(AUSTIN, Texas) – Lawmakers in both chambers of the 86th Texas Legislature honored Texas State Technical College today with resolutions declaring Feb. 27, 2019, as “TSTC Day at the Capitol.”
TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser noted that TSTC is different from all other colleges in Texas.
“TSTC is all tech, all the time,” he said. “At each of our campuses we try to focus on the program mix that the regional employers in that area are seeking most.”
Representing TSTC on each chamber’s dais alongside Reeser were Board of Regents Chairman John K. Hatchel and Electrical Power and Controls instructor Jonathan Bonkoske.
They were joined by TSTC students Iris De La Fuente, an Instrumentation student at the Waco campus, and Victoria Rincones, who is studying Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics in Harlingen.
Adam Hutchison, provost at TSTC in Waco, recognized the importance of the event to educate lawmakers on the value of TSTC to the state.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate who we are as a state agency here at the Texas Capitol, where all the business of the state gets done,” he said.
Cledia Hernandez, provost at TSTC in Harlingen, emphasized the importance of TSTC to the state’s economy.
“Having the opportunity for our students to come and share with our legislators what we are doing and the impact we have in the economic and workforce development in the state of Texas is tremendous,” she said.
The resolutions were sponsored in the House by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco, and in the Senate by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury.
Sen. Birdwell described TSTC’s unique funding formula.
“It’s the only college system in the country that is funded solely on outcomes and performance,” he said. “TSTC doesn’t get paid until students get paid.”
Additionally, about 1,000 legislators and staffers were treated to Amy’s Ice Creams as a way to celebrate TSTC Day at the Capitol.
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