Board of Visitors Gets Updates on Workforce Development Programs
The TCTC Board of Visitors (BOV) met February 5 at the Anderson Campus and members were given updates on workforce development programs that are expanding and continuing to grow at our Anderson Campus in the near future.
The BOV is a group of community leaders who serves as an extension of the College through the President’s Office and works as advocates and ambassadors for Tri-County.
Dr. Mandy Elmore, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development, gave the group a timeline for the Anderson Campus master plan, which includes a recently completed feasibility study and details on relocating the Automotive Technology program from Pendleton to Anderson, developing a new Diesel Technology program, and offering the two-year Mechatronics program in its entirety.
This $23 million investment will develop the existing property at the Anderson Campus.
A new academic space will house the full Mechatronics program. The Automotive program will be fully relocated from the Pendleton Campus to the Anderson Campus with a new facility to support the curriculum’s heavy lab components and needs, said Dr. Elmore.
Diesel Technology is a new offering and will operate under the Automotive program. It will be a one-year certificate, stand-alone credential or an add on for Automotive students.
Mechatronics currently enrolls 350 students at multiple sites (Pendleton, Anderson and Oconee campuses and the Anderson I and II Career and Technology Center). Most of these students come from Anderson County.
“The new building will give us the potential to serve up to 94 Mechatronics students at the Anderson Campus,” said Dr. Elmore.
Paul Phelps, interim dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology (EIT) Division, said the hands-on component is the selling point for these critical-needs programs. “They are all about applied skills, and all are in high demand,” he said.
In this Issue … (continued on page 10)
As part of this expansion, the Corporate and Community Education’s Power Line Worker, Forklift Operator, Certified Logistics Technician, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Heavy Equipment programs will be enhanced and consolidated.
Alumna Kayla Witthoeft Accepts National Magnet Nurse of the Year Award 8
Alumna Dr. Laneika Musalini Delivers Fall Commencement Address 3
TCTC Celebrates Black History Month 10
Dr. Mandy Elmore addresses Board of Visitors. January/February
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
Spring Semester Off to Strong Start
MTri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. TriCounty Technical College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. 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.
other Nature threw us a curveball with two snow days in January, but that didn’t stop us from achieving our highest spring enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic. On January 13—the first day of spring classes—we welcomed 5,362 new and returning students to our campuses. This is a 5.03% increase in full-time equivalent student enrollment and a 4.44% headcount increase compared to spring 2024.
In addition to strengthening our enrollment, we are working on the College’s fiveyear strategic plan. Our strategic planning process encompasses four key steps: 1) environmental scan, 2) practical vision, 3) underlying contradictions, and 4) strategic directions.
As part of the environmental scan, we engaged employees in an appreciative inquiry, which is an interview process we use to identify what employees feel is working well and what they want to see more of in the future. We then reviewed the results of the appreciative inquiry with leaders during our most recent Professional Development Day. Next, leaders will engage in practical vision workshops that seek to answer the question, “What do we want to see in place in five years as a result of our actions?” Following these workshops, Executive Staff will identify underlying contradictions, which are those things that can hinder our plan’s effectiveness and create roadblocks to our desired outcomes. From there, we will identify our strategic directions and initiatives and then begin the work of implementation.
The strategic planning process is something I enjoy as it enables us to set clear goals for the future, align teams and make informed decisions. However, the plan and the College must remain flexible as we respond to emerging trends and disruptions at the local, state and national level.
I look forward to sharing our strategic plan in a future issue of Connection.
In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President
Dr. Galen DeHay President
Alumna Dr. Laneika Musalini Delivers Fall Commencement
Address
TCTC alumna Dr. Laneika Musalini (Class of 2000) delivered a powerful and inspiring keynote address to TCTC’s fall 2024 graduates, telling them about her college journey, beginning as a single mother and first-generation student. Today, Dr. Musalini serves as director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs for Metropolitan State University at Denver where she also serves on the provost council and the academic affairs leadership team. She continues to reside in Anderson and works remotely.
