Tri-County Technical College Annual Report 15-16

PARTNERSHIPS & PATHWAYS

2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT

RANKED #1 • • • • • •

Student Success Ten-Year Enrollment Growth Degrees Awarded over a Ten-Year Period Graduation Rate Number of LIFE Scholarship Recipients Successful Transfer to Other Colleges and Universities

Source: SC Technical College System

Community Partners,

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e chose Partnerships and Pathways to be the theme of the 2015-16 annual report as a tribute to the important role each of you play in helping us to create solid pathways to student success at Tri-County Technical College.

The signs of our successful partnerships are all around us—in the highly-successful Bridge to Clemson program, still flourishing after ten years; the Connect to College program, also celebrating ten years as a much-needed option for students who need an alternative to traditional high school; and our fast-growing Technical Career Pathways program that allows high school students to get a head start in preparing for high-tech jobs in advanced manufacturing.

As you will read in the pages of this report, no two pathways are alike. Samuel Hill’s dream of enrolling in the United States Naval Academy came true only after he was able to prove his leadership and academic talents at Tri-County; Caleb Allen’s internship and degree in Mechatronics opened a pathway to his next career goal; and Megan Moss was able to finish her high school diploma through Connect to College, complete a degree in Industrial Electronics, and land a great job with a bright future in manufacturing. These and the other stories of success clearly show the important role Tri-County plays in the lives of the people and communities we serve.

President Ronnie L. Booth, Foundation Board Chair Peggy G. Deane, and Commission Chair Leon (Butch) Harris

Looking ahead, we have two major capital projects underway that support student success and economic development. Earlier this fall, we broke ground on our long-awaited Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus. This 75,000 square-foot building will house a learning commons that includes our library collections, flexible meeting spaces for students, computer labs, study areas, and tutoring spaces, as well as student development offices, IT services, and more. In addition to a new building, the project includes a complete refurbishment of Ruby Hicks Hall to house TC Central, a one-stop enrollment center, curriculum and academic support services, administration, and conference/training spaces, as well as the installation of a central chiller plant and energy loop.

In 2017, we will break ground on the Oconee County Workforce Development Center at the Industry and Technology Park in Westminster in partnership with Oconee County and the School District of Oconee County. The Center will co-locate an Oconee Campus of Tri-County and a new Career Center for high school students. We have the opportunity to create a dynamic center where education, economic development, workforce training, and industry come together in ways we have yet to imagine.

There is a reason Tri-County Technical College continues to lead the S.C. Technical College System in student success, graduation, and transfer rates. We do the right things right, and we have the unparalleled support of partners like each of you.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all of you—our business and industry partners, county councils, legislative delegations, donors, public school officials, and friends—for your unceasing support. We all are moving in the right direction, and it is remarkable what we can accomplish by working together.

Ronnie L. Booth, Ph.D. President

Mrs. Peggy G. Deane, Chair Tri-County Technical College Foundation

Mr. Leon (Butch) Harris, Chair Tri-County Technical College Commission Partnerships & Pathways | 1

Wallace Cobbs 2 | Partnerships & Pathways

Living the W

allace Cobbs was wowed by the Clemson University campus when he took a college tour during his junior year at Mauldin High School. It was 2004 - just a few years after Time Magazine named Clemson Public College of the Year, and it was on the fast track to being ranked a Top 20 national public university.

“This was what my dream school looked like, but I quickly realized I wasn’t going to be accepted because I hadn’t taken school seriously,” said Wallace, who went back home and buckled down for the next two years and began to study, pulling his GPA above a 3.3 by his senior year.

Dream

He still applied to his first choice, Clemson, but was among the 900-plus recent high school students who narrowly missed admission. They were being offered another chance through the newly-established Bridge to Clemson program, a first of its kind in South Carolina. Bridge to Clemson is an invitation-only program that blends the traditional academic experience at Tri-County with the social and cultural experiences of being a Clemson University student.

“When I received my letter, I took it as a chance to prove myself. I was grateful for the opportunity,” said Wallace, who was a member of the first Bridge to Clemson class in 2006. After three years as a Reading/Social Studies teacher at Pendleton Elementary School, this summer he was promoted to Assistant Principal of New Prospect Elementary School in Anderson.

He admits that he thought Tri-County would be less rigorous than a four-year university but says, “I quickly realized they named it Harvard on the Hill for a reason! Classes were difficult with lots of rigorous assignments that prepared me for Clemson,” he said.

He learned from friends at Tri-County about the Call Me MISTER program, a nationally-known scholarship teaching program developed by Clemson University to meet the shortage of African American male teachers in South Carolina’s elementary schools. In its 15th year, Call Me MISTER is dedicated to changing the face of education in America by putting more African American males in the classroom as teachers and role models.

Wallace said African American male teachers were nearly non-existent when he was in elementary and middle school - if you exclude coaches and gym teachers.

“When I did see them, they stood out and I remembered them,” he said. Wallace himself was raised in a single-parent home until his mother remarried after he graduated from high school. “She gave all that she could, but there are only so many hours in a day,” he said of his mother, who worked a full-time job as an engineer while he was growing up. “Not all kids have a male role model in their lives. As an educator, it is my job to act as their role model. I want to help other kids, like me, who have no male guidance but who have potential,” he added.

He says the guidance he received through his Call Me MISTER mentors prepared him to do what he is doing today. Through MISTER role models, like Field Coordinator Winston Holton, he began to understand the effect he could have on students.

Continued on page 4 Partnerships & Pathways | 3

Living the Dream (Continued from page 3)

An example that stands out in Wallace’s mind is when he was a student teacher, a student told him he couldn’t do his assignment because he didn’t have a dictionary. “When I told Winston the story, he asked me ‘why didn’t you buy him a dictionary?’

Talking with Winston reminded me that you have to look at the little things and be cognizant of students’ environments. You have to take it to the next step and go beyond the call of duty. That is what the Call Me MISTER program teaches—there are male teachers and there are great male teachers. It’s not about showing up when the bell rings at 8 and leaving at 3,” he said.

“The MISTER program was a life changer. It gave me a chance. I’ll stay involved forever and continue to recruit and spread the word,” he said.

“I am living the dream. I am making changes in kids’ lives. I saw evidence every day when students’ test scores rose and they got excited about education and their opportunities,” he said.

“I always wanted to be where I am now. It’s one thing to say you want something and another to be there.” said Wallace, 27, who graduated from Clemson in 2011 with an Elementary Education degree, earned an Educational Administration and Supervision degree from Southern Wesleyan University, and now is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Clemson.

He expects to shock more than a few former Mauldin High classmates when he attends his 10-year high school reunion this fall. He says they will see an entirely different person, thanks to Tri-County, Bridge to Clemson, Call Me MISTER, Clemson University, and SWU. “Look how far I’ve come. Education is the key that unlocks the door. When I talk to kids ages 11 – 12, it’s hard for them to understand how important it is. I explain it by telling them my story about what education can do. Education results in wins, not losses, and getting a job that you love.”

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Where Are They Now? LeAnna Lennon and her soonto-be freshman roommate Alex Bumgardner met over the summer in 2012 before Bridge to Clemson classes started and continued their conversations via phone, texts, and e-mails.

They became fast friends and learned a lot about each other, but one piece of information didn’t reveal itself until move-in day when their mothers met.

They discovered both of their grandparents were former Clemson University presidents. LeAnna’s grandfather is Max Lennon, who served as President from 1986-1994, and Alex’s grandfather was Robert Franklin Poole, who served from 1940-1958.

“It was very random because we found each other on a website; we weren’t paired as roommates,” said LeAnna.

LeAnna’s goal was to go to Clemson after graduating from high school, but knowing Clemson’s stringent admission requirements, she says she anticipated a 50/50 chance she would be accepted. When she received a letter inviting her to the Bridge to Clemson program, she immediately said, “I’ll give it a shot.

It’s my road to Clemson.”

“It was the best thing I did,” LeAnna said. “It really prepared me for Clemson.” Initially being a Food Science major, her first semester she signed up for three demanding classes—Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus. “I had never taken a Chemistry class so Tri-County’s smaller classes and approachable instructors were what I needed. I quickly learned what is expected in college. I’m a real advocate for the Bridge to Clemson program. It really boosted my academic confidence,” she said.

LeAnna graduated in August 2016 with a degree in Language and International Trade with an emphasis in Spanish. She landed a job as a Global Trade Content Analyst with Integration Point in Charlotte, NC.

The first day Eric Roper reported for work as a mechanical engineer for NASA’s Sounding Rocket Operations Contract on Wallops Island, Virginia, there were six rockets on his desk. His job was to design the hardware, draft all the drawings for each part, submit them to the shop to get all the hardware built, draft up the assembly drawings, create a test plan, and then present all this information to his upper management, NASA, and the customer throughout the life cycle of each individual rocket.

Four months into the job, he had launched his first rocket and within the next three years, he had launched a total of six rockets. Today, Eric designs rocket payloads for scientific research and experiments, along with targets for defense contracts.

“It’s very exciting,” said Eric, 26, an Easley native, who credits his academic and professional success to the Bridge to Clemson program, Clemson’s Engineering curriculum, and engaging in co-op opportunities.

Before graduating from Clemson with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 2013, he had three job offers—from the CIA, SPAWAR in Charleston, and NASA. He chose NASA because of the internship he completed there while at Clemson.

“The Bridge program allowed me to ease into the college atmosphere. The general education and math classes I needed were taught by great Tri-County instructors who helped me to get ahead of the game when I got to Clemson in 2009. I was definitely prepared for my sophomore year,” said the 2008 Wren High graduate.

10th ANNIVERSARY Tri-County Technical College is home to the nationallyknown Bridge to Clemson program, a unique freshmanyear program that blends the traditional academic experience at Tri-County with the social and cultural experiences of being a Clemson University student.

The program enables a select group of academically-talented freshmen who narrowly miss admission to Clemson to enroll in a distinctive academic transfer program at Tri-County and then transfer to Clemson for their sophomore year. This invitation-only program is a first of its kind in South Carolina.

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ulie Saylors and Deno Bolt have spent years working as paramedics, responding to emergency 911 calls where they work to stabilize patients in potentially life-threatening situations and then transport them to the ER for a doctor’s care. It’s likely they would see the same individual one, two, or three weeks later, battling the same chronic illness and again transporting him or her to the ER for another costly visit.

Saylors and Bolt still work as paramedics with AnMed Health, but are now called Health Care Coaches—a similar role to that of a community paramedic—functioning outside the emergency response mode by putting primary care and public health services back into the home. They approach each case by educating the patient on his or her condition with the goal of reducing re-admittance to the hospital.

Local paramedics are obtaining this training through the College in the first Community Paramedic Training program in the State. The 300-hour program exceeds the 225-hour minimum required

by State guidelines, which calls for 100 instructive and 125 clinical hours of training. Tri-County’s program offers 100 hours of classroom training, 150 clinical hours, and an additional 50 lab hours.

The Community Paramedicine Advisory Committee was named Advisory Committee of the Year for 2016. Accepting the award, from left to right, are Advisory Committee members V. Taylor Jones, deputy chief, Emergency Services Division, Anderson County; Steve McDade, director, Unified Communications Center, Anderson County; William Blackwell, EMS Chief, Abbeville County; Andrela Riley, Healthcare Director for healthcare excellence in the Corporate and Community Education Division at Tri-County; Randy Bowers, CEO, Bowers Emergency Services; and Chris Bowers, director of operations, Bowers Emergency Services.

Randy Bowers, president of Bowers Emergency Services of Easley, approached the College in 2015 seeking to start a community paramedic program in the area. He saw a need for his community and reached out to staff from his company, along with AnMed Health, Anderson County Emergency Services, Abbeville County EMS, and Baptist Easley. The group created the Community Paramedic Advisory Committee which he now chairs.

“Communities are expanding the role of paramedics to provide better, more cost-effective healthcare,” said Andrela Riley, healthcare director for Healthcare Excellence in the Corporate and Community Education Division. “Our role is to provide the training needed to make this possible.”

their social and medical needs. We spend an average of 1 – 2 hours with a patient in their homes, reviewing and organizing their medications, answering questions, arranging transports, making doctors’ appointments for them. We do whatever it takes. You can’t do this with emergency calls.”

Community paramedics also make referrals. “With this class, we are now more familiar with what resources, such as Meals on Wheels, are out there to help better serve our patients,” said Saylors.

“A healthy community is our collective goal—maintaining folks’ chronic conditions at home before they get out of hand. This can be a life-changing event which leads to healthier communities,” Bowers said.

“We are their advocates, their liaisons. We make things happen,” said Bolt. “We come into the homes of our patients and tend to Partnerships & Pathways | 5

More than Construction.

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ri-County Technical College broke ground September 16 on a 75,000-square-foot Student Success Center, the first new building on the Pendleton Campus in two decades.

“This is a milestone day in the history of our College,” said Dr. Booth to a crowd of county officials, legislators, community partners, faculty, staff, and students who crowded Fulp Plaza to witness this long-awaited day.

The $42 million project will include a new building that houses a learning commons, library collections; meeting spaces; computer labs; study areas; supplemental instruction and tutoring spaces; Student Development Offices; Information Technology Services; College Store; Café, Printing Services; and shipping and receiving.

The project also includes a complete renovation of Ruby Hicks Hall, and the installation of a central chiller plant and chilled water loop.

The Student Success Center is a key component of the College’s strategy to increase student success, reduce long-term maintenance costs and address double-digit enrollment growth. “Student support facilities were built 25 or more years ago and are designed to accommodate about 3,500 students. The College now serves around 5,000 students at the Pendleton Campus. Currently, students sit in the halls to study and are cramped into nooks and crannies all over campus. Our current Café is woefully inadequate to meet students’ needs. There is very little place for them to work on team projects and study together. This Center will increase space allocated to students and their academic support. I am so pleased this day is here,” he said.

