Tri-County Technical College will host a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Oconee Hall on Wednesday, November 20, at 1:15 p.m. The ribbon cutting will take place outside the building. In the event of inclement weather, the ribbon cutting will take place in Parker Auditorium. Tours of the building will be available following the ribbon cutting.
Nursing Graduates’ NCLEX Scores Exceed State and National Pass Rates
Graduates of TCTC nursing programs continue to exceed state and national pass rates on the national nursing accreditation test, the NGN (Next Generation) National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX).
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.
Data released for the third quarter of 2024 (July 1-September 30) shows TCTC’s Licensed Practical Nursing graduates achieved a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN.
The associate degree nursing (RN) cohort reports a 93.33% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.
LPN graduates surpassed the state average of 97.9% and the national average of 90.04%.
RN graduates also surpassed the state (91.71%) and national (89.19%) pass rates.
According to the S.C. Board of Nursing, South Carolina’s college and university registered nurse programs rank fifth in the nation with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95.48%. New Hampshire and North Dakota top the list, ranking 96% nursing license exam pass rates.
South Carolina’s LPN programs rate eighth in the nation with a 97.83% pass rate. States are ranked by the overall pass rates of first-time candidates taking the test.
Board of Visitors Welcomes New Members, Hosts Discussion
Dr. Connie Spykerman Is Keynote Speaker at Annual Health
Connection
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
Connecting
Not All Dual Enrollment Programs Are Created Equal
In lieu of a letter from the president, I would like to share a guest commentary that I wrote on the topic of dual enrollment that was published by the Post & Courier in October.
STri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.
Dr. Galen DeHay President
chool is back in session and soon it will be time for high school juniors and seniors to explore their dual enrollment options. Dual enrollment is an accelerated program that enables high school students to take college coursework with the goals of saving time and money.
The program has become very popular over the years with more than 2.5 million high school students nationally taking at least one college course. In South Carolina, more than 17,000 high school students took dual enrollment courses through one of the state’s 16 technical colleges during the 2022-2023 academic year—a 20% increase since 2019-2020. Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) serves approximately 750 of these dual enrollment students annually, and roughly 125 of them enroll in our Technical Career Pathways program, which is fully funded by the state.
As the popularity of dual enrollment increases, so do the number of dual enrollment programs being offered. However, not all dual enrollment programs are created equal, which can impact student success.
TCTC has been providing dual enrollment for more than 25 years, and our program aligns with what research suggests comprises a successful dual enrollment experience. Accordingly, we focus on delivering what we consider to be the top four outcomes of dual enrollment:
1. Courses count toward the student’s desired college major.
2. Student is ready for a future college experience.
3. Better academic performance when the student goes to college.
4. Faster college completion, saving students time and money.
To determine if a dual enrollment program is likely to achieve these outcomes, parents and students should ask these five questions:
1. Does the program offer a college admission and orientation session that will help the student prepare for their dual enrollment and future college experience?
2. Does the program provide future-focused advising and career counseling centered on the student’s career goals and their intended major, not just on earning credit hours for high school graduation?
3. Are courses taught by credentialed college faculty with college-level rigor?
4. What services are available to support the student’s learning and success?
5. Does the program have college staff dedicated to the needs of dual enrollment students?
Each of these questions represents one component of a successful dual enrollment experience. For example, without proper advising, the student may complete courses that don’t count toward their desired major at their desired destination college, thereby wasting their time and money. Additionally, instruction that does not prepare the student for the rigor of college could lead to a false sense of college readiness. And lack of support services and support staff can lead students to feel lost and ill-prepared.
Make no mistake, dual enrollment can be a game-changer for students looking to get ahead on college courses. But it’s important to thoroughly research the dual enrollment options available to you so that you can help ensure the student is successful not just now but in the future.
Board of Visitors Welcomes New Members, Hosts Panel Discussion
The TCTC Board of Visitors (BOV) held its fall meeting September 12 on the Easley Campus. President DeHay welcomed new members to the board, who serve as an extension of the College through the President’s Office and work as advocates and ambassadors for TCTC.
