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Alumnus Addresses Class of 2022
Alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner Addresses the Class of 2022
In his remarks to the Class of 2022, alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner told the graduates to expect feelings of self-doubt as they make their way into the workforce and beyond, but warned them not to let those feelings of insecurity get the better of them. “The imposter syndrome (defined as an internal experience of doubting yourself and feeling like a fraud) happens to everyone,” said Dr. Heavner, who currently serves as the scientific director of the CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory, an international research consortium. Eight hundred and fifty-seven graduates from fall 2021 and spring 2022 were eligible to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates at Littlejohn Coliseum May 14.
“The imposter syndrome is that feeling that you’re not good enough, that you are making it up as you go along, but everyone else knows what they are doing. You will question whether you are qualified, capable. You will think I am making this up as I go along. The secret is we are all making this up as we go along,” said Dr. Heavner.
“But your education, your training gives you the tools and resources to make better guesses about what to do. The purpose of higher education isn’t to give you all the answers. It is to help you understand what you do not know and to train you to find the information you need to make a decision. Don’t let the imposter syndrome get the better of you. You are qualified, you are ready, you are capable.”
“I didn’t always make all the right choices,” said Dr. Heavner, a public health scientist who is also a registered nurse with more than a decade of clinical experience, specializing in emergency and critical care nursing. Nearly two decades ago 17-year-old Heavner met Jennifer Beattie (now Hulehan), then a TCTC English instructor who was teaching a dual enrollment class at D. W. Daniel High School, where Heavner was a student.
He says he remembers the day Hulehan told him he had written a college-level paper. “She said I should be proud of my work. I vividly remember her saying that I would succeed in college – not just that I should enroll in college,” he said. He decided he would be a nurse aide and figure things out from there.
He enrolled at TCTC, recognizing that small classes and better relationships with instructors were a plus. In 2008, Heavner was pursuing his associate degree in nursing but failed an obstetrics class. “It knocked me out of the program. I had never failed before,” he said. He didn’t give up, and after receiving a practical nursing degree in 2010 and passing the state board exam, he transitioned back into the ADN program. He
Two-time alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner, who currently serves as the scientific director of the CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory, an international research consortium, was the commencement speaker. Greg Acatitlan, former president of the Student Government Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), received an associate degree in nursing. earned his associate degree in nursing in 2012 and passed the NCLEX with ease. “It took me six years to finish but my choice of school, our choice of school, made it possible for me to make it through. They assured me that my past failures didn’t define me, that I deserved to be there,” he said. He went on to earn a bachelor of science in nursing from Clemson University in 2014. He earned a doctor of philosophy from Clemson University in 2021, and currently he is engaged in the Global Clinical Scholars Program at Harvard Medical School. SGA Vice President Bryan Olvera, who graduated summa cum laude with an associate in science degree, delivered the welcome remarks at commencement and Megan Ropp, a university transfer major, sang the National Anthem.
James L. (Jim) Williams Honored with Tri-County’s Order of Merit
The College honored longtime foundation board member and Seneca attorney James L. (Jim) Williams with the highest award given by the College’s ninemember Commission.
TCTC President Galen DeHay presented Williams with the Order of Merit on May 11.
The Order of Merit is an honorary society that recognizes community and state leaders who have contributed to the development of Tri-County Technical College and the S.C. Technical College System. The resolution of appreciation outlines Williams’ service to the Foundation Board and his loyalty to TriCounty Technical College and its students.
Williams joined the TCTC Foundation Board on January 1, 1990, and was a faithful member of the Board until his departure June 30, 2020, making him the longest-serving member to date. He served as treasurer of the Board from May 19, 1994, until June 30, 2020. During his tenure as Finance Committee Chair, the Foundation assets grew from approximately $2.5 million to more than $25.5 million. He also cultivated numerous major gifts totaling more than $1.3 million, primarily in support of scholarships.
“Jim has a servant’s heart and we are forever grateful for his decades-long service to advance our mission and vision to improve the quality of life of our residents through education,” said President DeHay. “Jim served with distinction representing Oconee County on the Tri-County Technical College Foundation Board for 30 years. During his years of service to the Foundation Board, Jim demonstrated his commitment to Tri-County Technical College, both personally and professionally, in a multitude of ways.”
As the attorney and close friend of the late Mrs. Ruby Sharp Hicks, Williams represented her estate in 1992 when she bequeathed to TCTC nearly three quarters of a million dollars to support scholarships in perpetuity – at that time, the College’s largest gift to date.