“As we expect our students to develop 21st-century workplace skills, like teamwork, collaboration, communication and social skills, we need to provide spaces where they can hone these skills outside the classroom,” said Dr. Booth. “The Student Success Center is important to achieve our mission and fundamental to delivering a transformative student experience and an investment in our students’ success.”

Site prep for the construction got under way this summer, which required the removal of the amphitheater and Clarke and McKissick halls. The Student Success Center is set to open January 2018.

The Ruby Hicks renovation will begin in 2018 and will take about a year to complete. It will include a One Stop Center designed to improve efficiencies and customer service by allowing for co-location of admissions, advising, registration, financial aid, cashier and other enrollment services.

Construction of the new building is expected to take 18 months.

The entire project, including the renovation of Hicks Hall, will take two and one-half years.

The architectural firm for the project is LS3P Associates, LTD, Greenville, SC, and the construction firm is Juneau Construction Company, LLC, Atlanta, GA. 6 | Partnerships & Pathways

Architectural Rendering Southeast View of Student Success Center

Transformation.

Oconee Campus on the Horizon In 2017, we will break ground on the Oconee County Workforce Development Center at the Oconee County Industrial and Technology Park on Highway 11 in Westminster.

A partnership between Tri-County Technical College, the Oconee County School District, and Oconee County will create a unique center for technical education, work-based learning, and economic development.

The new center will co-locate an Oconee Campus of Tri-County Technical College, a new Career Center for high school students, adult education, and county economic development offices.

“We have the opportunity to create a dynamic center where education, economic development, workforce training, and industry come together in ways we have yet to imagine,” said Galen DeHay, senior vice president of Tri-County and a member of the project team. “In addition, co-location will save money through shared infrastructure, labs, and equipment.”

One of the goals of the College Commission for several years was to obtain property for an Oconee County Campus, said Dr. Booth. “This partnership is a national model for the rest of the country,” he said.

Partnerships & Pathways | 7

The Leonardos 8 | Partnerships & Pathways

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Perfect , .Match

ohn Leonardo describes himself as a technician first and a teacher second.

But the lines that separate the two careers often blur as John, a technician at Bosch, teaches the skills he performs in plant in his role as an adjunct Industrial Electronics Technology (IET) instructor at the College’s Easley Campus.

“Teaching makes me a better technician,” said John, who sees himself in many of his students and his associates on the job– those individuals working a third-shift job, maintaining family responsibilities, fighting sleep deprivation, and battling self-doubts that they can make it all work.

Less than 10 years ago, when John was working as an assembly line operator on third shift at Bosch, he watched the technicians work and said, “I want something more. I want to do that. To get there, you have to change your life.”

Now co-workers and students approach him and say, ‘I wish I had your job.’ “I explain what I did to make it happen. But it won’t be easy,” said John.

He worked third shift and drove to Tri-County for an 8 a.m. class.

After classes, he went home, did homework, got some sleep, and did it all over again. “You have to sacrifice. But it’s never too late to go back to school and it’s definitely worth it. It changed our lives,” he said.

His wife, Heather, completed her associate degree in Nursing in 2014 and is now a Registered Nurse at Baptist Easley.

John went on to be named a 2009 IET honor graduate and was promoted to a technician when he graduated.

Life for the Leonardos began to change.

For the first few years of their decade-long marriage, they didn’t think education mattered. John’s parents never attended college and because of family finances, college wasn’t a consideration. He entered the Army when he graduated from high school and spent six years in the Army in an artillery unit.

He gave college a shot when he got out of the military, but it was short lived. Heather also gave college a try but it didn’t last long.

“At 18 I wasn’t in the mindset. My work ethic was always there, but my desire for an education wasn’t,” she said.

“I always said John had more in him than being a bartender. It was what he did to make money; it wasn’t who he was for life,” she said.

He got a job at Bosch and entered the IET program through the company’s tuition assistance program.

After graduating with highest honors at age 30, he was promoted to technician and works three 12-hour days on weekends. John began teaching at the Easley Campus in 2012.

“I really enjoy giving back, passing on my knowledge and guiding students, some of whom are just like me,” said John.

Before Heather returned to college, she worked for eight years as an Executive Assistant for the Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs. The organization sent her to a class to become certified as a CPR instructor. “That’s when I fell in love with nursing and began to look at nursing as a career. But I didn’t know if I had it in me. I didn’t have the confidence in myself,” she said.

When Heather entered Tri-County, at age 32, she began in comprehensive studies classes, catching up on what she didn’t learn or remember from high school. She made all A’s her first semester and began to gain confidence.

Heather, who graduated with a 3.7 GPA, is continuing her education, working toward a BSN online at Boise State University.

“Tri-County improved our incomes and our lives, and I made lifelong friends there,” said Heather.

John says it makes his day when former students call him to tell him about their successes. “I see them go from no money to being successful. It means I did my job well.”

“John has gone from not seeing his own potential to seeing it in everybody, especially his students,” said Heather.

Partnerships & Pathways | 9

The Jones , Choose a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Heather and Brian Jones had often heard that well-known adage throughout their lives, but they had never experienced it.

Until this year.

The Albrechts , Husband and wife Nathan and Stephannie Albrecht spent the last two years in the Mechatronics program, both seriously dedicating themselves to building competitive resumes to present to potential advanced manufacturing employers.

The minute Danny Stovall, technical trainer for Voith Industrial Services, saw their names come across his desk, he immediately set up an interview and testing, hoping to make them a part of his team. The former program coordinator for Tri-County’s Mechatronics program, Stovall recognized and remembered their tenacity and work ethic in the classroom and knew they would be an asset to the Spartanburg Voith team.

Both Stephannie and Nathan passed the written, mechanical, and electromechanical aptitude tests and one month before spring graduation, the Albrechts secured jobs as Maintenance Technicians (Level II) for Voith, a contractor for BMW’s Greer plant.

“They are the best candidates for our training program,” said Stovall. “We wanted them to work for us because they are dependable and hard working. They know the material.

They ask questions and they want to learn more. We need 40 more just like them.”

The couple from Williamston entered Voith’s three-year technical training program that is available for Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering Technology, and General Engineering Technology graduates. “We are building a pipeline of skilled workers,” Stovall said. “This is a great opportunity to develop people and put them on a career path,” he added.

Nathan spent 10 years in the Marine Corps and when he got out in 2012, the couple moved to Easley. He worked in law enforcement until a shoulder injury and surgery made him think about changing careers.

Both knew they needed college to move forward. They began to look at colleges and discovered Tri-County.

“Tri-County changed our lives and gave us opportunities we wouldn’t have had before,” said Nathan.

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Heather, 36, a stay-athome mom while their four children were growing up, is finding her niche while pursuing a career as a Phlebotomist in the health care field.

Brian, 45, an Army Gulf War veteran and former police officer, discovered he has a real knack for computers and is enjoying every minute of his newfound career as a Computer Technician and Webmaster for Spartanburg County School District 2.

Retraining at Tri-County put the couple back to work in jobs they love and provided the financial stability and benefits they need. Even the one-hour commute from Clemson to Spartanburg can’t erase the smile from Brian’s face, Heather notes. “It doesn’t bother you if you are driving to a place you like,” Brian said.

Neither had talked seriously about college during their eight-year marriage. Money, or the lack of, and time were the main stumbling blocks. “We never thought college was an option until Tri-County provided a starting-over point for both of us,” said Heather.

Brian’s Computer Technology degree, coupled with Heather’s Phlebotomy certification, will change the family’s lives and they are quick to point out that it wouldn’t be possible without scholarships provided to Tri-County by the SC General Assembly for short-term job training programs through the Corporate and Community Education Division (phlebotomy for Heather) and a VA scholarship for Brian. Tri-County received $335,000 for in-demand, QuickJobs training in the areas of manufacturing, health care, transportation, and logistics.

Scholarships of up to $2,000 per student were granted to successful applicants like Heather.

“Without it, I wouldn’t have my certification. We finally are going in the right direction,” she said.

Not long after Brian graduated in 2015, he was offered a job in Spartanburg School District 2.

“My employer is impressed with the job I’ve done. That’s a reflection of what I was taught at Tri-County,” he said.

“Tri-County has been a blessing to us. We could still be scraping by with dead-end jobs, but Tri-County opened doors for employment,” she said.

“It’s a whole new ballgame when you enjoy what you do,” he added.

under-resourced adults who have a high school credential and want to gain a solid career direction, but need help getting started.

“I knew I could do it now; I just didn’t know how to get started. I didn’t have the resources, but I had the initiative,” she said.

Data indicate there are thousands of people in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties who are unemployed or underemployed who could benefit greatly by obtaining the types of credentials awarded by Tri-County. Often individuals are not sure where to start, have limited resources, and don’t understand career options and opportunities.

During the 11-week class, participants are introduced to technology-based career opportunities in the region; learn 21st-century work skills; develop college-readiness skills; and earn an industry-recognized certification—OSHA General Industry Standards training—which is appropriate for employment in any career field.

The course is offered at no cost, thanks to State proviso funding approved by the SC General Assembly—as well as support from the Duke Endowment.

SMART START S

Roxene Swanwy

over

ince dropping out of high school at age 17, Roxene Swaney spent the last 10 years in a variety of minimum-wage jobs, one of them serving on the housekeeping staff assigned to clean Fulp Hall on the Pendleton Campus. As she watched the students in the labs and classrooms she was cleaning, she often thought, ‘I wish I was there.’ Holding her back from entering college was getting her GED.

While recuperating from knee surgery earlier this year, Roxene had the time to study for the GED, the first step in fulfilling her dream of entering college.

She received her GED recently after nine months of study. This summer she was a student taking college classes in the building she used to clean. She says her dream became a reality because of the support she received from the College’s first-ever “Smart Start Over” class. Often known as STEM College and Career Readiness (COL 120), the course was designed specifically for

“Smart Start Over provided me with information and resources. The class helps with the fear of going back to school. It also helped me realize I must meet deadlines to succeed in college. I learned ways not to procrastinate. I’ve learned to implement these strategies in life and in my studies,” she said.

Now she completes work before the last minute. “It was a hard habit to break. Time management is a big issue, and I learned ways to succeed without struggling. Now I know what to expect,” said Roxene, who is enrolled in Nurse Aide classes this fall.

“For so many years, I didn’t know the importance of education. But with three kids now, my husband and I want to show them that you can’t do the bare minimum and get by. My kids are proud of me.

When I got my GED, we were all excited. They knew how much it meant, and by enrolling in college, I am setting an example for them.”

“At Tri-County, we have the opportunity to change lives every day and, as a result, build stronger communities,” said Dr. Booth. “This course is all about meeting people where they are, and helping them get to where they want to be. Our challenge is to identify individuals who could benefit from this course and help them to enroll. Once these individuals see and understand the possibilities that lie ahead, we will have helped them take their first step to a better life.”

Partnerships & Pathways | 11

Mechatronics Instructor Mark Franks observes his students in the lab.

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Teens on Track

here are so many good things about the College’s Technical Career Pathways program that it’s hard to pinpoint which one is best.

Industry leaders tout the program as an answer to finding trained and competent graduates with the skills needed in advanced manufacturing and other STEM-related careers.

At the top of the list is free tuition, compliments of the SC General Assembly, who approved a $1 million State-funded proviso that is making it possible for high school students to take college courses in technical career pathways with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Tuition and related expenses are funded under the proviso.

Both parents and students appreciate that the program gives students a head start on college, allowing them to complete an associate degree in a technical program within one year of full-time study after high school.

“Free college credit in high school is a big one,” says Chris Woodson, a Palmetto High School graduate, who was enrolled in the Mechatronics pathways classes at Anderson 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center.

Anderson 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center Director Hollie Harrell says what stands out to her is that the program creates, not closes, opportunities for everyone—especially those students who never considered college and are now getting ready to enroll at Tri-County with college credits.

Coming in a close second is earning a credential (Technical Operator I certificate) from Tri-County before he graduated from high school.

“I didn’t expect this opportunity to come along,” says Palmetto graduate Christopher Rector, who took his first Mechatronics class this past year.

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“It has been eye opening. I learned skills—electrical and mechanical—I didn’t know I had. It turned out to be fun and cool,” said Rector, who began to consider a career in advanced manufacturing.

There’s a waiting list for all pathways classes—Welding, Mechatronics, and Auto Body—and it’s because of instructors like Mark Franks, said Harrell. Tri-County instructor Franks taught 45 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Belton-Honea Path, Palmetto, Powdersville, and Wren high schools in the Mechatronics curriculum at the Career and Technology Center.

“He interacts well with the kids, and he knows how to motivate them and to relate to them as individuals.

He gives them a sense of purpose, and he has a true commitment to transforming these young adults,” said Harrell.

“We must keep a pipeline of young folks coming and the only way to do that is through the Technical Career Pathways program,” Franks said.

In just two years Tri-County’s Technical Career Pathways program has grown from seven students in one district to 166 students from all seven school districts. Each program is unique to each district and includes pathways for Automotive Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Electronics, HVAC, and Welding.

Nick Stowers earned 12 hours of college credit by taking Mechatronics, Math, and English dual enrollment courses. He had one year of college left when he enrolled in Tri-County’s Mechatronics program this fall.

Michael Dayne Chandler, a Wren High School graduate, earned college credit for six classes—two in the 11th grade and four in the 12th—all paid for by the State-funded proviso.

Students who once were considering a four-year degree are now looking to enroll at Tri-County. “They are realizing that companies are looking for individuals with electrical and mechanical skills—what they learned in these dual enrollment classes,” said Franks.

Brett Johnson, a graduate of Belton-Honea Path High School, said, “I thought I wanted to be an engineer, and I took this class and now I want to continue with Mechatronics at Tri-County.”