“Some of you have just won the biggest fight of your life,” she said. “Be proud of the degree or credential that you are receiving today. It is just a glimpse of the amazing future that you are creating for you and your family,” she said.
“I remember so vividly, just 24 years ago this past May, at Littlejohn Coliseum, I was where you are. Celebrating the milestone of earning my first college degree,” said the Anderson native. “I didn’t have a lot of people to celebrate with me. Just my mom, toddler son, and two cousins. I am a first-generation college student. I began my college journey without much guidance, just a scholarship and a dream. I was determined to earn my degree.”
She received her first college degree in 2000, an associate degree in Office Systems Technology (now Administrative Office Technology). The plan was to graduate from TCTC, gain a skill, get a job, and begin pursuing a four-year degree. With help from an Abney scholarship and a vocational business school scholarship from the Hanna-Westside Extension Campus, she earned an OST degree and relied on AIM and its Women and Children Succeeding (WACS) program for assistance with eliminating barriers that existed for her as a single mom.
She joined Clemson University in 2000 as an administrative assistant and took TCTC’s University Transfer classes on her lunch hour. She transferred to Anderson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Resources. She was promoted to grants manager for Clemson’s College of Business and Behavioral Sciences and earned a master’s degree from Clemson where she graduated with highest honors from the Human Resource Development program.
In 2021, she graduated from Wingate University with a doctor of education degree, earning a 4.0 and the outstanding dissertation award.
“From an early age, I had dreams and aspirations of going to college. I did not know what that meant at the time, but I knew that it
Keynote speaker Dr. Laneika Musalini told the graduates, “Be proud of the degree or credential that you are receiving today. It is just a glimpse of the amazing future that you are creating for you and your family.”
was what I wanted for myself. What I did not know was that college can be overwhelming. It can be daunting. It can be scary, and most of you can probably agree with me that it can be hard. I also did not know that it can be expensive,” she said.
She told the group that she related to the struggles that many faced during their academic journey.
“But I also know what it feels like to make it through the fire! I know what it feels like to look back on my struggles as an overcomer! I know what it feels like to have people praying for me, believing in me, and pushing me to the finish line! I know what it feels like to crush every obstacle and attain every goal! I know what it feels like to come out of the fire as pure gold! I know what it feels like to fight and win,” said Dr. Musalini.
“I cannot tell you that any of it was easy. What I can tell you is that it was worth it! I want you to know that I am proud of you! I see you! You are valuable! You are worthy! You belong here! You deserve this moment!”
Dr. Musalini’s contributions to her community and to TCTC have been countless over the past two decades. In addition to more than 20 years of experience in research and grants administration, including a decade at TCTC, she is an award-winning leader in her profession and a tireless ambassador for her alma mater. Last year Dr. Musalini was the recipient of TCTC’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.
She has been recognized by local, state and national organizations time and time again for her passion, service, commitment and collaboration with other individuals and organizations to enhance and improve educational opportunities for individuals in her community and beyond.
Surgical Technology Graduates Report Perfect Pass Rate on Exam
For the third consecutive year, TCTC’s Surgical Technology graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam.
All 13 of the December 2024 graduates received passing scores on the National Board Surgical Technology Certification Exam and now are designated as Certified Surgical Technologists (C.S.T.).
Their scores exceed both state and national exam rates, said Miranda Crawley-Fowler, Surgical Technology program director at TCTC.
The national C.S.T. first-time pass rate for Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education accredited surgical technology programs is 77%.
The C.S.T. is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation. The C.S.T. is required for employment in South Carolina, as well as many other states.
Graduates who obtain national certification as a C.S.T. demonstrate an understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. TCTC’s Surgical Technology program prepares students to serve as members of the surgical team through classroom and clinical experiences. Graduates work in hospital operating rooms, in labor and delivery, endoscopy, ambulatory centers and doctor’s offices, said Crawley-Fowler.
