“Cindy Mobley is simply the definition of excellence to me; she strives daily to be the best person, the best daughter, the best friend, and, for TCTC, the best employee that is representative of the mission of providing a transformative experience for students,” said Marla Cobb, director of high school engagement and outreach, in her nomination letter.
Cindy Mobley earned the highest award given to staff at TCTC at an annual fall convocation on August 18.
Dr. Mandy Elmore, dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology (EIT) Division, echoed Cobb’s comments. “Cindy goes beyond the call of duty and provides premier service routinely,” she said. TCP students attend EIT Division classes at the Anderson, Pendleton and Oconee Campuses, ITC,
(continued on page 3) July/August 2022
Her goal is to make everyone’s life better and to be the best she can be, said Cobb. “She does not give up on a student even when they don’t necessarily believe in themselves. She is the rare combination of both cheerleader and warden. She will cheer you on while holding you accountable to your own goals and personal responsibilities for your own success.”
Mobley’s dedication to student success is reflected in her interaction with students and their parents, said Cobb. “With every single student, she strives to help them achieve their goals. Her colleagues and our school partners know that she works diligently with our technical career programs and that students are safe with her advisement and guidance. When parents are unsure of how to help their high school student navigate dual enrollment, she guides the parents to an understanding of how to turn over academic responsibilities to students in such a kind and gentle way. And, every single person feels that they have gotten the best of Cindy when she has assisted, and they, no doubt, have gotten the best of TCTC when she provides help,” said Cobb.
Connection In this Issue… College-Wide Open Houses Held 6 Alumnus Eduardo Nieves Addresses TCTC’s Class Of 2022 4 Board of Visitors Welcomes New Members, Learns About Arthrex 8
Cindy Mobley Receives Presidential Medallion For Staff Excellence
Mobley, coordinator for student support for dual enrollment and career pathways, received the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence.Fornearly five years, Mobley worked with Technical Career Pathways (TCP) and dual enrollment programs whose goal is to develop a pipeline of individuals who are skilled and ready to fill in-demand jobs at manufacturing facilities across the Upstate. Workforce development is just one of the many advantages of the program that since its inception in 2013 has provided high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with a clear path to a debt-free education that prepares them for careers in manufacturing.
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
Guided by Our Strategic Directions
2. Partnerships: Enhance partnerships to maximize mutual benefit.
Under the Capabilities direction, we have an initiative that focuses on implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) tool that will enable us to better share information across departments. Armed with this information, we can take a holistic approach to serving our students. We can also proactively identify barriers and address student needs.
1. People: Optimize our employees’ potential.
Tri-County(www.sacscoc.org).TechnicalCollege does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.
Under the Partnerships direction, we have an initiative that focuses on developing and implementing a business and industry engagement model. As part of this process, we are defining what it means to partner with TCTC and identifying innovative ways to meet the current and emerging needs of employers in our region.
3. Capabilities: Expand our capabilities to deliver our transformative student experience.
TCTC has four strategic directions. These directions center on People, Partnerships, Capabilities and the Student Experience.
4. Student Experience: Foster learning and collaboration by integrating the student
Lastly, under the Student Experience direction, we have an initiative that focuses on designing and implementing a career management coaching program. This program will help students make informed decisions about how to plan for (and adjust as applicable) their career goals, resulting in a personalized path to success.
Underexperience.eachstrategic
Mailing Address (All Campuses) P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670
direction are multiple initiatives that will help us meet our goals and advance our vision and mission. For example, under the People direction, we have an initiative that focuses on developing a skills inventory. By documenting the skills, education, professional expertise, and abilities of current employees, we can better manage succession planning and professional development. We can also better align organizational talent with organizational needs and identify gaps.
These are just some of the many initiatives faculty and staff will focus on this year. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it is exciting work that will result in better outcomes for our students and our employees.
is published six times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.
In your service, Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President
Connecting 2 • CONNECTION
ur annual fall convocation took place on August 18. This event marks the start of a new academic year. It’s also when I review the College’s strategic directions and initiatives.
