Connection Newsletter January - February 2023

January/February 2023

Fourteen Complete New Plastic Injection Mold Class

The College recently launched a new workforce training program aimed at increasing the number of skilled plastic injection mold technicians in the area. There are 75 businesses in the tri-county region that perform plastic injection molding. In recent years the need for the plastic mold injection occupation has grown significantly and is projected to continue to grow between five and 10% over the next 10 years, according to data from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

A group of associates working in the plastics industry in Oconee County completed TCTC’s pilot plastic injection mold class on December 15, 2022.

Fourteen students employed at Baxter Manufacturing, Clarios and Horton successfully completed the seven week, 20-hour program that was taught at TCTC’s Oconee Campus.

They earned an Introduction to Plastic Injection Molding certificate from TCTC by gaining knowledge in plastic and the plastic industry, mold processes and mold machines, and safety. They also learned employability skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, and communication. This training makes them eligible for plastic injection mold technician roles at their companies that pay (on average) an hourly rate of $25-33.

“This is a proud moment for us,” said Bryan Manual, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at TCTC. “It’s been a long time coming.”

“Thank you for investing in yourselves and continuing to learn,” said Dr. Galen DeHay,

Upcoming Dates

Manufacturing Works Completion Ceremony – March 17

Student Awards Ceremony – April 5

Men of Color Golf Tournament – April 6

Commission Meeting – April 10

Business Technology Annual Steps to Success Event – April 13

Spring Convocation – May 4

Spring Commencement – May 9

Instructor Josh Ledbetter, director of engineering at Baxter Manufacturing and a 26-year veteran of the plastics manufacturing industry, back row, far right, poses with the 14 graduates of the new Plastic Mold Injection certificate program.

is published six 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

tctc.edu

Providing Solutions to Meet Workforce Needs

At Tri-County Technical College, we use the transformative power of education to create opportunity for all. Advancing workforce development is a key component of our mission, and we have the responsibility of educating our residents for careers that offer family-sustaining wages. Simply put, we are our community’s college.

As our community’s college, we strive to be a solutions provider and partner in meeting the emerging workforce needs of our region. Right now, one of our region’s most pressing needs is to educate and train highly-skilled workers for positions in health care and manufacturing. Accordingly, we are working with our partners to develop customized solutions to address their specific workforce needs.

One example is the new Introduction to Plastic Injection Molding Certificate program we developed in partnership with area manufacturers. The seven week, 20-hour program is delivered one night a week at TCTC’s Oconee Campus. Students gain knowledge in plastic and the plastic industry, mold processes and mold machines, and safety. What’s more they learn employability skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, and communication. They also engage in hands-on training. Upon completion of the program, students become eligible for plastic injection mold technician roles at their companies.

Fourteen students working at four regional employers recently completed the program. There are 75 businesses in our region that perform plastic injection molding, and according to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, the need for plastic injection mold technicians is projected to grow between five and 10% over the next 10 years.

Tri-County Technical College

is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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.

Another example is the new TCTC AnMed Nurse Scholars program. The program provides TCTC students the opportunity to work at AnMed a minimum of eight hours a week while pursuing their associate degree in nursing at Tri-County. In addition to paid employment, AnMed pays the balance of the student’s tuition and related course materials once all other financial aid has been applied. Upon completion of the associate degree program, graduates commit to work at AnMed for 24 consecutive months. AnMed is already experiencing a nursing shortage, and South Carolina is predicted to have the fourth highest nursing shortage in the U.S. by 2030 according to a 2018 report published by RegisteredNursing.org.

These are just two examples of customized programs we have developed in partnership with area businesses. I encourage you to read more about the programs that we offer, which can be used to build customized solutions for business and industry, in our Industry Viewbook. The viewbook can be found on our website at tctc.edu/industryviewbook.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

Dr. Galen DeHay President

College Holds First Fall Commencement Ceremony

Rep. Brian White told Tri-County Technical College’s class of 2022 that one of his proudest moments in serving Anderson County’s District 6 for 21 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives was helping to create the pathways project that paved the way for under-resourced individuals to earn college credit that leads to selfsustaining careers.

Rep. White addressed the graduates who were eligible to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates at the College’s first fall commencement ceremony held December 13, 2022, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts in Clemson.

Rep. White spearheaded the legislation that paved the way for technical career pathways to be fully funded by the state. These pathways enable students to take college courses while in high school and to continue toward an associate degree after high school at no cost to the student.