Parker Monteith, a Powdersville High graduate who enrolled in the Mechatronics program this fall, says these courses placed him ahead of the curve. “By earning an associate degree at age 19, I’ll be able to enter the workforce with skills that are in demand. I made the right career choice, and this class helped me to determine that.”

“Students want to be here and want to succeed,” said Harrell. “Mr. Franks has a unique way of creating a community of learners. They have mutual respect for each other and for him. He creates a safe environment where they have a voice. He sets an expectation and challenges them. He forms a relationship and is respected and allows them personal responsibility for their learning. He gives second chances when they make mistakes. He really has made a difference at Anderson 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center.”

“This is a family, a team,” said Franks. “What one does affects all of us, just like in industry. When you grasp that, it changes your attitude about learning and it contributes to your maturity and your success. Their teamwork will translate to their success in future jobs they have in manufacturing.”

The National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) selected Tri-County’s Technical Career Pathways in Mechatronics as one of its “Promising Practices” to be featured in the NCPN 2016 Conference publication highlighting best practices from around the nation.

Blake Owens Partnerships & Pathways | 13

ANCHORS AWEIGH F

or 22-year-old Samuel Hill, 2016 has been the year of results.

“This is the year where I have seen my hard work pay off,” said Samuel, a 2016 associate in Science graduate who spent 2015 working toward his goal of being accepted into the United States Naval Academy. Only seven percent, or 1,184, of the 17,043 applicants are admitted.

After a year of preparation and application, he learned from Senator Tim Scott’s office in February he was offered a full qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. The admission process is lengthy and requires the nomination of a U.S. Congressman or one of the State’s two U.S. Senators. Samuel received both—a #1 nomination from Congressman Jeff Duncan and a nomination from Senator Scott, as well.

He learned of his acceptance via an e-mail and days later was informed by both Duncan and Scott’s offices that he would be offered an appointment. “I was at work and saw a Columbia area code pop up on my phone. I heard Taylor Yarnal’s voice, who is my contact with the nomination process. I didn’t scream then, but I did a lot of smiling.”

It was among his proudest moments.

“It is a lifelong dream to be accepted into the Naval Academy. It will help me to succeed in anything I do,” he said. He departed for Annapolis, Maryland, June 30 after finishing his final summer school class and a month before Tri-County’s summer commencement.

Samuel entered Tri-County in 2014 just before his 21st birthday with the goals of building academic clout needed for admission into the Naval Academy and cultivating his leadership skills.

14 | Partnerships & Pathways

He and Student Government Association President Caleb Allen had the opportunity to address the S.C. Legislative Delegation in Columbia in early 2016.

“Tri-County helped me to achieve my dream,” said Hill, who was home schooled for 12 years. He told the lawmakers about his experiences as a student and how Tri-County helped him to reach his goals.

“My extracurricular activity was strong, but my academics were lacking because I didn’t have a recognized accredited high school transcript. It was a big deal and pretty cool to speak to this group of people whom I admire. One day, I want to be one of them listening to a Tri-County student like me telling his or her success story,” he said.

“My first year at Tri-County I was super focused on my studies and my jobs,” said Samuel, who has worked two part-time jobs—at Anderson Regional Airport as a part-time Flight Line Technician and he operated his handyman business on the side. The next semester he sought out opportunities for service.

The last year and a half have been packed with accomplishments. He was elected Vice President of SGA and traveled with fellow officers to Columbia to accept third-place honors in the 2015-2016 South Carolina Technical Education Association Community Involvement Project competition.

While holding down a full academic load, Samuel joined the Anderson Civil Air Patrol in 2014 and within three months was appointed Deputy Commander of Cadets.

“Service is a big part of my life,” said Samuel. “When you serve others, it adds value to your own life. You’re part of something bigger.”

Croslena Johnson, manager of student development and wellness programs and advisor for the SGA, says, “Sam is the kind of person who genuinely cares about being an active, committed participant in whatever he does. Whether it is chorus or SGA—he believes in hard work and teamwork. He is definitely a strong leader, and an humble servant who knows how to motivate the team,” she said.

Samuel also joined the College’s Chorus in 2015. Julia West, music instructor and director of Choral/Band Activities, said, “From the start, Sam has always been one of those students I knew I could count on. He’s one of those rare people who always wants to learn more and do the hard work to make himself a better, smarter, and stronger person every single day. I’m always amazed at the excellent work he does without any complaint and without being asked. I’m so proud to have worked with him this year. I’ll always consider him not only one of my brightest students but a great friend as well, and I can’t wait to see what he can do going forward.”

Samuel Hill Partnerships & Pathways | 15

Caleb Allen 16 | Partnerships & Pathways

Strategies for

G

etting out of your comfort zone often leads to doors opening and opportunities expanding.

As a freshman Mechatronics majors, Caleb Allen put this strategy for success into place two years ago when he attended a Sister Cities/Anderson Chamber of Commerce event. As a Junior Leadership Anderson representative, he had attended the National Youth Summit in San Antonio, Texas, because he was interested in networking with local business and industry leaders, as well as learning about work-based learning opportunities. “My friend, Carol Burdette, chief executive officer of Anderson United Way, introduced me to Jim Murphy, former president of E + I Engineering.

I asked him about co-op opportunities at the plant, which opened in Anderson County in 2014. We got to know each other during a brief conversation, and he asked me to send him my resume.”

Caleb followed up with a letter and phone call. The Sister Cities meeting was in January, and by February he was hired as the company’s first intern and began to get valuable hands-on experience that complemented his studies. He was among the first five employees hired at the new company, and during his year-and-a-halflong paid internship as a technician, he learned various aspects of manufacturing which will prove to be valuable when he combines his recent Mechatronics degree with a bachelor’s in Human Resources in preparation for a career in human resources in industry.

“I’ve learned you have to take the initiative, be forthcoming, and ask questions. Networking and communication are the keys to success,” said Caleb, who graduated debt free in August, thanks to Lottery Assistance tuition, LIFE, Abney Foundation, and Upstate Federal Credit Union scholarships.

He combined his networking and communication skills over the last couple of years by immersing himself in the College by serving as President of the Student Government Association, as a Student Ambassador, and a leader in Palmetto Boys State, where he was a Junior Counselor and currently a member of the production staff. He also traveled to Columbia with Dr. Booth to address our legislative delegations, telling them about his Tri-County experience. Later, Caleb accompanied Dr. Booth and Call Me MISTER mentor Wallace Cobbs in June to a Black Educators Caucus Summit in Columbia. The South Carolina Caucus of Black School Board Members, several State entities and the National Association of Black Journalists and Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc., hosted “Moving Forward Together: A National Summit of Schools,

Communities & Law Enforcement.” This Summit provided a safe environment to discuss complex issues surrounding race relations and the roles of law enforcement, and the community, in educational settings.

During his time as SGA President, the group was honored for its Community Involvement Project at the South Carolina Technical Education Association Conference. Their project, “Captivating Lives with Literacy,” received third-place honors in the 2015-2016 Community Involvement Project competition.

He shares the success with fellow SGA officers Samuel Hill, vice president; Jimmy Knott, treasurer; and Rebecca Griebno, secretary, who he says played a vital role in making SGA an organization dedicated to keeping students informed about and engaged in campus happenings through weekly newsletters, general session meetings, and social media.

“You don’t do anything alone,” he said, crediting his faith and “the many mentors” in his life - folks like his parents, his E+ I Engineering supervisor Atalie Norton, Hannah Arnold, his former guidance counselor at Crescent High School, teacher Aimee Gray, SGA Advisor Croslena Johnson, and Dr. Booth, whom, he says “gave good career planning advice and stressed the importance of distinguishing myself to be marketable and proving to an employer that he/she cannot live without me.”

College Commissioner Dr. Valerie Ramsey approached him after the student awards banquet and asked him what’s next. “I had no idea I would be saying working for Dr. Booth in the office of the President,” said Caleb, who this fall began a part-time position while continuing his general education studies and earning a Human Resources certificate through our Business and Public Services Division. He plans to transfer to Anderson University next year.

A Starr native, Caleb entered Tri-County after graduating from Crescent High School, where he served as Class President his senior and sophomore years and as Class Treasurer during his junior year. He was active in the Future Business Leaders of America club and in Boys State, which he considers “a lifelong commitment that simply cannot be described but has to be experienced.”

“Once you are given an opportunity, you must give back in some way. In my new role, I plan to serve as a mentor to students and to engage with them and inspire them to be successful,” he said.

Partnerships & Pathways | 17

Megan Moss 18 | Partnerships & Pathways

CHAMPION REBOUNDER

M

egan Moss didn’t know how—or if—she was going to make things work as a pregnant, 18-year-old who needed to finish her high school diploma until she found the College’s Connect to College (C2C) program.

“When I discovered I was pregnant (two years ago), every plan I had changed,” said Megan, who as a West-Oak High School student, had played basketball and competed in weekend AAU basketball tournaments. Her team finished sixth in the national championship held in Florida.

She had plans of attending college on a scholarship until, she says, “Life happened.” As a senior, she dropped out of school, leaving her with no diploma and no work experience. She couldn’t find a job.

But she found the C2C program.

“I had to get my act together,” she said of her decision to enroll in C2C, which meets the diverse needs of area students by offering academically capable youth between the ages of 17 and 20 the opportunity to simultaneously earn their high school diploma and college credit, up to and including a postsecondary credential. The first of its kind in South Carolina, C2C is a program for students who, for a variety of reasons, have faced difficult challenges in traditional high school environments. All public high schools in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties can sponsor students in Connect to College.

“I was sold immediately. I wasn’t considered a dropout at West-Oak because the school sponsored me. I earned my high school diploma

in 2013 after taking just two semesters of classes,” said Megan. Her son, Eli, was two months old when she graduated.

Megan says she had no idea what she wanted to do beyond earning her high school diploma so she took a year off and began to make some life changes with Eli at the center of every decision.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do—basketball was all I knew,” said Megan. She discovered Tri-County’s Industrial Electronics Technology program in 2014. “I fell in love with PLCs and motor controls. I chose Tri-County because I had a great experience in C2C, and it is close to home. I like the small classes and that instructors know me by name. Most important, I can still spend time with Eli. It was a good choice.”

Family members took care of Eli while she was in class and working as an intern at Schneider Electric. Her hard work resulted in being named the outstanding IET student at the College’s spring awards ceremony. After graduation, she accepted a position at Robert Bosch Corporation as a Technical Scholar.

“I never thought by age 21 I would have a college degree,” said Megan, who graduated in August. “I’m doing it all for Eli. He is my everything,” she said.

“I’m proud of myself. I earned my degree, was named outstanding student, and I have a job at a great company. Most of all, I’m a good mother. It couldn’t get any better.”

10th ANNIVERSARY For 10 years, Tri-County Technical College has served a unique niche in the educational offerings for youth in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties through its Connect to College (C2C) program.

Tri-County was among three community colleges in the United States chosen in 2005 by Portland Community College to receive a $300,000 grant to address atrisk and dropout youth through its trademark Gateway to College program.

Established in 2006 and the first of its kind in South Carolina, initially Gateway to College was a dropout recovery program. Students began the journey of earning their high school diploma while simultaneously taking college credit classes.

Today’s Connect to College program has evolved to meet the diverse needs of area students by offering academically capable youth between the ages of 17 and 20 the opportunity to simultaneously earn their high school diploma and college credit, up to and including a postsecondary credential.

Megan Moss accepted a full-time position at Schneider Electric after graduation.

Partnerships & Pathways | 19

SCMC Works

T

hree quarters of the way through a 10-week South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) class, Karahn Washington landed a job in manufacturing at Chomarat in Anderson.

“I paid nothing out of pocket and got a new career that I love,” said Karahn, an International Business graduate from the College of Charleston, who discovered the world of retail wasn’t a good career fit for him.

In January, Karahn was among the more than 200 area residents who had the opportunity to enroll in short-term job training programs through the College’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division, thanks to scholarship money provided by the S.C. General Assembly.

The response was overwhelming. Within two weeks the $335,000 allocated for in-demand, QuickJobs training in the areas of manufacturing, health care, and transportation and logistics was depleted.

Individuals who were unemployed, as well as underemployed, began to prepare for in-demand jobs that lead to a sustainable wage.

Scholarships of up to $2,000 per student were granted to successful applicants who attended the January 8 Career Expo in the Industrial and Business Development Center. For programs whose tuition exceeded the $2,000 scholarship, Tri-County community partners, like AIM and Goodwill, paid the additional money to be able to train more individuals.

Karahn qualified for the scholarship and entered the SCMC program. Immediately he began to gain a better understanding of manufacturing, he said.

SCMC is a quick, yet comprehensive training route for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and to secure full-time employment as operators in manufacturing or other organizations. “Our SCMC training provides individuals the opportunity to earn national credentials that manufacturing employers understand. It shows that you have the skills sets to fill those in-demand jobs,” said Rick Cothran, dean of the CCE Division.

Karahn attended classes five days a week after ending a third-shift temp job. It paid off. He accepted a full-time job as a SCRIM operator at Chomarat.

“In my current job, I am able to work in teams, collaborate with co-workers, and feel good about the work I am doing. I feel accomplished,” he said.

“SCMC works—it’s great for anyone who wants to get a better job and develop your skills. There are people at Tri-County who want to help,” said Karahn.

“We offer classes that help students obtain the skills that they need to enter the workforce. In addition to SCMC, individuals can be trained in as little as one week or up to 30 weeks based on the technical skills needed in each career,” said Rick. He added that QuickJobs classes are designed to upgrade one’s skills and can be completed in less than a year. For a list of programs, go to tctc.edu/Learn.

20 | Partnerships & Pathways

Karahn Washington Partnerships & Pathways | 21

Randy Blackston 2016 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS

Randy Blackston of Anderson received Tri-County Technical College’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award at the College’s spring commencement May 10 at the Anderson Civic Center.

