A Publication from the Office of the President
In this Issue ...
Professional Development Day....................... 3
Sandvik Coromant Supports Oconee Campus......................... 5
Youth Apprenticeship Meeting Held.............................. 6
Students Find Opportunities At Annual Career Fair............... 11
February 2020
Horton HR Manager Says Close Proximity to Oconee Campus Is a Hiring Manager’s Dream Horton, Oconee County’s newest manufacturing facility, is set to open in May at the Industry and Technology Park in Westminster. While construction of the 100,000-square-foot-building is underway, its first two hires, Kellie Boone and Alicia Kelley, both Tri-County Technical College alumna, are setting up shop at the Oconee Campus, sifting through resumes, developing plant policies and procedures, writing a manual for new hires, and planning for Horton, Oconee County’s newest manufacturing facility, is set to open the future. Kellie is the Human in May at the Industry and Technology Park in Westminster. While Resources Manager and Alicia is construction of the 100,000-square-foot-building is underway, its first the Quality Engineer. two hires, Kellie Boone, right, and Alicia Kelley, both Tri-County Clemson University graduate Technical College alumna, are setting up shop at Tri-County Technical College’s Oconee Campus, sifting through resumes, developing plant Sam Vella came on board as Plant policies and procedures, writing a manual for new hires and planning Manager in 2020. Chris Rothell, for the future. Kellie is the Human Resources Manager, and Alicia is the a 1997 Tri-County Industrial Quality Engineer. Electronics Technology graduate, serves as Maintenance Group Leader. “It’s always good to see Tri-County Technical College listed on a resume that comes across my desk,” said Kellie, who received an A. A. degree from Tri-County in 2001 before transferring to Limestone College to earn a bachelor’s degree. She is responsible for recruiting and hiring for all hourly and salaried positions, payroll and benefits, training and development, and employee/public relations. Alicia earned an A.S. degree from Tri-County in 2003, a South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) certification in 2014, and an American Society of Quality certification in 2018. She has 16 years of experience in manufacturing and will be responsible for quality relations between the supplier and the customer and all internal quality operations and safety training. Being located across from Tri-County’s Oconee Campus is a hiring manager’s dream, said Kellie. “A group of future hires—a pipeline of talent—will be just next door with Tri-County and the Hamilton Career Center, currently under construction beside the campus. Having the Oconee Campus and Career Center a few steps away is so convenient. Our future
Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES
AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.
(continued on page 10)
Connection is published ten times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department. Mailing Address (All Campuses) P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670 Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd. Anderson, SC Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC Oconee Campus 552 Education Way Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 Website www.tctc.edu
Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 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, or national origin. 2 • CONNECTION
Connecting
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Let’s Fight Fear and Uncertainty with Facts Dr. Galen DeHay ince the onset of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, President leadership throughout the organization has been developing plans and increasing our readiness to stay abreast of this emerging situation—with your safety at the forefront of our work. From the beginning, I have told the group ‘let’s fight fear and uncertainty with facts.’ That’s why I assembled a task force of leaders from across the College to review and update our pandemic plan. We’ve created online resources to keep you updated on rapidly evolving events, and answers to frequently asked questions now are available online. We must be able to continue to deliver our programs and services because our communities rely on us to advance our workforce mission. Deans have created academic continuity plans to ensure we can continue to deliver our academic programs and services, and our operational units have created continuity plans to ensure regular operations of the institution continue to function in the unlikely event of our closing. We understand that the novel Coronavirus affects our faculty, staff, and students, our families, and our communities, so it is imperative that we continue to stay informed and make decisions using trusted sources of information. We continue to closely monitor the situation -- rest assured we have up-to-date emergency preparedness plans in place. They can be viewed at tctc.edu/coronavirus. As educators we have the responsibility to educate ourselves and our students about the COVID-19. We are following the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and we ask you to do the same. Here is a link from the CDC on methods for prevention and treatment: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html. In these challenging times, it has been heartening to see employees working as teams to ensure we can continue to deliver high quality educational experiences for our students. Working together is how we figure things out. In closing, I’d like to reiterate several important points. Educate yourself. You can stay informed through employee announcements we will send as information changes and evolves. Updated information is posted on our website. Please take the time to review the FAQ at tctc.edu/coronavirus. We will communicate clearly and often—because you are our number-one priority. I am grateful to all of you for your teamwork and commitment to the well-being of your co-workers and students. In the midst of adversity, we can rise to show the best in ourselves. I ask that you take extra care with students and with each other, being kind and helpful. Let’s show our community we are truly one TCTC committed to student learning and success, even in troubled times. In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D.