That legislation for the initial pathway program evolved to include the I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) program that enables students like Bonnie Sue James, a 59-year-old Anderson resident, who earned her GED in July, to five months later walk across the stage to receive a Patient Care Aide certificate at fall commencement. James plans to continue her education and study Medical Coding.

The I-BEST program is designed to increase the College’s focus on unemployed and underemployed populations. It is a one-semester learning experience designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in manufacturing or health care and to continue further post-secondary education and training needed for career growth and advancement. Students graduate with a Tri-County certificate (Personal Care Aide I or Manufacturing Production I), in addition to a number of industry-recognized skill certifications and trainings that give them the edge as they enter the workforce.

There is no cost for the I-BEST program, thanks to special, statefunded workforce development funding put in place by Rep. White as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

“The pathways programs are important because they take the stumbling blocks and hurdles out of the way for future generations. It’s our job as lawmakers to help you to achieve your goals,” he said. “I challenge you to do your best. Congratulations, you have invested in something that will last a lifetime.”

right: Mariah Jordon, a Bridge to Clemson student, sang the National Anthem.

far right: Associate degree Nursing graduates Forrest Wagler, of Pickens, and Kristen Price, of Tamassee, chat prior to the ceremony.

In recognition of Rep. Brian White’s distinguished and sustained record of enriching the state and local community for the benefit of our students and others, President DeHay awarded him an honorary associate degree from Tri-County Technical College.

student, and then as a staff member, Carpenter departed the College February 1 to pursue the next act in her life.

Tiffany Carpenter, support specialist for the I-BEST program and a 2001 alumna of the College, far right, posed with Bonnie James, left, whom Rep. White referenced in his speech, along with graduates of the Patient Care Aide certificate program. After 25 years at the College, first as a

Early Childhood Education Program Receives SC Endeavors Grant

The College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program was awarded $22,500 from SC Endeavors to support academics, accreditation, supplies, and professional development.

SC Endeavors is the professional development system for South Carolina’s early childhood workforce. Its mission is to support the continuous growth and improvement of early education programs and professionals to create positive outcomes for young children and their families in South Carolina.

TCTC received two distributions of funds to support the ECE program.

SC Endeavors awarded the S.C. Technical College System’s Early Childhood Development programs $6,500 from the McDonald Early Education Support Fund.

This year, the Biden administration and Congress authorized additional funding to support early care and education, focusing on workforce education and compensation.

“I am pleased to announce that each South Carolina technical college will receive an additional $10,000 to focus on meeting early childhood program needs,” said Melissa G. Starker, state director, SC Endeavors.

This additional one-time distribution of $10,000 comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization fund.

TCTC also received an additional $6,000 for National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) program accreditation support.

Last year TCTC’s ECE program was among the 11 degree programs in the United States that earned renewed accreditation from the NAEYC Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.

This additional funding will support the pursuit and maintenance of the program’s accreditation and will support bringing peer groups from across the state to collaborate on accreditation goals.

“Looking at the big picture, we will use funds to support professional development opportunities within NAEYC,” said Meredith Dickens, department head for public services in the Business and Public Services Division at TCTC. ECE Program Director Kimberly Sharp and Dickens will attend the NAEYC spring conference through the Professional Learning Institute this summer.

“Attending the conference allows us to keep abreast of trends and collaborate with our peers,” said Dickens. “We return to campus with fresh ideas to support our learners in the classroom. We also are able to connect with colleagues nationwide.”

Funds supplement the professional development and growth of ECE students, as well.

Last year ECE faculty and 10 students attended the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children’s Annual Conference in Columbia. “This event allowed students and faculty to network and

Tri-County Technical College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE)

to share our passions for early education with like-minded peers,” said Dickens.

“These funds pay travel and conferences fees. Students said this experience was a highlight of the academic year. Conference topics reinforced material learned in class. They felt connected to the profession,” said Dickens.

Funds also can be used to purchase classroom materials and resources, she said.

“SC Endeavors is a longtime valued partner. We appreciate their commitment as a stakeholder and partner with our ECE program,” said Dickens.

“We are proud of our partnership and look forward to working with TCTC in the future,” said Starker. “Together we are improving the quality of childcare for children and families in South Carolina.”

The Early Childhood Development program is designed to prepare those entering the field of child care or those currently employed but seeking additional training. Graduates are employed as teachers in public and private early care settings, family day care homes and as teacher assistants in public schools. Many choose to continue their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

program was awarded $22,500 from SC Endeavors to support academics, accreditation, supplies, and professional development.

