Connection Newsletter July-August 2023

Connection

New Workforce Development Program

Announced, Training Center Opened

Officials from TCTC, Honor Health Career Programs (HHCP) and HMR Veterans Services, Inc. (HMRVSI), announced a new workforce development program—the first of its kind in the U.S.—that created an on-site training program for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to pursue a licensed practical nursing (LPN) credential at the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson.

The program addresses a critical shortage of health care workers and removes barriers to career development, economic mobility and accessibility to education. HMRVSI provides the learning environment, TCTC delivers the education, and HHCP provides mentoring and funding for tuition, books and supplies.

Kimaka Evans, Samantha Keefe and Caitlyn Phillips, all CNAs employed at the nursing home, were the first HMRVSI employees to enroll in the program and to take classes in the on-site education and training center. All three completed the program and earned their LPN degrees this summer.

In addition to earning their LPN degrees and meeting a critical workforce need, they increased their earning potential and have an established pathway to a registered nurse degree and beyond. Both Evans and Phillips plan to pursue their RN degree while working as LPNs, and Keefe plans to study to become a nurse practitioner while working as an LPN.

A shortage of LPNs at the nursing home prompted HMRVSI to contact TCTC to initiate an agreement that would create an educational pathway for qualified CNAs to enroll in the three-semester program. The cohort takes classes while working at the nursing home.

Offering an on-site LPN program provides a low-cost education to the student and creates a career pathway in health care. It also removes other common barriers that can prohibit a student from enrolling, such as travel time to a college campus and the cost of tuition, books and supplies. HHCP is providing additional funds to these students to offset any other costs associated with uniforms and supplies.

This program prepares CNAs to successfully complete the LPN program and pass the National Council Licensing Exam.

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From left, Kimaka Evans, Samantha Keefe and Caitlyn Phillips, all certified nursing assistants (CNAs) employed at the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, were the first HMRVSI employees to enroll in the program and to take classes in the on-site education and training center. All three completed the program and earned their LPN degrees this summer.

Som Linthicum Honored with TCTC’s Staff Excellence Award

Moody Black Delivers Summer Commencement Address

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

Meeting Industry Needs

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

Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.

Our role as a community college is to meet the needs of business and industry by preparing a highly skilled workforce while ensuring our students obtain jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage. The health care sector continues to experience significant workforce needs, and we are making great strides in meeting those needs by creating new partnerships and pathways into health care careers.

Dr. Galen DeHay President

Tri-County Technical College has a number of partnerships with health care organizations in the area. One of our newest partnerships is with HMR Veterans Services, Inc., (HMRVSI) and Honor Health Career Programs (HHCP). Together, we created a program that enables certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working at the Richard M. Campbell Nursing Home in Anderson to engage in on-site education and training to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). HMRVSI provides the on-site training facility, TCTC delivers the education, and HHCP provides mentorship and funding for tuition, books and supplies. So far, three individuals have earned their LPN degrees, thereby increasing their individual earning potential and meeting a critical workforce need. Additionally, they now have a pathway to a registered nurse degree.

Prisma Health is another partner who is looking to their incumbent workers to address a shortage of nurses. Through Prisma Health’s nursing apprenticeship program, full-time employees can attend classes at TCTC while working reduced hours. In addition to paid employment, Prisma Health has been able to cover the balance of the student’s tuition and related course materials once all other financial aid and grant funding have been applied. Upon completion of the program, employees are eligible for jobs as LPNs or ADNs. Fourteen students started the Prisma Health apprenticeship program at TCTC in 2022 and 14 new students will begin this fall.

We also partnered with AnMed to provide opportunities for nursing students to earn while they learn. The AnMed TCTC Nursing Scholars program provides students the opportunity to work at AnMed a minimum of eight hours a week while pursuing their associate degree in nursing at TCTC. In addition to paid employment, AnMed will pay the balance of the student’s tuition and related course materials once all other financial aid has been applied. Upon completion of the associate degree program, students commit to work at AnMed for 24 consecutive months. So far, nine nursing students are engaged in the program.

I am proud of the strong partnerships that we have formed with health care organizations in our area and the work that we are doing to address a workforce shortage that impacts not only our region but our entire state and nation. As a community college, this is what we are called to do, and I look forward to developing and strengthening more partnerships in the future that create structured career pathways for our students to experience economic mobility.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

Nearly 5,800 Enrolled for Fall Semester

We kicked off fall semester at all campuses with Welcome Week activities offering food and festivities for students.