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division, introduced the audience to the programs in the division and gave an overview of each program, including LPN and Associate Degree Nursing, EMT, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Pre-Pharmacy, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technology, and the Corporate and Community Education health care center non-credit programs. He also highlighted the College’s partnership with AnMed, Prisma Health and Honor Health Career Programs.
Following his remarks, President DeHay moderated a panel discussion with our health care partner leaders.
Health care partner leaders participated in a panel discussion moderated by President DeHay, pictured far right. Pictured with him, from left are Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education Division; Erin Fredericks, Honor Health Career Programs; Shaunda Trotter, AnMed; and Beth Solomon Bunch, Prisma Health.
Did you know that TCTC is the only two-year college in the state to have a Board of Visitors?
From Rockets to Representation: A German Unity Day Celebration
The College celebrated German Appreciation Month on German Unity Day. Guest lecturers were Dr. Gerald Lehmacher (left) and Eunice Lehmacher (right). Dr. Gerald Lehmacher is a renowned NASA rocket scientist and Clemson University physics and astronomy professor. He shared insights into his journey and the remarkable advancements in space exploration. He also brought a model rocket to showcase during the discussion.
Eunice Lehmacher, a dedicated community advocate, experienced social worker and educator, discussed the importance of representation and her passion for serving the community.
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division, standing, introduced the audience to the programs in the division and gave an overview of each program.
Foundation Hosts Annual Abney Day Celebration
Since 1989, The Abney Foundation has been a key supporter of Tri-County Technical College (TCTC), providing invaluable resources to students, faculty, and staff. As the College’s largest donor, The Abney Foundation has contributed $4.83 million to date, funding student scholarships, technology upgrades, and professional development.
The TCTC Foundation sponsored its annual Abney Day on September 18. The event gives Hayden Abney Fulp Memorial Scholars the opportunity to personally thank Abney Foundation representatives for the funds to support their education.
“Congratulations on being chosen as an Abney scholar,” said Dr. Lisa McWherter, executive director of The Abney Foundation. Dr. McWherter told scholarship recipients that they were selected by the College from hundreds of applications. “TCTC was impressed by you and made an investment in you. TCTC and The Abney Foundation want to meet you where you are, and we want to help you to reach that next step. You couldn’t have made a better choice than TCTC,”
Team Cooper Wins Battle of the Brains
Among the fund-raising events for the employee giving campaign was a Battle of the Brains competition, a fun and friendly four-category trivia competition. Team Clever Cooper was the winner of the trivia competition. Congratulations to team members, from left, Tasheka Wright, Kathy Brand, Leanne Cooper, Dan Cooper, Kate Baggett, and Mandy Karaganov. Not pictured is Wadreama King.
she said. “We don’t get where we are by ourselves,” she added. “I encourage you to give back when the time comes.”
“Education has the power to transform lives,” said President DeHay, who was the recipient of an Abney scholarship during his freshman year at Clemson University. “The financial barriers were real for me,” said Dr. DeHay, who grew up in a single-parent home and was a first-generation college student. “Through the generous donations by The Abney Foundation, we are committed to helping individuals advance their educational opportunities.”
Annual Employee Campaign Raises More Than
5K
The TCTC Foundation kicked off its annual employee giving campaign in August to raise funds for the Student Emergency Fund. Since August 1, the Foundation has raised $5,875, with an additional $250 coming in each month through employee payroll deductions. The Student Emergency Fund supports the purchase of textbooks, gas cards, academic supplies, etc., for students who are in an emergency situation and are at risk of not continuing their education due to unexpected financial dilemmas.
Student Support Thank You!
Dr. Mark Dougherty, dean of students, sent this note of thanks following the TCTC Foundation’s annual employee giving campaign which raised money for the Student Emergency Fund.