Melissa G. Starker, state director, SC Endeavors, left, presented the check to Meredith Dickens, department head for public services in the Business and Public Services Division at TCTC, middle, and ECE Program Director Kimberly Sharp, right.

Industry Recruits for Technical Scholars Programs

The Career and Employability Resources department has been working with industry to schedule presentations about their scholars programs for TCTC students.

Recently, representatives from Michelin, BMW, Schneider Electric, Ulbrich and BorgWarner met with students to talk about the programs that are designed to provide a pipeline of skilled employees to the industry partner.

Scholars programs allow selected students to attend class full time while working part time at a local manufacturer. The program gives students a chance to pursue their education, gain necessary handson experience, earn an hourly wage, and become viable candidates for positions at the company.

• Michelin was on the Pendleton Campus January 30 to conduct testing for the Michelin Tech Scholars program. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and be in the Mechatronics program. The rate of pay is $21.34/hr. Michelin will pay tuition, books, and any other school fees for their Tech Scholars.

• BMW was on campus February 7 to host an information session about the BMW Tech Scholar program. The program is open to students in Mechatronics, Automotive, or CNC. The rate of pay is

$18/hr. Tech Scholars must be enrolled in at least 12 hours, have a 2.8 GPA, and commit to attending school year-round.

• Schneider Electric is recruiting four students for its Tech Scholar program, two for maintenance positions and two for quality positions. The rate of pay is $19.50/hr. Schneider will provide up to $3,000 to assist with tuition or books. This is a one-year program for students in Engineering Systems Technology or Mechatronics who have completed at least 15 credit hours with a 2.75 GPA.

• Ulbrich is currently recruiting for an apprentice position. The opportunity is open to students in Mechatronics or Engineering Systems Technology. Their shifts are first (7 a.m.-3 p.m.), second (3 p.m.-11 p.m.), third (11 p.m.-7 a.m.).

• BorgWarner is currently hiring three new Tech Scholars. A 2.8 GPA is required, and students must be enrolled full time and be able to work at least 20 hours per week. BorgWarner is looking for students who have completed at least two semesters of the Mechatronics program. The rate of pay is $19.05/hr.

“Employers are very eager to hire our students,” said Leanne Cobb, work-based learning coordinator. “They want to bring them in through a work-based learning program that leads to full-time employment upon graduation, and grow their workforce internally. Our students are being offered some very impressive opportunities and we have a lot more in the works. Employers recognize that TCTC educates students using the most advanced technology with instructors who are experts in their industry. They know that our students are hard-working and persistent, and that is why employers are in fierce competition for them.”

President DeHay Gives Updates to Board of Visitors

The Board of Visitors (BOV) held its semi-annual meeting January 25 on the Pendleton Campus. President DeHay kicked off the meeting by giving several updates.

Spring Enrollment

President DeHay gave members an update on spring enrollment that shows a 3.7% increase in headcount over last spring. He told the group that the S.C. legislature funded zero-cost tuition through 2023. These state and federal government funds (HEERF, GEER, and workforce scholarships), along with TCTC Foundation scholarships, make it possible for our students to attend college at no cost again this spring.

Manufacturing Works

Another highlight of his presentation included an update on the Manufacturing Works program which is designed for high school students who were currently not planning on attending college. Through the program, they gain technical skills while exploring careers in manufacturing.

“This program can change the trajectory of their lives,” said Dr. DeHay. Tuition funding comes from the South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Initiative grant. A participation stipend is funded by the TCTC Foundation, the S.C. Department of Commerce and the Development Corporation of Anderson County.

Forty students from the tri-county area applied and 20 have been

selected to join the second Manufacturing Works cohort which began February 3.

BASF Partnership

Jim Kilton, continuous improvement and training manager for BASF, and Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at TCTC, discussed the company’s partnership with TCTC.

The Integrated Workforce Solutions team, led by Manuel, worked with BASF to design a certificate program that stands out from many apprenticeships because it is a robust and unique hybrid of the typical apprentice classroom. The BASF program is an intensive, one-year classroom learning component of the company’s registered apprenticeship program in Process Technology and reinforces both technical and productivity skills tied to the curriculum. Participants earn $21.50 per hour, and are full-time employees at BASF while attending class one day a week at the Oconee Campus.

Kilton said the program aims to meet future talent needs for a skilled and diverse technician workforce with an emphasis on attracting more females to these roles. An internal goal is to have 30% of the production workforce to be minorities and female.

The BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program is in its second cohort, which ended on February 28, 2023. The third cohort began on December 8, 2022, and the fourth is anticipated to start in July 2023.

left: Sarai Melendez, director of advocacy and public policy for the Hispanic Alliance in Greenville, is one of the BOV’s newest members. As a member of Walhalla City Council, she, council members and the City of Walhalla Diversity and Inclusion Committee have worked with the College on various direct communication/outreach activities to educate individuals about what TCTC can do for them. Targeted outreach involves engaging community influencers and developing a rapport and trust with community members. Increasing access for these individuals is the goal and it involves a long-term investment said Dr. DeHay. Areas of focus include Walhalla, Homeland Park, Honea Path, and the College is seeking opportunities in Pickens County he said.

middle: Board of Visitors members pose with Grayson Kelly (far left), vice president of Institutional Advancement and Business Relations, and President DeHay (far right).

Melendez brought a piece of nostalgia to the BOV meeting. She is displaying a notebook (circa 1970s) featuring the Trilon, the College’s first logo. The notebook was given to her by the late Dennis Owens, a city council member she served with.

right: Jim Kilton, continuous improvement and training manager for BASF (left), and Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions

Clemson Downs Donation Supports Nursing Scholarship

Clemson Downs contributed $1,500 to Tri-County Technical College’s Foundation to continue its support of the TCTC nursing program. This donation will support a future nurse as they continue their education at TCTC.

Retirees Tour Campus

Our Foundation staff recently hosted a tour of the Pendleton Campus for several retirees who had not seen the Student Success Center and the renovations to original buildings. The tour of the campus was followed by a luncheon.

James Hill, executive director of Clemson Downs, fourth from left, and TCTC President Galen DeHay, third from left, are pictured with (from left to right) Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations; Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education Division; and Jackie Rutledge, TCTC department head for Nursing.

Pictured (back row left to right) are President DeHay; Carol Garrison (widow of former TCTC president, the late Dr. Don C. Garrison); Mike Cannon, of Anderson, former Foundation Board member; Helen RosemondSaunders (TCTC Commission member); Linda Elliott (retired TCTC vice president for advancement); and (seated) Bruce Cannon (retired TCTC public relations director and brother of Mike Cannon).

Nine Graduate from Biomedical Device Certification Program

Nine individuals completed the second cohort of TCTC’s biomedical device certification program on January 31. The 36hour program is offered through the Corporate and Community Education Division.

TCTC is collaborating with SC Biotechnology Industry Organization (SCBIO) who funds this short-term certification

program that gives students an overview of the life sciences industry and the potential opportunity to interview at companies in our area.

Graduates are qualified to work as clean room operators or on the production line at biomedical device companies like Abbott, Poly-Med and Ortec.

Nine individuals completed the second cohort of TCTC’s biomedical device certification program on January 31. Pictured from left are (front row) Shauna McKinnon, Oasis Hammond, and Andrea Pierce and (back row) Braden King, Tim Franks, Brendan Jones, Kevin Rebok, Cadden Mahoney, and Mark Williams.

Our College Family

Excellence Through Service Faculty and Staff Participate in Dream Day

TCTC faculty and staff participated in the United Way of Anderson County’s Annual Dream Day on January 14. The team spent the morning packing bags of food for clients of Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM).

Dream Day is a service day in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mia Tensley Appointed to Black History Board

Mia Tensley, reading and college skills instructor and faculty development liaison at the College, has been appointed to the Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture board.

Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond Elected AAAS Fellow

Celebrating Our Medical Assisting Program

TCTC’s Medical Assisting program is among the top 36 currentlyaccredited programs with the longest-running accreditation. The program was accredited 52 years ago on September 10, 1971. Each year the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), a committee of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), celebrates the longest standing Medical Assisting programs that have been CAAHEP accredited. Congratulations to Program Director Laura McClain and faculty!

Scott Harvey Presents at CACROA Conference

Scott Harvey, TCTC registrar, presented at the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Association (CACROA) conference, held December 4-6.

Tiffany Blackwell Is New CACROA President

Tiffany Blackwell, director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, is the new president of the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Association (CACROA).

Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond, science instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division, has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Each year, the AAAS Council elects members whose “efforts on behalf of the advancement of science, or its applications, are scientifically or socially distinguished.” She is being honored for her distinguished contributions to advancing biology education in technical colleges, for contributions to science communication, and social justice in STEM.