He named the TCTC Foundation as the primary beneficiary in his personal charitable remainder unitrust to endow scholarships for students from Oconee County pursuing a degree in veterinary technology. As a former Marine, he is active with the Honoring their Service organization in Oconee County and was instrumental in the group’s establishment of a scholarship endowment at TCTC
Tri-County Technical College honored longtime Foundation Board member and Seneca attorney James L. (Jim) Williams (third from left) with the highest award given by the College’s nine-member Commission. President Galen DeHay (seventh from left) presented Williams with the Order of Merit on May 11. Pictured with them are, from left, Grayson Kelly, TCTC vice president for institutional advancement and business relations and executive director of the Foundation; Marcia Hydrick, TCTC Foundation Board member; TCTC Commissioner John Powell; Nelia Williams; Dr. Ronnie Booth, former TCTC president; Alisa Suddeth, Foundation Board member; and Ben Hagood, Foundation Board chair. to further their support of veterans and to show support of their dependents. Williams has practiced law in the Upstate of South Carolina since he was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1973, and he became a partner at Derrick, Ritter, Williams & Morris, P.A., in 1975 at the age of 30. He also serves as municipal judge for the towns of Salem and Walhalla. “His record of leadership and achievements have been recognized across the state and he is viewed as an inspiration to his colleagues, his community and this College as a loyal and passionate champion of Tri-County Technical College and its students,” said President DeHay.
Our College Family
Excellence Through Service
Stacy Smith Receives Student Advocate Award
Stacy Smith, an instructor in our associate degree nursing program, received the Student Advocate award April 27 in recognition and Katie Anderson congratulates fellow instructor appreciation of her outstanding vision, Stacy Smith, an instructor in the associate degree nursing program, right, after Smith received the Student Advocate Award. commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success.
Each year the award is presented by the Student Government Association. Student nominations highlighted Smith’s passionate dedication to her students and their success.
“This is very special,” said Smith. “My favorite day of the week is a day I get to be in a classroom.”
In addition to teaching full time, she is faculty advisor for TCTC’s Student Nurses Association (SNA).
In a nomination letter, a student wrote about Smith’s keen insight into the struggles of students and how she offers her time and college resources to help them to be successful. “I remember attending one of her office hours after a frustrating and long day. I knew she, too, had been having a long day of work and she still volunteered to advise me, even though she was not my assigned advisor and even though I had not asked that of her. When she volunteered to do so, I couldn’t help but tear up. As a Latina nursing student challenged by multiple cultural barriers and when faced with the rigors of academia that all nursing students go through, that gesture on her part felt like a relief. I can tell she makes an effort to genuinely try to get to know not just me but all of her students. She has no favorites, she is attentive to our needs, and builds a comfortable environment in which students are unafraid of asking questions.”
Dr. Carolyn Walker Is Speaker at IAAP Conference
Dr. Carolyn Walker was a speaker at the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Carolinas Region and Branches Virtual Conference on May 14. The conference title was “Connect. Grow. Lead.” She was one of three presenters on hot topics in the administrative profession. Walker’s 15-minute topic was “How to Empower Yourself at Work.” The IAAP is the world’s largest organization for administrative professionals.
Accounting Faculty Attend TACTYC Conference
Angel Luper, accounting program director, and Casey Lewis, accounting instructor, attended the Teachers of Accounting at TwoYear Colleges (TACTYC) annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, May 19-21. The organization’s primary objective is the advancement of accounting education and emphasizes the development of creative and innovative teaching and curriculum. TACTYC was organized to encourage networking on issues of significance to accounting education.
Business and Public Services Faculty Participate in Tiered Credentialing Sessions
Four instructors in the Business and Public Services division were among the postsecondary leaders who were invited to participate in the S.C. Department of Education feedback sessions to support the review and tiering of credentials that are available to high school students. The following faculty participated in tiered credentialing sessions this month: • Tracy Ethridge, Business Administration Program Director,
Marketing. • Angel Luper, Accounting Program Director, Finance. • Amy Roberts, Media Arts Production Instructor, Arts, AV
Technology and Communication. • John Woodson, Media Arts Production Program Director, Arts, AV
Technology and Communication.
