Connection Newsletter November 2019

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue ...

Tri-County, AU Sign Bridge Program Agreement................... 4

Scenes From Professional Development Day....................... 5

November/December 2019

Kaelyn Minick Will Attend Tuition Free Next Semester, Thanks to Lottery and SC WINS Kaelyn Minick was stunned—and equally grateful—when she received her billing notice for the upcoming spring semester and saw a zero balance.

By qualifying for both the Lottery Tuition Assistance and the new South Carolina Workforce and Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) funding, the Medical Assisting major will attend TriCounty tuition free next semester. “My dad is self employed and has been recuperating from rotator cuff surgery for the past year and a half, which prohibited him from working full time.

When I told him about the scholarships, he was so thankful. He is saving a huge amount that he would have paid out of pocket,” said Kaelyn.

Individuals can attend Tri-County tuition free if they qualify for Lottery Tuition Assistance and the SCWINS scholarship, are a resident of Anderson, Oconee or Pickens counties, and are Kaelyn Minick enrolled in classes in these critical workforce fields: Engineering Technology, Health Care, and Information Technology. Recipients can be full- and part-time TriCounty students.

By qualifying for the scholarships, Kaelyn, of Clemson, will not be saddled with debt when she graduates in August 2020. (continued on page 8)

President’s Leadership Institute Meets Clemson University President Dr. Jim Clements and the university’s President’s Leadership Institute met on our campus December 4 with Dr. DeHay to discuss the institutions’ goals and philosophies and how both can work together to meet their respective missions. They also discussed their roles in serving the community (the President’s Institute departed our campus to work with United Way).

“Our communities need us differently,” said Dr. DeHay. “As we have evolved, how they need our college is different than in years past. Our role in the community is driving the economic and social mobility in our community.”

BASF Engineer Addresses Students..................................... 8

“We have work to do and a mission that doesn’t end,” said Dr. Clements. “We need partners to do so.”

Tech Fest Showcases GET Projects............................... 9

Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES

AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

Dr. Clements and Dr. DeHay agreed the answer is to work in synergy and to share resources.

Connection is published ten 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 TDD/Voice 1-800-735-2905 Website www.tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College.

Connecting

O

Adaptation and Learning

ne session in particular struck a chord with me during Professional Development Day last month.

Dr. Galen DeHay The session included a teamwork exercise to build President a prosthetic hand. After the session, the hands we built together, each with our own two hands, were sent back to the company that provided the materials so they could be distributed to those in need across the globe, particularly, to third-world countries. My group felt a profound sense of gratitude for what we have, and we were grateful to have an opportunity to give something to those in need.

During the session, we discussed change, and this quote was shared: “In times of change, the learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” (Eric Hoffer).

It reminded me of the sense of urgency I feel around our need to adapt, as a College, to meet the changing needs of our community. Not only technology and workforce needs, but also social needs, which includes finding new strategies for improving the economic mobility of our communities through education. This topic has been at the center of nearly every conversation and presentation I have been involved in since the beginning of my presidency.

Despite a strong economy and plentiful job opportunities, we still have critically important issues to deal with—poverty, an aging population, and those in our communities who are left behind for any number of reasons. We cannot ignore this problem; we must find ways to be part of the solution—in fact, to lead others in finding solutions. Tri-County Technical College is best suited, and perhaps the only organization that can connect all the partners to effect change—K-12, businesses and industries, non-profit organizations, community agencies, and State and federal governments.

As educators, we instill in our students the importance of lifelong learning. The same lessons apply to us as educators. We must learn and adapt to meet the changing needs in our communities.

As we finalize our new Ten-Year Vision and Strategic Plan, we will focus on the central theme of adapting to meet the changing needs of our communities as we seek to advance our vision to transform lives and build strong communities – one student at a time. That is what gives us a sense of urgency and makes this journey so rewarding.

I look forward to what lies ahead. Our past work in improving learning and student success has created a strong foundation for us to build upon. Yet, we must continue to adapt and learn to meet the changing needs of our students and our community.

I wish each of you a happy and restful holiday season, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2020.

In your service,

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.

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Galen DeHay, Ph.D.

SP

LIGHT OT

Spotlight

on INSPIRE Lab Demo Day

Earlier this year, eight companies were accepted into INSPIRE Lab, a new business incubator program designed to give future business owners the proper resources and knowledge to create startup businesses. On the final day of class, these budding entrepreneurs presented their ideas at INSPIRE Demo Day held at the Anderson Campus November 12. Funded by a $200,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Tri-County, the program’s core training elements are customer problem/solution mapping, selling/marketing, building a team, and business plan execution.