As of September 5, 5,780 students were enrolled in credit programs for the fall semester across all of our campuses. That’s a 2% increase from the number of students who started with us last fall (or 3.5% more than the official enrollment from last fall).

Business Programs Reaffirmed by ACBSP

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Associate Degree Board of Commissioners has reaffirmed accreditation of the business programs at Tri-County Technical College. With more than 30 years of promoting excellence in global business program accreditation, ACBSP was the first organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business degrees and programs offered through TCTC meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

Based on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, ACBSP accreditation evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support to determine whether the business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and demonstrate continuous quality improvement.

The business programs at TCTC were first accredited by ACBSP in 2001. The College is required to go through the reaffirmation process every 10 years to maintain ACBSP accreditation.

“Tri-County Technical College has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Chief Accreditation Officer Dr. Steve Parscale. “This reaffirmation of accreditation is evidence that they are committed to maintaining the highest quality business education for their students for the next 10 years, just as they have done since 2001.”

“Reaffirmation of our accreditation recognizes the quality of our business programs and further demonstrates that our students are gaining the types of skills area employers are looking for in future employees,” said Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of Tri-County’s Business and Public Services Division.

Gregory Gilliland, left, an associate degree nursing major, and Tristan Harms, a Bridge to Clemson student, take a break to play chess in the new outdoor activity area next to the Student Success Center.

From left, Jenosia Lyons, an associate degree Nursing major; and Ella Grace Respass and Jocelynn Groves, both Early Care Education majors.

ACBSP Chief Accreditation Officer Dr. Steve Parscalea with Dr. Jackie Blakley.

Moody Black Delivers Summer Commencement Address

Moody Black, a spoken-word, hip-hop and visual artist, actor, storyteller, comedian, and teaching artist from Spartanburg, was the keynote speaker at the College’s summer commencement.

The ceremony was held August 3 at Clemson University’s Littlejohn Coliseum.

During his address, Black challenged the graduates to create a culture of excellence.

“Ask yourself, ‘Am I showing my excellence?’ By doing so, you will stand out. Whether at the university you transfer to or the job your skills allow you to acquire ... you can make it excellent! That’s how you transform lives and build strong communities.”

He said he was inspired by the College’s vision statement which reads, ‘Passionate people transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.’

“That stood out for me! Transforming lives ... building strong communities ... Set the trend. Create the culture! Be brave! This is how you transform lives by being an example,” he said.

He advised them to be committed, give value and never quit. “Show your excellence and watch the transformation of yourself and others. Watch how strong the community becomes!”

Black has been a performing artist since the age of 12 and has become a prominent force on a multi-regional poetry scene through his enthusiastic live shows and strong work ethic. He has created a buzz through his many achievements, which include numerous performance awards for his monologues and roles in both live theater and commercials. He has also won numerous hip-hop freestyle and poetry slam contests and served as the featured artist/poet at many regional events.

Black served as a presenter at both the 2011 and 2017 TEDx Greenville events and as co-host of the 22nd annual Southern Fried Poetry Slam. In 2019 he received the Skip Gordon Teaching Artist Award, and in 2020 he was named the Upstate Music Awards Artist of the Year. In 2022 he was named the Southern Entertainment Awards Spoken Artist of the Year and the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville’s SC SEW-Eurodrive Minority Teaching Artist Fellow.

Following his commencement speech, Moody Black read a poem he wrote about Tri-County. Scan the QR code to view a video version of the poem.

Moody Black, a spoken-word, hip-hop and visual artist, actor, storyteller, comedian, and teaching artist from Spartanburg, was the keynote speaker at the College’s summer commencement.

Interim Dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division Paul Phelps, right, congratulates Joshua Honeycutt on receiving a Welding degree.

Dental Assisting graduates (from left to right) Verenice Luna, Pamela Poole and Dyquana Geer pose for a photo before the ceremony.

Som Linthicum Honored with TCTC’s Staff Excellence Award

Som Linthicum, director of the Learning Commons at TCTC, was honored August 17 with the highest award given for staff excellence at the College.

TCTC President Galen DeHay presented Linthicum with the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence at the College’s fall convocation. The medallion, along with a cash award made possible by the TCTC Foundation, goes to a person who best exemplifies the College philosophy and has contributed the most during the academic year to the development of the College and its students. Linthicum joined the College in 2018 as the instructional librarian and was promoted to assistant director of the Learning Commons two years later. He assumed his current position in 2022.