Oconee Campus 552 Education Way Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) 1-866-269-5677Toll-freetctc.edu
Dr. Galen PresidentDeHay
Connection
Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC
O
Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd. Anderson, SC
Committee members meet regularly to evaluate and to develop the curriculum, to secure grants, to investigate scholarship opportunities, to promote the College, and to serve as consultants to the department head. They provide input on the skills and knowledge of the graduates to ensure that the College is current with veterinary medicine. They also encourage pharmaceutical companies and supply firms to donate to the College’s program.
Anderson I & II Career Center, and the Pickens Career Center. TCP students enroll in day and evening classes.
The Veterinary Technology advisory committee consists of veterinarians who are in private practice and institutional practice, as well as Veterinary Technology graduates who are employed as Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs).
Paul Phelps, TCTC department head for Welding and CNC, said,
“She is responsible for making all of the pieces work together between the high schools, TCTC, students’ programs of study and instructors,” said Phelps. “She makes a difference, one student at a time.”
Veterinary Technology Named 2022 Advisory Committee of The Year
(continued
Cindy Mobley Receives Presidential Medallion from page 1)
“The Technical Career Pathways for high school students thrive because of Cindy, students excel because of Cindy, students achieve because of Cindy, and our high schools instinctively promote dual enrollment at TCTC because of their trust in Cindy,” said Cobb.
July/August 2022 | 3
Externship course to avoid delaying learning outcomes,” she said. In addition, 80% of members continue to contribute their time to speak with cohorts about pathways of the profession. “Committee input on development and design of the VET 290 Senior Integrated Learning course has proven to assist students with overall pass rates on the Veterinary Technician National Exam,” she added.
TCTC’s Veterinary Technology advisory committee earned the distinction of top advisory committee for 2022. Pictured from left are Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, TCTC veterinarian; Linda Symborski, advisory committee member and S.C. Upstate Equine Council member; Veterinary Technology Department Head Ashley Brady; Stephanie Brown, Veterinary Technology program director; and Dr. Kyle Powell, advisory committee member and adjunct instructor.
They employ Tri-County graduates and provide externship opportunities that give students positive learning experiences.
“The Veterinary Technology advisory committee embodies the College’s mission of passionate people transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time. There is no doubt that the Veterinary Technology program has improved greatly because of the guidance of the dedicated advisory committee,” said Brady.
Tri-County Technical College’s Veterinary Technology advisory committee earned the distinction of top advisory committee for 2022. The presentation was made at the College’s fall convocation.
“Cindy is invested in our students. She works with students to ensure they are provided the support needed to face the challenges and rigor of college-level coursework. Cindy ensures students have the very best opportunity to be successful,” said Dr. Elmore.
This is the eighth time the committee has received the trophy. Veterinary Technology Department Head Ashley Brady, Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, staff veterinarian, Stephanie Brown, Veterinary Technology program director, and committee members accepted theTheaward.group also was named the top advisory committee in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2015.
“Our students observe real-life scenarios that help tie in the information that is being taught across multiple semesters,” said Brady. For example, advisory committee members offer open tours/job shadowing and externship opportunities at private practice/referral clinics and shelter medicine facilities. “Our committee members always seek ways to promote not only the Veterinary Technology program but the College as well,” said Brady. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with input and guidance from advisory committee members, we continued to allow students into various veterinary clinics for the VET 170
Nieves is involved in his work and his community. He is a founding executive committee member and past chair of the Clemson University Commission on Latino Affairs. He also is a member of the Anderson County Latinx Advisory Council, the Tri-County Technical College Board of Visitors, the Clemson University Council for Diversity and the Greenville County Hispanic Pastors Association.
President DeHay congratulates a graduate.
Jackie Jeter, who received an Associate in Arts degree, gets a big congratulatory hug from English instructor Amy
Dr. Hannah Timms, humanities instructor, sang the National Anthem.
After graduating in 1988 Nieves transferred to Clemson University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems in 1992. During this time, he also served in the National Guard. He accepted a position in information technology at Clemson University.Nievesfelt
“Attending college was a step of faith,” he said. “I struggled academically due to my bi-vocational status. With the help of tutoring services and valuable advice from counselors, I was able to finish my degree and transfer to Clemson University. Tri-County provided me with a solid foundation to build upon. It gave me the confidence to face the next stage of my educational journey.”
