(RED OAK, Texas) – Axel Mendoza, an Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology graduate from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus, received the Provost’s Award for academic achievement along with his Associate of Applied Science degree at the college’s recent Summer 2025 Commencement.
“The Provost’s Award is a prestigious honor given to graduating students who have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence,” Marcus Balch, provost of the North Texas campus, said. “Axel won the award because he met all the criteria with exceptional performance.”
Mendoza, a Dallas native, said he was always interested in drafting and design but worried that he would not have time for college between work and family obligations. He said TSTC’s performance-based education, which lets participating students progress at their own pace, was what he needed to succeed.
“Honestly, it worked out great because if it wasn’t for having something like this, I don’t think I would have finished my degree at all,” he said.
Mendoza said he could not help but feel special when his name was announced for the Provost’s Award.
“I felt like my efforts, my work, was seen,” he said. “In a way, I proved myself with the help of my peers, my teachers and the staff.”
Tyson Skinner, a Drafting and Design instructor at TSTC’s North Texas campus, nominated Mendoza for the award.
“Axel has shown a real dedication to the program since he first began at TSTC,” Skinner said. “I really believe that Axel has the right determination and character to go far wherever he ends up after this.”
Mendoza said he plans to start his own architectural firm someday.
Drafting and Design is available at TSTC’s Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses, as well as online. Several associate degrees and certificates of completion are offered, depending on location.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.