“Som strives to deliver the highest level of service excellence each and every day through his service and leadership,” Brady Cross, a librarian in the Learning Commons, wrote in his nomination letter. “He is the embodiment of our institutional commitments to students, employees, and the community.”

“As director of the Learning Commons, Som demonstrates daily that we all ‘learn in common,’ and that learning in common is the foundation for student and employee success,” said Linda Jameison, vice president for student support and engagement.

“Som is a thought partner for our division, supporting our goal of creating integrative programming that brings 21st-century student learning outcome opportunities in and outside the classroom. He helps to bridge the gap between ‘faculty speak,’ ‘student speak’ and ‘staff speak.’ This communication skill provides the opportunity to consider all perspectives within the context and lens of the speaker’s goal,” said Jameison.

Linthicum’s team says he values innovation and learning and is always looking for ways to empower them in these areas, so ultimately, they may empower students. He hosts in-house professional development sessions for the Learning Commons where participants discuss relevant topics that impact learning in higher education. “By equipping his employees with the tools we need to succeed, we are better able to assist students in being successful at Tri-County,” said Hannah Shuler, student services manager in the Tutoring Center.

Personal and professional development of his staff is part of the culture he’s created in the Learning Commons, said Tracey Hotham, student services program coordinator. “I have never had a supervisor like Som. I feel seen, heard, valued, and respected. He has empowered me to make my role my own, where I feel secure in trying new things, knowing that any stumble or mistake is a teaching moment. He’s the genuine real deal, a living embodiment of TCTC values. He ensures that everyone feels like they belong because he believes everyone belongs. Everything he does is focused on helping others develop into their best selves,” she said.

Lifelong learning, research, and establishing opportunities for continuous improvement for him and his staff are a hallmark of his

work, team members agree. He encourages them to join professional organizations, to present at conferences to share their knowledge and skills and bring back ideas to implement in the Learning Commons.

Linthicum is a leader in Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries (PASCAL), a statewide library consortium that consists of all 57 academic libraries in South Carolina. He also serves as a leader in the Oconee Pickens Anderson Libraries (OPAL) organization which helps bridge resource and service access gaps for local communities.

He led an effort to secure a grant from PASCAL’s South Carolina Affordable Learning (SCALE) to promote Open Educational Resources (OER) at TCTC. This allows students access to high quality, rigorous course material at no cost, thus lightening their financial burden. He hosted information sessions about OER for TCTC faculty and staff to participate in during the Spring 2023 Professional Development Day.

Linthicum also serves as a TCTC representative in the Rural Educators Academy (REA). This year the first cohort of faculty and staff participated in this new professional development venture organized by Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA). The goal is to increase awareness of challenges and struggles of our underresourced students and to provide practical interventions for faculty and staff to incorporate into their practice.

“Tri-County Technical College is a better place because of Som’s service excellence as evidenced by his reputation and track record of bringing people together to solve problems, develop high-quality planning, and ensure that everyone associated with him works at a higher level of success,” said Cross.

Linthicum holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts degree from Brandeis University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College.

Som Linthicum, director of the Learning Commons at TCTC, center, poses with his team after he received the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence.

Nursing Advisory Committee Recognized for Achievements

The TCTC Nursing advisory committee was recognized for its achievements this year.

Nursing Department Head Jackie Rutledge and TCTC faculty and administration accepted the Advisory Committee of the Year award at the College’s fall convocation. The advisory committee consists 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.

Members include local hospital affiliates, local universities that recruit TCTC’s nursing students for their bachelor of science program, College administration, and TCTC Student Nurses Association representatives.

The advisory committee members serve as educational advocates and have been instrumental in keeping the department abreast of new and emerging changes in health care and preparing graduates with 21st-century skills, such as sound critical thinking, clinical judgment and leadership, and collaborative learning.

“The Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs are now able to report specific evaluation of our nursing students in the areas of 21st-century skills utilizing the simulation evaluations and grading rubrics that were devised,” said Rutledge. “By revising the simulation labs to reflect input from our advisory committee, the evaluation rubrics align with 21st-century skills as identified by the College,” she said.

“Throughout the year the advisory committee members provided insight into trends affecting nursing practice, nursing job development, and job placement,” said Rutledge. Members also assist in the evaluation of program effectiveness, program advocacy and promotion, and support of the nursing program. “The advisory committee offers recommendations in the development of short- and long-range plans regarding existing and future curriculum content,” she said.

