April 1, 2012
The Future of Tri-County Technical College Written & Photographed by Amber Thompson | The Journal
50 years ago, Tri-County Technical College opened its doors, offering area residents a chance to become better-educated individuals. Today, Tri-County President Dr. Ronnie Booth said that mission continues and he has high hopes for the school’s future. “Historically, this college has been concerned with ‘punching tickets’–getting students in and out the door so they can get jobs,” he stated. Now, he added, Tri-County has more of a focus on complete community integration: working with industry to create jobs, sustaining existing jobs and helping small business owners get started. “Tri-County Tech is the hub for education in three counties. We have a large part in the role of economic development,” Dr. Booth commented. Tri-County has campuses in Anderson, Easley, Pendleton and at the Hamilton Career Center in Seneca. In time, Tri-County aspires to have more of a presence in Oconee County, Dr. Booth said. However, looking ahead, he said the emphasis will remain a on being a 2-year technical college, giving students the option to complete technical certifications needed for their intended careers, and allowing other students to complete 2 years with the intention of completing a 4-year degree elsewhere. Currently serving 7,000 students, Dr. Booth said that the school could potentially grow to 8,500 a semester. With that potential, however, comes the reality of existing facilities that desperately need upgrading, and the need for other facilities not yet in existence. “I would like for there to be one building for students to say ‘Help!’ and it’s there,” he said. Dr. Booth said that in a recent survey conducted by the school, students overwhelmingly responded with the need for more places to study. The current library is too small to house study spaces and the student center is too loud to study effectively. “We have a need for more, better-equipped space,” Dr. Booth said. “The key to a decent job is a good education.” The college president went on to say that Upstate South Carolina and Georgia employers have needs that just are not being met, an issue that comes up every time a potential new employer looks at the area. “If the work force is lousy, industries won’t locate there,” he said. “With an education, opportunities can arise where they were never expected before.” Growing to meet the changing demands of the area must be a strategic effort. “It isn’t growth for growth’s sake,” Dr. Booth said. “Currently, there is no financial incentive for growth, as the federal government has cut back immensely on assistance to colleges.” Because of these cuts, new strategies had to be devised on how best to serve the community. The school’s growth has to be driven by student demand.
“We had to tell ourselves, ‘Wait, what makes sense?’” Dr. Booth said. “The planning had to be a marketing mix. What products were in demand? We are growing where we can afford to grow,” Dr. Booth commented. While the strategies the school takes for growth have become more complicated in recent years, Tri-County will remain an integral part of Upstate South Carolina because of the commitment the school has for students’ success. As the world and economy evolve and change, Tri-County looks for ways to change with it, better suiting the needs of the students and the local community.
Tri-County President Dr. Ronnie Booth plans for the future success of the college.
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