Seven Attend Spring Institute
August Johnson, business administration instructor, was one of seven representatives from TCTC to attend the 2022 Spring Institute: The Student Life Cycle at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Wednesday, May 25. The SCTCS Division of Academics, Student Affairs and Research provided the one-day institute to bring applicable and scalable ideas to support the success of the continuing student from recruitment to completion.
John Woodson Presents At BEA Conference
Media Arts Production (MAP) Program Director John Woodson and Cory Carpenter, assistant professor of digital media at Lander University, made a presentation at the Broadcast Educators
Association (BEA) conference in Las Vegas. They demonstrated how the MAP program and Lander have developed an articulation agreement and relationships with area career centers that will guide students from high school to a MAP degree and an easy transition to earn a four-year media degree. The BEA Conference is held in conjunction with the National Association of Broadcasters Convention.
Amy Roberts, Media Arts Production (MAP) lead instructor, earned the Certified Digital Marketing Professional certificate from the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). DMI is the global certification body for Digital Marketing education.
ECE Earns Renewed Accreditation from NAEYC
TCTC’s Early Care and Education is among the 11 degree programs in the United States that recently earned renewed accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.
Accreditation serves as a mechanism for ensuring a consistent and high level of program quality and alignment to the NAEYC Initial Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs while respecting the unique mission and context of each degree program, its host institution, and its community.
In 2007, our Early Care and Education program earned initial accreditation by NAEYC.
In Transition
Joshua Eppes joined the Campus Police department in May as a law enforcement officer. Eppes served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 until 2006. He has 15 years of law enforcement experience.
He began his career at Calhoun Falls Police Department and worked at the Williamston Police Department before serving five years as West Union Police Chief.
Manuel, Marino and Paige Present at NACE Conference
Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions, center, Adam Paige, director of Career and Employability Resources, right, and Dr. Chris Marino, director of Institutional Research and Evaluation, presented at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conference in Portland in early June. The presentation, titled “Unlocking the Rosetta Stone: The Key to Aligning Education and Industry Expectations,” was developed as part of an ongoing strategic initiative at the College. The goal of the initiative is to identify approaches for enabling more explicit communication between employers, college program managers, and students to reduce language as a barrier to effective alignment of stakeholder needs. The project uses a data-driven approach to aligning skills and competencies by analyzing actual job postings and program-specific student learning outcomes to identify both overlap as well as gaps in need. The analysis is the basis for engaging stakeholders in dialogue around the best way to address core needs.
Our College Family
Kayla Whitaker is manager of student involvement programs. Most recently she was assistant director of residence life at Presbyterian College and prior to that was residence life coordinator at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. Whitaker holds a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies (with an emphasis in theatre and communication) and a specialization in African American studies from Coker University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Columbia College. She lives in Greenville.
Hope Stacy joined the College in June and serves as executive assistant to the vice president of academic affairs and workforce development. Stacy has 16 years of experience supporting executive level offices, including 12 years as assistant to the president at Maysville Community & Technical College (2006-2018). For the last four years she was the administrative assistant to the chief nursing officer and associate chief nursing officer at Prisma Health’s Greenville Memorial Medical Campus. She and her husband, Tommy, have four adult children and two grandchildren. Stacy is a proud Navy mom.
Priscilla Curvin is a student success coach in the Advising and Academic Support department. Since 2020 she has worked as an adjunct instructor and later a lecturer in Comprehensive Studies and I-BEST programs. She also taught medical assisting classes at ECPI University in Greenville before joining TCTC. Curvin also has 10 years of experience working in medical specialty practices as a certified medical assistant. She has an associate degree in applied science from Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, NC, a bachelor of science degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and a master’s degree in health science with a concentration in health management from Western Carolina University. She is a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Curvin lives in Easley.
Casey Lewis is an Accounting instructor in the Business and Public Services Division. She comes to us from Advoco, a part of Accenture, where she was a finance administrator. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Alabama. She attends Dunean Church in Greenville, and she and her husband, Matthew, live in Greenville.
Amanda Bryson is an operations assistant in the Corporate and Community Education Division. For the past three years she has been office manager/customer service representative for Orkin Pest Control in Anderson. Prior to that she was office manager for Clear Water Solutions, LLC. Bryson is an alumna of TCTC, earning a business management certificate in marketing in 2003. She and her husband, Jeremy, have two children, Mary, 15, and Adam, 12, and live in Liberty.