“On behalf of the Student Support team, I want to thank everyone who contributed to support the Student Emergency Fund. Many of our students face financial and logistical challenges that interfere with their ability to focus on their academic experience. The assistance you’ve provided will go a long way to provide these students with resources to mitigate these challenges, allowing them to stay enrolled and focus on their academic success. With the funds you provided we will be able to help students with a myriad of items including textbooks, laptops, uniforms, school supplies, gas cards, and other necessities. Thank you for your kindness in giving to the Student Emergency Fund!”
Abney scholars pose with Dr. Lisa McWherter and President DeHay.
Our College Family
excellence through service
Stephanie Brown Named Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Fellow
Stephanie Brown, a licensed veterinary technician for more than three decades and a longtime educator for TCTC’s Veterinary Technology program, has been accepted into the inaugural class of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (ATVE) Fellows.
Brown, who serves as program director for TCTC’s Veterinary Technology program, is the only veterinary technician educator selected from South Carolina for this highly exclusive inaugural class.
The AVTE Fellows program is a transformative initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring the education and expertise of veterinary technician educators in the United States and Canada.
There are more than 200 veterinary technology programs in the nation. TCTC’s program ranks in the upper top 10 in the nation, according to their accreditation team during the program’s last inspection. TCTC’s program, which is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is endorsed by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.
“This recognition begins a transformative journey, acknowledging your unique dedication and expertise as a veterinary technician educator. You will join a distinguished group committed to leadership, mentorship, and innovation in educating the next generation of veterinary technicians,” Tara Groves, B.S., FVTE, LVT, and chair of the AVTE Fellows Task Force, wrote in a letter to Brown.
“Your induction as a Fellow is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence and the profound impact of your contributions to veterinary education. Your dedication to the field, especially to the students we serve, is not just inspiring but invaluable to our collective ability to advance the cause of student success,” Groves added.
A self-proclaimed lifelong learner in teaching and veterinary medicine, Brown sees this distinction as an opportunity to advance her knowledge and skills and to adapt to ever-changing practices in the profession of veterinary medicine.
Since 2014, Brown has served as the faculty advisor for the TCTC student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Earlier this year the students brought home the first-place award for its Student Community Involvement Project—a pet adoption event held quarterly—at the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference.
There are three Veterinary Technology programs among the
state’s 16 technical colleges and TCTC is the only one with public pet adoptions.
Brown, who has taught at the College for 21 years, is a 1992 alumna of the Veterinary Technology program and worked as a licensed veterinary technician in private practice for 13 years. She was named Veterinary Technician of the Year in 1998 by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.
In 2010, she received TCTC’s Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award. This award is given annually at spring convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.
In 2017, Brown was one of seven instructors in the United States and Canada chosen to review the newest edition of Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. She also was a reviewer for the 2018 Lavins Radiography for Veterinary Technicians, Sixth Edition, published by Elsevier.
Since its inception in 1975, the Surgical Technology program has maintained its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In May, the Surgical Technology program received a 10-year continuing accreditation by CAAHEP.
The program is accredited by CAAHEP through 2033.
Evan Bate and Dakota Phillips Earn Certified Welding Inspectors Status
Two of the College’s Welding faculty are now certified welding inspectors through the American Welding Society (AWS).
Evan Bate, Welding program director, and Dakota Phillips, instructor, traveled to Troy, Ohio, for 10 days of certified welding inspector training through the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology and testing with the American Welding Society.
“This is a very difficult exam with high failure rates. We are so excited for Dakota and Evan and proud of how they performed. These are great examples of TCTC and the quality of what we do,” said Paul Phelps, interim dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division and a certified welding inspector.
Bates, Phillips and Phelps are alumni of TCTC’s Welding program.
Passing the examination earned them Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) designation, an internationally recognized
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certification of proficiency in weld inspection. Bate and Phillips also earned Certified Welding Educators (CWE) credentials.
Every full-time faculty member in TCTC’s Welding program is CWI and CWE certified. The CWI certification is widely recognized, both nationally and internationally, in the welding industry.