As a first-generation college student, Nieves received a two-year scholarship and enrolled in the university transfer program and began to pursue an Associate in Science degree.
4 | CONNECTION
He also is very active in the local Hispanic community and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Theology. He is conducting empirical research on the community impact of churches supporting migrant families in Greenville, S.C.
Borders.Eduardo
Eduardo Nieves, a 1988 TCTC alumnus who is web developer for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities at Clemson University, delivered the August 4 summer commencement address to the Class of 2022. Two hundred and seventy-five graduates were eligible to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Alumnus Eduardo Nieves Addresses TCTC’s Class of 2022
in 2004, he founded the New Manna Church in Anderson where he has served as pastor for the past 17 years.
Nieves, a 1988 TCTC alumnus who is web developer for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities at Clemson University, delivered the August 4 summer commencement address to the Class of 2022.
“I learned how to take advantage of TCTC’s resources that helped me be a better college student. Those resources gave me the tools to write well, think critically and get over the obstacle of calculus. My instructors encouraged me, pushed me academically and showed me I could continue,” he said.
a call to the ministry in the late 1990s and attended Southern Wesleyan University, where he earned a master’s degree in Ministry. He earned a second master’s degree at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary six years later. In 2000 he began working as part-time youth pastor at Belton Church of God and on Father’s Day
The fall semester began on August 22 with 5,747 students enrolled.“Inbig ways and small ways, it has truly been an all-hands-ondeck experience,” said Jenni Creamer, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Educational Partnerships. “Employees from every area of the College have worked hard all summer to ensure new and continuing students were able to complete their enrollment processes and have the information needed to prepare well for the semester. Many have been involved in supporting welcome tents and other welcome events and largely doing whatever it takes to ensure all members of the TCTC community are welcomed and begin to feel a sense of belonging during this first week.”
TCTC’s program has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The program’s next site visit will be in September 2022. The program also is endorsed by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.Graduates may pursue careers in a variety of areas, not just private practice. Although many seek employment in veterinary clinics, there are positions available in research, specialty practices, emergency clinics, and zoos or pharmaceutical sales companies and nutrition companies. There is also the opportunity to transfer to a four-year institution to acquire a bachelor of arts degree in veterinary technology which increases the opportunities for them.
TCTC/BASF Partnership Featured in Magazine
Andreas Martinez, a Medical Laboratory Technology major and Men of Color advisory board member, gives a thumbs up on the first day of fall semester.
Veterinary Technology Program Celebrates 45 Years
inventories.Since1980
National Veterinary Technician Week will be observed October 16 – 22. It is a time to recognize that veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and
Apprenticeship Carolina’s Dr. Amy Firestone and representatives from BASF in Seneca were interviewed about apprenticeship partnerships in a recent issue of Building Facilities magazine. The article, titled, “Building an Equity-Driven Workforce,” focuses on how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives level the playing field for workforce growth and economic gains. TCTC is mentioned in the article.
“Technicianswelfare.are an integral part of the practice and serve as a veterinarian’s right hand,” said TCTC Veterinary Technology Department Head Ashley Brady, a 2000 alumna of the program who in 2015 was named Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. Brady also holds a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology/Animal Health Technology with a minor in Equine Science from Murray State UniversityVeterinary(2002).technicians
This year Tri-County Technical College celebrates the 45th anniversary of its Veterinary Technology program. Tri-County is the first technical college in the state to offer an associate degree program in Veterinary Technology.
July/August 2022 | 5
“We report a remarkable 94% job placement rate for the last 10 years,” said Brady.
