(RED OAK, Texas) – After five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Nathan McDivit decided to join the automotive industry.
“I got a job at a (truck) dealership, and under their mentorship, my service manager told me that an associate (degree) is the way to go and Texas State Technical College is one of the best colleges for diesel programs in the state,” McDivit said. “It’s all about the success of the students, and that made me comfortable in choosing TSTC.”
McDivit enrolled in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at TSTC’s North Texas campus. He said it has been challenging balancing his education, his family and a full-time job, but applying what he learns in school helps him in his work at the dealership.
“All of the things that I’m learning here (at TSTC), I can turn around and go find jobs at work and get more hands-on than I could here,” he said. “It’s really helped to give me a full perspective of what it is that we’re learning.”
McDivit said one of the things he misses from the Marine Corps was mentoring his subordinates. Eric Wheeler, a Diesel Equipment Technology instructor at TSTC’s North Texas campus, said McDivit brings those guidance skills to the classroom, always wanting to help other students.
“I find Nathan to be dedicated, intelligent, motivated, outgoing and resourceful,” Wheeler said. “Nathan shows leadership all throughout his classes. He never wants to stop learning, and he always embraces new technology.”
McDivit plans to earn his Associate of Applied Science degree from TSTC in December 2025. He said he hopes that his degree will help him move into a managerial position one day.
“For us, the guys that are in their mid to late 20s that are here, TSTC is our chance at a better future, gaining the skills that we need to succeed in this industry,” McDivit said.
Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC’s Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. The program offers several Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.