Tinkering in technology has always been a passion for Michael Dones.
The Harlingen native turned that passion into a career as an instructional designer at Texas State Technical College. Dones, a graduate of Harlingen South High School and Texas A&M-Kingsville, has already seen some of his ideas come to fruition even though he has been on the job for just over one month.
“I am helping to develop our online courses and online programs,” Dones said.
Dones started his career in education as a band director and has also worked at the community college level. While serving as a band director, Dones said he included music technology in the curriculum.
But he wanted to return to his hometown and help Harlingen students earn a degree.
“I love, love, love Harlingen. I want to help Harlingen grow. I want to find students here and especially want to see the kids graduate,” he said.
Dones has seen some of his former band students walking around campus.
“It is really cool to see my former students working hard to get an education and preparing for the future,” he said.
Since arriving at TSTC, Dones said the faculty and staff have been welcoming.
“It is a different feeling. Everyone at TSTC is like a big family,” he said. “It is great working in that type of environment.”
For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.