Carter Campbell is an IT services specialist in the IT department. He received an associate in arts in general studies from TCTC in 2016 and for the last four years has worked as a retail sales consultant at the AT&T store in Anderson. Campbell resides in Starr.
Ayana Aikens joined the team in April and serves as financial aid coordinator.
Aikens spent the majority of her career (18 years) working for First Citizens as a teller leader, a personal banker and a trainer. Since 2019 she worked for Anderson County in the register of deeds and probate offices. She attended Greenville and TriCounty Technical Colleges and transferred to Anderson University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in health care management and human services from Anderson University. She resides in Anderson.
Ayana Aikens
Mia Tensley to Serve as Faculty Liaison
Mia Tensley has been selected to serve as the Faculty Liaison for Academic Development within the office of the vice president of academic affairs and workforce development.
“Throughout her teaching career, Karen’s commitment to her students was evident in all of her work,” said President DeHay. “She chose to teach labs to ensure her students had the best experience, and she always held unwavering high standards. I am deeply appreciative of her dedication to service, and I’m thankful to call her a friend.”
Retirements
Karen Linscott
For the past 15 years, it’s been a tradition when instructors Corey Evans and Karen Linscott see each other, they hug. “We greet each other with a big, warm hug,” said Evans, a Spanish instructor who was a former student in Linscott’s Chemistry 111 class years ago.
Nothing changed recently when they approached each other, except their hug took place at her retirement party where colleagues gathered to wish her well. After 28 years at TCTC, Linscott retired as the department’s longest-standing chemistry instructor.
“I will miss the faculty and staff and my students,” said Linscott, “especially the pre-pharmacy students I built relationships with that extended past graduation.”
Although she is toying with the idea of teaching as an adjunct in the fall, her summer will be devoted to spending time with her husband and their two dogs, fishing, gardening and her true passion – crafting (painting, crocheting and knitting).
Dr. Stephan Irwin, program director of the School of Mathematics and Science, said he hears nothing but good comments about Linscott from her students. “She is supportive and a great co-worker,” he added.
Evans echoes those sentiments as a colleague and an alumnus. He said he entered her class at age 19 as a second-semester sophomore. “My first impression was ‘she has done this a long time. And I’m not getting away with anything,’” he said. “The course was a reality check. It helped me to realize I needed to change my major to Spanish. When I returned to teach at TCTC several years later, Karen greeted me with a hug. We really connected back then and we have enjoyed more than 21 years of friendship.”
“Karen has been a great mentor to me over the years, always pushing and challenging me. I will forever be grateful for all of her wisdom and advice,” said Shelby Duffy, assistant dean, School of Mathematics and Science.
Teresa Summers
In May, Campus Police Officer Teresa Summers gathered with co-workers, family and friends to celebrate her retirement. After nearly 17 years at the College and a total of Officer Teresa Summers and Chief Marcus Guess 26 and one-half years in law enforcement, Summers retired May 6.
“Thank you for your service,” said TCTC Chief Marcus Guess. “Enjoy this moment.”
Summers, who is the recipient of the first Police Officer of the Year award at TCTC, told the crowd, “This is bittersweet. I love this place. Tri-County has been good to me.”
“During the critical times of the COVID-19 pandemic Teresa set up a regular training schedule for all officers at the Campus Police department,” said Police Chief Guess. “She also helped set up and initiate the PoliceOne training portal along with ACADIS training from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, which she combined for officers to complete on a daily routine schedule she developed. She was responsible for working with Sgt. William Albert to ensure all officers were receiving policy information for review, and she kept detailed documentation of all training and policies completed by each officer to be adopted in the accreditation process. She also gladly assisted as needed with COVID-19 protocols, which included building security, guidance of COVID-19 protocols, and distribution of PPE in her building at the Anderson Campus,” said Chief Guess.
Summers is a two-time honor graduate of TCTC. She received a Criminal Justice degree in 2009 and a Business Technology degree in 2008. She is a graduate of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. She also holds a degree in Information Systems Technology from Piedmont Technical College.
Summers is involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and is an instructor for Family to Family classes for those who have family members who are suffering from mental illness. She also coordinates with NAMI to host crisis intervention training classes on the TCTC campus for officers all over the state.
Summers and her husband, Kevin, plan to travel and begin remodeling their home.
Our College Family
Dr. Laneika Musalini Departs College
Dr. Laneika Musalini’s contributions to the College have been countless over the last decade. She has raised more than $20 million by writing successful state and federal grant proposals in her nearly 10 years as director of grants development for the College. 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 folks in her community and beyond.