The committee unanimously agreed that the curriculum should place a larger focus on areas of soft skills, therapeutic communication, and professionalism, said Rutledge. “The nursing department revised the simulation labs across both RN and LPN nursing programs’ curricula to more effectively teach and evaluate 21st-century skills.”

Dr. John Whitcomb, director and chief academic nursing officer for Clemson University’s School of Nursing, kept the department up to date about the Next Generation NCLEX, the new test format for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for nursing students.

Advisory committee members are active in assisting the nursing department in the evaluation of nursing students’ performance when they attend clinicals at their sites, which promotes formative assessment, and decision-making, said Rutledge. “The committee routinely shares evidence-based best practices and new procedures or policies which enhances our students’ education. The advisory

committee also gives the nursing department valuable feedback regarding our graduate nurses’ performance and our end-of-program outcomes. The critical assessment of what the hospital expects of new nurses and evaluation of new graduates gives the nursing department the necessary data to make improvements and changes,” she said.

Committee members were influential in creating pathways and partnerships for students to gain experience.

There have been several ADN students who participated in the Summer Nurse Extern program at Bon Secours Health System. In the past the program was open to only bachelor of science degree majors. The Summer Nurse Extern program offers select nursing students the opportunity to gain clinical competence and ease the transition from student to professional. Students are assigned to preceptors who are experienced registered nurses chosen for excellence in practice.

Last year AnMed and TCTC announced a new program that provides students the opportunity to work at the hospital while obtaining their associate degree in nursing. In addition to employment, AnMed will pay the balance of the student’s tuition and related course materials once all other financial aid has been applied. The cohort members will engage with mentors who support them while they finish college. Upon completion of the ADN program, students commit to work at AnMed for 24 consecutive months.

Clinical partners also play a role in students’ success by providing a setting for students to apply their knowledge.

Through clinical partnerships with Prisma Health, TCTC’s Practical Nursing students have been offered employment opportunities as LPNs upon graduation. “This collaboration has helped ease the nursing shortage and solidified the return of Team Nursing in the acute care setting at Prisma Health,” said Rutledge.

TCTC’s nursing departments are fully accredited by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Nursing Department Head Jackie Rutledge (center) and TCTC faculty and administration accepted the Advisory Committee of the Year award at the College’s fall convocation.

Fiscal Affairs Honored with GFOA Recognition

For 23 consecutive years, our Fiscal Affairs Office has been honored with the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The College received notification from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that once again we earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 21-22.

Attaining the Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“I am once again extremely proud of the Fiscal Affairs department for earning this recognition,” said Cara Hamilton, vice president for business affairs. “Compliance with existing and new and complex accounting guidance and pronouncements is required every year. The long-standing attainment of this Certificate of Achievement demonstrates the diligence and consistency of the work that the team of professionals in the department produces. This is a well-deserved honor.”

TCTC Exceeds All Performance Metrics

TCTC met all key performance indicators for student success. The success criteria are: graduate placement rate; licensure pass rate; fall to spring persistence rate; graduate production rate; and student success rate.

The success criteria were identified from measurement standards established by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and from TCTC’s own strategic planning goals.

“Our success is measured by our students’ successes and our community’s successes. TCTC exceeded all five performance metrics and is the only college in the South Carolina Technical College System to meet all success indicator targets,” said President DeHay.

ECE and Surgical Technology Programs Receive Reaccreditation

Congratulations to our Early Care Education and Surgical Technology programs who recently received notice of re -accreditation by their accrediting bodies.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) awarded continuing accreditation through 2033 to the Surgical Technology Associate Degree program. The next comprehensive evaluation of the program, including a site visit, is scheduled to occur no later than 2033.

The Early Care and Education program earned renewed accreditation for seven years—with no conditions—from the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.

Grads Report 97.83% Pass Rate on New NGN NCLEX-RN

TCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing graduates report a 97.83% pass rate on the NGN National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN Exam) for the second quarter (April 1–June 30, 2023). These first-time candidates exceeded state (97.4%) and national (94.31%) pass rates.

This is the first quarter for the Next Generation (NGN) Examination. The new NGN NCLEX now includes next generation features, using real-world case studies to measure a nurse’s ability to think more critically and make the right decisions.