The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago; and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association or the community.

22 | Partnerships & Pathways

A LUMNI A DVOCATE

I

n 1988 Randy Blackston was on the University Transfer track with the goal of studying Business Management at Clemson University when he met Tri-County’s Industrial Technology instructors, toured the department, and realized that he was challenged by and excited about mechanical equipment, gear ratios, time and motion study, production control, and quality analysis.

“I enjoyed the connection I had with faculty and the interest they had in me. When you engage like that with students, you expedite the learning process at a level much greater than can occur in the classroom lectures,” he said.

Blackston never scored less than an A after transitioning to the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division (EIT) and graduated as an honor student with a 4.0 GPA. He also did the nearly impossible. After receiving his degree in Industrial Technology in 1990, he enrolled at Clemson where he continued his education in Textile Manufacturing with an area of concentration in Industrial Engineering by day and by night earned a second degree in Quality Assurance at Tri-County. He was enrolled in 28 credit hours one semester all while maintaining a 30-hour work week. He worked full-time, second-shift jobs through 80 percent of the five years he went to college.

“Tri-County’s Industrial Technology Department was excellent.

It provided the basic math and engineering background to go straight to work or to continue my education, which is the avenue I chose,” he said. “When I entered Clemson, I felt I was a semester ahead. The Industrial Technology classes gave me a good head start. It was an easy transition.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he began working at Glen Raven as a Management Trainee and Project Engineer.

“I had a goal,” said Blackston, who, today is Vice President of Operations at Glen Raven (Sunbrella®) in Anderson and responsible for global manufacturing of the Sunbrella® Branded Products.

Around the globe, Glen Raven’s Sunbrella® brand is recognized as the industry leader in performance fabrics for awning, marine and decorative furniture.

It’s that strong work ethic that put him on the fast track for the Anderson company—in 24 years rising from his first assignment to being directly responsible for the operations of four manufacturing plants with 1,200 associates. He also is responsible for global best practices and manages global capital projects.

He was promoted to Process Engineering Manager during construction. In 1997 he was promoted to Manufacturing Manager for the warp preparation and weaving plants.

In 2003 he was transferred to the Glen Raven facility in Burnsville, NC, to become Director of Operations for the company’s Technical Fabrics Plant.

In 2007 he returned to Glen Raven’s Custom Fabrics business to focus on Sunbrella® manufacturing as Vice President of Operations. He is charged with directing the sustainability program for Glen Raven globally. Another proud moment is leading the corporate-wide sustainability initiative which resulted in achieving Landfill-Free Status in all operations in North America, France, and China.

In 2012 Glen Raven received Duke Energy’s Power Partners Award for its efforts in energy efficiency, sustainability, and business growth.

“Glen Raven has given me wonderful opportunities,” said Blackston. “Years ago, I joined an amazing company, and I’m thankful I could use my education to work for the greatest company in the world,” he said.

He also found success as an instructor for Tri-County, serving as an adjunct for the EIT Division from 1995 – 2003. He also developed the first web-based quality classes for the College’s Quality Assurance program.

Blackston also is active in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for Imagine Anderson, the American Heart Association, South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Board, Ambassadors Board for AnMed Health, the Board of Visitors at Anderson University and the Industrial Engineering Advisory Board at Clemson University.

He says his biggest achievement was been serving as Project Manager in 1992 for the one-million-square-foot facility on Liberty Highway. From May 1992 – June 1994, he was immersed in the new project, calculating every item needed for the facility based on growth calculations. “Tri-County’s hands-on approach gave me the foundation I needed to tackle complicated problems.

Partnerships & Pathways | 23

DESTINED FOR DENTISTRY

S

hane Simpson remembers as a small child catching glimpses of the dental procedure he was undergoing through the reflection of his dentist’s magnifying glasses. He was fascinated by—not fearful of—his childhood dentist and was intrigued by the white plastic molar that sat on the nearby office desk. “It drew me in faster than a toy at a toy store,” he said.

“Those early years instilled in me the desire to become a dentist. I knew it would be a challenge to make this dream a reality. I would be paving my own path,” said Shane.

It’s been a circuitous route for the now 31-year-old, with several bumps in the road and some detours along the way, but Shane is finally achieving his lifelong career goal of becoming a dentist. The 2009 Dental Assisting graduate was accepted into dental school, and in July he and his wife departed for Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Shane says he nervously stared at the e-mail from Meharry for several seconds before opening it and reading, “Dear Future Meharry Student.” It’s what he has been dreaming of for as far back as he can remember.

But Shane didn’t start out dedicated to his education – he admits he was apathetic about academics as a teen.

Since the age of 16, he worked a variety of jobs ranging from a cook in a fast food restaurant, small gas engine repairman, and construction worker/and later supervisor.

The first-generation college student entered community college in Florida after he graduated from high school and moved out on his own. It worked in the beginning, but eventually he became overwhelmed by working full time, mounting bills—and life. “I struggled with working full time and attending college and ended up dropping out of school,” he said.

For three years he worked for a construction company putting in underground utilities. He was making a good wage and was promoted to supervisor for a site development company. “I was successful and I had a lifelong future with the company, but I wasn’t satisfied. It wasn’t enough. It wasn’t my dream,” he said.

“After years of working 50-plus-hour weeks, I devised a plan to get myself into the field of dentistry—no matter the sacrifice,” he said.

He and his wife had the opportunity to move to Anderson so they bought a house, he worked at a family restaurant, and began to search for a community college with a dental program. He found Tri-County. At 23, he entered the program with some trepidation and a reduced confidence level. “I doubted myself, but instructors Donna Palmer and Betty Morgan were so supportive,” he said.

24 | Partnerships & Pathways

“The instructors work hard at encouraging every student to do their best. They were so supportive of my needs in both the classroom and in the workplace,” said Shane. “The overall atmosphere of compassion for students was critical to my success as a student while I was pursuing my Dental Assisting degree,” he said.

“Shane is a focused and determined young man with a vision for excellence. He has an eye for detail clinically and is very logical in his thought process. He develops thoughtful opinions and is passionate about dentistry and patient care,” said Donna Shannon Palmer, CDA, RDH, BS, and program coordinator for Dental Assisting and Allied Health Science department head.

Shane graduated in 2009, received the “Best All-Around Student” award and passed the Dental Assisting National Boards.

After graduation, his first full-time Certified Dental Assistant (C.D.A.) job was for a large practice where he gained valuable experience working in sedation dentistry. He decided to go back to Tri-County to take prerequisite classes in the evening so he could transfer to Clemson where he graduated in 2014 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences.

This past year Shane became a Tri-County adjunct faculty member, teaching one lecture and two labs in Oral Health Education. “I’ve enjoyed being part of a dedicated teaching team motivating new students and watching them grow,” he said.

Shane also served as Chairman of Tri County’s Dental Assisting Advisory Board and participated in the accreditation process with the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

“Shane draws on his own experiences in practice as a dental assistant and former student to help make improvements in our program to create student success,” said Palmer.

“Throughout my life when times have been challenging, I considered giving up. I could have chosen the easier path. However, my perseverance and passion for dentistry have been like beacons in the night, pointing me to my goal, no matter the storms of life. I realize I needed these pathways to help me grow as an individual. I needed to start here at Tri-County. That’s why I‘ve done well as a Certified Dental Assistant.

“I want to be the dentist who provides patients and the community with the best dental care, coupled with a high level of integrity. I will give back to my dental community and my local community. I will demonstrate these deep-rooted qualities and anticipate the day when the white plastic molar toy in my office will inspire another young soul to pursue his dreams and never give up.”

Shane Simpson Partnerships & Pathways | 25

Accolades and Awards

J

ohn Woodson, program coordinator for Media Arts Production (MAP), was honored with the highest award presented to the faculty. The Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College, and to the students.

A well-known media personality in the Upstate, John has been leading the Media Arts Production program since 2002.

“John is an enthusiastic faculty member and student advocate. Through his actions, he exhibits a grounded commitment to the success of students and colleagues alike,” said Tom Lawrence, department head for the College’s Business and Public Services Division. “He takes an active role in ensuring that all individuals reach their educational and professional goals. He proactively seeks new responsibilities, actively engages the College community and external stakeholders, and delivers process improvement on a College-wide scale,” This year John will serve as President of the South Carolina Technical Education Association.

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Ashley Brady, department head for the Veterinary Technology program, was named Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year at the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians Southeast Veterinary Conference.

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The contributions of the Veterinary Technology Advisory Committee members earned them the honor of 2015 Advisory Committee of the Year.

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The College’s Educators of the Year recognized at the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) meeting: Cara Hamilton, vice president for Business Affairs, is the College’s outstanding administrator; Ashley Brady, Veterinary Technology department head, is the outstanding instructor; and, Melinda Zeigler, administrative assistant for the Business and Public Services Division, is the outstanding staff nominee.

26 | Partnerships & Pathways

•

Frances Wilson received the Outstanding Continuing Education Support Staff Member Award from the South Carolina Association for Higher Continuing Education (SCAHCE).

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College Transitions Dean Jenni Creamer was honored with the 2015 Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence.

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Jan Gibbs, an adjunct instructor/lecturer in the Medical Assisting program, received the College’s 2016 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award

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The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named Tri-County Technical College as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges, making us eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

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Two veteran student affairs professionals were honored by the South Carolina College Personnel Association. Director of Career Services Glenn Hellenga received the Clarice W. Johnson Outstanding Professional Award. Career Services Career Counselor Lynn Smith received the Art Hartzog Award for Programming at a Two-Year Institution or Technical College.

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For the 16th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded our Business Affairs Division a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.

Community Minded •

Faculty, staff, and students from all campuses responded to a request for donations of water and other non-perishable food items for individuals impacted by a storm in fall 2015 that brought massive flooding and devastating road damage to the lower part of our State. Student veterans from Patriots Place extended a helping hand to assist the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department in loading the items.

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General Engineering Technology (GET) students participated in New Prospect Elementary School’s STEM Day by conducting workshops and presenting demonstrations of STEM projects designed to stimulate students’ interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

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4 C-Able Futures summer camp was held June 26 – July 1 for children living in foster care or privately placed in group homes. Sixteen females and four males from all over the State attended the weeklong camp whose primary focus is to develop career and personal goals, confidence, and self esteem for this group of high-risk students.

Gayle Arries, our marketing director, organized and led the camp.

Southern Wesleyan University was a camp partner.

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Student veterans reached out to fellow veteran Jeff Morton and his family after learning about their struggle with finances and the health setbacks associated with a car accident that injured son, Christopher, and his service dog, Buddy. The Student Veterans Association (SVA) chapter, Campus Safety Officers, and faculty and staff collectively gathered toys to help Christopher, who was diagnosed with autism and mitochondrial disease at age three. The group also obtained pet supplies, including medication for Buddy.

H

onors Program students Lucas Anderson and Nathan Silver say collaboration has been the key element in the success of their Nature Trail project which is designed and dedicated to improving the environment.

What started as an opened-ended endeavor about conservation and ecology turned into a team project for these two Honors Ecology Colloquium students. They partnered with Pendleton Pride in Motion (PPIM), a group of concerned citizens committed to making Pendleton a healthier place to live, to complete the initial phase of the project.

Their partnership extended to various departments at the College with instructors, staff, and students from the Engineering and Industrial Technology and Arts and Sciences Divisions and Marketing lending their time and expertise to developing the .08 mile-long Tri-County Nature Trail located at the northern end of Perimeter Road.

In the future, it will stretch across two miles and will include a bridge across the ravine and stream, a nature trail that goes along the hillside below campus, and a connection to the Woodburn and Perimeter Road intersection.

Honors Ecology Colloquium and Science instructor Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond introduced the students to PPIM leader Powell Hickman, who suggested they work on building a trail that would connect to the town’s project.

The students also were responsible for researching the native plants and animals of the area, finding the best way to educate members of the public about conserving both, researching effective trail design, designing the signage, and helping to build and mark the trails.

Dr. Suzanne Ellenberger, Science department head and director of the Honors Program, and Dr. Homer-Drummond praised the students’ ability to step out of their comfort zones and to hone their communication skills by interacting with and developing relationships with agencies and departments both on and off campus.

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Partnerships & Pathways | 27

A

nde Johnson, a 2016 associate degree Nursing graduate, is the recipient of one of the 2016 Palmetto Gold Scholarships. This scholarship recognizes the student’s caring and commitment to patients, families, and colleagues; leadership; assistance to others’ growth and development; positive promotion of the nursing profession; and high level of academic success. Ande received a $1,000 scholarship from the Palmetto Gold Scholarship Fund and was honored at the 15th Annual Palmetto Gold Gala.

Ande plans to pursue a BSN, but her immediate goal is to pass the NCLEX and to get a job at a hospital.

Ande Johnson

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The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program reports a 90.91 percent pass rate for first-time candidates licensure exam takers between the period of January 1 and December 20, 2015. The State average is 89.27 percent, and the national average is 84.51 percent.

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Practical Nursing graduates scored a 92.54 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam, with the State average being 91.79 percent, and the national average 81.89 percent.

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Tri-County students swept the top prizes at the 2016 South Carolina Speech and Theater Association’s Annual College Festival Competition, taking home the overall college championship, the overall individual student award, and placing in seven different events.

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The Student Government Association’s project, “Captivating Lives with Literacy,” received thirdplace honors in the 2015-2016 South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Community Involvement Project competition.

Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.) Pamela Anderson received the 2015 James E. Jones Healthcare Excellence Award at the Goodwill Champions Tribute. She successfully earned her C.N.A. designation through Goodwill and the Corporate

28 | Partnerships & Pathways

and Community Education Division.

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Welding students garnered six awards – including three first-place recognitions -- at the 34th Annual South Carolina Technical College Statewide Welding Competition.