“The perfect pass rate for the program is an outstanding achievement,” said Crawley-Fowler. “It’s a wonderful reflection of our program and the skills our students possess. The instructors and I are with these students every day and they become like family. I’m like a proud parent. I know they are ready for their health care roles.”
To ensure preparedness for the certification exam, CrawleyFowler wrote and compiled a review manual titled, “Study Now and Pass,” which is incorporated in the curriculum. She and instructors administer two different practice exams from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), and classwork and lectures focus on areas where students need additional help.
Crawley-Fowler added that Sandra Williams, clinical coordinator for the program and a Surgical Technology graduate, plays a vital role in the students being prepared for job placement. Williams also teaches the exam review class during the last semester before graduation. “Her job is very difficult by making sure each student meets the clinical requirements and surgical case criteria to be able to even sit for the certification exam. I couldn’t do it without her,” she said.
TCTC’s Surgical Technology program reports a 100% job placement rate.
During this year, the Surgical Technology program formed a new partnership with AnMed Health, who is now hiring student externs who are starting their clinicals and externship classes as employees. AnMed Health pays any unpaid portion of students’ education, offers a sign on bonus, and a full-time job upon graduation.
TCTC has similar partnerships with other hospitals. Bon Secours and Prisma Health hire student externs. USC’s School of Medicine in Greenville uses TCTC students as preceptors for upcoming surgery residents. “The students teach and work with the residents on scrubbing, gowning, and gloving for surgery. The students demonstrate how to perform these tasks correctly, practice with them, and then grade their performance,” said Crawley-Fowler. Currently there are two TCTC students taking advantage of the partnership with AnMed Health and three students who have partnered with a Prisma Health facility as working students in externships.
The Surgical Technology department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through 2033.
Alumna Is Adjunct for Veterinary Technology
Ashton Jacks, a 2021 Veterinary Technology graduate, is teaching Intro to Veterinary Technology and a clinical technique lab this semester. Jacks is a licensed veterinary technician at Veterinary Emergency Group in Greenville. “I’m happy to be back on campus,” she said.
All 13 of the December 2024 graduates received passing scores on the national certification exam.
BASF Apprentices Complete Training Program
BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) celebrated the completion of the fifth cohort of apprentices from its North American Apprenticeship Development Program on December 19, 2024.
The program is in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina and TCTC and enables BASF ECMS to hire talented individuals who might not have been considered otherwise due to their lack of manufacturing experience. Since launching the program for production technicians in 2021, BASF ECMS has built a robust pipeline of skilled employees. By focusing on non-traditional hires, the program has successfully transitioned individuals from various backgrounds, including the military, food service, and retail, into thriving manufacturing careers.
Four apprentices, Dylan Bruens, Tristin Chesbro, Andrew Pollard, and Dan Singleton, successfully finished the 12-month training program—earning certifications and enhancing their skills for future careers in the manufacturing industry.
Four BASF apprentices, Andrew Pollard, Dylan Bruens, Daniel Singleton, and Tristin Chesbro, pictured holding certificates, successfully finished the 12-month training program—earning certifications and enhancing their skills for future careers in the manufacturing industry. Pictured with them are Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at TCTC, left, and Elba Lizardi, site director for BASF ECMS in Seneca, far right.
Throughout the program, the apprentices obtained OSHA 10 safety certification, White Belt Six Sigma Certification, and completed Creating Safety Involvement (CSI) training for safety observations in the plant. Additionally, they were awarded a certificate in Process Technology from TCTC and an apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. They also received a pay raise upon completing the program.
“We are proud of the nearly 30 apprentices who have graduated from this program since it began in 2021,” said Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions at TCTC. “This program exemplifies the power of education and industry partnership in creating a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
As part of their capstone project, the apprentices designed and built a functioning mini evaporative cooling tower using a five-gallon bucket and small bilge pump. This project highlighted their practical skills, teamwork, and understanding of key roles such as operations, quality assurance, and project management.