Dr. Tom Lawrence Elected to SCIDUC Board of Directors
Dr. Tom Lawrence, program director for the Criminal Justice department, was elected to the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC). He will serve a three-year term on the board. SCiDUC is a non-profit organization that seeks to advance drone networks, technology, and policies among government agencies. It comprises more than 330 members in 95 different government agencies across South Carolina. This position will support ongoing drone course development, strengthen advisory contacts, and help elevate our burgeoning certificate program statewide.
Julie Beard Recertified as Nurse Educator through NLN
Practical Nursing Program Director
Julie Beard successfully completed the requirements necessary to become recertified as a nurse educator through the National League of Nursing. The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential is considered a mark of distinction for nursing faculty, communicating to students, peers, and the academic and health care communities that the highest standards of excellence are being met.
Beard and Christy Porter are TCTC’s two nursing faculty members who are CNEs. Beard received her initial certification in 2019 and Porter received hers in 2022.
NASA Invites Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry to Evaluate Human Research Program
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education Division, has been invited by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to evaluate the Human Research Program for its mission of mitigating the major risks to human health and safety during long-duration missions. NASA has built a multi-million dollar Simulated Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR)
facility, and it is open to researchers across the USA. NASA seeks to understand the biological effects of low-dose rate radiation exposures to astronauts, especially inside the spacecraft. Dr. Chaudhry is well respected internationally because of his research on the genetics and epigenetics effects of low-level radiation exposure. He has authored 45 peer-reviewed scientific articles and 47 abstracts, received 14 funded grants from local, state, and federal agencies, and reviewed over 100 manuscripts for 41 international scientific journals. In addition to NASA, he evaluated research grants for the National Institutes of Health, and for international funding agencies from Australia, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. He has presented research work at international scientific conferences and chaired symposiums at the meetings. He served as editorial board member on four international scientific journals.
Faculty Attend Hi-Tec Conference
From left, Justin Herndon, Jason Poole, and Michael Oates from the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division attended the national Hi-Tec conference on Advanced Technology Grants in Kansas City, Missouri, July 30-August 1. While attending the conference, they were able to explore different sessions on the latest high impact strategies in education. Mini NSF ATE grants were presented across different STEM programs. At the conference, Herndon, program director for HVAC, presented on how to implement co-ops into a technical program. He explored different strategies on building solid foundational relationships with local industries who employ the students of his program.
Employees Participate in Community Service
TCTC employees and family members participated in the United Way of Anderson’s Day of Service and Remembrance on Saturday, September 7. The team was assigned to Hope Missions, where they spent the morning sorting, cleaning and organizing donations.
Pictured from left are (front row) Lida Bieck, Karen Potter’s mother; Karen Potter; Dr. Beverly McAdams; Lilli Arries and her mother, Gayle Arries; and back row, Amy Jennings; Marla Cobb; and Travis Durham. Not pictured are Sarah Shumpert and Kyra Zhang, her husband and two children.
Travis Durham was the star of the team taking on additional duties beyond the scope of the service project.
Dr. Connie Spykerman Is Keynote Speaker at Annual Health Education Conference
Dr. Connie Spykerman, chief nursing officer for Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital and Baptist Easley Hospital, was the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Health Education (HE) Division’s student, faculty and staff conference held on October 15.
The title of her presentation was “The Future of Health Care.”
More than 300 students and faculty attended the event.
“Her presentation addressed the technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), that are impacting decision-making for disease diagnosis and management,” said Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division. “The presentation was received very well by the audience, as evidenced by the Q&A session.”
Dr. Spykerman has four decades of experience in all facets of nursing with the majority as an operating room nurse.
“Nursing is a rewarding but demanding career which requires resilience, innovation and leadership. Health care is transforming daily and the role we play as nurses will be different quickly. It’s important to be flexible and to have a lifelong learning culture. The challenges ahead include a shortage of health care professionals. Thank you for choosing health care for your profession,” she said.