Carol Moody, administrator, Labor Licensing Regulation for the South Carolina Board of Nursing, said, “South Carolina nursing programs and faculty have done an exceptional job of preparing their students for success and your NCLEX pass rates prove your dedication to educating the next generation of nurses.”

The NGN launched on April 1, 2023, to better measure nursing candidates’ clinical judgment and decision-making abilities through the use of innovative item types. The need to measure this stemmed from information gathered during the 2013-2014 NCSBN Strategic Practice Analysis, which showed newly licensed nurses are increasingly expected to make complex decisions while caring for patients.

Board of Visitors Learns about Technical Career Pathways

The Board of Visitors (BOV) held its semiannual meeting July 26 on the Pendleton Campus. President DeHay gave members an update on recent awards the College received, performance indicators, facility projects and enrollment for summer semester.

Jenni Creamer, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Educational Partnerships, gave a presentation on dual enrollment. Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college classes while they are still enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit.

The Technical Career Pathways (TCP) program provides high school juniors and seniors with a clear path to a debt-free education that prepares them for careers in manufacturing. Workforce development is just one of the many advantages of the program that began in 2013. There is no cost to high school dual enrollment students enrolled in a Technical Career Pathway—the program is state funded.

Creamer introduced two recent high school graduates, Caleb Clement and Barrett Gambrell, who participated in the TCP program.

Clement and Gambrell earned Technical Operator 1 and 2 certificates in May and have one year of college credit. They began their final year in Mechatronics this fall at TCTC. At age 19, both will have a degree in hand and graduate with no debt.

They praised Mechatronics instructor Mark Franks and Marla Cobb and Ingryd Masters in the High School Engagement office for making them better students and preparing them for college-level work.

Clement said he has made his best grades ever and after graduating from TCTC, he plans to enter Clemson University to study industrial engineering. “Without Mark Franks and Marla, I didn’t know where I would be. I will be forever grateful.”

Gambrell’s father owns an electrical company and he wants to manage the company one day. “The mechanical and electrical

skills I’m learning give me a head start on my goals. You are able to finish the degree when you have people behind you.” After earning his Mechatronics degree, he plans to transfer to Clemson to study electrical engineering.

“Without the labs and lectures in TCTC classes, I couldn’t do it,” he said.

Clement has accepted an offer to be a BMW Scholar and Gambrell has been accepted into the Michelin Technical Scholars program. Both programs pay for their college education.

When TCP began in 2013 there were seven students from Crescent High School enrolled. To date, 894 have participated in a pathway.

Campers Introduced to Health Profession Programs

The Health Professions Department of the Health Education Division hosted a summer camp called MEDQUEST. Rising ninth and tenth graders were introduced to each health profession program offered at TCTC through interactive, hands-on demonstrations.

Below, a participant, right, observes Medical Laboratory Technology students.

Caleb Clement and Barrett Gambrell, second and third from left, talked about their experience in the Technical Career Pathways program. They are pictured with Mark Franks, Mechatronics instructor, and Marla Cobb, director of high school engagement.

Board of Visitors members pose with President DeHay.

Three Community Leaders Elected to Foundation Board

Three community leaders have been elected to serve on the Tri-County Technical College Foundation Board of Directors.

Joining the board’s current members are Trent Acker, William Kenley, and Dr. Veta New, all representing Anderson County.

Members of the board raise money to supplement appropriations thereby helping the College to meet the educational needs of the citizens of the tri-county area.

Acker is the district manager for government and community relations with Duke Energy. A resident of Greenville, he graduated from Clemson University. He is a board member of Oconee Economic Alliance, Anderson Chamber of Commerce, the Alumni Advisory Board of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, and Board of Advisors for the Anderson County Vocational Rehabilitation.

Kenley is the CEO of AnMed. He previously served in a number of executive roles in hospitals based in Memphis, Tennessee. He currently serves on the board of the S.C. Hospital Association, Health Sciences South Carolina, Antum Risk, Anderson University Board of

Regents, and Upstate Alliance. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Radford University and an MHA from Duke University.

Dr. New is the executive director of South Fant Education Center for Anderson School District Five and has been with the district for more than 10 years. She previously served as superintendent of schools for Oglethorpe County School System in Lexington, Georgia. She is a member and past president of the Anderson Rotary Club, first vice president of the Anderson Garden Club, and past board member of United Way of Anderson County. A graduate of the University of Georgia, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics with additional master’s, specialists, and a terminal degree (doctor of Philosophy).