During the celebration ceremony at TCTC’s Oconee Campus, the apprentices presented their project, emphasizing its design, functionality, and the continuous improvement mindset they adopted.
“The program’s flexibility was crucial for me as a new father,” said Dan Singleton, apprentice. “With my wife working long hours in the health care field, balancing work, training, and family could have been overwhelming. But the support from BASF ECMS allowed me to grow professionally while staying committed to my family.”
“Starting over mid-career in a completely different industry was a big leap for me,” said Andrew Pollard, apprentice. “This program gave me the tools and confidence to succeed and be part of an awardwinning team. I feel prepared and excited for the opportunities ahead in manufacturing.”
The program has also contributed to increased retention rates for apprentices, addressing challenges in finding and retaining qualified candidates for production technician roles. As a result, BASF ECMS has reduced the number of apprenticeship cohorts it hosts each year from two to one, as fewer vacancies now exist.
“We’re proud of these apprentices and are excited to see how they continue to grow and advance their careers,” said Elba Lizardi, site director for BASF ECMS in Seneca. “Watching apprentices grow and thrive in their roles demonstrates that we’re building a stable, skilled workforce for the future. Reducing the number of cohorts is a true sign that the program is working exactly as we’d envisioned; it’s a great problem to have.”
“This celebration is a testament to the power of partnership. By working together with industry leaders like BASF ECMS, we’re creating opportunities that not only benefit the apprentices and their careers but also strengthen the workforce and economic future of South Carolina,” said Apprenticeship Carolina Vice President Amanda Richardson. “This collaboration showcases how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between talent development and industry needs, making a lasting impact on the state.”
Nursing Programs Report 100% Pass Rates on NGN
National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX)
TCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (PN) programs report 100% pass rates on the nursing accreditation exam, the NGN (Next Generation) National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) for first-time candidates Educated Pass Rate.
These scores represent data from the fourth quarter of 2024 (October 1-December 31, 2024).
The NCLEX is a nationally recognized licensure examination required to become either a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN) or a licensed practical nurse (NCLEX-PN). Graduates of both programs must pass the exam to work as RNs and/or LPNs in the state.
Both programs also report perfect pass rates for three of the four quarters of 2024, and both exceed state and national pass rates for the year.
During 2024, 103 of the 104 students who took the NCLEX-RN passed, with a year-to-date pass rate of 99.04%.
According to the S.C. Board of Nursing, South Carolina’s college and university registered nurse programs rank sixth in the nation for NCLEX-RN pass rates.
The year-to-date pass rate for TCTC’s Practical Nursing program is 97.92% (47 out of 48 candidates who took the exam passed).
South Carolina’s LPN programs rank seventh in the nation for NCLEX pass rates. States are ranked by the overall pass rates of first-time candidates taking the test.
“I am so proud of the faculty,” said Jackie Rutledge, TCTC department head for Nursing. “I thank our faculty for all they do to help educate our nursing students and ensure their success on the NCLEX, as well as practicing as professional nurses.”
LPN graduates are employed at nursing homes, doctor’s offices and acute care facilities. ADN graduates are predominantly employed at Prisma Health and AnMed.
TCTC’s nursing departments are fully accredited by the State Board of Nursing in South Carolina and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Nursing Student Receives Palmetto Gold Scholarship
Piriyaporn Suwankuer, an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) major, is recipient of a 2025 South Carolina Palmetto Gold Scholarship.
A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to one student from each of the State Board of Nursing, fully approved, prelicensure nursing programs in South Carolina.
As a scholarship recipient, Suwankuer will be formally recognized at the 22nd Annual Palmetto Gold Gala on April 26 in Columbia. Suwankuer, who moved to the United States from Thailand three years ago, said, “I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a country that promotes education and offers scholarships that expand learning opportunities—opportunities that I am eager to pursue.”
