(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus now has its first full-time recruiter working with veterans, their spouses, and dependents.
Gerron Smith began work in August at the North Texas campus. He also will continue recruiting students at TSTC’s Marshall campus.
“Recruitment is just like sports,” Smith said. “I like sports. It is my passion. It is getting these kids to get them to actually know how to survive in this world now — how to survive and maintain outside the military.”
Smith’s work involves making connections. He reaches out to veterans organizations, chambers of commerce, Texas veteran commission, and other groups to gather resources to help student veterans.
“Having Gerron on campus and in the community focusing on growing our veteran-student population is very exciting,” Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC’s North Texas campus, said. “I am looking forward to having a stronger veteran-student presence on our campus to continue to support our industry partners with skilled employees with a proven track record.”
Smith said people leaving the military should start planning their future at least six months before their separation date.
“I try to get them to the next step, the next level,” he said. “You graduate from TSTC, you have a national championship for life.”
Megan Redmond, associate manager of admissions and enrollment at TSTC’s North Texas campus, said Smith is critical to campus growth.
“With the significant veteran population in Ellis County and the surrounding area, his expertise is crucial in helping us support these students,” she said. “He has a remarkable ability to connect with students, ensuring they receive the support they need.”
Smith grew up in Alabama and moved with his family to Nashville, Tennessee, to finish high school. He grew up playing a range of sports, from basketball to football.
Smith has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science with Therapeutic Studies from Tennessee State University and a Master of Science degree in Sport Administration from Arkansas State University. He also served himself in the military.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