Senior General Engineering Technology students built a six-legged walking machine (Hexapod) powered by pneumatics and controlled by a PLC. Representatives from Automation Direct, the online industrial supplier of the materials, were so impressed by the project that they offered to donate parts for students to build another unit to be used for public outreach. The company also requested that the GET students help them to create a pneumatics solution and project manual that will be available to the donor company’s customers.

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Hailey Thrasher, an associate in Arts major, was selected for the South Carolina 2016 Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team and honored at a luncheon in Columbia.

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Six Tri-County students were among the graduates of BMW Manufacturing’s fifth class of BMW scholars. The 30 graduates were hired as full-time production, automotive, logistics, and equipment service associates.

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Student Success

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Cierra Sorrells, of Easley, home schooled for 12 years, completed 37 credit hours over the past three years and was the first dual enrollment student to earn a University Studies certificate before graduating from high school. She completed all of her general education courses and other prerequisites at the Easley Campus and began her associate degree Nursing clinicals at the Pendleton Campus this fall.

•

Sixty-four high school students earned a Basic Electronics or Technical Operator certificate through the Technical Career Pathways program before graduating from high school.

•

In the 2014 -2015 Upward Bound Annual Performance Report, 17 seniors were eligible for graduation. Of those 17 students, 100% graduated from high school, and 100% of the program objectives were met. 89% of the students completed the year with a 2.5 or greater, and 100% of seniors achieved at the proficient level on the State assessments.

•

Spanish instructor Timeko McFadden has been selected to participate in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Languages and Literacy Collaboration Initiative.

•

Croslena Johnson, manager of student development and wellness programs, was the recipient of the very first Student Advocate Award at the College. She was chosen by the Student Government Association in recognition and appreciation of her outstanding vision, commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success at Tri-County.

•

Helen Rosemond-Saunders, a member of the College Commission, served as Chair of the Diversity Committee of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). She also serves as Secretary for the S.C. Association of Technical College Commissioners.

•

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program received the S.C. Commission on Higher Education’s Commendation of Excellence in Service Learning. The project, called Meeting Early Needs through Oral Reading (MENTOR), involves a partnership with La France Elementary School where each ECD 131 Language Arts student is paired with a kindergartener, or a buddy, who is at risk in his or her language development skills.

•

Biology instructor Marianne Yohannan was chosen by the S.C. Association of Community College Trustees as its nominee for the Outstanding Faculty Member Award given annually by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

•

Employee support makes a statement. For fiscal year 2015 – 16, employee contributions to the College Foundation totaled $36,658, a 25% increase over FY15.

Penny Edwards

S

ocial Sciences Department Head Penny Edwards has been selected from faculty across the country to serve on the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) 10-member Faculty Advisory Council.

Penny will serve a three-year term on the new Council, which will provide strategic advice to AACC President Walter Bumphus and staff about the role faculty leadership can play in accelerating and scaling up efforts around academic and career pathways; developing a national credentials framework; and adapting the core principles for redesigning developmental education.

Penny’s passion for helping students and championing for faculty will continue through her service on the AACC’s Faculty Council. “I am excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for me to support not only Tri-County’s faculty, but all faculty in higher education. I’m thankful to the faculty at Tri-County for their nomination, and I am honored to have been selected by the AACC,” she said.

Passionate

People Partnerships & Pathways | 29

•

Twelve students were selected by Häring USA, a leading global manufacturer of precision components and subassemblies for the automotive industry, to train for three years at the company’s Bubsheim, Germany, facility. They moved to Germany, where they attend an academy with students from other colleges and universities, and study as trainees, along with attending daily classes while immersing themselves in the German culture. They are training to be team or group leaders at the company’s new U.S. facility set to open in Hartwell, Georgia, in 2017.

•

The Business and Industry Expo II was hosted by The Clemson Center for Workforce Development, Partnership for Academic and Career Education, Tri-County Regional Education Center, S.C. Department of Commerce and Tri-County Technical College.

Industry and education leaders heard updates on what has been accomplished through the Technical Career Pathways (TCP) program and what programs are on the horizon to encourage high school students to choose careers in advanced manufacturing.

•

Nine students from the Williamston Career and Technology Center and Daniel High School, who ranged from high school sophomores to seniors, took two classes and accrued credits toward an associate degree in Mechatronics or Industrial Electronics Technology.

•

Officials from Tri-County and Columbia College signed a formal agreement that will enable Tri-County graduates to complete their bachelor’s degree through Columbia College in the evenings on Tri-County’s campus at a significantly discounted tuition rate. Tri-County graduates can earn a bachelor’s degree in two years.

•

For the first time, in fall 2015, ten students—seven seniors and three juniors from Belton-Honea Path, Crescent, T.L. Hanna, and Seneca high schools— were enrolled in Welding 111 through the Technical Career Pathways (TCP) program.

•

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded the S.C. Technical College System a $5 million grant to expand apprenticeships in the State, with Tri-County receiving $163,000 to train 65 individuals in the areas of manufacturing, information technology, and professional services.

•

The College was awarded $148,200 from the SC Department of Employment and Workforce to train 72 ex-offenders in the area of highway construction.

•

The College was approved to be an AARP Foundation partner college and received a $50,000 grant to train 20 individuals, predominantly females, age 50 and above, in Corporate and Community Education programs such as medical office, administrative office, web design, computer support, and Microsoft specialist.

•

In partnership with local industries, the College received a $360,000 EvolveSC grant from the SC Department of Employment and Workforce to train current and future associates to advance their skills in manufacturing and logistics.

30 | Partnerships & Pathways

Hoke Durham

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT W

hen Hoke Durham was a student at Daniel High School, he thought about going to culinary school and becoming a chef. He also was interested in archaeology and CNC machining and programming. “I have a lot of interests,” said the Six Mile resident. But he narrowed his career choices down to one – Mechatronics - when he signed up for the Machine Tool Technology classes at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center which led to being hired at United Tool and Mold as a co-op. A 2015 Scholar Technician scholarship from Alliance Pickens and the tuition reimbursement program at United Tool and Mold are enabling him to attend Tri-County debt free.

Hoke said the Technical Career Pathways program has given him opportunities he never imagined.

“I never thought I would start my career at age 16. I thought I would be flipping burgers as a teen. I never dreamed by age 18 I’d be an apprentice Tool Maker at United Tool and Mold while pursuing a degree at Tri-County Technical College.”

Hoke is a “shining example” of how apprenticeships and co-op programs can lead to a full-time job in manufacturing, says Jeromy Arnett, production administration manager at United Tool and Mold in Easley.

Arnett met Durham when he was a 10th grader at Daniel High School, and he recruited him to work in the company’s co-op program. At 16 Durham was hired and worked 40 hours a week, six days a week. He later graduated from the Youth Apprenticeship Program at United Tool and Mold. “We have to start early. This program builds the workforce of tomorrow,” said Arnett.

“When we talked about who is the best student for the youth apprenticeship program, Hoke’s name came up every time,” said Arnett. Hoke was selected for the apprenticeship and today is a leader at the plant. “He is the best employee we could ask for,” said Arnett.

“The apprenticeship showed me what I wanted to do with my life,” said Hoke.

Partnerships & Pathways | 31

FIGURES, CHARTS, & GRAPHS TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE 2015-2016 BUDGET Operations Budget

$43,355,080

Restricted (Federal/State/Other)

$34,107,000

Total Budget

$77,462,080

OPERATIONS REVENUE BY SOURCE n n n n n n

6.0% 5.0%

Credit Tuition and Fees 54.8% State Appropriations 16.1% Auxiliary Enterprises 10.8% County Appropriations 7.3% Corporate and Community Education Division 6.0% Miscellaneous 5.0%

7.3% 10.8% 54.8% 16.1%

OPERATIONS EXPENDITURE BUDGET

BY FUNCTION n n n n n n

5.9% 9.0%

Instruction 47.8% Academic and Student Support 18.3% Auxiliary Enterprises 9.7% Administrative and General 9.3% Operations and Plant Maintenance 9.0% Corporate and Community Education Division 5.9%

9.3% 47.8% 9.7%

18.3%

OPERATIONS BUDGET BY CATEGORY n n n n n n

Salaries and Benefits Contractual Services Purchases for Resale (Bookstore) Fixed Charges Supplies and Materials Faculty/Staff Development & Travel

66.3% 14.4% 8.2% 5.8% 4.2% 1.1%

4.2%

1.1%

5.8% 8.2%

14.4%

66.3%

BUSINESS OFFICE RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING For the 16th consecutive year, the Business Affairs Division earned the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded our College a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.

32 | Partnerships & Pathways

STUDENTS RECEIVE NEARLY $23 MILLION IN FREE FINANCIAL AID

STUDENTS AMOUNT 2015-2016 PROGRAM DISBURSED 136

Tuition Waivers

$169,302.80

158

Private Scholarships

$302,376.43

24

Tuition Grants to Children of Certain Veterans

$88,791.80

11

SC Vocational Rehabilitation

$12,543.88

437 29

Foundation Scholarships (Endowed and Restricted)

$453,367.05

Employment & Training Services

$122,549.44

5

SC Academic Endowment

$2,455.00

7

Veterans Administration

$28,048.37

148

Post 911 GI Bill

9 26

$538,682.72

GoArmyEd

$13,226.90

TEACH Early Childhood Development

$17,211.90

1

Air National Guard Cap

$9,000.00

36

NATIONAL GUARD CAP

$120,369.00

7

Upward Bound

$7,026.60

2659

PELL Grant

$9,035,480.00

1661

LIFE

$7,662,580.00

2166

Lottery Tuition Assistance

$2,976,498.00

577

SCNBG

$704,328.00

238

SEOG

$222,090.00

88

CWS

8423

$157,612.00

Total Amount of Aid

$22,643,539.89

Note: Some students received more than one form of financial aid and are counted each time.

Source: Business Office, July 2016

FALL SEMESTER HEADCOUNT 2015 642

CREDIT STUDENT PROFILE Black 9.8% White 80.9% Other 9.3% Femle 50% Male 50%

Part-Time 43.7% Full-Time 56.3% Working 63.9% Av. Hrs. Worked/Week 23.2 Average Age

22.3

Source: Institutional Research Office, July 2016

FINANCIAL LITERACY LESSONS PAY OFF Educating our students about borrowing money responsibly when they enroll in college, arming them with knowledge about loans and repayment options, and providing follow up to make sure they are in contact and repayment with their servicers has resulted in lowering our college student Cohort Default Rate (CDR).

The College partnered with the company, Inceptia, to help lower our CDR. As of the summer of 2015, Inceptia had successfully resolved 5,272 loans and resolved $14,673,192 in delinquent loans.

“Over the last year, we have lowered the CDR by 32 percent, said Michelle Jacobson, student financial planner in the Financial Aid Office.

“We’ve gone from a 30.9 percent rate in 2011 to 20.8 percent in 2012, which represents a 32.3 percent reduction in the College’s CDR. We are trending in the right direction. Next year is projected to be lower than last year,” she said.

775 3,059 806

846

n n n n n

ARTS AND SCIENCES 3,059 BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICES 846 CAREER DEVELOPMENT 806 ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL 775 HEALTH EDUCATION 642

TOTAL 6,128

Michelle Jacobson, student financial planner in the Financial Aid Office., standing, created and teaches a class, College Skills 105, with a theme of Financial Fitness.

Michelle is pictured with, from left, Ravi Patel, of Seneca, Taneisa Fant, of Seneca, Nick, Lujan, of Clemson, and Caitlin Griffin, of Westminster, all associate in Science majors.

Partnerships & Pathways | 33

FIGURES, CHARTS, & GRAPHS $3 MILLION IN GRANTS AWARDED TO TCTC SPONSOR

TYPE

TITLE

AWARDED

SC Department of Transportation

State

Effect on Asphalt Quality Due to Nighttime Construction

$100,670

SC Department of Transportation

State

Laboratory Performance of Liquid Anti-Stripping Agents in Asphalt Mixtures in SC

$198,582

SC Department of Education

Federal

Perkins IV

$236,127

National Science Foundation through College of Charleston

Federal

Undergraduates Phenotyping Arabidopsis Knockouts, yr. 2

$5,148

Department of Education

Federal

Upward Bound

$375,576

Department of Education

Federal

Educational Talent Search

$391,538

National Science Foundation through University of Central Florida

Federal

OPTEC

$25,000

SC Technical College System

State

EvolveSC

$317,700

SC Department of Social Services

State

DSS SNAP employment and training program

$932,558

AARP Foundation

Foundation

TCTC AARP BTW50+ Full Partner

Appalachian Regional Commission

Federal

Reimbursement for writing TechHire Grant

SC Department of Employment & Workforce

State

Highway Construction Apprenticeship Initiative

SC Technical College System

State

EvolveSC: Round 2

Department of Labor through SC Technical College System

Federal

SC Apprenticeship Initiative (SCAI)

IT-oLogy

Foundation

CoursePower Program

AdvanceSC through SC Technical College System

Local

SC Tech Advance SC Amendment

$50,000 $5,000 $148,200 $42,375 $163,246 $15,000 $2,000

TOTAL

$3,008,720

Source: Grants Office, July 2016

2015 FALL ENROLLMENT BY CAMPUS

JOBS FROM NEW AND/OR EXPANDING INDUSTRIES 741 persons trained for new jobs for the 2015-2016 fiscal year

PENDLETON CAMPUS

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc. Anderson 142

Plastic Omnium - Inergy Automotive Systems 8

Cross Country Home Services

34

E&I Engineering Ltd

24

Robert Bosch Corporation Anderson Plant

49

First Quality Enterprises, Inc.