Dr. Spykerman emphasized the importance of how nurses care for themselves as well as others. “Prioritize self-care so you can care for others,” she said.
Following the keynote address, 111 HED students presented posters on an assortment of projects that ranged from awareness and prevention of a variety of cancers, stress management, coping with depression, PTSD, opioid addiction, suicide prevention, pain and inflammation, neurovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, reproductive, and genitourinary diseases.
Dr. Spykerman viewed the posters prior to her speech and told the students, “I’m so inspired by your work. I am truly moved by your posters. The topics addressed in your posters are real-world issues.”
“I am super pleased and excited with the outcome of the conference in terms of student engagement with inquiry and professional networking, which aligns with the Health Education Division strategic plan,” said Dr. Chaudhry.
Dr. Connie Spykerman poses in front of student presentations at the event.
Dr. Brian Smith Is Guest Speaker at MOC/WOC Workshop
Dr. Brian Smith, director of adjunct faculty and student support, standing, far right, with students, faculty and staff, was the guest speaker at a workshop hosted by Men of Color and Women of Color on September 19. Dr. Smith talked to the group about the importance of setting smart financial goals and having a long-term wealth-building mindset. “Ask yourself what’s now, what’s next and why not me?”
Nursing
Students Volunteer During Relief Efforts
TCTC Nursing students are volunteering at Prisma Health’s emergency medical needs shelter for Helene storm recovery efforts.
To cope with the disruption of services as a result of Hurricane Helene, Prisma Health established an emergency medical needs shelter at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. “This is a critical time for our community, and the shelter was in immediate need of compassionate assistance to care for those displaced, including individuals who rely on electricity for oxygen and other medical necessities,” said Jackie Rutledge, TCTC nursing department head.
“Prisma Health reached out to nursing departments for volunteers to provide the compassionate, minimal assistance with ADL’s and other shelter operational support,” said Rutledge. More than 10 TCTC nursing students came forward and signed up for the volunteer work.
“This is truly one of those moments when the heart of nursing—caring for others in their most vulnerable times— shines brightest. This effort truly speaks for TCTC’s commitment to our communities during a time of crisis,” said Rutledge.
in transition
Lisa Blunt joined the fiscal affairs team as an accountant. Blount will oversee the accounts payable function and will work on the budget development process and various ad-hoc reporting projects. She comes to TCTC from the South Carolina Aquarium and brings a variety of experience with accounting and compliance matters.
Jennifer Darlak, work-based learning coordinator with Career and Employability Resources (CER), will be implementing a comprehensive plan to engage employers and develop workbased learning opportunities for our students including internships, tech scholar positions, apprenticeships, and experiential learning. Darlak brings five years of experience as an educator and a coach and has created innovative and evidence-based approaches to help students learn by connecting them with local employers and maximizing their learning with hands-on experiences.
Susie Simmons joined the office of Financial Aid as a financial aid specialist. She comes to TCTC with several years of financial aid experience. In her role, she will guide students through FAFSA completion and support the Financial Aid office as a tier-one customer service team member.
Students Network at Career Fair
TCTC’s Career and Employability Resources Office hosted a career fair October 14. The event served as a prime opportunity for students in every division at the College to talk about employment opportunities with recruiters and managers and to develop of network of career contacts.
Here, David Cross, maintenance supervisor for Bosch and a 1992 graduate of TCTC, left, talks with a student.
Cross also is an adjunct instructor for the Mechatronics program.
Jeffrey Scruggs comes from an extensive background in industrial technologies and manufacturing strategies. His most recent experience was with Michelin and ATT.
In his role, he will be developing and improving our Certified Production Operator for Manufacturing Course. He will be increasing our efforts in providing the best entry-level pool of associates for our industry partners, while increasing the work skills of their current workforce.
Olujimi Hurst is an enrollment counselor. In this role, Hurst serves Daniel High and Oconee County schools, providing proactive student outreach, recruitment, and intensive enrollment counseling. Hurst attended Benedict College earning his bachelor’s degree in sports management. He has previously served as intern assistant coach for Benedict College.
