In a cluttered workshop buzzing with welding torches and reverberating with the sound of grinders against metal, you’ll find Dorman Vick in his natural element, patiently mentoring his students through sparks and steel. Yet, the journey that brought him to this workshop, becoming a cornerstone of vocational education in Boerne, Texas, began far from this scene.
Raised in North San Antonio, Dorman’s childhood was shaped by a single mother and the steadfast presence of his grandparents. His grandfather, who ran a front-end alignment shop, was his earliest and most profound influence. “Watching my grandfather work tirelessly instilled in me a deep respect for working with my hands,” Vick recalls fondly.
But his early life wasn’t without significant trials. “I carried a hatchet and was ready to knock a head off until I was 25,” he admits openly, reflecting on the anger and confusion of growing up without knowing his biological father. At the age of 25, Vick’s life pivoted dramatically when he finally met his father at his paternal grandmother’s deathbed. That critical moment allowed him to “put that hatchet down” and start redirecting his life’s path.
As a teenager, Vick took a leap of faith, transferring from Clarke to John Marshall High School specifically for its agriculture program, even though it meant leaving friends and familiarity behind. It was there, in agriculture classrooms and livestock shows, that he first discovered his passion. “I knew early on success came from others investing in me,” says Vick, recalling teachers like Joey Tomlinson, Steve Chumbley, John Vasbinder, and Charles Vickery. These mentors weren’t merely educators; they were pivotal figures who provided discipline, encouragement, and direction. “Some of my most severe ‘rear chewings’ came from Mr. Tomlinson,” Vick remembers, “shaping me into the man I am today.”
At just 15, driven by a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, Vick began welding stands for gas water heaters in his stepfather’s garage, unknowingly laying the groundwork for his future career. Despite a clear aptitude for welding and fabrication, Vick initially pursued a college degree in Animal Science at Sul Ross State University after an impulsive road trip. While academically successful, he realized he “missed the boat” on agriculture, coming to understand his true calling lay elsewhere.
After college, personal upheaval brought him back home, redirecting him once again to vocational education. A chance encounter at a cowboy church in Pearsall, hearing the powerful testimony of John Byron Strait—father of country music legend George Strait—became a definitive moment. Strait’s story captivated Vick, marking the instant he fully embraced his calling as an educator. Just days later, he began his first teaching role at Clarke High School, setting the stage for a transformative career dedicated to empowering students through the trades.
In 2004, Dorman Vick stepped into Clarke High School for his first official day as a welding and drafting instructor. Faced with the daunting task of teaching a diverse group of students, many of whom spoke little to no English, Vick initially felt overwhelmed. Rather than retreat, he confronted the challenge head-on, transforming potential barriers into opportunities. “That became one of the most rewarding classes of my entire career,” Vick recalls, marking the early foundation of his educational philosophy: empowering every student through hands-on, practical learning.
A year later, in 2005, a new opportunity arose in Boerne ISD—a chance to build a welding program from scratch. With minimal resources but an abundance of determination, Vick embraced the challenge, declaring from day one, “It’s all about the kids.” His relentless focus on student growth and hands-on instruction quickly turned a modest vocational offering into a world-renowned program.
The early years were marked by grit and resourcefulness. The welding shop initially lacked even basic equipment such as benches, storage racks, and carts. Vick and his students worked tirelessly, fabricating their own infrastructure from raw materials. This not only taught practical skills but also instilled pride and a sense of ownership among the students, fostering an atmosphere of excellence and resilience.
Vick’s initial students didn’t merely learn welding techniques; they crafted BBQ trailers, wildlife observation towers, welding trailers, and innovative structures, earning recognition and accolades almost immediately. “That first year was a Cinderella story,” Vick proudly notes. Projects that started as sketches on paper rapidly became tangible symbols of student achievement and community pride. Local and state competitions quickly took notice, and awards began accumulating, bringing further attention—and resources—to the program.
As the program flourished, so did its ambitions. Notable projects soon caught the attention of prominent organizations and individuals. Students built the “Big Dipper,” a custom cattle dip trailer commissioned by the USDA. In partnership with Jesse James of West Coast Choppers fame, they created a specialized hunting trailer for a disabled veteran through the Texas Farm Bureau. Perhaps most emotionally impactful was the Iron Rose statue dedicated to the victims of the tragic Sutherland Springs church shooting—demonstrating the profound ability of vocational education to serve and uplift communities.
Vick’s approach always prioritized community involvement, with students frequently choosing service-oriented projects over purely competitive ones. Recent efforts include constructing a stunning new entrance archway at the Boerne Cemetery and multiple structures for the City’s River Road Park Bank Stabilization Project. These undertakings not only showcase technical prowess but also embed a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and community service in his students.