45

Sargent Metal Fabrications

14

ITECH South LLC

35

McLaughlin Body Company

54

Mergon Corporation

24

Orian Rugs Source: readySCTM Office, July 2016

34 | Partnerships & Pathways

6

SMF, Inc.

4,322

ANDERSON CAMPUS

759

EASLEY CAMPUS

522

6

Walgreens 15

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER

132

Figures represent enrollment by campus for students who take at least one course at the given campus .

Total 513 OCONEE CAMPUS AT THE HAMILTON CAREER CENTER

58 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

FALL 2015 CREDIT STUDENTS

2015-16 CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION STUDENTS

Enrollment by County

Enrollment by County OTHER STATES & INTERNATIONAL

905

725

OCONEE

2,219

ANDERSON

1,206

1,505

1,119

PICKENS

2,784

ANDERSON

GRADUATES

PICKENS

1,650

OTHER SC COUNTIES

1,798

OUTSIDE THREE-COUNTY AREA

1,485

2,192

OCONEE

CREDENTIALS AWARDED

Note: The majority of the registrations outside the three-county area participated in State-wide training programs taught at TCTC or were involved in an international conference that was delivered by TCTC during the year.

Source: Institutional Research Office, July 2016

Source: Registrar’s Office, July 2016

Source: Corporate and Community Education Division, July 2016

2015-2016 PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRS ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS Ms. Croslena Johnson, Manager of Student Development and Wellness Programs, Tri-County Technical College ARTS & SCIENCES Dr. Walt Sinnamon, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Biology, Southern Wesleyan University AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY Mr. Trent Hulehan, Program Coordinator, Automotive Technology, Tri-County Technical College BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY Ms. Denise Bailey, Accounting Resource Director, Elliott Davis, LLC

EXPANDED DUTY DENTAL ASSISTING Mr. Shane Simpson, CDA, BS GENERAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Mr. Ray Orzechowski, Project Engineer, BASF HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION Interim Chair: Mary Corley, Program Manager, Tri-County Technical College, CCE Highway Construction Department HVAC Mr. Charlie Dickerson, Physical Plant Director, Anderson University

CNC PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS Mr. Gerald Maxie, Shop Foreman, Electrolux

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY Mr. Mike Jenkins, Senior Project Manager, S.C. Division, Power Services

COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC Randy Bowers, CEO, Bowers Emergency Services

INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE Dr. Mark Moore, DVM, Seneca Animal Clinic

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Mr. Greg Benton, Director of Software Development, SAM Group

MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Mr. Mike Webber, Senior Production Leader, Milliken & Company, Gerish Mill

CRIMINAL JUSTICE Mr. John Skipper, Sheriff, Anderson County

MECHATRONICS Mr. Doug Allen, Industrial Technology Department Head, Tri-County Technical College

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT Ms. Shannon Vaughn, Director, Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE), Greenville ENGINEERING GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY Mr. Jeremy Bowyer, Lead Designer, Electrolux

MEDIA ARTS PRODUCTION Mr. Michael Branch, Morning Show Host/Operations Manager, 92.1 WLHR Georgia Carolina Radiocasting

MEDICAL ASSISTING Mrs. Jan Haguewood Gibbs CMA (AAMA), ST, Lecturer TriCounty Technical College, Medical Assisting Program MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY Mrs. Jean Parsons, MT, Hematology Supervisor, Self Regional Health Care NURSING Ms. Jackie Rutledge, Nursing Department Head, Tri-County Technical College PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Ms. Susan Bowen, Department of Pharmacy Services, AnMed Health PRE-PHARMACY Jim Hammett, RPh., Assistant Director, Department of Pharmacy Services, AnMed Health SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY Ms. LaRue Fisher, CNOR, RN, AnMed Health (Retired) VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY Dr. James Mullikin, DVM, Veterinary Clinic, P.A. WELDING Mr. Gary Jones, Quality Manager, Greenwood, Inc. CENTER FOR WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE Steve Witcher, Plastic Omnium

Partnerships & Pathways | 35

TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION Dear Friends And Partners, Each year, the Tri-County Technical College Foundation is tasked with raising private funds to support needs of the College. Given that only 15% of the College operating budget comes from the State, your contributions and those of other stakeholders in our community are more important now than ever before.

Since I became Executive Director of the Foundation in 2014, I have been amazed by your support of our students, programs, and employees. This past fiscal year was certainly no exception with contributions totaling $912,023! Not only did we surpass our fundraising goal of $830,000—this was a 21% increase in gifts from the previous year when contributions totaled $753,879! I extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to each and every donor listed on Pages 46-47 who have supported us in a BIG way during the past fiscal year.

As much as I am proud of the contributions we received during 20152016, I am equally as proud of how your gifts and the earnings from endowments have supported College needs. More than 440 students received scholarships totaling more than $456,000. Faculty and staff participated in professional development activities using funds made available through teaching chairs, mini-grants, leadership training allocations, and more than totaled $231,900. An additional $178,000 was generated from endowments to support the purchase of equipment and other priority needs of the College, such as textbooks for students enrolled in the Connect to College program, student leadership development activities, etc. Including other gifts restricted to various College programs/initiatives, the Foundation expended a total of $1,109,475 to support students and educational programs.

An unknown author once said, “If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.” Your gifts are touching the lives of our students every single day, while at the same time making an investment in the College’s future.

A few highlights of the gifts we have received this year: •

FY 16 contributions totaled $912,023, a 21% increase over the previous year.

•

Top donor for the year, Robert Bosch Corporation, gave a total of $157,500 to support professional development, scholarships, robotics events, and a STEM teacher workshop.

•

Donors gave approximately $264,000 to support endowed and annual scholarships.

•

The AARP Foundation provided more than $89,000 to fund a CCE program that is offering services and resources to long-term unemployed individuals 50 years or older to help connect them to employment and a sustainable living wage.

•

Raised $160,000 for the new Student Success Center that is currently under construction.

Thank you for being passionate people who transform lives and build strong communities, one student at a time.

Grayson A. Kelly

Executive Director Tri-County Technical College Foundation, Inc.

Thank You!

36 | Partnerships & Pathways

•

440 scholarships exceeding $456,000 awarded.

•

Expended $1,109,475 to support students and programs.

FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company Donates $100,000 to Name Campus Bookstore Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company continued its commitment to Tri-County Technical College and to the community by making a $100,000 gift to name the Campus Store in the Student Success Center, currently under construction on the Pendleton Campus.

Reliable is the first industry partner to designate a gift for the Student Success Center, a 75,000-square-foot facility that will include a learning commons, library collections, flexible meeting spaces, computer labs, group study areas, supplemental instruction and tutoring spaces, café, campus store, print shop, Student Development offices, Information Technology Services, shipping and receiving, and the central plant.

Pictured from left are Dr. Booth; Michael R. Fee, executive vice president and owner of Reliable; and Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation.

Jim and Marjorie Smith Named Philanthropists of the Year The Tri-County Technical College Foundation named Jim and Marjorie Smith of Pendleton the 2015 recipients of its Philanthropist of the Year award.

This is the Foundation’s highest and most prestigious honor reserved for individuals, foundations, companies, trusts, organizations, or other entities that have made a significant financial contribution, either cash or non-cash, to the Foundation to support the work of the College.

Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation, right, presented the award.

Mr. Smith represented Anderson County on the College’s Foundation Board for 18 years. He and his wife, Margorie, are considered two of the Foundation’s major donors and are recognized on the Foundation’s Wall of Honor for gifts they have made since 1989.

Partnerships & Pathways | 37

FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS

Industry Partners Fund Priority Needs Extreme Makeover Campaign Supports Vet Tech One of our active campaigns, called Extreme Makeover Animal House Addition, is raising money for the new Veterinary Technology kennel and renovations to Halbert Hall. The new state-of-the-art, 5,500-square-foot expanded housing and learning facility opened in July and replaced the aging kennel. The new facility is located behind Halbert Hall and has 33 indoor/outdoor canine runs and the capability to house 33 cats, food, bathing areas, laundry, and storage rooms. The highlight is an isolation ward that meets AVMA accreditation standards.

Phase II was the re-purposing of Halbert Hall for class space, surgical needs, and labs.

Schneider Electric in Seneca made a $5,000 contribution in support of priority needs at the College. Here, Garvin Barker, plant operations manager, left, presents the check to Grayson Kelly, executive director of the College’s Foundation. Larry Smith, retired Schneider Electric plant operations manager and a member of the College’s Foundation Board, is pictured at right.

To date, the Foundation has raised more than $30,000 to support this program. Giving options include purchasing a brick paver to honor or memorialize your pet or loved one, or you may want to consider naming a dog or cat unit. Gifts can be designated to support treatment expenses, scholarships, and other needs of the program.

If you are interested in purchasing a brick, naming a unit, or supporting the campaign in general, contact Tammy Fiske at 864-646-1812.

U.S. Engine Valve/Nittan Valve made a $20,000 donation to purchase two DEPCO ER2U robots for the Corporate and Community Education Division’s Mechatronics program.

The DEPCO ER-2U robot is specially developed for education and assists instructors in creating a fast learning environment in a robotics curriculum. The robots allow faculty to instruct students on STEM topics, including programming, mechanical engineering and process controls.

This equipment will be specifically used in hands-on labs to enhance skills that support the efficient operation of production equipment.

Pictured from left to right are Myra Morant, human resources manager at U.S. Engine Valve; Hiro Akutagawa, assistant plant manager for Nittan; Bobby Dover, plant manager, U.S. Engine Valve plant; and Courtney White, director of development at the College.

38 | Partnerships & Pathways

Thank you, Abney Foundation The Abney Foundation has given consistently to Tri-County over the years, helping thousands of students to attain their educational goals. No other foundation, individual, or company has contributed so generously to the Foundation. “That’s what it‘s all about—changing lives,” said Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation, who sponsored Abney Day 2016 on September 1. The event was designed to show appreciation for the College’s largest contributor to date. Scholarship recipients are seen here with Executive Director David King and Executive Director Emeritis and Trustee Carl Edwards (front, center).

Nix Supports Foundation with Memorial Gift Ralph Nix, owner of Ralph’s Trophy Shop in Seneca and a longtime friend of the College, third from left, presented a check for $1,500 to the Foundation in support of the scholarship he established in memory of his wife, the late Brenda B. Nix. Pictured with him are, from left, Debbie Nelms, manager of fiscal affairs; Courtney White, director of development; and Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation.

Partnerships & Pathways | 39

FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS AFCO Celebrates 25 Years with Donation to STEM Programs In celebration and honor of Associated Fuel Pump Systems Corporation’s (AFCO) 25th anniversary, parent companies DENSO International America, Inc., and Robert Bosch each donated $25,000 to the College. This $50,000 grant will provide local students with scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-related programs, such as Industrial Electronics Technology and Mechatronics. Beginning in 2016, scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded to 25 students over a five-year period.

“Bosch has been a strong partner and generous supporter of the College for many years,” said Dr. Booth. Graduates of STEM-related programs are in high demand by local industry, and we appreciate Bosch and DENSO for stepping forward to support these students as they train to become skilled technicians.”

“With the establishment of AFCO, DENSO has been part of the Anderson community for the last 25 years,” said Yukio Asano, executive vice president at DENSO. “There’s no better way to commemorate this milestone than donating $25,000 to help local community students pursue STEM-related careers.”

Pictured from left to right are Michio Adachi, AFCO board member, senior executive director, Powertrain Control Systems Business Group, DENSO Corporation; Dr. Booth; Mike Mansuetti, AFCO board member, president of Robert Bosch, LLC; and Andreas Abbing, AFCO executive vice president.

11th Annual Fall Classic Supports College Priority Needs Since 2005, the Tri-County Technical College Foundation has hosted the Fall Classic Golf Tournament and to date has raised nearly $400,000 to support priority needs of the College and the Foundation. Due to the generosity of our 2015 tournament presenting partners, HMR Veterans Services, Schneider Electric, and Wells Fargo, along with Duke Energy, Oconee Federal Savings and Loan, Michelin, and the Fee family at Reliable Automatic Sprinkler, the tournament raised nearly $47,000.

40 | Partnerships & Pathways

Bosch Establishes Scholarship in Memory of Former Manager Larry Miller The Robert Bosch Corporation established a $25,000 scholarship at the College in memory of former Plant Manager Larry Miller. Mr. Miller was the Manager of the Robert Bosch Corporation’s Anderson plant from 1985 until his retirement in the early 1990’s. He served on Tri-County’s Commission from 1987 – 2008. Mr. Miller passed away, August 7, 2015.

He was 89 years old.

The endowed scholarship will be awarded to a student in the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division.

In his leadership role at Bosch, Mr. Miller worked with the College to develop new programs, such as the apprenticeship program, which offered three years of academic study in machine tool technology and associated work experience at Bosch. The program has evolved over time and continues today.

A devoted student advocate, Mr. Miller and his wife, Marge, were committed to seeing that students have access to an affordable education.

Longtime supporters of the College, the Millers made their first contribution to the College’s Foundation in 1987 and today are represented on the College’s prestigious Wall of Honor, a distinction reserved for individuals, companies, and foundations who have contributed $50,000 or more to the Foundation.

Pictured from left are A.B. Young, human resources manager, Bosch; Courtney White, director of development for the Foundation; Randy Bunch, director of human resources, Bosch; Dr. Booth; and Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation.

AT&T Provides Funds for C2C AT&T awarded the College $7,500 to support the Connect to College (C2C) program. The C2C program has evolved to meet the diverse needs of area students by offering academically capable youth between the ages of 17 and 20 the opportunity to simultaneously earn their high school diploma and college credit, up to and including a postsecondary credential. The first of its kind in South Carolina, C2C is a program for students who, for a variety of reasons, have faced difficult challenges in traditional high school settings. The program provides students with intensive support services that build confidence and foster their success in a collegiate learning environment.