Daniel Adams, Leadership Pickens County Participant, Works on Service Project

This semester Easley Campus Director Daniel Adams is a participant in Leadership Pickens County (LPC), a leadership development program devoted to strengthening and dedicating our community leaders. Each year the class works on a service project that will yield a positive, everlasting impact on the community. This year, LPC has chosen to revitalize the grounds at Miracle Hill Children’s Home, a foster care community that provides homes for foster teens and sibling groups.

Pictured here are Alex Rutland (right), vice president of development for the YMCA of Easley, Pickens, and Powdersville, and Daniel Adams (left), TCTC Easley Campus director.

In Transition

Tara Vaughan joined the Tri-County team in December of 2022 as a Nursing instructor. In her role, Tara is dedicated to student success and to meeting the diverse needs of our students in the Nursing program and preparing students to function effectively as registered nurses in a health care team.

Beverly Farrell (left) and Monette Fowler (right) joined the Tri-County team in August 2021 in adjunct roles. Both were recently promoted to Mathematics instructors in the Arts and Sciences Division. In their roles, they teach courses by providing systematically planned and delivered instruction in the classroom and help guide students along their educational journey.

Holly Glenn is an Administrative Specialist in the Health Education Division Office. Holly is responsible for providing administrative, logistical, and data management support to the Health Education Division, including Associate Degree and Licensed Practical Nursing, Health Professions, and Veterinary Technology.

Kayla Johnson serves as Assistant Director, Advising and Academic Support Network. Kayla provides leadership and manages the operations of the success coach team; implements assessment methods and analyzes data focusing on the team’s continuous improvement in efficiency, interactions, and contributions to student success throughout the life cycle.

Averie Johnson is an Enrollment Counselor. She provides proactive student outreach, recruitment and intensive enrollment counseling through various interactions with prospective students, businesses and industries, high schools and community organizations.

Leslie Thrasher (right) and Erica Noyes (far right) are TC Central Specialists. They provide direct student support in the areas of Admissions, Recruitment and Orientation, Financial Aid, and Registrar/Student Data Center.

Jack Neal recently joined the Tri-County team as Print and Mail Center Manager. Jack is responsible for a variety of businessrelated functions, such as financial analysis, budgeting, personnel management, storage optimization and utilization, and maintaining and modifying policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Jessica Johnson serves as Café Supervisor. Jessica is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations of a full-service cafeteria and catering service.

Erin McAleer is Learning Support Coordinator in Academic and Career Foundations. Erin provides support to prospective and current students and to division faculty and staff to help ensure student success.

Daphne

Freeman serves as Human Resources Coordinator. Daphne is responsible for performing a wide range of human resources functions, including overseeing the talent acquisition process, coordinating learning and employee development, employee relations and other generalist functions.

Nora Lane (not pictured) serves as Registrar’s Office/Student Data Center Generalist. Nora provides advanced operational support to students, faculty and staff. She also provides accurate enrollment,

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Plastic Injection Mold Class In Transition

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degree and institutional data to external customers to remain compliant with state law, federal student aid, and Veterans Affairs regulations.

Brent Oxley serves as a Career Counselor in Career and Employability Services. Brent is responsible for providing prospective and enrolled students and graduates with career development through the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of career counseling, resources, and programs.

New Adjunct Orientation

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president of TCTC. He thanked Tony Hopfer and Steven North, account managers at ENGEL Machinery, Inc., for South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, who were present at the ceremony, for the company’s generous donation of a 180-ton e-victory injection molding machine, which provides invaluable hands-on learning experiences. The machine is valued at $276,850.

“We couldn’t do it without the donation. This is a wonderful partnership,” said Dr. DeHay. He also thanked instructor Josh Ledbetter, director of engineering at Baxter Manufacturing and a 26-year veteran of the plastics manufacturing industry, who “plowed through the obstacles and kept us on the pathway.”

“We developed the program as a model and we built the curriculum around the employees’ work and school,” said Ledbetter.

Tony Hopfer and Steven North, account managers at ENGEL Machinery, Inc., for South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, third and fourth from left, were present at the ceremony, for the company’s generous donation of a 180-ton e-victory injection molding machine, which provides invaluable hands-on learning experiences. The machine is valued at $276,850. Pictured with them are Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations, and President DeHay.

Twenty-seven new adjunct instructors attended an orientation January 11. Attendees visited a resources fair prior to hearing an overview of the College and participating in a workshop on active learning.

