By Kimberly Martinez and Katy Martinez
Videographer and Promotional Manager
Q. What drew you into this field?
A. I actually saw an ad in the paper for a faculty position with TSTI, and it was like it was written for me. I had never thought about teaching until then. I applied, got the job and it started my career.
Q. What does a typical day or week look like in this role ?
A. A typical day begins with preparing for class, grading papers, maybe a meeting, then class. I actually love developing lab activities. I think I like developing a class as much as teaching the class. Whatever I develop, I like to share with other instructors in the program.
Q. What are the biggest challenges you have faced in this role?
A. One of my biggest challenges since coming to AC was redesigning the Advanced Manufacturing program. We developed a set of questions centered around the skills and knowledge that we were teaching at the time and presented them to our Business Leadership Council (BLC). They ranked them for importance. The result was the removal of certain courses and adding courses that reflected their needs. We completely restructured the program and our delivery method. In the midst of this we were awarded three different grants. Because of the new equipment we purchased through these grants, every course had to be redesigned. It has been a tremendous challenge and a lot of work the last three years.
Q. What have been your proudest achievements working in advanced manufacturing?
A. Two things that I have been proud of is the growth of our program and the number of internships our students have received over the last three years from various companies. I was recently promoted to Faculty Coordinator of the Advanced Manufacturing program.
Q. What was your educational journey like?
A. It’s been a long journey. After graduating from West Texas State University (now WTAMU) with a BS in Industrial Technology, I went to work at ASARCO. This was in 1979. During that time I also received an AAS from AC in Industrial Maintenance. After leaving ASARCO I went to work at TSTI teaching in the MET program (Mechanical Electrical Technology). After two years I left and attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for three years and earned a Masters degree in theology (MDiv). I returned to TSTC and picked up my teaching job. While I was gone the Texas State Technical Institute changed their name to Texas State Technical College (TSTC). I worked at the college and was also a bi-vocational pastor. In 1995, the TSTC campus on the old air base was basically given to Amarillo College. After the merger of programs, I was laid off. I went to work for Frank Phillips College, teaching a mechanical course for Phillips 66 employees and then became the director of the Manufacturing Technology program. It’s been a long journey and I’m leaving a lot of stuff out. I later went to work for Clarendon College in Pampa under David Hall. I developed the Industrial Maintenance program for Clarendon and taught there for three years. During that time, David left Clarendon College and went to AC as the Associate Dean on the east campus. When an instructor position opened David called me and asked me if I would like to apply for the position. I did! I have to say coming back to the east campus and working for AC has been the most enjoyable and challenging part of my career.
Q. How long have you been at AC?
A. My plan is to retire at the end of this school year, but I must say I have a lot of mixed emotions about retiring. I love teaching and being around the students. But I turn 70 this November, and I need to spend more time with my wife and attend my grandchildren’s events.
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