After graduating from TCTC, she plans to transfer to Clemson University’s BSN program. Her goal is to apply to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. She said receiving this scholarship allows her to focus on her studies and helps her move closer to achieving her dream of becoming a CRNA “and making a meaningful difference in health care.”
Students Get Connected
Matt Garrett, left, a member of the S.C. Army National Guard and a University Transfer major, is in his first semester at TCTC. He is a member of our Student Veteran Association (SVA), and he is pictured with SVA Advisor Travis Durham, who also serves as director of student engagement and accountability for the Student Affairs Division.
Garrett said he is grateful for Patriot’s Place, a resources center in Anderson Hall specifically for student veterans. The place offers students an area where they may access resources, relax, study and socialize. “It’s a location for us to do our work, talk about our experiences and a place to make new friends.” Garrett joined SVA to help get the word out about resources available to veterans.
Our College
Family
excellence through service
Three Honored as Educators of the Year
Congratulations to the three faculty/staff members who were honored as TCTC’s Educators of the Year and were recognized, along with other winners from our technical college system, at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference in February.
Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability for the Student Affairs Division, is the College’s outstanding administrator.
Angel Luper, accounting program director for the Business and Public Services Division, is the outstanding faculty member.
Frances Boyce, academic success coordinator for the Arts and Sciences Division, is the outstanding staff member.
College Commissioners Recognized
At the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) luncheon in January, Commissioner Helen Rosemond-Saunders was recognized as the recipient of the 2024 Trustee Leadership Award. The award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to promote the technical or community college concept. This is the second time this honor has been bestowed upon Commissioner Rosemond-Saunders. In addition, Commissioner Tom Strange was recognized for 10 years of service, and Commissioner Jim Wanner was recognized for five years of service.
Pictured from left are President DeHay, Dan Cooper, Commission Chair Hamid Mohsseni, Commissioner Helen Rosemond-Saunders and Rep. Don Chapman.
Students from Easley High School engaged in hands-on learning activities, including taking vitals on the Apollo mannequin, stopping the bleed, and performing abdominal thrusts to assist a person choking.
Easley High School Visit to Easley Campus
Students from Easley High School toured the Easley Campus recently as part of their COL 103 class. They had the opportunity to learn more about the College and the Easley Campus while learning about careers in Practical Nursing, Emergency Medical Technology, and with Certified Nursing Aide and Emergency Medical Technology Basic certifications. The class was engaged throughout the event and asked questions about each of the programs and the College as a whole. They also engaged in hands-on learning activities, including taking vitals on the Apollo mannequin, stopping the bleed, and performing abdominal thrusts to assist a person choking.
In 2023, our Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Paramedic program was awarded a five-year initial accreditation by the board of directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This distinction was made upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
CAAHEP accreditation is required for graduates of Paramedic programs to sit for the National Registry Paramedic certification examination, said Ryan Nix, B.S., NRP, who serves as Emergency Medical Technology program director for TCTC.
TCTC’s Paramedic program, located at its Easley Campus, offers an associate degree and two certificate options for future EMTs and paramedics. The degree and certificate programs prepare students to test for the National Registry certification. Successful completion of the National Registry exam is required to practice as a paramedic in most states, including South Carolina.
Graduates of TCTC’s Paramedic program work as paramedics with EMS agencies in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties, said Nix.
Travis Durham Angel Luper Frances Boyce
Alumna Kayla Witthoeft Accepts National Magnet Nurse of the Year Award in New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvements Category
Until recently, the largest group of individuals that Kayla Witthoeft, a post-anesthesia and critical care nurse at Prisma Health’s Oconee Memorial Hospital (OMH) and two-time TCTC graduate, had ever addressed publicly was 300 colleagues at the International Conference of Perianesthesia Nurses (CPAN) meeting in Amsterdam.