Prior to receiving certificates, students listened to four industry executives and managers from Baxter, Clarios, Horton and Curtee, who gave insight into their careers and talked about the everyday challenges and the rewards of working in the plastics industry. From left are Jason German, Clarion; Doug Robinson, Horton; Matt Wessel, Baxter; and Steve Verschaeve, Curtee.

Catching Up with Alumni

Former Michelin Scholar Now Oversees Technical Scholars/Maintenance Youth Apprentice Programs

Alumnus Jacob Bouchillon, Technical Scholars/Youth

Apprenticeship manager for all of the Michelin plants in the U.S., was on campus recently to conduct student testing for the program. At age 27, Bouchillon was one of the manufacturer’s youngest instructors for its internal technical training school. There are 98 technical scholars, from 16 technical colleges participating in Michelin Technical Scholars programs across the U.S. Bouchillon, 34, talked about his time at Tri-County and his career pathway at Michelin which began 15 years ago following graduation in 2008 from the College’s Industrial Electronics Technology (IET) program.

He originally thought he wanted to major in engineering at Clemson and was accepted into the first Bridge to Clemson class in 2006 but quickly got interested in the electronics classes at Tri-County and decided not to transfer. He enrolled in IET (now Mechatronics) classes. “Once I found IET, I was on the right road.”

In his second year at Tri-County, he began working at Michelin’s Sandy Springs plant and was chosen as a prestigious Michelin Technical Scholar, a cooperative education program where students work while in college. The program offers tuition reimbursement and employee health benefits and competitive wages. He also qualified for lottery tuition assistance.

Bouchillon earned a spot on the President’s List every semester and graduated debt free.

He began as a maintenance tech at Michelin in Sandy Springs and later became a teacher/trainer for Michelin AP Technical Training.

He took on his current role in Technical Recruiting and overseeing the Michelin Technical Scholars and Maintenance Youth Apprentice programs on December 1, 2021.

“Tri-County opened up a world of opportunities for me and the opportunities continue at Michelin, who makes the world go around,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without the Michelin Technical Scholars Program and the partnership with TCTC.”

For more information about Michelin careers, go to facebook.com/MichelinCareers.

Nursing Alumni Serve as Adjunct Instructors

Several TCTC Nursing alumni are serving as adjunct instructors this semester in the Nursing Department. Jackie Rutledge, nursing department head, third from left, reunited with former students at the College’s Adjunct Expo recently. From left are Crystal Gaines, R.N. at Oconee Memorial Hospital; Kelly Liles, R.N., assistant nurse manager at Prisma; ConnieAnn Johnson, R.N. at AnMed Medicus Surgery Center; and Georgeanne Hardin, RN, Care Coordination, at AnMed.

Celebrating Black History Month

Courtney McKenzie and Christina Tang, both Bridge to Clemson students, were among those who visited The True Black History Museum on display February 9 in the Student Success Center. The display features a collection of more than 1,000 rare and authentic artifacts that date from the late 1700’s to the 21st century. This museum was established to preserve the history of African American people and to educate others of the many great contributions that African Americans have made to mankind.

Homeland Park Listening Session Strengthens Partnership

On February 9, the Homeland Park Neighborhood Watch hosted a community listening session in partnership with TCTC at the Homeland Park Baptist Church’s Community Center. The listening session aimed to identify the Homeland Park community’s most pressing needs and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership between TCTC and the neighborhood watch group.

The event was attended by several Homeland Park community members, Anderson City Councilman Tommy Dunn, President DeHay, and TCTC faculty and staff Dan Cooper, Jenni Creamer, Dr. Beverly McAdams, Tiffany Blackwell, Gayle Arries, and Mia Tensley. Tensley opened the session by thanking Walt Lanier and Don King, Homeland Park water commissioners, Danielle Daverman, and the Homeland Park community members  for their investment in serving the community and highlighted the ongoing partnership between TCTC and the neighborhood watch group.

The session was facilitated by Creamer, who guided the discussion with three questions: What have you identified as your community’s biggest needs? What work is happening to address these needs? And how can Tri-County Technical College help?

Dr. McAdams and Blackwell provided valuable insights

into their respective areas of expertise. The Homeland Park Community group expressed a keen interest in TCTC’s partnership programs, such as the Apprenticeship Scholar program and courses for senior citizens. Participants expressed a desire to tour TCTC’s Anderson Campus, and Dr. McAdams agreed to make arrangements for a forthcoming visit. The session’s success laid the groundwork for a lasting partnership that will benefit the Homeland Park community, and the palpable energy in the community center bodes well for the future.