Faculty and Staff Gather for Professional Development Day Professional Development Day offered a variety of development opportunities that provided information for our full-time employees and adjunct instructors. Humorous motivational speaker Charles Marshall presented two sessions about creating success with extraordinary customer service and how our iCARE standards are critical to our success.
Physical Plant Director Ken Kopera led sessions titled “Academic Buildings: The Next Phase.” As we turn our efforts to revitalizing our academic buildings, attendees were asked to share their thoughts and views on how to make vintage facilities (Pickens Hall, Anderson Hall, Oconee Hall, Wilson Hall, for example) the best they can be.
Mark Vickery, information systems/business analyst, and Kate Baggett, our new IT consultant, both standing, delivered a session about the current technology in the TCTC classrooms and tips to prevent technology from sabotaging your class. Attendees also learned about the new Flexible Learning Experience.
Are You Hostage to Your Digital Habits? was the title of IT Manager Luke VanWingerden’s session that focused on digital habits and how to reclaim your time and attention.
Faculty and staff packed both sessions of the interactive and informative “Walking in the Shoes of an Individual with Dyslexia facilitated by Heidi Bishop (not pictured).
February 2020 • 3
Articulation Agreement with South University Gives ADN Grads Avenue to BSN The College signed an articulation agreement with South University February 24, giving Associate Degree Nursing graduates yet another avenue to earn a BSN degree. Dr. DeHay and Dr. Karl Sterner, president of South University’s Columbia Campus, signed an Associate’s to Bachelor’s Degree Program Agreement allowing graduates of Tri-County’s Nursing program to transfer to South University, and, over the course of a year, complete requirements for a BSN degree while working as Registered Nurses in the area. Flexibility and affordable tuition are two of the benefits of the agreement. Beginning this fall, President Galen DeHay, right, and Dr. Karl Sterner, president of South University’s Columbia Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates can work Campus, signed an Associate’s to Bachelor’s Degree Program Agreement allowing graduates of Tri-County’s Nursing program to transfer to South University, and, over the course of a year, full time while taking a mix of online and in-person complete requirements for a BSN degree while working as Registered Nurses in the area. classes on our campus. Individuals accepted into the program would pay $199 per credit hour. Dr. DeHay said, “Our Associate Degree Nursing graduates are continue their success after Tri-County. This agreement provides prepared to immediately enter the workforce, but we continue to another great opportunity for our students to progress in an make a concerted effort to create pathways that will allow them affordable, accessible, and convenient pathway,” said Jenni to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, should they choose to do so, Creamer, assistant vice president for College Transitions. without loss of time, credits, or money.” “This new affiliation/partnership will streamline the process Dr. Sterner stated, “The goal of increasing student and offer an additional pathway for ADN graduates to pursue experiences, successes, and persistence will be met by this their RN to BSN degree,” said Jackie Rutledge, associate degree partnership of providing a timely and equitable hybrid cohort nursing department head at Tri-County. program for ADN students realizing their BSN degrees.” Applications are being accepted now for the program. For The agreement with South University is designed for Tri-County more information, contact Jackie Rutledge, associate degree ADN alumni who are working as RNs. Current ADN students who nursing department head at Tri-County, at 646-1338 or jrutledg@ will graduate this spring may apply during their final semester at tctc.edu, or Kristen Karasek, director of the Bridge Programs Tri-County. and Educational Partnerships at Tri-County, at 646-1683 or “We are always seeking opportunities for our students to kkarasek@tctc.edu.
Nearly 1,000 Students Benefit from SC Wins Scholarship Financial Aid Director Adam Ghiloni recently reported that during fall and spring, 1,000 students have received nearly $900,000 in tuition assistance through SC Wins, a statewide technical college scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages by providing tuition for students in three critical workforce areas.
