Sul Ross University
Magaly DeLeon
Sul Ross Industrial Technology chair Scott Wassermann ( left ) with woodworking students Josiah Bencomo , Fort Davis ; Junior Catano , Marfa ; and Thomas Stoddard , Big Bend National Park . Since re-instatement a year ago , the IT program has grown to 24 majors .
Scott two cycles of HEAF ( Higher Education Assistance Funds ) funding to replace outdated equipment ,” he said , adding that hazardous materials and other debris were removed , the building was repainted and thoroughly cleaned .
“ When I first walked through the 19,000 square foot building , all we heard was crickets ,” he said . “ IT pretty much received a facelift over the last six-eight months , and you don ’ t hear crickets anymore , you hear machinery , and that ’ s music to your ears .”
Wassermann , mentored by Smith , developed a number of new courses , including solar energy technology , which is
“ Industrial Technology is something tangible that appeals to a broad spectrum of learners ” enhanced by grant funding . Advanced welding technology and welding certification classes are now offered for the first time . Welding certification has attracted considerable industry interest for qualified students .
“ If a student passes 3F and 4F ( welding requirements ), they can automatically qualify for 16-week company welding programs ,” Wassermann said . “ Salaries start at $ 35,000 and this ( certification ) gets a big foot in the door .”
Somewhat surprisingly , the most popular course has been black-and-white photography , offered as a creative arts option in the degree plan .
“ Last fall , we capped the class at 20 students and there were more students wanting to get in ,” Wassermann said . “ We will offer it again next fall .”
Welding remains a popular course as well , and adjunct instructor Ray Bullock brings 40 years of industrial experience and 30 years of teaching to the program .
Terry Ross , a retired tool and die maker with 33 years ’ experience , serves as an adjunct instructor in machine tool technology . Wassermann teaches three classes ( with labs ) in both the long semesters , including engineering drawing , basic electricity and woodworking during the present semester .
“ The solar energy course elicited interest from the community and led to an anonymous $ 10,000 donation for scholarships ,” Wassermann said , adding that seven different Sul Ross endowments offer scholarships for IT majors .
Industrial Technology has also added the Administrative Systems and Technology program , which prepares students for a career as a supervisor , administrative assistant , executive assistant , records manager , technology coordinator , corporate trainer , and manager . Courses are taught by Mazie Will , associate professor of Business Administration , and the program has 15 majors .
Wassermann said that two IT courses are now included in the core curriculum for every campus degree plan .
“ We are confident that the continued administrative support will foster additional growth ,” said Wasserman .
“ Scott has just done an outstanding job ,” said Guerrero . “ He was faced with adversity , he persevered and now he ’ s making progress . There is a whole different atmosphere ( in IT ) and what we were wishing it to be the first time we walked through the building , it has kind of become . It is really uplifting to see the program back with 24 majors .”
For more information , contact Wassermann , ( 432 ) 837-8137 or jwassermann @ sulross . edu .
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