Terrance Ford, regional director of external affairs for Upstate AT&T, second from left, presents the check to Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation, third from left. Pictured with them are Courtney White, director of development for the Foundation, left, and Tiffany Carpenter, support specialist for C2C.

Partnerships & Pathways | 41

TCTC FOUNDATION, INC. THE FOUNDATION’S NUMBERS

FAMILY AND FRIENDS REMEMBERED More than 90 honor/memorial gifts totaling $72,504 were received during 2015-16.

Total Assets – June 30, 2016 2015-2016 Contributions Number of Donors Number of Contributors Who Had Never Given Before Contributions from Faculty and Staff Average Gift from Faculty and Staff Contributions from Individuals Average Gift from Individuals Contributions from Companies Average Gift from Companies Contributions from Foundations Average Gift from Foundations Funding Provided to Students and Educational Programs

$22,880,865 $912,023 418 109 $42,596 $263 $219,948 $1,128 $420,729 $8,415 $228,750 $20,795 $1,109,475

Gifts in Memory

Gifts in Honor

Ms. Anna L. Austin Mrs. Ellen E. Bowen Mr. Ellis E. Bradford Mr. David C. Campbell, Sr. Otis Ertzberger, a loyal canine friend Dr. Don C. Garrison Mrs. Clara W. Golay Mr. Robert L. Hanson Mrs. Edith S. Head Mrs. Pamela M. Holland Mr. Frank C. Kenyon Mrs. Madeline M. Kenyon Mr. Gary M. Martell, Sr. Mr. Lawrence (Larry) Miller Mr. Allan Minovitz Mr. Benjamin K. Smith Mrs. Kleonickie B. Stathakis

Dr. Ronnie L. Booth Dr. Gwendolyn B. Owens Mr. Jim Smith Mrs. Marjorie Smith Student Development Staff Student Support and Engagement Leadership Team Dr. Brian D. Swords Mrs. Teresa Young

BENEFACTORS’ SOCIETY The Benefactors’ Society recognizes those who have planned for future gifts to the College through their wills, annuities, life insurance policies, or retirement plans.

Anonymous Mr. David A. Armstrong (deceased) Mr. Ellis E. Bradford (deceased) Ms. Carol Burdette Mrs. Corinne B. Cannon Dr. Henry Cowart Drake (deceased) Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Elliott Mr. Alvin Fleishman (deceased) Mrs. Jeanne Fowler Ms. Nancy Garrison (deceased) Dr. John L. Gignilliat (deceased) Mr. Thomas Hayden Mrs. Ruby S. Hicks (deceased) Mr. Charles R. Johnson Dr. Charlotte R. Kay (deceased)

42 | Partnerships & Pathways

Dr. Debra King Ms. Mary K. Littlejohn (deceased) Mrs. Susan W. McClure Ms. Willie C. McDuffie (deceased) Mr. (deceased) and Mrs. Larry Miller Ms. Stephanie J. Montgomery Mrs. Broy S. Moyer (deceased) Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Murdoch (deceased) Mrs. Rita Rao Mr. David W. Russ Ms. Patricia H. Senn (deceased) Dr. L. Marianne Taylor Mr. William L. Watkins (deceased)

ASHLEY CLAYTON 2016 Early Childhood Development Graduate

In addition to maintaining her status on the President’s List, Ashley was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and was chosen as the ECD Student of the Year for 2016. She attended college this year on the Jackie Oakley Endowed Scholarship, which is administered through the Foundation.

She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Southern Wesleyan University.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT June 30, 2016 ASSETS Cash Net Pledge Receivables Money Market Funds

$ 2,374,180 $ 294,909 $ 61,009

Total Current Assets

$ 2,730,098

$ $ $ $

7,329,543 991,502 1,959,273 2,913,632

n n n n n n

Large Cap Equities Mid Cap Equities Small Cap Equities Fixed Income Private Equities International Developed Equiti es

36% 5% 10% 32% 3% 14%

3% 36%

32% 5% 10%

n n n n

Companies 46.13% Faculty/Staff 4.67% 25.08% Individuals 24.12% Foundations 25.08%

46.13%

$ 6,324,603 $ 632,214

Total Long-Term Investments $ 20,150,767 Total Assets

14%

FUNDING SOURCES

Long-Term Investments Large Cap Equities Mid Cap Equities Small Cap Equities International Developed Equities Fixed Income Private Equities

INVESTMENTS

24.12% 4.67%

EXPENSE ALLOCATION

1% 4% 1%

$ 22,880,865

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE Accounts Payable

$ 132,590

Total Liabilities

$ 132,590

Fund Balance

$ 21,645,537

Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments

$ 1,102,738

Total Fund Balance

$ 22,748,275

Total Liabilities and Fund Balance

$ 22,880,865

n n n n n n n n

Scholarships 34% Professional Development 12% Educational Support 31% Technology 6% Management/General 11% Fundraising 1% Investment Fees 4% Alumni Relations Operating/ 1% Fundraising

11%

31%

DONOR GIFT DESIGNATIONS Unrestricted 21% Technology 2% Professional Development 6% Scholarships 19% Priority Needs/Special Projects/ Other Initiatives 51% n Quasi-Endowment 1% n n n n n

34%

6%

12%

1% 21%

2% 51%

6%

19%

Partnerships & Pathways | 43

FOUNDATION DONORS T

he Tri-County Technical College Foundation Board and staff are grateful to you, our donors, for the support you have given us. This list recognizes donors who made gifts to the Tri-County Technical College Foundation during 2015-2016, beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016.

Every effort has been made to correctly list each donor; but if you find an omission or incorrect listing, please call the Foundation Office at either (864) 646-1809 or 1-866-269-5677 (within the 864 area code), ext. 1809. You can also send an e-mail to dnelms@tctc.edu.

Benefactors’ Club ($100,000 and Over) Robert Bosch LLC/Bosch Community Fund Donors Who Made Pledges of $100,000 and Over Fee Family at Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Partners’ Club ($50,000 - $99,999.99) AARP Foundation Abney Foundation Estate of Mr. Ellis E. Bradford The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust Ambassadors’ Club ($25,000 - $49,999.99) Denso International America, Inc. Donors Who Made Pledges of $25,000 - $49,999.99 First Citizens Bank Pacesetters’ Club ($10,000 - $24,999.99) America’s Warrior Partnership AT&T/AT&T Foundation Booth, Dr. and Mrs. Ronnie L. Darby, Mrs. Judy M. Gene Haas Foundation IT-oLogy Michelin North America, Inc. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Jim, Jr. Trehel Corporation U.S. Engine Valve Company W.C. English Foundation Honors Club ($5,000 - $9,999.99) AnMed Health Bank of America Charitable Foundation BB&T Blackmon, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bowers Emergency Services Duke Energy Foundation First Citizens Bank Hedrick, Ms. Nancy McGee Heating and Air, Inc. South State Bank Wells Fargo Foundation Merit Club ($2,500 - $4,999.99) BorgWarner Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. Eisenberg, Mr. David S. 44 | Partnerships & Pathways

Hughes, Mr. Frank P., III Marshall, Dr. Timothy R. Mattison, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Oglesby, Mr. and Mrs. D. Kirk Schneider Electric South Carolina Broadcasters Association South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corporation President’s Club ($1,000 - $2,499.99) Alexander, Colonel and Mrs. James W. Anderson County Woman’s Club Anderson Rotary Club Anderson School District Five BASF Catalysts, LLC Blue Ridge Electric Coop/Blue Ridge Security Solutions Charles and Janet Tabor Family Foundation City of Easley Clemson Area Retirement Center, Inc. D. L. Scurry Foundation David Taylor Heating and Air Conditioning Deane, Mr. and Mrs. John C. DeHay, Mr. Galen Easley Combined Utilities Eldridge, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Elliott, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Fleishman, Dr. and Mrs. Henry A. Fuller, Mrs. Janet Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. Hansen, Mr. Mikkel A. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Butch Hurt, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin J., Jr. Itron Electricity Metering, Inc. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. Grayson A. Kenyon, Mr. James LS3P McDougald, Mr. D. C. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects Michelin North America, Inc. Nix, Mr. Ralph E. Oconee Federal Savings & Loan Association Oconee Machine & Tool Co., Inc. Orzechowski, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond T. Phillips Staffing Ramsey, Dr. Valerie R. Rhodenbaugh Family Robinson Funeral Homes S. C. Upstate Equine Council Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sorrells, Mr. and Mrs. Mike St. Jude Medical – CRM Division

Thornton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Tri-County Dental Society TTI Upstate Veterinary Specialists Veteran Scholarships Forever Whittle, Mr. and Mrs. Mack I., Jr. Cornerstone Club ($500 - $999.99) Albergotti, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel F. American Services, Inc. Anderson Independent Mail Atlanta Consulting Group Attaway, Inc. Benson Ford Nissan Buckhiester, Dr. and Mrs. Philip G. Bucy, Mr. David W. Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. Kym J. Community First Bank Consolidated Southern Industries, Inc. Crisp-Simons, Mr. Todd B. Hamilton, Ms. Cara Kalley, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kravet Fabrics, Inc. Lorraine Harding Real Estate Martin, Dr. and Mrs. Theodore H. Mary R. Ramseur Charitable Foundation McIntire, Mr. Dorian R. Moe’s Southwest Grill Parker Poe Consulting, Inc. S.C. Association of Veterinarians Seneca Animal Hospital PA Stathakis, Ms. Alexandria P. Student Democrats Club Swords, Dr. Brian D. Thrift Brothers Vanhuss, Dr. Della M. Warnock, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wheeler, Dr. Alfred (Hap) Young Office Environments Young, Ms. Teresa Century Club ($100 - $499.99) Allan, Ms. Meg Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Anderson, Ms. Alice Anderson Chapter Medical Assistants Anderson, Mrs. Lisa G. Andrus, Ms. Sue Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. L. Curtis Ashley, Mr. and Mrs. William T. Barnes, Ms. Ann Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Bassett, Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Bathe, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Baumann, Dr. Peter Beard, Ms. Julie M.

Beleskas, Mr. John F. Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. George Blakley, Ms. Jacquelyn Blanton, Mrs. Amanda D. Bojangles’ of WNC, LLC Bowen, Mr. Tim Brock, Mrs. Deborah A. Bruce, Dr. Arthur L. Burdette, Mrs. Margaret C. Campbell, Ms. Nancy Starr Cannon, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce S. Cartledge, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Catalfomo, Mrs. Keri Clanton, Mr. and Mrs. Van, Jr. Cobb, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil L. Cole, Mrs. Cathy C. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Duane Compton, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley L. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Corley, Mr. Gregg Cothran, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Creamer, Mrs. Jennifer Evans Croft, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Vernon Crowe’s Corporate Promotions Dermer, Ms. Peggy Edwards, Mr. Matt Eidson, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Electric City Animal Clinic Ellenberg, Mr. Robert Ellers, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ellington, Ms. Julie A. Ethridge, Ms. Tracy L. Fiori, Mr. George Fiske, Mrs. Tammy S. Fulcher, Ms. Amanda S. Future Laboratory Professionals Student Organization Garrison, Mrs. Cheryl Grogan, Ms. Morgan N. Hagins, Mrs. Susan S. Harley, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hasty, Mrs. Donna M. Helgeson, Mr. Jerald R. Hellenga, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Henry, Mrs. Carol T. Holland, Mrs. Shannan Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. William H. (Ham) Hudson, Mr. William Lane, Jr. Hulehan, Mr. and Mrs. Trent A. ICA LP Iverson, Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin J. Davis Construction, Inc. Jameison, Ms. Linda Jamison, Mr. and Mrs. Donaigron Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Konieczny, Mrs. Suzanne Kopera, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kress, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian

Lawless, Ms. Christy S. Lewis, Dr. Lynn Lollis, Ms. Tammy Long, Mr. and Mrs. Neal Luper, Ms. Angel S. Lutz, Mr. and Mrs. Royd Mahaffee, Mrs. Martha C. Marino, Dr. and Mrs. Chris Martin, Mrs. Lou Ann McChrystal, Mr. Keith J. McClain, Mrs. Tonia B. McClure, Mr. Hubert McConnell, Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. McFall, Mrs. Robin Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. H. Steve Morse, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Music Program Muth, Ms. Robin Nelms, Ms. Deborah W. Norcross, Dr. Amoena B. Norris, Ms. Debbie Oconee Family Community Leaders Old, Mrs. Marguerite Gignilliat Orem, Mr. and Mrs. Barry Otey, Ms. Jeanne Owens, Dr. Gwendolyn B. Patten, Mrs. Dorothy G. Pepper, Mrs. Robin A. Poore, Mrs. Claudia E. Powell, Ms. Rebecca Print It! Quarles, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Rainey, Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Robinson, Ms. Emma J. Roddey, Ms. Sandra N. Roper Mountain Animal Hospital Rosemond-Saunders, Mrs. Helen Saxon, Mrs. Lisa B. Sealevel Systems, Inc. Seawright, Ms. Patricia D. Shepherd, Ms. Joyce A. Shook, Ms. Mary Louise Shumpert, Ms. Sarah J. Smith Animal Hospital, PA Smith, Ms. Frances E. Smith, Mr. G. Neil Smith, Ms. Lynn Smith, Mr. Phil S. Stebbins, Mr. and Mrs. Roland A. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. Dean B., Jr. Street, Dr. and Mrs. Russell K. Strickland, Mrs. Sandra P. Student Republicans Club Swords, Ms. Diane Symborski, Ms. Linda M. The Vandiver Family Revocable Trust Tollison, Mr. and Mrs. David Toole, Mr. and Mrs. W. Allen Travers, Ms. Arden Valentine, Ms. Hope Vance, Ms. Debbie Vernon, Ms. Julie Vickery, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry D. Wagenseil, Mr. Ross Walter, Mrs. Diana M.