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Michael Crouch Is First Student from SC to Receive National Organization of Student Success Scholarship and Award Michael Crouch admits he has “My journey through life has been struggled both personally and similar to my experience in college. I am academically over the past years with not only a college student, but I am also challenges that sidelined his academic a person in long-term recovery. I have and professional journey. Today, been substance-free since January 2013, substance-free since 2013, he proudly and have excelled at Tri-County Technical talks about the road to achieving a lifelong College for well over two years,” he said. goal of earning a college degree. “Finding and sustaining recovery from He says he couldn’t have done it substance use disorder has been very without Tri-County Technical College, its much like discovering developmental support services, and most important, its education and achieving success instructors. in college,” said Michael. “Recovery “It really helps when you have people— from addiction is by far my biggest specifically instructors—who are also life accomplishment, but facing and mentors, in your corner,” said the 41-yearovercoming challenges in academia old Seneca resident who balances his comes in at a close second. With this in time with college classes and working as mind, my involvement in developmental a Certified Peer Support Specialist for education has been the key to my ability Michael Crouch is the first student from South Pickens County Behavioral Health. to achieve at a high level in for-credit Carolina to receive the Martha Maxwell Scholarship After several unsuccessful attempts courses and in my professional career. for Students in Student Success Programs. He was at college while struggling with substance I have used principles found in recovery honored at the National Organization of Student abuse, as well as ADHD and social anxiety, Success (NOSS) conference. and developmental education to today Michael is in long-term recovery and achieve my goals inside and outside the earning grades that landed him on the President’s List (all A’s). classroom,” he said. “Tri-County is helping me to redevelop my mind to believe I can He told his story to a group of peers and educators at the achieve,” he said. March 4–7 National Organization of Student Success (NOSS) He says both people and resources at the College have conference where he received the Martha Maxwell Scholarship. contributed to his academic and personal success. He is the first student from South Carolina to receive a “I wouldn’t be here without any of them,” said Michael, a 1997 prestigious scholarship and award from this national organization. Seneca High graduate, who began his studies by enrolling in the The purpose of the award is to support completers of programs College’s Developmental Education math and English classes in related to student success as they continue their college degree preparation to enter the University Transfer curriculum. aspirations.
Sandvik Coromant Supports Oconee Campus Sandvik Coromant donated $75,000 to name a room, fund scholarships for CNC students, and provide CNC tooling equipment when we opened the Oconee Campus in 2018. Sandvik recently hosted its three scholarship recipients for a luncheon/tour at the plant. From left are Maria E. Brown, James R. Bowie and Corey J. Bouchillon, all CNC majors and all Liberty residents.
February 2020 • 5
College Celebrates Black History Month The College kicked off Black History Month with performances and exhibits held in the Student Success Center.
left: Of Ebony Embers: Vignettes of the Harlem Renaissance is a chamber music theatre work conceived and performed by THE CORE ENSEMBLE. The February 3 performance included the works of Aaron Douglas, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and Countee Cullen. right: The True Black History Museum is on tour and made a stop here in February. The exhibit features more than 150 artifacts, including
original documents from historic figures, such Frederick Douglass, Mary McLeod Bethune, Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Angela Davis, President Barack Obama, and many other great African Americans. Assistant Vice President for Human Resources Marci Leake, right, and Janay Craft, the museum’s director of operations, are seen discussing the exhibit.
Youth Apprenticeship Meeting Held A strategic planning meeting was held February 10 to develop and grow Youth Apprenticeships in the Tri-County service area. Agenda topics included youth apprenticeship program structures, PAYA (the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship) tools, and a path forward for the AOP. Attending were representatives of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties Career and Technology Centers, Apprenticeship Carolina, and multiple departments at Tri-County. Pictured from left to right are Amanda Donald, Career and Employability Resources; Ken Kopera, Physical Plant director; Kelli Lancaster, Anderson 1 & 2 Career & Technology Center; Chad Lusk, Oconee County Career and Technology Center; Dana Grant, Anderson Institute of Technology; Ken Hitchcock, Pickens County Career and Technology Center; Carla Whitlock, Apprenticeship Carolina; Douglas Long, Apprenticeship
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Carolina; Coni Campbell, Integrated Workforce Solutions; Bryan Manuel, Integrated Workforce Solutions; Chris Marino, Institutional Effectiveness; and Amanda Blanton, High School Engagement and Outreach.
