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Scott two cycles of HEAF( Higher Education Assistance Funds) funding to replace outdated equipment,” he said, adding that hazardous materials and other debris were removed, the building was repainted and thoroughly cleaned.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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