College Sponsors Eagle Scout Project at AnMed

TCTC was among the community sponsors of a project by Eagle Scout Brendon Lynch, pictured at left. Chief of Staff Dan Cooper (right) attended the AnMed Memorial Statue Eagle Project Unveiling held August 11 at the AnMed North Campus.

AT&T awarded TCTC $10,000 to support the I-BEST program which is designed to meet workforce needs. The program blends college credit, non-credit training and industry-recognized skills certifications.

The I-BEST program 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. There is no cost for the I-BEST program.

Amanda Taylor, regional director of external affairs for AT&T South Carolina, second from left, and TCTC President Galen DeHay, third from left, are holding the check. Also pictured are, from left, David Moore, director of the I-BEST program at TCTC; Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation; and Jennifer Hulehan, dean of Academic and Career Foundations and dean of the Arts and Sciences Division at TCTC.

Eagle Scout Lynch unveiled his project that honors Anderson’s health care workers as they fought to save lives and to offer a memorial to those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bryan Kennedy, AnMed director of Nursing, said, “The centerpiece of this project is the Rod of Asclepius, a timeless symbol of healing, proudly displayed on the secondfloor outdoor atrium at the AnMed North Campus.”

William Kenley Dr. Veta New Trent Acker

Our College Family

in transition

Laura Kaufmann is the faculty developer/ curriculum consultant in the Office of Academic Development. With 20+ years of experience in a variety of classroom settings, she has a passion for teaching and learning and is excited to support TCTC faculty through professional development.

Jason Kohlmayer joined the College as the new operations assistant in the ROSDC. He assists with daily processes, which include troubleshooting with DegreeWorks, completing incoming student forms, admissions applications, and assisting with endof-term grades and graduation processes.

Kaweishia Lee is the administrative assistant for the Dual Enrollment Office. She comes to TCTC with a background in both customer service and human resources.

Susie Lloyd-Stokes is a new full-time biology faculty member who primarily teaches BIO 113, 114, 101 and 102. She has been teaching biology and environmental science courses since 1995 and has served as both an adjunct and adjunct lecturer at TCTC for a number of years.

Isaac Moore is our new full-time Criminal Justice instructor. He comes to the College from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office where he was a sergeant in the Uniform Patrol Division assigned to Bravo Shift.

Mark Necessary is an instructor in the associate degree Nursing program. He has worked as a staff nurse, nurse manager, and clinical educator and has worked and taught in the emergency department and critical care settings. He served as a TCTC adjunct nursing instructor last year.

Ellen Pate is the director of Career and Employability Resources. She brings collaborative leadership expertise to the CER team and with colleagues across the College.

Krystal Perez is a student services program coordinator. She has experience working with underresourced students and helps students connect their education path to the careers that support the goals for their success in the workplace.

Faith Rankin is the access services coordinator in the Learning Commons. In her role, she helps streamline access to our diverse collection of print and ebooks, as well as other electronic resources, and she coordinates with other college and university partners to share resources across institutions.

Kasey Risinger is an administrative assistant for the Arts and Sciences Division. She provides customer service to students, employees, and visitors and provides administrative support to the dean, assistant deans and program directors.

Danielle Sheffield joins the TCTC associate degree Nursing program. She is a boardcertified family nurse practitioner and has been a registered nurse since 2009. She has been an adjunct clinical instructor for the TCTC Practical Nursing program for the last three years.

Brandon Watt is a new full-time Early Care and Education instructor. He has been in early childhood education for 10 years, teaching 4K and 5K and has experience working with special needs students.

Andrew Welborn joined us this semester as a full-time English instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division. Previously he worked as an adjunct English instructor, writing tutor and lecturer.

Taliah Wheatley is the academic resource specialist for the Business and Public Services Division. In her role, she coordinates and participates in all orientation/advising sessions, presents program information at recruitment events, coordinates the BPS Academic Recovery Program, obtains and reviews student academic reports, and collaborates

with other divisions across campus to support student success initiatives.

Joan Zangas is an instructor in the associate degree nursing program. She has worked in various nursing positions with Prisma Health and AnMed. She started as an adjunct with TCTC in 2016.

Alumna Dr. Diana McIntyre Says She Learned from the Best

Dr. Diana McIntyre has known since she was five years old that she wanted to be a nurse. She remembers drawing, during a kindergarten class, a self-portrait of a nurse dressed in a uniform and nurse’s cap and holding a syringe.