Dr. Musalini departed the College June 2 to accept a job as director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Columbus State University.
“She is a good friend and colleague and a phenomenal asset to Tri-County. She also is a great partner to so many,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations. “It’s not farewell; it’s see you later,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone for your support over the years. I’ve always put the integrity of the institution first,” said Dr. Musalini, who received an associate degree from Tri-County before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Most recently she received her doctorate of education (in higher education executive leadership) degree in December 2021. She also was honored with an unexpected accolade – the outstanding dissertation award for her cohort at Wingate University.
Dr. Musalini’s dissertation is titled “Factors that Impact African American Students’ Decision Making to Attend Community College.”
She has been active with the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and is the past chair of the organization’s presidential task force on diversity and inclusion. She
Dr. Laneika Musalini, director of grants for the past 10 years, third from left, departed the College June 2 to accept a job as director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Columbus State University. She is pictured with her Foundation co-workers, from left, Beth Brown, Beth Byars, Grayson Kelly, Courtney White, Debbie Nelms and Thomas Hudgins.
currently chairs the NCURA Region III D&I Committee and is DEI advisor to the executive committee. In 2020 she was honored by NCURA with the 2020 Distinguished Service award for Region III.
She is a member of the TCTC Men of Color Committee comprised of administrators, faculty and staff. The committee works intentionally to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters success where young men and women of color feel safe, welcomed and valued. (See story on page 3.) Since 2019 she was the liaison for the College’s Board of Visitors and managed the board’s activities, communication and meetings.
“I appreciate your allowing me to spread my wings in other TCTC initiatives, such as diversity, equity and inclusion and as liaison to the board of visitors,” she said. “I appreciate all you do for the students, for the College and for me.”
CRJ Hosts K-9 Demonstration
The Criminal Justice (CJR) Department hosted a K-9 demonstration/presentation on the Pendleton Campus June 7 in the Marshall Parker Auditorium.
The demonstration was part of the Police Patrol class taught by CRJ instructor Officer Jess McCoy. The event included seven K-9s and their handlers from various law enforcement agencies, including GSP Airport Police Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, and S.L.E.D. Individual handlers talked about explosives detection, tracking and narcotics interdiction. Additional demonstrations were held outside Oconee Hall.
NHC Funds Nursing Equipment
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.
Pictured from 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 and business relations/executive director of TCTC Foundation; Courtney White, director of development at TCTC; Heath Hill, administrator, NHC; and Donna Robinson, director of nursing, NHC.
The Keowee Key Community Partnership awarded scholarships to three students for FY23. Madison Rankin is a 2022 Early Care and Education graduate, who is returning to TCTC to pursue a business degree. Her goal is to open her own hands-on pre-K learning center. Maria Owens of Fair Play and Emma Marcengill of Seneca, are both associate degree nursing majors.
The Keowee Key Community Partnership consists of Keowee Key property owners whose mission is to partner with deserving, effective, not-for-profit organizations that make a difference in Oconee County.
The first partnership was established with the TCTC Foundation to create the Keowee Key Community Partnership Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the scholarship is two-fold: to provide financial assistance to need-based individuals on a case-by-case basis, with Keowee Key full- and part-time employees and their immediate families receiving first consideration, and to support the College’s vision of transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time. The scholarship covers two semesters of study.
Madison Rankin Maria Owens Emma Marcengill and Dave Eldridge
SCBA Leaders Meet Scholarship Recipients
Media Arts Production (MAP) students are recipients of scholarships provided by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association (SCBA). One student was awarded the SCBA/Cleatus O. Brazzell Endowed Scholarship this past year. The SCBA also gives $5,000 additional money each year to award five $1,000 scholarships. Several scholarship recipients are pictured from left: Uber Queen, back row, far left, and Zach Rainey, back row, far right, along with Elizabeth Spake, middle front, and DeAnne Anthony, front row, far right. Pictured with them are SCBA Executive Assistant Paula Thayer, front row, far left, and SCBA Executive Director Margaret Wallace, front row, third from left. Also pictured on the back row are Amy Roberts, MAP instructor, and John Woodson, MAP program director.
Since 1992 the SCBA has given more than $100,000 to the TCTC Foundation. Each year the organization supports scholarships for MAP students and over the years have endowed a teaching chair for MAP as well as an endowed scholarship for MAP students.
