Unit Verse

Last Friday I traveled to Waco, TX to the campus of the Texas State Technical College for the annual meeting of the Web Design & Development Advisory Committee. This was the second time in 3 years that I’ve been able to attend and it was great to see everyone again and to make some new friends.

My gift from the TSTC Web Club: a t-shirt from their recent campus fundraiser
Nerf-gun game, Humans vs. Zombies. Thanks guys!

TSTC is taking quite a conscientious approach to their curriculum and working to ensure the best, most relevant instruction for their students by engaging professionals from around the state. In fact they’re reaching out beyond the borders of the state of Texas, as for instance Chris Mills joined us via Skype from Manchester in the UK. By learning what professionals and agency owners are doing today, preparing to do tomorrow, and what we’re looking for when we hire, TSTC can more appropriately shape what they’re teaching. It’s a good plan.

I like the fact that our advisory committee does more than just offer gentle suggestions or general guidance; we’re helping to make the real decisions. Our recommendations are immediately translated into specific agendas and specific curriculum offerings, are voted on, and then incorporated into the schedule that will be submitted to the state board. Our responsibilities are tangible, which prevents the typical malady of committees: ineffectuality.

So, thanks to Bob Simonette and the faculty and students in the TSTC web department. It’s encouraging to see what you’re doing with higher education. I dig what you’re doing and I look forward to working with you in the coming months. Now …if we can only do something about your website…