“I knew at an early age what I wanted to be,” said Dr. McIntyre, who has been a registered nurse since graduating from TCTC in 2004 and who has proudly called Prisma Health’s Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca her place of employment (second home) for the past 20 years.

“I never had any doubts. I always wanted to work in health care,” said Dr. McIntyre, who hails from Rock Hill and after graduating from high school spent a year at Winthrop University and then decided she wanted to pursue an associate degree in nursing. She moved to Seneca, where she lived with her aunt and mentor, Dr. Kathryn Barden, and enrolled at TCTC.

“I really felt challenged at TCTC. It was the hardest part of my educational career. Tri-County Technical College is where I got my foundation. I really learned from the best,” she said.

Dr. McIntyre went on to earn advanced degrees beginning in 2017 when her children were older. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Carolina and a master of nursing (leadership track) from Chamberlain College. Last year she earned a doctor of nursing practice (nurse executive leadership) from Chamberlain College.

After graduating in 2004, she was hired at Oconee Memorial Hospital where she worked on the medical surgical unit. “I never left because I fell in love with orthopedics,” said Dr. McIntyre. She said the culture and the leadership have kept her there for more than two decades. “The hospital has continued to advance and grow over the past 20 years and that’s what has helped me to grow as a nurse,” she said.

From 2004 until 2009 she was a staff nurse and later charge nurse for the medical surgical unit at Oconee Memorial Hospital. In 2009 she was promoted to staff nurse and pre-assessment coordinator for the New Life Center for Joint Health. In 2017 she was promoted to manager for the departments. From 2020 until 2021 Dr. McIntyre was

asked to develop and lead a new unit, The Rapid Assessment Unit, that focused on a specific patient population to reduce length of stay through specifically designed workflows. For the past three years, she has served as nurse manager for the medical surgical unit and New Life Center for Joint Health.

She is responsible for the oversight and operational processes of approximately 90 team members on all shifts. As a nurse leader, her goal is to serve nurses so they can serve their patients, said Dr. McIntyre.

Last year Oconee Memorial Hospital began to pursue Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Dr. McIntyre took on the responsibility of serving as Magnet program research coordinator and Magnet program document writer.

“Empowering nurses for patient benefit is a continual focus,” she said. “You must be Magnet to become Magnet.”

A Magnet-designated hospital is a medical facility considered to be the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation. Magnet hospitals are certified by the ANCC as institutions where nurses are empowered to not only take the lead on patient care but to be the drivers of institutional health care change and innovation.

These hospitals provide nurses with opportunities for continued or advanced education in order to develop or improve their skills while also gaining more knowledge about patient care. This can lead to better work environments for nurses and improved patient outcomes. Hospitals must demonstrate their dedication to providing excellent care by meeting strict requirements set by ANCC.

Only about 10% of hospitals in the United States have Magnet status awarded by the ANCC.

“It’s rewarding to see projects put into practice and come to fruition,” she said.

Often Dr. McIntyre attends TCTC career fairs and looks to her alma mater when recruiting new hires. “I trust Nursing Department Head Jackie Rutledge and the team there. Their expectations are high. TCTC is a great place to get a foundation and it bridges the gap between school and practice.”

Even after 20 years in nursing, she says, “It’s different every day. I’m finished with school for now, but I want to continue to grow in other ways like managing our journey to achieving Magnet status. There are long days but when you love what you do, it’s not work.”

New Workforce Development Program Announced

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A full-time faculty member manages the students in the classroom and the clinical setting. This instructor is a full-time employee of TCTC. The curriculum and hands-on lab replicate the LPN program at the TCTC Easley Campus.

“This is a very special occasion and a very cool day,” said HMRVSI’s Chief Operating Officer Heyward Hilliard. “This isn’t being done anywhere else,” he added. “There is no better place to serve people who served us. I thank Tri-County Technical College for its vision in finding a way to make this happen. We are honored to be part of this partnership.”

“Our role as a community college is to educate highly skilled workers for positions in business and industry, and we measure our success by our ability to ensure our students earn a high-quality credential that leads to a job that pays a family-sustaining wage,” said TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay. “Partnerships are essential to increasing educational attainment and creating workforce pipelines. The partnership we have with HMR Veterans Services and Honor Health Career Programs is a perfect example of how we are meeting a critical workforce need through a sustainable nursing pipeline.”