First Day of Classes
work closely with veterinarians and other members of the veterinary team to deliver quality animal health care. Their primary responsibilities in a veterinary practice include animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, post-operative care, client education, hospital management and laboratory duties. They also perform many tasks in the front office to include answering the phones, scheduling appointments, managing patient records and maintaining drug and supply
Men of Color Student Advisory Board Participates in TeamBuilding Event
The MOC Student Advisory Board, a new organization at TriCounty, aims to empower men of color through education, mentoring and peer collaboration. For more information, contact Andreas Martinez, MOC advisory board president, at amarti63@tctc.edu or Travis Durham, director of Student Engagement & at tdurha15@tctc.edu.Accountability,
Many of these high-demand programs are covered through the S.C. Workforce Scholarships for the Future, whereby South Carolina residents can take advantage of zero-cost tuition for fall semester. Here, Dr. Rick Cothran, dean of the Corporate and Community Education Division, left, talks with Jen and Ben Lawson, a married couple who recently relocated from California to Westminster.
The Men of Color (MOC) Student Advisory Board participated in its first group team-building event at Top Golf of Greenville on July 29. The students who attended were Andreas Martinez, Kendrick Scott and LaTrey Simpson-Walker.
6 | CONNECTION
Carolyn Stewart, left, health care program director for CCE, talks with Collin Leonard, right, about the EMT program at an open house. His father, Arthur Leonard, is pictured with them.
A series of College-wide open houses are being held in the Industrial and Business Development Center. Attendees learn about career paths through QuickJobs training programs and full associateRepresentativesdegrees. from across the College’s Corporate and
Community Education (CCE) Division and academic programs are on hand to answer questions and help folks select a career path that works for them and their life goals.
The next open houses are scheduled for September 27 and October 25. To learn more, visit tctc.edu/openhouse.
Power Line Program Spotlighted in Post and Courier
The Level I Power Line Worker certification program, offered through the Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division, was featured in an article that appeared in the Post and Courier. Ron Bryant, transportation and heavy equipment training and development director for CCE, is interviewed about how community colleges are stepping up to train linemen to address a chronic shortage of these essential workers. The curriculum is designed to prepare potential employees to meet the specific needs of employers in our area.
College-Wide Open Houses Held
prepare and create the Annual Financial Report. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for ensuring TCTC is “Best is Class” in finance and accounting,” she said.
The MOC committee’s goal is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower minority students and to let them know they have a place at TCTC. Pictured from left are MOC committee members Rodney Estrada, Dr. Jackie Blakley and Dr. Brian Smith.
July/August 2022 | 7
NHC Funds Nursing Equipment
Tom Hayden Leaves Legacy through Gift
College Receives GFOA Recognition for 22 Consecutive Years
The College’s Fiscal Affairs team qualifies for the GFOA recognition for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021. This represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
“I recognize this award does not just happen,” said Cara Hamilton, vice president for business affairs. “It takes a lot of preparation and execution day in and day out by the Fiscal Affairs team for its attention to detail, P&P compliance review and documentation, internal controls, etc., and then a lot of work to
TCTC has been awarded a local $2,000 community grant by the Wal-Mart Foundation (Sam’s Club #6463) to support Men of Color (MOC) programs.
National HealthCare (NHC) in Anderson presented the TCTC Foundation with a $15,000 check from its Foundation for Geriatric Education. The donation will go toward funding health care equipment (an Apollo patient simulator) for the College’s nursing department.Picturedfrom left are Eaden Moorhouse, a certified nurse aide and TCTC nursing student; Jackie Rutledge, TCTC department head for nursing; Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement
For the 22nd consecutive year, Tri-County Technical College has been honored with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
NewsFoundation
Tom Hayden, retired Corporate and Community Education Division instructor and administrator at Tri-County Technical College, passed away on January 27, 2022. Hayden was a loyal donor to the TriCounty Technical College Foundation both as an employee and a retiree. His final gift of over $25,000, which came from a life insurance policy he took out approximately 12 years ago, was received recently in the Foundation Office. Hayden, who spent nearly 30 years at Tri-County, has left an enormous legacy through this gift. The Tri-County Technical College Foundation encourages others to consider leaving a similar legacy through a planned gift. For more information, reach out to Courtney White at cwhite12@tctc.edu.
and business relations; Courtney White, director of development at TCTC; Heath Hill, administrator, NHC; and Donna Robinson, director of nursing, NHC.