Ward, Ms. Carol M. White, Representative and Mrs. Brian Wilkerson, Colonel and Mrs. Lawrence B. Williams, Mrs. Chrystel L. Winkler, Mrs. Stephanie Woodall, Mr. Matthew Woodson, Mr. John W., II Young, Mr. and Mrs. Al Loyalty Club ($.01 - $99.99) Adger, Ms. Terri Y. Albertson, Ms. Abigail Alexander, Ms. Elaine H. Allen, Mrs. Faye Allen, Mr. Herm Alvarez, Ms. Ashley Amazon Angoli, Ms. Marilyn I. Anonymous Arbena, Mr. Joseph Scott Bailey, Ms. Brandy Barend, Mr. Peter J. Barnett, Ms. Andrea W. Beachy, Ms. Katrina Bladzik, Ms. Susan Borders, Mrs. Amy Boyles, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Brand, Mrs. Kathy Brewer, Ms. Carla D. Brickman, Ms. Margaret B. Brown, Ms. Debbie Brown, Ms. Kelsey Brown, Ms. Linda A. Bryan, Mrs. Anne M. Bryson, Mrs. Karen C. Buddin, Ms. Danette Burgess, Mr. Roger B. Burgett, Mr. Frederick J. Burgins, Ms. Shelley Byars, Mrs. Beth B. Cain, Mr. Paul A. Calvert, Ms. Sheila C. Campbell, Mrs. Rachel Cape, Mr. James T. Carruthers, Ms. Amber Chandler, Ms. Stephanie F. Christenbury, Ms. Jessica Cotten, Ms. Rachel M. Cournoyer, Mr. Stephen Craddock, Mr. Jason Crenshaw, Mrs. Laura S. Curtis, Ms. Susan Danuser, Ms. Emily Davidson, Dr. Thwanda L. Davis, Ms. Anna Dennis, Ms. Tonique C. Dodd, Mr. Murray W. Dover, Ms. Melissa Easley Campus Staff Edwards, Ms. Penny S. Fagan, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fowler, Ms. Mollie Frank, Ms. Stacey D. Frye, Ms. Heather

Gambrell, Ms. Carolyn Gambrell, Ms. Elizabeth Y. Garrett, Ms. Lisa T. Geren, Ms. Mary Hall, Ms. Nancy Harris, Ms. Rhonda N. Heatherly, Ms. Tonya Hendricks, Mr. Tom Herbert, Dr. and Mrs. James O. Hester, Ms. Martha Heyer, Ms. Mary Lynn Huggins, Ms. Wendy Hunt, Ms. Madison Imershein, Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Jablonski, Ms. RockyAnn Jackson, Ms. Judy Jaeschke, Mr. Scott Johnson, Mrs. Jo Ellen Johnson, Ms. LaPrincia Johnson, Ms. Lauren Jones, Ms. Kathie O. Kay, Mrs. Polly F. Kelly, Ms. Shannon King, Mr. Richard L. Kinley, Mr. Bradley Drake Kluge, Ms. Jenna Lark, Mrs. Diane Little, Mr. David Littleton, Mrs. Gloria Looper, Mr. Brett Love, Ms. Liz Luff, Mr. Lee R. Mahn, Mr. Warner Maretic, Ms. Tajana Marshall, Dr. Gerald Lee McCarter, Ms. Ashley McFadden, Ms. Timeko S. Megge, Ms. Camilla Melson, Ms. Hope Merritt, Mr. Butch Mobley, Ms. Cynthia Moritz, Mr. Lou Morris-Randall, Ms. Sally D. Moser, Mr. James Eddie Moser, Dr. Scott Musalini, Mrs. Laneika K. Neese, Mr. Monte Newton, Ms. Breanna Nimmer, Mr. Stephen J. Palmer, Ms. Donna S. Parker, Ms. Courtney N. Parris, Ms. Katherine Parris, Ms. Martha Pennell, Mrs. Arden Perkins, Mr. Lee Phillips, Ms. Paula Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall I. Pickens County Medical Assistants Association Ponder, Mr. Milton Poore, Mrs. Lisa M. Porter, Ms. Kathryn M. Powell, Ms. Deborah Powell Real Estate Raymond, Mrs. Jessica H.

Reynolds, Ms. Shelby Rickman, Ms. Chelsea Robinson, Ms. Aletha Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred B., Jr. Robinson, Ms. Vickie Runge, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W., Jr. Russell, Ms. Mary L. Rutledge, Ms. Jacqueline L. Sanders, Mr. W. David Schrader, Ms. Adrienne Lois Sharp, Mr. Norman C. Shirrel, Mr. Frank Shook, Ms. V. Lynn Shumpert, Mr. Bryan R. Simon, Mr. Matthew Sims, Ms. Alydia C. Sitton, Mrs. Roberta Strasser, Mrs. Cathy Sullivan, Ms. Christi Summers, Ms. Teresa W. Tackett, Mr. Paul Tallman, Mr. Luke Tew, Ms. Kandace Aleah Thompson, Ms. Beverly Thorne, Ms. Melanie A. Thornton, Mr. Craig C. Thrasher, Mrs. Debbie L. Trammell, Ms. Kathryn P. Trimmier-Lee, Mrs. Cindy Venet, Ms. Joan Watt, Mr. Bobby R. Watts, Ms. Carol F. White, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whitlock, Mr. Clarence F. Whitmire, Ms. Paula S. Williams, Ms. Jennifer Wilson, Mrs. Frances B. Wilson, Mr. Scott C. Wimpey, Ms. Hannah M. Wood, Mrs. Tracy Wrightson, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Yohannan, Mrs. Marianne A. Zeigler, Mrs. Melinda L. Zimmer, Ms. Kirsten Matching Gift Donors Bank of America BASF Catalysts Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc. Chevron Duke Energy IBM Corporation Schneider Electric In-Kind Donors Anderson County Roads and Bridges Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Martin, Mr. David B. Orian Rugs Schneider Electric TTI Tucker’s Restaurant Upstate Veterinary Specialists Partnerships & Pathways | 45

TCTC FOUNDATION, INC. TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD MEMBERS

Mrs. Peggy G. Deane

Mr. Ben Hagood

Mr. James L. Williams

Mr. Curtis T. Evatt

Chair

Vice Chair

Treasurer

Secretary

Mrs. Peggy Deane (Chair), Retired Senior VP, AnMed Mr. Ben Hagood (Vice Chair), Regional Vice President, TD Bank

Mr. Dave Eldridge, Chairman & CEO, Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corporation

Mr. Hamid Mohsseni, President, Anderson Restaurant Group

Mr. Michael Fee, Executive Vice President and Owner, The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.

Mr. Tom O’Hanlan, CEO, Sealevel Systems, Inc.

Mr. James L. Williams (Treasurer), Attorney at Law, Municipal Court Judge for the town of Walhalla and the city of Salem

Mrs. Cara Hamilton (ex officio), Vice President for Business Affairs, Tri-County Technical College

Mr. Curtis T. Evatt (Secretary), President, Oconee Federal Savings and Loan Association

Mrs. Lorraine Harding, Owner, Lorraine Harding Real Estate

Mr. George Acker, Retired S.C. Vice President for External Relations, Duke Energy of Carolinas

Mr. Bill Harley, Senior Vice President, First Citizens Bank

Mrs. Chrissy Adams, Solicitor of the 10th Judicial Circuit

Mr. Leon (Butch) Harris (ex officio), Retired Project Manager, Koyo Bearings USA

Mrs. Moyer Albergotti, Realtor, AgentOwned Realty Company

Mr. Henry Harrison, Chairman and CEO, American Services, Inc.

Mr. Alan Blackmon, Retired Manager of Engineering, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative/Blue Ridge Electric Security Solutions

Ms. Nancy Hedrick, Retired President/ CEO, Computer Software Innovations, Inc.

Mr. Hugh Burgess, President, Consolidated Southern Industries

Mr. Chris Robinson, General Manager, Robinson Funeral Homes and Memorial Gardens Mr. Larry Smith, Retired Plant Operations Manager, Schneider Electric Mrs. Lee Garrison Smith, Co-Owner, Denver Downs Farm Market Mr. Ted Spitz, Attorney at Law

Mrs. Marcia Hydrick, Vice President, Thrift Brothers, Inc.

Dr. Ronnie L. Booth (ex officio), President, Tri-County Technical College

Dr. Valerie R. Ramsey (ex officio), Adjunct Professor, Southern Wesleyan University

Mrs. Sheila King, Owner, Kid’s Stuff Academy Co-owner, Sullivan King Mortuary

Mr. Kym Cleveland, President, Liquid Properties, LLC

Mr. D. Pruitt Martin (ex officio), Senior Vice President, Carolina Alliance Bank

Mr. Thomas D. Daniel, Broker, NAI Earl Furman, LLC

Dr. Teddy Martin, Dentist

Mr. Gary T. Duncan, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch

Mr. Scott Miller, Realtor, Cindy Fox Miller & Associates

Ms. Alexandria Stathakis, Director, Robert Bosch, LLC Mr. Thomas Strange, Senior Director of Research and Development, St. Jude Medical Mr. Charlie Thornton, Retired CPA, Suggs Johnson, LLC Mr. David C. Wakefield, Retired, Carolina First Bank Mr. Scott Webber, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Mr. Danny Youngblood, President, Youngblood Development Corporation

Tri-County Technical College Foundation, Inc. The Foundation works to create awareness within the community of the financial needs of the College not met by State or federal support and to implement a plan by which these financial needs can be met through private gifts. To fulfill these purposes, the Foundation institutes an organized program for obtaining support from alumni, friends, faculty and staff, corporations, organizations, and private foundations. In addition to soliciting major gifts for the College, the Foundation accepts, holds, invests, reinvests, and administers any gifts, bequests, and grants in money or property given to the Foundation.

46 | Partnerships & Pathways

TCTC COMMISSION

Leon “Butch” Harris

Chair, Anderson County

W. H. “Ham” Hudson Oconee County

D. Pruitt Martin Anderson County

John M. Powell

Vice Chair, Oconee County

W. Milton Ponder, III

Secretary, Pickens County

Dr. Valerie R. Ramsey

Secretary, Pickens County

John T. “Tom” Hendricks Pickens County

Helen P. Rosemond-Saunders

J. Allard “Al” Young Anderson County

Oconee County

Tri-County Technical College Executive Staff

Members of the Executive Staff are (seated, from left) Linda Jameison, Assistant Vice President, Student Support and Engagement; Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, President; and Sharon Colcolough, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources; (standing, from left) Dan Cooper, Director, Economic Development and Government Relations; Jenni Creamer, Dean, College Transitions; Galen DeHay, Senior Vice President; Rebecca Eidson, Director, Public Relations and Communications; Cara Hamilton, Vice President, Business Affairs; and Grayson Kelly, Executive Director, Foundation.

Partnerships & Pathways | 47

TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE MISSION Tri-County Technical College, a public community college, focuses on teaching, learning, and helping students reach their goals. The College supports economic development for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties in South Carolina by preparing a highly-skilled workforce.

VISION Passionate people transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.

VALUES • Integrity: To be our ideal selves, doing right, and upholding and demonstrating high ethical standards at all times.

• Respect: An understanding that everyone is important and is valued. To be open to accepting and balancing the different views of yourself and others. To preserve dignity in ourselves and others and to interact in a manner that promotes trust, openness, and understanding.

• Community Minded: To be good citizens within the College community, upholding policies and procedures and taking responsibility for making the working and learning environment better for all. To go above and 48 | Partnerships & Pathways

beyond the boundaries of our position descriptions, departments, or divisions and work for the overall good of the College.

• Commitment to Excellence: The desire or drive to make improvements each and every day in ourselves and our environment.

ROLE AND SCOPE • An open-door institution of higher education, the College offers affordable, accessible, collaborative, and learner-centered instruction. Offerings include university transfer associate degree programs and applied technical associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in more than 70 majors associated with business, health, public service, and engineering and industrial technologies. The College also offers developmental courses for students who need to improve their basic academic skills.

• The College promotes economic development in the region through customized education and training for local businesses and industries through credit and continuing education offerings and a variety of workforce training programs.

• The College has campuses located in Pendleton, Anderson, Easley, and Seneca, as well as learning centers in Honea Path and Sandy Springs. The College also offers online classes and a variety of academic and support services.

Tri-County Is Your Community College Community colleges like Tri-County Technical College serve 11.5 million students nationally, making the two-year degree the first choice for almost half of the undergraduate students in the U.S. With enrollment exceeding 9,000 annually, Tri-County still offers small classes taught by full-time, experienced faculty with real-world backgrounds who can offer practical, one-on-one instruction.

Here are some additional reasons to enroll at Tri-County Technical College: • More than 70 majors

• Four Campuses to Serve You

• Lowest Tuition in Upstate

• One of 150 Colleges Selected from More than 1,000 Community Colleges across the Nation to Compete for 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence

• Highest Success Rate among State’s 16 Technical Colleges • Ranked in Top 5 Percent Nationally for Successful Transfer • 19:1 Student-Faculty Ratio

• Home to Nationally-Known Bridge to Clemson Program • RN, LPN Grads’ NCLEX Scores Exceed State, National Averages • Nearly 80% of Students Receive Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Mailing Address Tri-County Technical College P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670

Pendleton Campus 7900 SC Highway 76 Pendleton, South Carolina 864-646-TCTC (8282) Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Boulevard Anderson, South Carolina 864-260-6700 Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Road Easley, South Carolina 864-220-8888 Oconee Campus Hamilton Career Center 100 Vocational Drive Seneca, South Carolina 864-886-4555

Main Number: 864-646-TCTC (8282) Toll-Free Number Within 864 Area Code: 1-866-269-5677 TDD/Voice: 1-800-735-2905 www.tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College.

Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, age, or national origin.