Nursing Graduates
(continued from page 1)
“We are so proud of our students and the hard work they have put in to prepare themselves to become nurses,” said Jackie Rutledge, TCTC nursing department head. “Our dedicated nursing faculty work hard to prepare them not just for the exam, but for today’s workplace. We celebrate their success as they enter the field of nursing.”
Rutledge also credited the programs’ advisory committees that consist of Upstate health care leaders who meet at the end of each semester for discussion and to provide input about keeping the curriculum relevant to today’s ever-changing work environment.
“The committees routinely share evidence-based best practices and new procedures or policies which enhance our students’ education. The advisory committees also give the nursing department valuable feedback regarding our graduate nurses’ performance and our end-ofprogram outcomes,” said Rutledge.
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.
MLT Alumna Says TCTC Prepared Her for First and Future Jobs
Lauren Brown graduated as Pickens High School’s class valedictorian in 2007 and headed to Clemson University to study mechanical engineering. She stayed in the major for one semester. “It wasn’t for me,” she said, and changed her major to psychology where she continued for three years.
But one year before graduating, she left Clemson, took a break from academics, and began working full time in retail management while taking accounting and business classes at Greenville Technical College.
“I was trying to figure out what my career strengths and interests were. I had five majors in four years. My grades were good, but nothing really clicked for me,” said Brown.
“I wanted to get my degree and be able to provide for my kids,” said Brown, who is divorced and the mother of three children. “Education is very important to me.”
It was only when she began perusing TCTC’s website about potential programs and careers that she landed on Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). “I knew I wanted to help people and began to look at degrees listed under health care. I had never heard of MLT before. After doing some research, I decided this is what I want to do.”
At age 29 she entered college—again—this time with a purpose. “I appreciated college this time around. I finally found my niche. It
was exciting. My happy place is in the lab.” She graduated from TCTC in 2021 and earned her national credential by passing the National Certification Exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). She also earned a state license in Montana.
After several years of working as a certified MLT at St. Francis Hospital and at Urgent Care in Powdersville, she is now a travel technician stationed at Crestwood Medical Center in Alabama. “There are so many jobs for MLTs,” she said.
Brown hopes to widen her expertise by mastering the sophisticated lab equipment in various health care facilities across the Southeast. “I want a challenge. And I love to constantly learn.” She is considering taking the final classes needed to complete her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“Tri-County Technical College prepared me for my first job, as well as my current job. I can go in and be able to work and learn anywhere. I have the tools needed to go to a lab and adapt without step-by-step training,” she said.
“I finally found the career I wanted, thanks to TCTC. The instructors are there to prepare students. Students come first. That’s not how it felt at other colleges. At TCTC, the instructors wanted us to succeed. It wasn’t easy but they prepared us for the next steps in our lives,” she said.
TAPS Hosts Voter Registration and Donation Drive
The TCTC Association of Political Scientists (TAPS) hosted a voter registration drive on October 3 in the Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus. Here, Lara Wrightson (left), government/political science instructor and TAPS co-advisor, assists Caleb McGurley with registering to vote.
TAPS also hosted a donation drive to benefit those in western North Carolina who were devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many thanks to those who donated to provide much needed support to those communities that continue to be impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Lauren Brown
P.O.
tctc.edu
TCTC Branch of SCWHE Hosts Annual Fall Luncheon
The TCTC chapter of the South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) hosted its annual fall luncheon October 10, in the Anderson Hall Event Center. The theme is The Trick to Making an Impact.
The program featured a panel discussion with community leaders, pictured from left, Carol Burdette, United Way of Anderson County, CEO and president; Chris Wilson, The Dream
Center, executive director; Kristi King-Brock, Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), executive director; and Meagan Hicks, operations training, Arthrex.
The mission of SCWHE is to improve higher education in South Carolina by promoting women’s leadership and participation.