Board liaison Thomas Hudgins welcomed new BOV members. They include: Bradley Bowen, James Couch, John Elliott, Lyn Merchant, Sarai Melendez, Shirley Davis, Thomas Dixon and Tony Stewart.
Melanie McLane, senior human resources manager at Arthrex, was the guest speaker and she discussed the company’s partnerships with TCTC and its support through scholarships and capital equipment donations, the apprenticeship program that aids in workforce development, dual enrollment and I-BEST programs and readySC.
The Board of Visitors (BOV) held its semi-annual meeting July 20 on the Pendleton Campus. President DeHay gave members an update on the new College logo and branding, the 60th anniversary celebration activities, and presented the college’s Vision, Mission, Values and Commitments. He outlined the ways that TCTC can serve our communities differently through continued targeted outreach efforts for students of color and low-income students and the promotion of zero-cost tuition. He also recognized the Men of Color Committee and the work that led to TCTC receiving the 2022 Equity Award from the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners.
8 | CONNECTION
Early Care and Education Hosts Peer Group Workshop
TCTC’s Early Care and Education (ECE) department hosted a three-day workshop (July 27 – 29) for the South Carolina Technical College System’s ECE Peer Group. This was the first optional professional development workshop to address creating statewide alignment for accreditation assessment requirements. Sarah Shumpert, director of the office of Academic Development, facilitated the workshops and guided participants from sister institutions, the system office, and an external stakeholder group.
Board of Visitors Welcomes New Members, Learns about Arthrex
Journal.Hyde was a longtime journalist and public relations professional before joining the College in 2021. He continues to write about the arts occasionally for local, national and international publications. He also has written the program notes for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra for the past 22 years.
Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations at TCTC, who also is president of the Anderson Chamber, presented the award.
Youth Art Exhibit at Anderson Campus
Congratulations to Courtney White, director of development, who received the ATHENA Leadership Award at the Anderson Chamber of Commerce Small Business Luncheon on August 24.
Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond, a biology instructor, and Dr. Charles Kennedy (a retired biology lecturer) were among the 19 leaders and mentors recognized by BioQUEST for serving as leaders in STEM education. Over the past year, they served on the BioQUEST curriculum consortium, a collaborative community that empowers life science educators to drive innovation in STEM education for all students. BioQUEST hosts semester-long Faculty Mentoring Networks (FMN) which bring faculty from various disciplines, regions and institutions into an online peer community to implement innovative resources and pedagogical approaches within their classrooms.
Our FamilyCollege
July/August 2022 | 9
Dr. Homer-Drummond served as a mentor for the Science, Communication and SARS-CoV-2-FMN faculty for the spring 2020 semester. She has implemented this information into her Principles of Biology classes as a way to teach students about genomics of viruses. Her FMN team further developed the project to teach the process of science, science communication, and how science can be used to evaluate claims, in high school, college, and informal education
Currently White serves as chair of the Anderson Special Needs Foundation, president of the Palmetto Cabinet, president of the Anderson Garden Club, and serves on the United Way of Anderson County Campaign Cabinet. She is past chair of the Anderson Interfaith Ministries board of directors and serves on the Sister Cities board and Anderson Sunshine House board.
Faculty Recognized as Leaders in STEM Education
English instructor Paul Hyde recently won a first-place award from the South Carolina Press Association for his arts and entertainment writing in the Greenville
settings.Thissummer,
TCTC sponsored the Anderson Arts Center’s youth art month in February. Hundreds of students from elementary, middle and high schools throughout Anderson County participated in the contest. As a sponsor, Tri-County has the privilege of featuring 24 pieces of art on the first floor of the Anderson Campus for up to a year. Each piece of art lists the name of the artist, their age and school. Stop by and take a look!
Courtney White Receives LeadershipATHENAAward
Excellence Through Service
“Courtney White truly embodies the spirit of collaboration and community,” he said. “It is evident that she cares so very deeply for all of our business community and citizens throughout Anderson County.”
they published these resources as a group of OER materials, under Universal Design for Learning and DEI principles, for formal and informal science educators to use, through the BioQUEST/QUBES platform. The materials will be taught to science educators in a workshop at BioQUEST’s annual BIOME meeting and at next year’s American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting.