Students Take Top Awards at 2020 SCSTA College Festival Event The College’s Speech and Drama Team members brought home top awards at the 2020 South Carolina Speech and Theater Association’s Annual College Festival Competition. Three University Transfer students competed, along with students from colleges and universities across the State, at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster February 15. Gracie Stockman placed first in Persuasive Speaking; Elizabeth Rew placed first in Informative Speaking; and Annabelle Matthews placed second in Persuasive Speaking. Gracie is a Special Education major from Lugoff; Elizabeth is a Business major from Columbia; and Annabelle is an Agriculture major from Jacksonville, FL. The Tri-County Technical College Speech and Drama Three Tri-County Technical College students placed in each of the events they entered Team is coached by Speech instructors Greg Toney and at the 2020 South Carolina Speech and Theater Association’s Annual College Festival Kim Harp. Competition. Pictured from left are Elizabeth Rew, who placed first in Informative “We have been taking teams to this competition Speaking; Gracie Stockman, who placed first in Persuasive Speaking; and Annabelle for more than 20 years. This is a great opportunity for Matthews, who placed second in Persuasive Speaking. students to develop important communication skills and do it in a competitive environment. Everyone worked hard and while competing against other colleges from around the State.” was deserving of success,” said Greg. The South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association is a “My goal is to go to these competitions and be competitive,” professional organization that promotes the study of all areas of said Greg. “It’s a challenge to compete every year against schools performance and oral communication: acting, oral interpretation/ such as Newberry College or USC-Lancaster that actually have performance studies, theatre, broadcasting, public speaking, four-year programs in Theater and Speech. We always have discussion and debate, and speech education. Its main purpose success, and this year it was no different as we dominated the is the advancement of the total speech and theatre effort in the categories that we participated in.” educational system of the State of South Carolina. SCSTA serves “Communication skills are one of the most important skills both public and private schools and colleges and universities in someone can take into the workplace today,” added Kim. South Carolina through an annual conference and spring festival “Competing in this annual Speech and Drama Festival allows competitions in the communication arts, and through recognition students to sharpen those skills, as well as represent their schools of outstanding contributors to efforts.
Tri-County Hosts State of Pendleton The College hosted the annual State of Pendleton meeting January 30. President DeHay talked about Tri-County’s accomplishments and our role in the community. A large crowd enjoyed food and fellowship and presentations by Mayor Frank Crenshaw and Anderson District 4 Superintendent Dr. Joanne Avery.
February 2020 • 7
Our College Family in transition Marcus Guess joined the College in February as our new Chief of Police. He leads all of our law enforcement personnel at each of our community campuses. Chief Guess, who has worked in law enforcement for 16 and one-half years, spent the last decade at Albany State University Police Department, where he served in various capacities—most recently as interim Chief of Police for the last six months. He rose through the ranks at Albany State as a Police Officer, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Police Captain, and Assistant Chief of Police. Other roles with the university’s Police Department included Traffic Supervisor, Chief Investigator, Internal Affairs Investigator, Training Coordinator, and Lead Sexual Assault Investigator. His other law enforcement experience includes working at the Georgia Department of Corrections, where he was a member of the Tactical Squad/Hostage Rescue Unit. He also worked at the Adel Police Department and the Florida Department of Corrections. He earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice (2008) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (2010) from the University of Phoenix. He holds a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University (2018) and graduated from the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College Columbus State University in 2018. Over the years Chief Guess earned the following Georgia Law Enforcement Advanced Certifications: Marijuana Examiner, FTO (Field Training Officer), General Instructor, ALERRT Instructor (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training), and CRASE Instructor (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events). He is a member of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Chief Guess said when he began to research career opportunities, he saw the opening at Tri-County and was attracted
Chief Marcus Guess
to the College’s connection to the community. “Working in college law enforcement gives me a chance to make a difference in the lives of our students,” he said. “You really get to know them, and I love working in a communityoriented police setting.” He added that he “immediately picked up on a friendly, welcoming vibe” during his interview. Although he has been on the job less than a month, in addition to introducing himself to faculty, staff, and students and getting acclimated in his new role, he is looking ahead to pursuing accreditation for the department. Advantages to accreditation include availability of funding, as well as the opportunity to attract better officers. “It will take time and a lot of work, but it is worth it,” he said. Pursuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) demonstrates that a department has met specific standards of excellence and operates according to norms established by State and national law enforcement practitioners. Chief Guess lives in Anderson and has two children.