Last summer her audience increased exponentially as she proudly and nervously stood before a crowd of 15,000 fellow health care professionals at the 2024 American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) International Magnet Conference® and ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® in New Orleans to accept the National Magnet Nurse of the Year award in the category of New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvements. Witthoeft, BSN, RN, ONC, CPAN, was only one of five nurse innovators in the country to be recognized for conducting research leading to best practices for their patients.
In 2024, OMH applied for Magnet recognition by the ANCC. A Magnet-designated hospital is a medical facility considered to be the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation. Magnet hospitals are certified by the ANCC as institutions where nurses are empowered to not only take the lead on patient care but to be the drivers of institutional health care change and innovation.
These hospitals provide nurses with opportunities for continued or advanced education to develop or improve their skills while also gaining more knowledge about patient care. This can lead to better work environments for nurses and improved patient outcomes. OMH received its first-ever Magnet designation in the summer of 2024 and the team received 12 exemplars.
Only about 10% of hospitals in the United States have Magnet status awarded by the ANCC.
As Magnet commissioner Adam Meier presented Witthoeft with the award, he said she fits the award description perfectly, citing two examples of how she and her team at OMH are pursuing excellence on a daily basis.
In 2021, with an interprofessional team, Witthoeft spearheaded efforts to reduce emergence delirium for pediatric post operative patients. Emergence delirium (ED) is a temporary state of confusion and agitation that can occur when a patient wakes up from anesthesia, sedatives, or analgesics. Up to 80% of children develop this condition
after surgery and can have longterm negative effects. Work by the OMH team resulted in an immediate 42% reduction at the hospital.
Last year Witthoeft also led initiatives to pre-warm surgical patients resulting in preventing postoperative hypothermia and subsequent infections. During the research project, they studied and discovered that pre-warming patients for 10 minutes cuts the body temperature loss in half.
Witthoeft said when she chose nursing, “I especially felt called to advocate for the most vulnerable population. I am privileged to be a voice for those who need it most, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. Over the years, I have focused on improving surgical outcomes through innovative approaches by addressing challenges such as pediatric emergence delirium and perioperative hypothermia.”
“The team’s work demonstrates the power of evidence-based practices and continuous improvement. I’m privileged to work with a group of nurses who enthusiastically embrace new knowledge. This isn’t a personal achievement but a testament to the incredible teamwork and support I have received from my colleagues,” she said. “Without their collaboration, this honor would not be possible.”
She credited her mentors, Magnet Coordinator Tracie Smith; Dr. Connie Spykerman, chief nursing officer for OMH and Baptist Easley Hospital; Celeste Romp; and Diana McIntyre, director of medicalsurgical nursing for OMH and Baptist Easley and a TCTC alumna.
Witthoeft began her nursing career after graduating from TCTC’s Licensed Practical Nursing program in 2010 and the Associate Degree Nursing program in 2012. She transferred to Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
When she isn’t working as a bedside nurse in ICU and the recovery room, she teaches TCTC LPN students one day a week during a 12hour clinical rotation.
She attended TCTC on a Ruby and Ernest Hicks Scholarship through the College’s Foundation and graduated debt free.
After graduating from Clemson University, she worked in Charlotte for six years before moving back to the Upstate, where she lives with her husband and children.
Nursing is a family affair for Witthoeft, who works with both of her parents at OMH. Her mother is a TCTC graduate and a nurse. Her father, who was a carpenter for most of his life, decided in his 50’s to go back to school and study to be a nurse, as well. He works in ICU like her but is on the weekend shift.
“We’re a family of nurses,” she said.
Kayla Witthoeft
Kayla Witthoeft with her parents
Alumni Return to Campus
Alumna Mary Terry, store manager for TD Bank in Seneca, pictured middle, returned to campus to participate in a panel discussion featuring business and industry partners. The session was part of the College’s Professional Development Day activities.