Paul Hyde Wins First-Place Award from SCPA
She is the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award for Cabarrus County and served as a board member for the Cleveland County Partnership for Children
Health Education Division
10 | CONNECTION
Before moving to the Upstate, Stack was dean of college transfer at Cleveland Community College from 2016 to 2021. During her tenure, she was nominated for Staff Member of the Year in 2018.
Betty Stack joined the English faculty full time this semester after serving as a lecturer since spring of 2021.
She and her husband, Hoagie, live in Williamston. They have two adult sons.
As a performer, Dr. Zhang has played with orchestras in Hendersonville, Greenville, Asheville, and Spartanburg. She has appeared at the Spoleto Festival, Emerson Festival and Boston Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, she is a two-time winner and soloist with the Milwaukee Artist and Ensemble Series.
While at Rowan, she was a three-time winner of the College Excellence in Teaching Award. She also was the recipient of the Outstanding Employee Award in 2010.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Furman University, a master’s degree in English literature from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and currently is pursuing a doctorate of higher education at Appalachian State University. She was a Kellogg Institute National Scholarship winner in 2018.
Academic and Career Foundations Division
Burrell earned an undergraduate degree in secondary math education from North Greenville University and an M.S. degree in mathematical sciences from the Graduate University of West Florida. She and her husband, Maliek, have two children, Titus, 3, and Lydia, 1, and live in Greenville.
She received an Associate in Arts degree from Midlands Technical College in 2019 and in May 2022 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services from Anderson University
She lives in Anderson.
Stacey Durham is the Surgical Technology program director. She is a 1995 graduate of the TCTC Surgical Technology program and is a certified surgical technician (C.S.T.).
Elizabeth Wallace is the learning support coordinator in Academic and Career Foundations. For the past two years, she worked part time as a recruitment, admissions and orientation specialist at the College.
In Transition
Stack is a North Carolina Association for Developmental Education State Board member and a Kellogg Institute Developmental Educational Specialist.
For the past five years she has been a middle school math teacher for Lexington School District 1. Prior to that she taught middle and high school math for Spartanburg School District 1. She was a Teacher of the Year finalist for three consecutive years.
She began her career working as a C.S.T. and has worked in other areas of health care over the years. She was office manager for Redi Care for eight years, perioperative business manager and CSPD manager at AnMed Health for three years, and most recently as clinical system manager/consultant for Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital. In addition, earlier this year she
Arts and Sciences Division
Dr. Kyra Zhang is a music instructor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Indiana University, a master’s degree in music from New England Conservatory of Music, and a doctorate in musical arts from Stony Brook University.
Alex Burrell is math program director for Comprehensive Studies in the Academic and Career Foundations.
From 2009 to 2015 she served as department chair of English and communications and division director at Rowan Cabarrus Community College.
Our FamilyCollege
She is a member of the International Clarinet Association, College Music Society and a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox
Church in Greenville. She and her husband, Will, live in Greenville and have two children, Tikhon, 11, and Kassia, 7.
Durham also holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in business administration (health care management) and a master’s degree in business administration (human resources) from American InterContinental University. She is a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists and the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association.Sheandher
College Transitions Department
She and her husband, Keith, have three children, Ethan, 19; Laney, 16; and Sam, 13. They live in Townville.
husband, Freddie, have three children, Cody, 21; Katie, 19; and Rheanna, 20.
She is a member and past president of the Junior League of Anderson County; and a CPI certified trainer.
Kamoriah Hammonds is a student success coach.
Corporate and Community Education Division
She and her husband, James, have two children, Miles, 11, and Amiyah, 6. They live in Anderson.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Clemson University, a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Valdosta State University and an MBA from the University of South Carolina.
July/August 2022 | 11
He resides in Simpsonville.
