LSC–CyFair founding professor shares love for fitness

In the nearly 10 years since Tim Sebesta joined Lone Star College–CyFair as one of the founding faculty members, he has helped launch several programs on the campus, ranging from the tennis team to the sustainability committee.

"When we opened our doors, what was so nice was they didn't tell us no to anything," Sebesta said. "If you were interested in something, you took the ball and ran with it. The whole goal was to start a brand new campus, but it not appear that way."

Growing up, Sebesta took part in several sports but gravitated toward tennis. He began working at a tennis club and ended up giving lessons there to younger children—an opportunity that jump-started his love for teaching.

Sebesta went on to earn an undergraduate and master's degree from Sam Houston State University, where he also became a graduate assistant.

"The first moment I started teaching the college class I thought, 'This is what I want to do for the rest of my life,'" Sebesta said. "When I started pursuing a job, my main emphasis was teaching, not research. I was told if I wanted to focus on teaching I should look at a community college."

Although he taught at a community college system in New York for 10 years, Sebesta moved back to Texas when the opportunity at LSC–CyFair presented itself.

"Tim has demonstrated passion for the college, our students and its community," said Feleccia Moore-Davis, LSC–CyFair vice president for student learning. "He works tirelessly in all of these arenas. He is diligent and conscientious about his discipline and student learning."

To give students an avenue to continue playing tennis, Sebesta started the tennis team at LSC–CyFair in 2004 with 15 players.

"I wanted to create something that was a continuation of the high school tennis experience so that when these kids finished high school and they came to a community college and wanted to play tennis, they had somewhere to go," he said. "The tennis team was an avenue for them to continue playing tennis and find their niche while they are here. The growth has been incredible. Now we are up to between 40 and 55 kids."

Community service and outreach is a big part of the tennis team, and Sebesta tries to focus on underserved or needy populations.

"We do a lot with Cypress Assistance Ministries, whether it's a toy drive or Thanksgiving food drive," he said.

In addition, Sebesta hosts a tennis tournament each semester in which the entry fee for all schools that want to participate is a can of tennis balls, which are donated to the National Junior Tennis and Learning network.

"He and his students believe it's important to give back to the community, so they are very involved in serving those in need throughout the year," said Kelly Ann Norton, LSC–CyFair media relations coordinator. "Tim is a humble servant leader whose genuine and caring spirit is an inspiration to all."