(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Brandon Foster is the newest associate provost at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus, joining John Kennedy in the position.
Once an instructor for TSTC’s Diesel Equipment program, he has a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that the college’s faculty and students face on a daily basis. As such, he hopes to use his past experiences to help be the voice of those he oversees in his new role.
“I see the associate provost role as a balance of mentorship, strategy and collaboration,” Foster said. “Ultimately I want to ensure faculty, staff and students have what they need to thrive while upholding TSTC’s values.”
Bryan Bowling, provost of the campus, is happy Foster is adding his talents and leadership.
“He’s walked the path — Brandon has served with distinction in the classroom, led as a program team lead, shepherded the launch of two of our newest programs and understands the heart of our mission from the inside out,” Bowling said. “His insight is informed, his leadership is earned, his steady temperament and an exceptional ability to process information is essential to our decision-making process and he embodies the culture of our campus.”
Foster began his career as a shop helper for a trucking terminal, working on maintaining vehicles that stopped there. He later worked for a mechanic who would fix trucks out of his yard. When the mechanic was retiring, he encouraged Foster to get a certificate or degree, something Foster would take to heart.
“My boss at the time knew that having a cert or degree was going to be needed to get hired,” he said. “I got to work getting my first certificate and was lucky enough to be offered a lab assistant position while getting my second.”
After working postgraduation as a diesel instructor at Central Texas College, Foster eventually found his way to a teaching position at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. He worked in that position for five years before becoming a Diesel Equipment program team lead.
“I applied because I wanted to be the voice for the instructors,” Foster said of being team lead. “I tried to do my best to make sure the faculty and staff were heard and their concerns addressed.”
When the position of a second associate provost came up, Foster said he was hesitant about applying but ultimately decided to.
“Every opportunity you don’t take you miss,” he said. “In my new role, I believe we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.