Her previous employment includes working under the federal TRIO educational program, Talent Search, as an educational specialist. She also worked as a family advocate for the federal HeadStart program. She served with AmeriCorp Upstate from 2015 to 2017.
She and her two children, Donovan, 15, and Melony, 14, live in Anderson.
Sam Tisdale is the training and development director for the Maintenance and Reliability programs in the Corporate and Community Education Division.
For the past five years, he served as director for the Center of Corporate and Professional Development at Furman University. From 1996 until 2016, he was the training director for the Economic Development and Corporate Training department at Greenville Technical College.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Clemson University and a master’s degree in education (school leadership) at Furman University.
Deniece Cantu is the administrative specialist for the Bridge to Clemson program. She is a graduate of Greenville Technical College’s Medical Assisting program and was named the outstanding student. She worked as a medical assistant at Retina Consultants of Carolina for 12 years, Clemson Eye for nine years and Excel Rehab and Sports for the past two years.
Lacee Mitchell is the customer resource specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services with an emphasis on child and family welfare from Kaplan University. Currently she is taking phlebotomy classes at the College.
taught as an adjunct for the Surgical Technology programs at TCTC and Greenville Technical College.
She received an Associate in Arts degree from TCTC in 2019 and transferred to Clemson University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2021. For the past seven months she has worked in our Learning Commons as an English tutor.While at TCTC, she was on the President’s List and Dean’s list. She lives in Anderson.
Amy Jennings is the new director of Bridge programs. She made her career as an educator and administrator, most recently in Anderson School District 4 where she was assistant principal at Pendleton High School. She also has taught English at Pendleton High and in the School Districts of Oconee County and Anderson District 5.
He is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Association of Talent Development.
Students showcased their increased agility skills and celebrated their improved scores during the debut of the new SFT Physical Agility Test (PAT) July 14 at the Anderson Campus.
Previously, the College partnered with Southern Wesleyan University for use of its PAT equipment. Now an obstacle course is on site at the Anderson Campus and was constructed by Jamie Black, welding instructor.
SFT-109 Lifetime Fitness and Wellness is a course designed to help students make long-term positive changes in the area of their physical well-being. Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, instructor Corey Evans and Pamela Altstatt, clinical exercise physiologist, realized the importance of how a college course could help to build a stronger, healthier workforce and community. As a result, they initiated the launch of SFT, which is taught by Altstatt, and were instrumental in growing the enrollment to four sections of the course in the fall and spring semesters. The course is offered through the Academic and Career Foundations Division as an option for all students at TCTC.
12 | CONNECTION
The PAT is a state-mandated requirement for the police academy, and the SFT-109 is now a requirement for all TCTC Criminal Justice (CRJ)
Studentsmajors.included
Madison Medlin and Mattie Lusk, both CRJ students, Kelly Portillo and Erynn Loftis, both associate degree nursing students, and Luke Arledge an associate in arts major.
“The PAT course is a valuable tool for SFT-109 students,” said Altstatt. “The initial testing provides specific feedback regarding current physical fitness level. The results of the initial testing are used to customize exercise programming throughout the semester as we specifically focus on strengthening areas of weakness in upper body, lower body, mobility, agility and cardiovascular conditioning. These results also provide valuable insight and feedback to the students as they learn to write custom exercise programs for immediate improvements in strength and conditioning, for longevity within their future profession, and for a lifetime of fitness and wellness.”
The results over the summer were significant for all students. In addition to PAT scores improving, several students met their weight loss goals and all agreed that they now partake of a more nutritious diet and live a healthier lifestyle that will continue beyond the class.
“It is incredibly exciting to see the exponential improvement in each student when they return for the PAT post-test at the end of the semester,” said Altstatt. “The student energy and support for their colleagues, the notable physical and conditioning improvements in each student, and the improved self-confidence is truly beautiful. We are enormously thankful for our TCTC PAT course and the feedback it provides for evaluating functional improvements in physical fitness.”
Students pose with instructor Pamela Altstatt, clinical exercise physiologist, center. From left are Luke Arledge, Erynn Loftis, Madison Medlin, Kelly Portillo and Mattie Lusk.
