems. He presently is serving as a substitute teacher for the Dallas Independent School District.
Woodway,Texas 2011-2017
EXEC. COMMITTEE PLACE 2 Corpus Christi,Texas 2008-2013
Sweetwater,Texas 2004-2015
VICE CHAIR Spicewood,Texas 2009-2013
Waco,Texas 2009-2015
Rosenberg,Texas 2006-2011
Linda McKenna
EXEC. COMMITTEE PLACE 1 Harlingen,Texas 2009-2015
Dallas,Texas 2006-2011
The TSTC System is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents and operated under the direction of a system wide chancellor. These Regents, who provide a statewide perspective, are appointed by the governor to six-year terms.The Board meets quarterly to provide leadership and enact policies for the successful management and operation of the system.