Terry is pictured with other panelists Mark Kauffman, engineering manager for Itron, and Kirsten Hockenberry, talent acquisition partner for AnMed.
Panelists agreed that in addition to strong technical skills, they are seeking job candidates who have good communication skills, can work independently in high stress areas and who are adaptable in a fast-paced environment. Professionalism is at the top of the list for critical soft skills.
Terry graduated from TCTC in 2021 with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in Business Administration. She was awarded a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Grant from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Liberty University.
Alumnus Hart McDowell, a 2023 graduate of the HVAC program, pictured left, is a service technician with BEST Services of Oconee County. He accompanied Josh Sanders, owner and vice president, middle, and Craig Lynch, service manager, to a career fair on February 17.
The Career and Employability Resources (CER) office, in partnership with the HVAC department, hosted the very first HVAC Co-Op Career Fair. The event brought together first- and secondsemester HVAC students seeking to secure co-op experiences for summer 2025. A “co-op” is a type of work-based learning referring to a structured educational program where students alternate between classroom studies and practical work experience in a field related to their academic goals.
The primary goal for most students was to learn more about HVAC career paths, secure a co-op/internship opportunity, network with industry professionals, and receive resume/interview tips. Students highlighted employer networking, career exploration, industry knowledge, and securing a job as the most valuable aspects of the event.
in transition
Krystal Perez is a full-time English faculty member. She previously served as an adjunct English instructor at TCTC while also working full-time in Career and Employability Resources. In addition to her experience in instruction and student services, Perez brings valuable K-12 teaching expertise and training to this role.
Joshua Taylor is a new member of the TCTC Police Department. Taylor works the evening shift at the Pendleton Campus. He was previously a police officer with the S.C. Department of Mental Health and is a graduate of Furman University.
Megan Ross is an enrollment counselor. In her role, Ross serves Daniel High and Oconee County schools, providing proactive student outreach, recruitment, and intensive enrollment counseling. Ross attended Florida State University earning her bachelor’s degree in criminology. She comes to TCTC from the Department of Social Services and Motion Industries.
Cory Wheeler is a full-time Mechatronics instructor. He worked as an adjunct and is a graduate of our Mechatronics program. He previously worked at Bosch. Wheeler is multiskilled in both mechanical and electrical applications.
Jon Warmington is a full-time Media Arts Production faculty member. He comes to TCTC from Bath Spa University in England, where he served as a media technical educator. Warmington comes from Westbury, Wiltshire, in the UK, and holds a degree in Multimedia Design and Digital Animation.
TCTC Celebrates Black History Month
TCTC kicked off Black History Month on February 6 with the True Black History Museum exhibit on the Pendleton Campus.
The True Black History Museum is a traveling Black history exhibit with artifacts dating from the late 1700s to the 21st century. The 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.
Board of Visitors Gets Updates on Workforce Development
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Mary Corley, assistant dean of the EIT Division, gave updates on CDL, Power Line Worker and Heavy Equipment programs, also located at the Anderson Campus. She said all three certification programs are free to South Carolina residents through SC Wins scholarships. Recipients must be South Carolina residents for at least one year to be eligible to receive the scholarship.
Class A CDL offers day (five-week) and evening (10-week) classes. Students train on manual transmission trucks so graduates have zero restrictions on their CDL upon completion of the program. This maximizes their employment options, said Corley.
Class B CDL offers day and evening classes, as well as an option for those who can’t complete Class A.
Their comments were followed by a panel discussion by industry representatives. Panelists were Jeremiah Gilbert, senior technical trainer specialist for Duke Energy’s power line apprentices in western North Carolina and South Carolina; Bonnie Spencer, human resources manager for S.C. and Georgia for Vulcan Materials; and Ron Bryant, department head for CDL, Power Line Worker, and Heavy Equipment Operator programs.
