TSTC hosts open house at East Williamson County campus

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus hosted several hundred area high school students on Friday for its first in-person open house since 2019.

“It’s so energizing,” said Lissa Adams, provost of TSTC’s East Williamson County campus. “I think everybody is excited to be in good company. It has been great seeing parents here with their students.”

Students learned about the Culinary Arts, HVAC Technology, Industrial Systems, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs, along with TSTC’s online programs.

“We have had great feedback,” said Tim Hemesath, lead instructor in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program. “We have had some applications. There is a lot of interest.”

Students were treated to demonstrations put on by some of the programs. 

TSTC student Adam Cox, of Pflugerville, talked to visitors throughout the event about the small oil pans he was making in a computer numerical controlled milling machine in the Precision Machining Technology program.

“We get to show them the process and prove what we know,” Cox said.

Jacqueline Ehrlich, a welding teacher at Taylor High School, accompanied more than 40 students to the event. The students attending were the first ones to fill out the school’s field trip form, she said.

“I hope they learn about the opportunities (that TSTC offers) since it is so close (to Taylor) and the job opportunities,” Ehrlich said.

Lauren Gripentrog, a counselor at the Leander Independent School District, was attending her first TSTC open house event. She said she enjoyed learning about the application process and available scholarships.

“It’s a beautiful campus,” Gripentrog said. “I look forward to helping the students on their path here.”

Some of the school districts represented at the event included Georgetown, Hutto, Johnson City, San Marcos and Thorndale.

TSTC’s East Williamson County campus is located in the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.