TSTC’s Waco campus starts the spring semester

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus began the spring semester on Monday, Jan. 9.

“The first day of the spring semester represents an opportunity to kick off the new year with a bang,” said Beth Wooten, acting provost of TSTC’s Waco campus.

Enrollment coaches worked quickly during the morning at the Student Services Center to get students on their way to classes.

“We look forward to having students back on campus,” said Kassie Harrington, a TSTC senior enrollment coach. “Today is a happy day. We can see what we have worked hard to build.”

Clayton Blank, of Belton, started his first day at TSTC attending a new student orientation hosted by the Welding Technology program.

Blank, who will pursue an associate degree in the program, previously studied agricultural mechanics and played football at a four-year university in the state.

“I miss football more than anything, and I could go back and play, but I am ready to start my life,” he said.

Blank said he is excited about the hands-on work he will do in the program.

“I knew this was the best school in Texas for welding,” he said.

Mason Smith, of Bryan, is an Automotive Technology student working on a certificate of completion. He said the first day of the semester is an exciting day because he gets to meet new instructors and students.

I am looking forward to the challenge and to prove to myself that I can do it,” he said.

Students will be welcomed back to campus this week with activities at the Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center and the on-campus Village Oaks Apartments.

Students moved into TSTC’s duplexes and the Red River Apartments, along with the Village Oaks Apartments, on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Wooten is excited about the TSTC Career Services department this year starting technical program-specific expos for industry partners to have direct access to students. She is also eager for the open house that will take place later this semester on campus.

The campus will host two state district high school SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conferences in February.

Career Services will host its spring Industry Job Fair for students and alumni on Tuesday, March 21.

TSTC’s Spring 2023 Commencement is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, for the Waco campus.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.