TSTC sees growth as fall semester begins

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus began the fall semester Monday, Aug. 28, with an increase in enrollment.

The campus now has 300 traditional full-time students, 25 workforce training students, and 150 dual enrollment students.

“We’re growing, and we’re excited about growing, but we have room for more,” Marcus Balch, provost for the North Texas campus, said. “We want to continue to do more and expand our reach, within the county and within the region, to continue to serve our partners.”

Balch said the aspect he is most looking forward to throughout this new school year is the diversity of students on campus.

“(I) think this year (I’m looking forward to) continuing to see how the different types of students that we have on this campus mesh together, and the learning environment that that creates, as a result of bringing different types of students together,” he said. “And really just seeing how we can, as a result of having more students in the mix, ultimately how we can better serve industry and make more and deeper connections with our industry partners.”

Samantha Gonzalez, a Welding Technology student, was previously a dual enrollment student but is now a full-time student. 

Gonzalez said she is also looking forward to the new school year.

“(I’m looking forward to) learning new things, learning how to weld, and working with the instructors,” she said.

Gonzalez said TSTC had impacted her during her time as a dual enrollment student and she returned full time for that reason. The instructors were who Gonzalez said inspired her most.

“The instructors are always looking for you to go beyond and are teaching you new welding practices,” she said. “They make sure that you’re focused and learn the subject, and are always there for the students.”

TSTC’s North Texas campus offers nine programs and provides different learning options, including in-person, dual enrollment, online, and performance-based education. 

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