TSTC History

Texas State Technical College, created by the 59th Texas Legislature in 1965 by SB 487 as James Connally Technical Institute (JCTI), was established to meet the evolving workforce needs of Texas' business and industry community. JCTI was established on the soon-to-be closed James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas. Then Governor John Connally predicted the institute would be, "the most sophisticated technical-vocational institute in the country."

In 1967, the Texas Legislature approved a second campus in Harlingen for the South Texas region. The Harlingen campus, also built on an abandoned air force base, immediately found strong support among South Texas residents. In 1970, the Legislature created additional campuses on former air force bases in the Texas Panhandle region in Amarillo and in the West Texas region in Sweetwater. The four campuses were known as the Texas State Technical Institutes at Waco, Harlingen, Amarillo, and Sweetwater.

As demand for quality technical education grew, extension centers were created in McAllen (1983), Abilene (1985), Breckenridge (1989), Brownwood and Marshall (1991). In 1991, the Texas Legislature elevated the status of the institutions by designating them two-year technical colleges with the name Texas State Technical College (TSTC). The Marshall extension of the Waco campus was established with strong support from the City of Marshall, the Marshall Economic Development Corporation, and the surrounding East Texas communities. On September 1, 1999, the Marshall extension center was officially designated a stand-alone campus by the Texas Legislature, and it became known as Texas State Technical College Marshall.

TSTC Marshall's purpose is to "be a recognized institution of excellence in technical teaching and learning, and a preferred resource for economic and workforce development initiatives in the State of Texas." TSTC Marshall is a co-educational two-year college offering Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Certificates of Completion in advanced and emerging technologies.

TSTC Marshall prepares its students with a rigorous and demanding curriculum to meet the high demands of an increasingly competitive global economy. The College's focus is on developing a technical curriculum and teaching methodologies that reveal the theoretical and practical application of applied technologies. The curriculum is delivered in state-of-the industry classrooms and laboratories on the North and South buildings. This industry standard curriculum prepares TSTC Marshall graduates for immediate employment in advanced and emerging technologies. The College's contribution of educated, well-trained technicians promotes growth for Texas industry and economic development for Texas communities.

Industry Advisory Committees are an essential component of TSTC Marshall's instructional program development and assessment. Advisory Committee members are recognized leaders in their respective fields. The on-going involvement of these members ensures that TSTC Marshall students receive a quality education and meet the demands of a rapidly changing, increasingly competitive global workplace. Committee members meet on a regular basis and provide guidance and insight on curricular offerings in each technical discipline. Graduating students who quickly become valued employees in area businesses is one standard by which TSTC Marshall measures its success.