Student and Alumni Stories

Industry Track

Learn about how our students' and alumni's experiences at Navarro College have impacted their career objectives.

 

headshot of Tim Wren

Tim Wren, Class of 2011

 Control Room Coordinator at Aethon Energy

Tim Wren was one of the six Navarro College petroleum technology students who received the Encana Natural Gas scholarship which helped cover expenses in college tuition, fees, and books. 

After he graduated from Navarro in 2011, he worked for Encana Corporation for five years as a control room operator.  He is now a Control Room Coordinator with Aethon Energy (Dallas) and runs a 24/7 DOT Regulated Control Room. He has even hired three Navarro College graduates.

"I was living in the Tyler area and commuted 85 miles each way to take night classes in the Petroleum Technology program. I really felt like the professors wanted you to be successful and learn, rather than just push you through the semester and on to another course. ” - Tim Wren, '11

 

 

 

Updated: July 2023

 

headshot of Chris Goodwin

Chris Goodwin, Class of 2015

Production Technician at XTO Energy

Chris Goodwin was a HVAC technician for 13 years before he felt he needed a change. His job at the time didn't have much room to move up the ladder so he could provide more for his family. He knew that Navarro College had many career track options and a pretty good reputation in all of the different fields of study. He was most interested in the Petroleum program and its success rate of graduates finding immediate employment. Chris has been working with the XTO Energy since he graduated from Navarro College in 2015.

“Leaving a stable job of 13 years was a scary decision but one I’m glad I made. In a time when many small companies are shutting down due to oil prices, I am working for the largest oil company in the world, and just received a raise.” - Chris Goodwin, '15

 

Updated: July 2023

 

 

 

 

Submit a story: If you are a graduate of Navarro College, we want to hear about your life after Navarro.  Let us know what you're doing and how Navarro College helped you get there. Share your details on this Story Submission Form for a chance to be included on our website.  We will follow up with you individually to develop a story that can be shared with students and other alumni.