We Support Local Veterans The TCTC Association of Political Scientists (TAPS) Club sponsored a supply drive for the Richard Campbell Veteran’s Nursing Home and delivered the items March 2. Faculty, staff, and students donated toiletries and personal hygiene items, along with candies, diabetic socks, entertainment books, board games, puzzles, paint, and paint brushes. 8 • CONNECTION
excellence through service Jonathan Warnock, Comprehensive Studies English instructor and a Tri-County alumnus, has been awarded the Cengage Adjunct Developmental Educator Scholarship to the Kellogg Institute. Each year, this prestigious scholarship is awarded to an instructor who demonstrates a commitment to implementing best practices in developmental education. Applicants from all 50 US States are considered. The Kellogg Institute is designed to further educators’ knowledge in the theory and best practices Jonathan Warnock Laura McClain Laneika Musalini of postsecondary developmental education. Seminars Two Medical Laboratory Technology faculty members combine expert-led presentations with practical applications presented at the National Clinical Laboratory Educators promoting student persistence and retention. The summer Conference (CLEC) Feb. 27-19 in Orlando, Florida. residency provides a dynamic living-learning community with Jennifer Porter co-presented with a faculty member from opportunities for sharing ideas and experiences. Networking Spartanburg Community College. Their session was titled among professionals representing a variety of backgrounds “Bringing Clinical Microbiology Training to Campus: Our MLT from across the United States is a key benefit. Programs Are Making it Work.” Medical Assisting Program Director Laura McClain was Program Director Deborah Brock co-presented with multiple elected Education Peer Group Chair for the S.C. Society faculty members during a pre-conference workshop for new of Medical Assistants. She is responsible for overseeing faculty titled “New Educator Workshop.” communication, facilitating collaboration, and networking They also participated in a “Top 10 Lessons Learned in 30 with other S.C. Medical Assisting educators across the Years of Teaching.” State. Another responsibility is to be in charge of the Bowl Mathematics instructor Hubert McClure joined colleagues of Knowledge at the State conference each year. The Bowl from other technical colleges across the State as a presenter/ of Knowledge is a friendly game that tests Medical Assisting speaker at the South Carolina Mathematical Association of students’ cognitive information relating to the field (as Two-Year Colleges (SOCMATYC) February 29. We hosted the students). As Education Peer Group Chair, Laura also sits on the conference at our Pendleton Campus. The theme was “Leap board of the organization. onto 2020 with a Stronger Vision of Improved Mathematics.” Director of Grants Laneika Musalini was the keynote From the Anderson Campus, Hubert delivered his speaker at the S.C. General Assembly Women’s Caucus presentation about the Polycom videoconferencing system that Luncheon held February 26 in Columbia. In addition, Lanieka allows instructors to teach synchronously across the network. has published another article in the latest issue of the NCURA Dr. Amoena Norcross represented the Academic magazine. Laneika is Chair of the organization’s President’s Development office at South Carolina Technical Education Taskforce for Diversity & Inclusion. Check out her article: Association (SCTEA) conference with a presentation on https://ncura.edu/Publications/NCURAMagazine.aspx digital badging for faculty development . Other faculty/staff who presented were: Meredith Dickens, Laura McClain, Dr. Mark Dougherty, Matt Simon, Dr. Jerry Marshall, and Dr. DeHay.
Jennifer Porter
Deborah Brock
Hubert McClure
Dr. Amoena Norcross
February 2020 • 9
PACE Board Gets Updates, Discusses Initiatives At a recent PACE board meeting, Bryan Manual, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions, standing, gave an update on the proposed Youth Apprenticeship initiative, which will serve as an on-ramp into higher education, and a route to earning a family sustaining wage. The initiative will deliberately target underserved youth but the program would be available to all students. Another goal is to engage with small businesses.