Kelly Portillo participates in new SFT physical agility test at the Anderson Campus.
Students Showcase Skills at New PAT Obstacle Course
Dual Enrollment Student Receives Writing Scholarship
Twenty campers, ages eight to 13, participated in the one-day workshop to learn about STEM careers and to work on projects that involve robotics, solar power, alternative energy, and more.
In 2018, he, along with faculty, staff and community partners, dedicated a 75,000-square-foot Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus and a new campus in Oconee County.
Tri-County Celebrates 60 Years
Other accomplishments include several trailblazing studentfocused initiatives, including the nationally-recognized Bridge to Clemson program with Clemson University, which has grown from 220 students in 2006 to more than 1,000 in 2022, and the Connect to College (now I-BEST) program.
The Engineering and Industrial Technology Division hosted a workshop to kick off a new partnership with Blue Ridge Innovation Entrepreneurship Foundation (BRIEF). BRIEF works with kids raised in under-resourced communities and shows them how to navigate a path to a successful career.
July/August 2022 | 13
His vision, from the beginning, was for Tri-County Technical College to become a role model for community college education through dedication to high standards, a nurturing environment, community alliances, and innovative leadership.
EIT Division Kicks Off Partnership with BRIEF, Hosts Camp
The first Special Schools program was held for Jacobs Manufacturing in Clemson.
Mackenzie Price, a TCTC dual enrollment student, is the first recipient of the Juanita Garrison Student Writing Scholarship. Price received the $100 scholarship from the Foothills Writers Guild of Anderson. The mission of the scholarship program is to promote the art and skills of creative writing for students who demonstrate “the heart of a writer.” Price, left, is pictured with her instructor, Betty Stack, an instructor for the English department, and Dr. Brian Smith, assistant dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
In each issue of Connection throughout 2022, we will celebrate the College’s diamond anniversary through photos and fun facts to highlight the events which have shaped the College into the role model for community college education that it is today.
The program, now called readySC and funded through the state, continues today to provide customized pre-employment training – at no cost to the employer – for new and expanding industries. readySC is considered to be one of the state’s greatest incentives and often the deciding factor for industries to locate new jobs in South Carolina. In this fiscal year, readySC trained 835 persons for new and/or expanding industries.
“Our work has not just been about buildings. We are totally focused on creating pathways to help our students succeed in reaching their goals,” said Dr. Booth. “I think about all of those graduates whose hands I have shaken over the last fifteen-plus years. I cannot begin to count the lives that have been changed, careers launched, families supported and communities made better because of the work of everyone here at the College,” said Dr. Booth.
BRIEF has a close partnership with Ripple of One who also brought campers to the workshop. Ripple of One also works with under-resourced populations to help them move away from public assistance and thrive on their own. They work with not only children and young adults but also their parents.
In 2015, he was named the Southern Region winner of the Chief Executive Officer Award by the Association of Community College Trustees.
During his 16 years at Tri-County, Dr. Booth opened community campuses in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, three Workforce Training Centers, an Economic Development Center, and a state-ofthe-art Industrial Technology Center.
Dr. Ronnie L. Booth was named the College’s third president on July 1, 2003.
The workshop covered Standard Response Protocol, how to reunite students with their parents after a crisis, and how the Incident Command system works. The workshop was made possible by the I Love U Guys Foundation.
Nearly 100 Attend School Safety Training
TCTC Police hosted a crisis response workshop on August 9 in the Anderson Hall Event Center. The 95 individuals who attended represented TCTC, the Commission, school districts, colleges and universities, police and sheriff’s departments, emergency management teams, and victim’s advocate offices from across the state.
14 | CONNECTION P.O. Box Pendleton,587SC 29670 tctc.edu
“Our goal was for TCTC attendees to come away knowing that Campus Police is invested in the safety of students, employees, and visitors at all of our campuses,” said TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess.
Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability, sent this note following the training: “Thank you all for organizing this critically important training event. In my previous position I supervised the safe schools department and I know first-hand how important and how time consuming this work is. The training was phenomenal and I appreciate your efforts to keep TCTC safe.”