Yet, Vick maintains that his true mission transcends trophies and accolades. The real reward, he explains, is witnessing the personal growth of his students. Over two decades, he has consistently emphasized the development of leadership, respect, excellence, and moral character. His classroom isn’t just a workshop; it is a formative space where students learn to become responsible, community-minded adults.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Vick humbly deflects personal praise, instead highlighting the success of his students. He takes immense pride in tracking their journeys beyond graduation, celebrating their successes as welders, entrepreneurs, military servicemembers, and community leaders. This selfless dedication has not only shaped individual lives but also solidified his program as a cornerstone of vocational education in Texas, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments and impacts in the future.
Nearly two decades after beginning his journey as an educator, Dorman Vick stands resolutely at the forefront of a burgeoning vocational education revival. His vision transcends mere technical training; it is rooted in reshaping societal views about the dignity and critical necessity of skilled tradespeople.
“For too long, we’ve undervalued the trades,” Vick asserts passionately. “We’ve outsourced critical skills and lost respect for those who build our country with their hands.” In his eyes, restoring vocational education is not just beneficial—it is essential to national prosperity and resilience. “Hamlet, Juliet, and inflated balls on fields are great, but they won’t rebuild America. Our tradesmen and women will.”
The powerful advocacy of Vick’s vision is evident through partnerships with prominent figures who share his mission. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry and Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath have lent significant support, but none have influenced him as profoundly as Retired Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco. General Sisco has become more than just a supporter—he is Vick’s closest mentor, role model, and friend. “General Sisco has been instrumental in shaping not just my career but also my understanding of leadership and community service,” Vick reflects. The mentorship and personal support from Sisco have provided Vick with the strength and guidance needed to lead a national movement for vocational education.
This movement has already taken tangible shape through the Welding Student Support Foundation, an initiative championed by Vick and his dedicated allies. The Foundation aims not only to support vocational programs financially but to change the national conversation around skilled trades. Vick sees Kendall County as uniquely positioned to lead this charge, encouraging local communities, businesses, and policymakers to rally behind practical, hands-on education.
Chris Franklin, General Manager of Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne, underscores the significance of Vick’s impact, stating, “Dorman Vick is the most influential teacher that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I could only wish for a teacher that is so selfless with his time. When you walk into one of his welding classes, you can just feel the difference. Dorman and his students have also caught the attention of a past Texas governor, military general, and celebrities like Jesse James and many more. Dorman and his students have set the framework for generations of students. When you meet Dorman or any of his students, you will quickly realize this program is important.”
In October 2021, a harrowing experience sharpened Vick’s focus even further. Fighting for his life against COVID-19 with only a 15% chance of survival, he experienced a profound moment of clarity. “Lying there, near death, I realized my mission wasn’t finished,” he recounts soberly. The support from the community during this crisis, coupled with the unwavering strength of his wife, Stephanie, and sons Cade and Colter, reminded Vick of his purpose. “They are why I breathe each day.”
Now, fully recovered and more determined than ever, Vick passionately calls for systemic educational reform. “We must stop stigmatizing the trades,” he argues. “I’ve yet to meet a successful person who hasn’t faced hardship—true grit is built by overcoming challenges.” With over 80% of local taxes funding education, Vick insists that residents demand nothing less than vocational excellence. “We owe it to our kids. We owe it to our country.”
His vision extends decades into the future. Asked about his legacy, Vick responds without hesitation: “Fifty years from now, I want to be remembered as the guy who brought vocational education back to its rightful prominence.” He views his role as part of a divine plan, humbly stating, “Everything we’ve achieved has been by divine providence. From John Byron Strait’s testimony to today’s successes, it’s all part of God’s plan.”
Jonathan May, a former student and now father to a daughter in Vick’s program, echoes this sentiment powerfully: “As a former student, and now the father of a daughter in the program, I can say this: There’s no better teacher, no better foundation, and no better place for young students to learn than under Dorman Vick. His legacy isn’t just in the trophies—it’s in the lives he’s changed, generation after generation.”
Vick remains a tireless advocate, confident that a vocational education renaissance is not only possible but already underway. His passion is infectious, his dedication unwavering, and his impact undeniable. As communities begin to rally around his call to action, Vick’s mission moves closer to reality: reviving the trades, honoring craftsmanship, and rebuilding America—one skilled, confident student at a time.
Through his unwavering dedication to vocational education, his profound influence on countless lives, and his steadfast commitment to community service, he exemplifies leadership, integrity, and humility. His life’s work isn’t merely about welding—it’s about cultivating character, instilling values, and empowering the next generation. In Kendall County and beyond, the name Dorman Vick stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and unwavering belief in the potential of every individual. In every sense, Dorman Vick embodies what it truly means to be The Kendall Gentleman.