This year, approximately 200 individuals graduated from TCTC’s CDL program, the largest to date, said Bryant.
“All of these programs underpin our entire economy and serve as the foundation for all of our workforce development programs. You can have a great career and make a great living in all of these areas,” said Dr. Elmore.
The Anderson Campus master plan includes relocating the Automotive Technology program from Pendleton to Anderson, developing a new Diesel Technology program, and offering the two-year Mechatronics program in its entirety.
Artists Patro Ulmer (left) and Herman Keith (right) presented “The Language of Hues: Exploring Art & Identity” on February 26. They explored the world of art, culture, and identity as they shared their inspiring journeys and creative processes.
Jai Jones, a Bridge to Clemson student (left), stopped by The True Black History Museum last week and talked with founder Fred Saffold.
Spring Semester Begins with 4.6% Enrollment Increase
TCTC began spring semester on January 13 with a 5.03% increase in full-time equivalent student enrollment. We welcomed 5,362 new and returning students to all of our campuses, a 4.44% headcount increase over spring 2024.
Maddie McGinty, an associate in arts major, left, and Taylor Clark, an associate in science major, give rave reviews to the renovated Oconee Hall, which reopened late last year. Students, as well as faculty and staff, are enjoying the facility which is designed with the student in mind.
It features expanded classroom sizes and three new classrooms, a courtyard, student collaborative spaces, and an outdoor terrace. The new building has 20 total classrooms between the second and third floors. The first floor houses a new faculty neighborhood concept which enables students to easily find and connect with their instructors and academic advisors. Also, there is a 3,400-square-foot outdoor terrace with additional collaboration spaces.
Werner Enterprises Praises and Hires CDL Graduates
Greg Hamm from Werner Enterprises can’t say enough good things about two of our recent Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) graduates, Elias Mack and Beverly Davis. Both graduated from the CDL program in the summer of 2024, and are full-time Werner employees. Tracey Robinson received the following letter from Hamm, who is vice president for field and government recruiting for the Omaha, NE, company.
Hamm writes: “Werner Enterprises is extremely proud to put the safest and most productive professional drivers on the road year after year, and we wouldn’t be able to do that without your help. We appreciate everything that you and your staff do to prepare students to become professional drivers and begin their career with Werner. This letter is just a token of our appreciation to you and your staff for the outstanding job you did in helping to prepare two of your former students to become Werner Enterprises team members. We are confident that your school will continue to provide the trucking industry and Werner with high-quality and well-trained students.”
Elias Mack
Beverly Davis
P.O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670
tctc.edu
Poet/Novelist Ron Rash Returns to Tri-County for Reading
Nationally acclaimed, award-winning short story writer and novelist and former TCTC faculty member Ron Rash made a return visit January 30 to read from his new novel, “The Caretaker.”
Rash taught English at the College from 1986 until 2003. Today he is the Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University.
Rash is the author of 20 books of poetry and fiction, including the New York Times bestselling novel “Serena,” a two-time PEN/Faulkner finalist, three-time O. Henry Short Story Prize winner, and Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award winner. His books have been translated into 18 languages.
After the reading, students engaged in a Q&A with Rash, and 20 lucky students received copies of his new book, which he personally signed for each.
Rash told the audience that his “proudest moments” were teaching at Tamassee-Salem High School and TCTC.
Rash said he currently is working on a short story about Hurricane Helene and the devastating flooding in western North Carolina and “the resilience of the people and their families.”
Rash spent 20 years as an English instructor in our Arts and Sciences Division, teaching many first-gen students like Carolyn Stewart (top right), who earned an Associate in Arts degree and an Associate Degree in Nursing, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from South University. Following an on-campus reading of passages from his new novel, “The Caretaker,” Rash reunited with Stewart, who now is department head for Corporate and Community Education Health Care in TCTC’s Health Education Division.
Twenty students received copies of author Ron Rash’s new book, which he personally signed for each.