I-BEST Student Appreciation Day Celebrated
I-BEST faculty and staff celebrated with the program’s alumni and family members at the June 10 I-BEST Student Appreciation Day.
Alumni reunited with fellow graduates and instructors for food, fun and festivities.
Jason Hawkins, a spring 2020 I-BEST graduate, received an outstanding alumni award. Hawkins entered the Mechatronics program after completing I-BEST and graduated with honors at the spring 2022 commencement. He recently accepted a job as industrial engineering technician at AL Industries in Greer.
I-BEST is designed to increase the College’s focus on unemployed and underemployed populations. It is a one-semester program that allows students to explore careers in manufacturing, health care or a stand-alone course for college and career exploration opportunities. The program offers opportunities to earn college credit and national (industry-recognized) skill certifications and training. There is no cost for the I-BEST program.
Shayla Cook received a Personal Care Aide certificate in 2021 and is employed as a personal care aide at All Ways Caring. Cook had been a student athlete at an area four-year university before she enrolled at TCTC. “The Personal Care Aide certificate is perfect because it was shorter (three classes) than traditional college. I wasn’t sure I would stick to a two-year program,” said Cook. “When I heard about the I-BEST program, it motivated me to return to college.”
Lucas O’Shea and his mother, Christal O’Shea, both graduated from the I-BEST program in 2017 and both entered degree programs afterward. She received an Expanded Duty Dental Assisting degree in 2019 and is now employed as a testing specialist at Clemson University. Lucas received a Mechatronics degree in 2020 and is employed at Central Textiles as a shift electrician.
Jason Hawkins, a spring 2020 I-BEST graduate, received an outstanding alumni award. He is pictured with Melinda Hoover, instructor, left, and Erin Smith, former I-BEST director, right.
Lucas O’Shea and Christal O’Shea Shayla Cook
Physical Plant Projects Update
This summer the Physical Plant has several facility and infrastructure projects that, upon completion, will improve the campus and learning environment.
Projects on the Pendleton Campus include: 1. Repaving the Front Drive and adding sidewalks along Perimeter Road. 2. Replacing the exterior stairway by Cleveland Hall and Wilson Hall to soften the climb. Seating areas will also be added. 3. Adding a dog run outside Halbert Hall, which benefits the animals and also eliminates water intrusion into Halbert Hall during heavy rains. 4. Adding nine classrooms to Miller Hall in preparation for the Oconee Hall renovation. 5. Replacing the roof on Wilson Hall. 6. Upgrading the HVAC controls in Miller Hall, Anderson Hall, Pickens, Hall, and Cleveland Hall.
In addition, a Mechatronics hand tools lab will be added at the Anderson Campus.
TCTC Is Platinum Sponsor of Clemson’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration
TCTC was one of the premier sponsors (platinum level) of the City of Clemson’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration held June 18 in Nettles Park. The event was hosted by the Friends of the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM) and the City of Clemson. The yearly celebration of Juneteenth honors the abolition of slavery in the United States. In addition to live entertainment, there were food vendors, kid-friendly games, merchandise and information. The celebration was organized by Mia Tensley, reading instructor in our Comprehensive Studies department and Clemson Area Juneteenth committee chair; Lisa Bennett, volunteer coordinator; and Cicsley Galloway, vendor coordinator.
Opening remarks and special thanks were given by Clemson City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Alesia Smith and Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre. CAAAM Executive Director Angela Agard offered a historical overview of Juneteenth. The host was Kevin Norris. The event’s entertainment was supplied by DJ Tuc. The Poetry Slam was led by poet laureate Moody Black. The annual Juneteenth parade, which is a fan favorite, brought the festivities to a close.
Faculty and Staff Attend Women’s Roundtable Pre-Summit
The Women’s Roundtable Pre-Summit is a developmental and networking opportunity for participants to acknowledge, explore and invest in the promotion of the experiences of girls and women, particularly in STEM fields. The Women’s Roundtable also focuses on the tools and skill sets necessary to cope with and navigate exclusionary educational and professional environments that many girls and women encounter.
Attending the Women’s Roundtable Pre-Summit were, from left, Bonita Talbert (student); Tammy MartinRucker; Kela Manick, student; Dr. Jackie Blakley; Dr. Beverly McAdams; Emma Robinson and Dr. Laneika Musalini.
History of Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, about two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, Gordon Granger, a Union General, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two-and-a-half years earlier on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.