HMRVSI took a 1,100-square foot space inside the Richard M. Campbell Nursing Home in Anderson and transformed it into an education and training center specifically for the workforce development program. The training center was funded by HMRVSI along with a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is accredited by SACSCOC, ACEN and the South Carolina Board of Nursing as a satellite location of TCTC’s LPN program and features

classroom space and training equipment such as a high-fidelity adult patient simulator, a nursing skills manikin, tablets, patient beds, wheelchairs, medication cart and more.

In addition, employees are able to complete some of their clinical rotations at the nursing home, thereby eliminating a major barrier for working students.

“Our collective vision for this program began four years ago, and I’m proud of the innovative career growth solution we created for our community and the nursing career pathway we established for our employees who want to continue their education while balancing full-time employment and other responsibilities,” said Hilliard. “In addition, this partnership model has provided the framework to facilitate similar nursing programs at six other state veterans nursing homes in South Carolina and Alabama. Tri-County’s tradition of providing quality education and innovative training opportunities that strengthen communities extends far beyond Anderson County. I am excited for our employees and for what they have and will achieve.”

HHCP Executive Director Erin Fredericks said the mentoring component is what makes this program different. “It’s the power of connection,” she said. “HHCP believes in connecting with our partners and students. We have been part of these students’ journeys from day one. They have exceptional resilience. This is their first success among many to come. We are extremely proud of each of them and can’t wait to see their next steps.”

The next cohort of HMRVSI employees will begin classes in January 2024 with an estimated graduation date of May 2025.

Officials gathered for a ribbon cutting in celebration of the education and training center at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home.

Campus Police Recognized at Annual Appreciation Banquet

The TCTC Police Department held its annual recognition and appreciation ceremony August 11. David King was named Campus Police Officer of the Year. “Officer David King has 36 years of law enforcement experience and is a valued member of the TCTC Police Department. He is professional, knowledgeable, and daily exhibits community-oriented policing with his fellow law enforcement employees, faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Officer King has been with TCTC for three years, and he has been very influential in making safety a priority.”

Sgt. Billy Albert, Officer Joshua Eppes, Officer David King, Officer Patrick Krigbaum and Security Officer Daphney Miller received 90-day perfect attendance awards.

Townville Elementary Principal Addresses Audience

Townville Elementary School Principal Denise Frederick was the keynote speaker at the banquet. Frederick gave a detailed account of the tragic day, September 28, 2016, when a former student came to the school playground and shot two students and a teacher, critically wounding Jacob Hall, a six-year-old boy who died days later. This was the first time that Frederick has spoken publicly about the tragedy except two times in a courtroom. She expressed her deep respect for law enforcement. “You are remarkable individuals. I hope you realize the positive impact you have is immeasurable. Your commitment is well beyond the classroom walls.”

“Our campus police are invested in our students’ educational experience. Through your day-to-day interactions, you are part of their education. You impact their lives every day and I am grateful,” said President DeHay.

Cara Hamilton, vice president of business affairs, highlighted Campus Safety’s courage and compassion. “You show up daily to serve and protect. You train and prepare for the unthinkable. Your dedication to professional development is second to none.”

Townville Elementary School Principal Denise Frederick, middle, is pictured with Linda Conwell, administrative assistant, and Chief Marcus Guess.

Officer Joshua Eppes

Sgt. Billy Albert

Officer Patrick Krigbaum Security Officer Daphney Miller

Officer David King

New Adjunct Faculty Orientation Hosted by Office of Academic Development

The Office of Academic Development hosted an orientation for new adjunct faculty members on August 16. The attendees were greeted by their respective academic deans or representatives and had the opportunity to receive a tour of the Pendleton Campus. Participants also were able to visit resource tables staffed by Human Resources, Campus Police, Information Technology, Student Support and the Learning Commons.

President Galen DeHay welcomed the group. “You join our faculty and staff who are truly committed to the success of our students. Faculty have the ability to ignite transformation at our best. We do that by creating outstanding learning experiences. We challenge our students and support them and create a sense of belonging. That makes an impact on the community where you live,” he said.

Participants heard presentations about payroll, student record management, advising and academic

support, student support services, and academic development and Blackboard resources.

The orientation concluded with “Strategies to Create a Learner-Centered Classroom,” and “First-Day Essentials,” two interactive sessions presented by Mia Tensley, faculty development liaison/reading and college skills instructor.