As a tenured professor in the Industrial and Applied Technology Department at Galveston College, Tyree Bearden has made an indelible mark on the institution, students and the community that he serves. He is instrumental in influencing and growing the Electrical and Electronics Technology Program at Galveston College.
Bearden also serves as the current president of the Galveston College Faculty Senate, having previously held the position of vice president for two years. He works to ensure that the contributions of all faculty members are recognized and valued. Bearden fosters a strong sense of collaboration and camaraderie among faculty members, advocating for cross-departmental initiatives that enhance student success.
One of Bearden’s most recent contributions has been his role in helping implement Galveston College’s transition from a 16-week to an 8-week course structure, which will fully launch in Fall 2025. This shift will allow students to focus on fewer courses at a time, improving their ability to balance academics, work and personal responsibilities. Bearden worked closely with faculty and administration to ensure their perspectives were heard during the decision-making process, advocating for support systems and resources to facilitate a smooth transition. His leadership continues to provide faculty with a strong voice in shaping institutional policies and reinforcing a culture of student-centered progress.
Bearden provides mentorship, advocacy, and compassion for all his students. For Bearden,
teaching is much more than a profession: it is a calling. With more than 21 years
of teaching experience, he has dedicated his career to helping students unlock their
potential and guiding them toward success.
Over the years, Bearden estimates he has taught over 500 students, many of whom have gone on to become apprentices, journeymen, industry leaders, and even educators themselves. He has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of all the students he teaches.
His commitment to service extends beyond education. Since 2008, Bearden has also served as a minister with The R.O.C.K. World Outreach International Church. He and his wife Tia Bearden serve as assistant pastors at the Houston campus. The R.O.C.K. WOI Church is a non-denominational, multi-generational, multi-cultural and multi-campus congregation. This same inclusive and supportive philosophy is reflected in Bearden’s approach to education. He meets students where they are, encourages them through challenges, and helps them build a strong foundation for both their career and personal growth.
“I love seeing people’s light bulbs come on. Teaching is interactive. You must get to know your students, break down walls and help them see their potential,” Bearden said. “Being a minister also allows me to relate to students in a deeper way and help them through difficult life situations.”
As both an educator and a minister, Bearden brings an extra measure of compassion, sensitivity, and understanding to his teaching. He has a deeply intuitive sense of when students are struggling, often calling them in to see him during office hours to check on them and offer support. Galveston College’s small class sizes allow him to maintain a close connection with his students.
Bearden fosters a sense of trust and belonging that makes his students feel seen,
heard, and supported. He connects them with advisors, financial aid and other services when
they face obstacles such as homelessness, food insecurity, lack of transportation,
unsafe home environments and relationship problems. Many of Bearden’s former students
stay in touch, and some invite him to their weddings and to other life events.
A Journey Rooted in Service and Innovation
Growing up, Bearden had a natural affinity for math, computers, and problem-solving. Born on the south side of Chicago and raised in a military family,
he excelled academically and graduated in 1988 as the valedictorian from Central High
School in Capitol Heights, Md. A guidance counselor encouraged Bearden to pursue engineering,
and that set him on a path to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and
Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1993. He continued
his studies and earned a Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering degree from
the University of Texas at Austin in 1994.
Bearden went on to work for industry giants like Motorola Inc., and Cadence Design Systems, where he specialized in microprocessor design and electronic design automation.
From 1995 to 1999, Bearden worked as a design engineer at Motorola Inc., in Austin, Texas, contributing to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. He played a key role in validating standard cell libraries for advanced chip designs and spearheaded innovative simulation methods to enhance efficiency. His expertise in logic simulation and behavioral modeling led to significant improvements in ColdFire core development, where he trained fellow engineers in a new, faster simulation approach.
Bearden also developed software solutions to optimize design workflows, including writing automation scripts that streamlined chip partitioning processes. His contributions helped reduce simulation cycle times by fivefold, improving efficiency in PowerPC chip development.
In 1999, Bearden joined Cadence Design Systems, Inc., in Austin, as a lead sales applications engineer, combining his technical expertise with strategic client engagement. He was instrumental in securing multiple benchmark contracts by demonstrating the value of Cadence’s design tools over competitors. In addition to providing technical support for semiconductor clients, he played a vital role in education and training – designing and delivering interactive courses on synthesis and design-for-testability. Bearden also represented Cadence at industry trade shows, where he conducted live demonstrations and seminars to showcase the company’s software solutions.
These experiences honed Bearden’s technical skills and laid the foundation for his
transition into teaching.
