Former TSTC student worker receives Provost’s Outstanding Achievement Award

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology graduate Jason Gryder received the Provost’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the recent Summer 2024 Commencement.

“The award recognizes students who go above and beyond high-level academic performance,” Bart Day, TSTC’s Marshall campus provost, said. “During his tenure as a student worker, there wasn’t an area of campus Jason didn’t have a positive impact on. I know he’ll be a tremendous success in the workforce.”

The Atlanta, Texas native enrolled at TSTC after economic fluctuations began to affect his income in tire manufacturing, which made it difficult to support his family.

“I went from making an average of $30 an hour down to $20 in under a year,” Gryder said. “I didn’t like the ups and downs of it, so I decided to pursue a career in linework because I saw how my friends were living. I felt like if they could do it, I could do it too.”

Gryder said being older than the average student made linework a bit strenuous, but it pushed him to be more than he thought he could be. His maturity was noticed by the TSTC staff, who recommended him for a student worker position at the admissions building.

“Ever since day one, it’s been an awesome journey; meeting new people, making new friends, meeting the instructors and eventually becoming friends with them, and also working at the front desk,” Gryder said.

At the Summer 2024 Commencement, Gryder only expected to earn his certificate of completion. He became emotional when Day announced his name for the award.

“I feel like I have a servant’s heart and I really enjoy helping people,” Gryder said. “Getting the Provost’s Award …it was a great honor.”

Gryder said several career opportunities have opened up for him and he cannot wait to begin providing for his family again.

According to onetonline.org, electrical powerline installers and repairers earn a median salary of $72,510 in Texas, where the number of these jobs was projected to grow 24% between 2020 and 2030.

Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology is available at TSTC’s Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion.

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.