Oconee Campus a Dream for Horton HR Manager (continued from page 1)
workforce, graduates, interns, and co-ops, will feed the future of Horton,” said Kellie. “We want to collaborate with Tri-County and the Hamilton Career Center about the educational goals of our future employees,” said Alicia. “We are super excited about the Oconee Campus and its proximity to the plant, making it easier for our associates to take classes,” Kellie said. In addition to their pre-start-up tasks, Kellie and Alicia also are spending time traveling to Horton facilities in Indiana and the headquarters in Minnesota to learn about the products and applications and to recruit several associates to the Oconee facility. Horton’s engine cooling solutions are found around the globe—almost any place you find engines with optimized cooling systems. The company manufactures fans and fan clutches for on- and off-road diesel applications, such as heavy, medium, and light-duty trucks, on motor coaches and buses, on construction, agricultural and mining equipment, and on generators and industrial compressors. The tentative opening day for the plant is in May, and they hope to hire 30 associates this year, with the remainder being hired in 2021. They are working with Bobby Brothers and the College’s readySC team to gear up for pre-hire training at the Oconee Campus. “From the first time I met with Horton’s management team as a prospect looking to grow their business in SC, I’ve felt very 10 • CONNECTION
confident that they would be a great fit for the Upstate,” said Bobby, area director for readySC. “Horton not only plans to create great job opportunities; they also are committed to giving back to the community they reside in, making them an excellent addition to Oconee County’s corporate partners. I’m looking forward to working with them.” “Having the Oconee Campus available has been very beneficial,” said Kellie. In late April, readySC classes will begin in preparation for the May opening. The plant will begin with one eight-hour shift. The plan is to hire an additional 80 next year and a total of 125 associates over five years. In addition to operators and technicians, Kellie also will hire those who have completed the SCMC class taught though Tri-County’s Corporate and Community Education Division. The SCMC training is a 200-hour curriculum that includes the opportunity to earn 11 nationally-recognized credentials. Although a degree is usually preferred, it isn’t essential,” said Kellie, who has worked in HR for 16 years at various manufacturing facilities. She says she also values work ethic and punctuality. “I give someone an opportunity to obtain experience and grow professionally through degrees or certifications,” she said. She says one way to do so is through Horton’s tuition reimbursement plan for its associates. Kellie urges interested persons to go to the company’s website—www.hortonww.com—to submit resumes and cover letters or to get general information and/or learn about products.
Students Find Opportunities at Annual Career Fair Students attended our annual Career Fair professionally dressed with multiple copies of their resumes in hand, and ready to talk about themselves and their career goals. A big thank you to the 40 employers who spent the morning talking with students and soon-to-be grads. Many thanks to Career and Employability Services for sponsoring this event in its 27th year.
above: Olivia
Grant, a Welding student from Seneca, right, talks with BMW Intern/Co-Op and USC Beaufort student Rachel Mendieta, about opportunities at the plant.
left, top: Schneider Electric Quality Supervisor Matt
Miller, left, and Josh Loftis, a Mechatronics major from Anderson, discuss careers.
left: Michelin Recruiter Hector Gonzalez, left, talks with Thad Dominick, of Honea Path, a Mechatronics major, and Michael Acosta, of Easley, an Industrial Electronics Technology major.
Faculty, Staff, and Students Participate in Blood Drive The Blood Connection was on campus February 19 in the Student Success Center. Financial Aid Manager Michelle Jacobson was among those who participated. She is pictured with phlebotomist Brooke Barbare.
February 2020 • 11
Campus Welcomes Board of Visitors
We had an engaging and collaborative conversation with our Board of Visitors this morning. Among the topics Dr. DeHay discussed were economic mobility of our students and how it relates to their success, creating new opportunities through partnerships, and how we are the college for the community.
Community leaders Michael Cunningham and Mike Cannon joined our Board of Visitors and attended their first meeting. This group serves as an extension of the College through the Institutional Advancement Division and works as advocates and ambassadors for Tri-County.
Power Line Students Showcase Skills Students in the Level I Power Line Worker certification class recently participated in a rodeo where they showcased their skills for potential employers who are looking to fill these in-demand job across the State. South Carolina employment data indicates the job market is wide open, and employers are looking to fill new positions and openings created by a retiring workforce. These rodeos serve as a demonstration of the students’ power lineman and heavy equipment skills obtained during their classroom and skills training. right: Graduates of the Level I Power Line Worker certification class are pictured with instructors. From left are James Guthrie, instructor; Graham Price, Luke Burton, Igor Goretoy; Zachary Cameron; Evan Keller; Alan Bolton, instructor and Mike Sanders, program manager. far right: Igor
Goretoy
SNA Sponsors BSN Expo The Tri-County Student Nurses Association sponsored a BSN Expo March 3. Bachelor of Nursing programs were available to discuss their program requirements and costs. All Pre-Nursing, and Nursing students were invited to attend. Here, Emilie Cusick, of Anderson, left, talks with Katie Sherfield-Tarver, enrollment navigator for the School of Nursing, at Lander University.
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