Transitioning to Teaching and Mentoring
Bearden’s journey as an educator began in 2003 when he joined DeVry University in Houston as an assistant professor in the computer engineering technology department, a role he held until 2014. At DeVry, he taught a range of engineering technology, computer and mathematics courses, including embedded microprocessor systems, digital design, electronics, computer business applications, and college algebra in both classroom and online settings.
Beyond teaching, Bearden played a pivotal role in student success. He managed the Academic Support Center to ensure that students had access to free tutoring in various subjects. His mentorship extended to high school students through the Nationwide FIRST Robotics program, where he helped them program robots using microchip robot controllers and C code.
In 2008, Bearden expanded his teaching expertise to Toshiba International Corp. and served as a technical instructor. He developed and led training courses for both customers and employees, focusing on the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs of Toshiba low-voltage variable frequency drives.
From 2009 to 2016, Bearden took on a leadership role at ITT Technical Institute in
Houston as the electronics chair of the School of Electronics Technology Department.
He provided instructional leadership, faculty support, and curriculum development
for the electronics, technology, and computer education programs. His responsibilities included mentoring faculty,
developing student-centered course schedules, overseeing program assessments, and ensuring academic rigor. In addition to his leadership role, Bearden instructed
students in C, C++ programming, engineering technology, and various mathematics courses,
including embedded microprocessor systems, digital systems and AC/DC electronics.
Bearden transitioned to community college teaching in 2017, serving as an adjunct instructor at Alvin Community College and Lone Star College. He taught developmental and technical math courses, helping students build foundational skills in algebra and trigonometry.
Transforming Lives at Galveston College
In May of 2017, Bearden joined Galveston College as director of the Electrical and Electronics Technology Department, where he has played a pivotal role in expanding programs, securing funding, and enhancing student success. Bearden has transformed the department into a thriving hub for aspiring electricians and engineers.
When he first arrived at Galveston College, however, the Electrical and Electronics Technology Program was small – his first summer had just one student. That student, Alex Prince, would later become one of Bearden’s greatest success stories.
Prince completed the electrical program under Bearden’s guidance and soon began working as a lab assistant in the classroom in 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Prince stepped up to teach his own classes, eventually becoming an adjunct instructor. In 2022, Prince won the Galveston College Adjunct of the Year Award – an honor for which Bearden secretly nominated him.
“Mr. Bearden’s hard work and dedication to student success inspires me. He has changed the trajectory of my life,” Prince added. “He freely shares his wisdom. He is always supportive, and he offers me many opportunities to showcase my talents in the educational field.”
Inspiring Future Engineers
Bearden’s leadership at Galveston College has strengthened the curriculum and fostered a supportive learning environment, in which students from all backgrounds have the resources and guidance needed to succeed. His commitment to career-focused education has been instrumental in growing and expanding the department’s offerings to meet industry demands.
The Electrical and Electronics Technology program provides comprehensive training
in the installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems used in residential,
commercial, and industrial settings. Students gain hands-on experience with AC/DC theory, wiring
practices, digital electronics, programmable logic controllers, industrial motor controls,
and the National Electric Code.
In addition to growing the Electrical and Electronics Technology program, Bearden spearheaded the launch of Galveston College’s Instrumentation Technology program in 2018. He served as the principal investigator of a National Science Foundation Grant that funds the program. This program equips students with the skills needed for entry-level careers in instrumentation technology, a field critical to industries such as manufacturing, energy and process control. Students learn integrated control systems, circuit testing, instrument maintenance, electrical theory, and troubleshooting of process instruments.
Both programs offer multiple pathways, including certificate programs at entry and advanced levels as well as an associate of applied science degree. Depending on the track chosen, students can complete their training in as little as one semester or up to two years.
The Galveston College Electrical, Electronics Technology, and Instrumentation classes use state-of-the-art equipment, including robotics and advanced wiring systems. The college provides hands-on experience that prepares students for real-world careers.
Bearden’s vision continues to drive the expansion of these programs. He also fosters relationships with employer partners such as The University of Texas Medical Branch, Centerpoint Energy, Freeport LNG, the Community College Partnership Initiative in Workforce, the Daikin Texas Technology Park, Digital Air Control Inc., TechLabs, Advanced Technologies Consultants, Moody Gardens and the Galveston Independent School District.
Bearden actively encourages students to explore skilled trades as a viable and rewarding career path. He helps them to understand that obtaining a four-year degree is not the only route to success.
“Strive to get your associate degree,” Bearden advises his students and others considering higher education at any age. “Start now, be proactive in seeking scholarships and financial aid, and take advantage of every learning opportunity available to you.”
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.