Meet two entrepreneurs who completed the program: Whitney Farmer Black and Wendi Rodgers:

Whitney Farmer Black Whitney Farmer Black never thought of herself as a budding entrepreneur.

The 35-year-old has spent her entire professional career working 9–5 as writer for a magazine and for the last six years as Assistant Director of the Cooperative Education Program at Clemson University.

It was only on a whim, to satisfy her creative instincts and her curiosity, that she enrolled in an Adobe Illustrator class where she discovered she has a knack for design. She took those skills and began designing and producing a series of bachelorette party t-shirts and sweatshirts as a creative outlet on weekends.

“I learned there are other ways to create than with a pen and art brush,” said Whitney, who opened an online customized t-shirt store, Punch Drunk Designs, on Etsy in April 2018 (PunchDrunkDesignCo.Etsy.com).

“A couple of months in, the business took off. I thought I would get my life back in January, which isn’t bachelorette party season, but it didn’t happen,” she said.

Whitney says she knew she had to make some tough career decisions. “I was handling design, production, packaging, and mailing orders. I was a one-woman show and holding down my job at Clemson. This became more than a part-time hobby,” said the Anderson native. “I had to make a difficult decision. I agonized for months until finally August 1, I quit and opened Punch Drunk Designs full time,” she said.

With an undergraduate degree in Journalism and master’s in Communications, she didn’t have any training in small business ownership and operation.

Fortunately, her husband, Talbert, ran across information about INSPIRE Lab, The class serves as a place to educate business owners or start-up founders and give them access to professional business mentoring.

Whitney Farmer Black

Wendi Rodgers

“Our goal is to build entrepreneurs within the Upstate, in our own backyards,” said Craig Kinley, a WiProwess consultant hired to launch INSPIRE Lab for Tri-County.

She applied and was among the eight accepted into the class taught by Kinley. Whitney recognized she was starting from scratch. “I had lots of questions as a first-time business owner,” she said.

She bought a building at 609 N. Murray Avenue for her production facility before leaving Clemson University and began moving production equipment from her home to that location.

The upstairs served as the design and production facility, as well as her office. The basement of the building was vacant and needed a lot of renovations. She rallied family and friends who helped to transform the dank, dark basement into an inviting and accessible living room space to accommodate her next idea—a retail space where she can collaborate with local artists to offer DIY classes in floral design, jewelry creation, hand lettering, etc.

“I had no idea how to marry the two businesses of making t-shirts and offering DIY classes so my goal for the Inspire Lab class was to talk to folks about how to combine the two. I didn’t know it could work and what that process would look like until completing this class. It was very validating. I realized I can have both in one space. The course helped by giving me confidence and helping to solidify my ideas. It was such a nice group of people in class. We were all in different stages of business development. The class was led by Craig, who is an entrepreneur who can provide first-hand guidance for sure,” she added.

Renovations leading to the DIY classes are at the top of her list for 2020. She plans to finish up renovations for the DIY class space early this year and will host the first class soon after. (continued on page 9) November/December 2019 • 3

Tri-County, AU Enter into Bridge Program Agreement Tri-County and Anderson University (AU) entered into a bridge program agreement November 7 that will allow our graduates interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, or Nursing, to transfer without loss of time, credits, or money.

Dr. DeHay and AU President Dr. Evans Whitaker signed the official agreement that establishes articulation pathways for TriCounty students beginning Fall 2020.

The bridge program is for those seeking the following degrees: • Bachelor of Business Administration • Business Administration Concentration • Marketing Concentration • Operation Management Concentration • Bachelor of Arts–Criminal Justice Dr. DeHay and Anderson University President Dr. Evans Whitaker signed the official agreement that • Law Enforcement Operations establishes articulation pathways for Tri-County students beginning Fall 2020.

Concentration • Bachelor of Science in Nursing support that AU is known for.”

Tri-County students who complete an Associate in Arts (A.A.), “At Tri-County, we are committed to increasing access to higher Associate in Sciences (A.S.), Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), education for the citizens of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Business or Criminal counties, including access to a bachelor’s degree by way of applied Justice are eligible to participate. associate degrees in our career programs,” said Dr. DeHay, “Many As part of the AU Bridge Program, students will be offered the of our students complete an associate degree in a career program opportunity to participate in identified AU programs and events, so they are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce. We such as access to the university’s library and Trojan athletic have made a concerted effort to create pathways that will allow events. Dr. Whitaker commented, “We’re excited to strengthen them to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, should they choose to our ties with Tri-County Technical College to benefit TCTC students do so, without loss of time, credits, or money,” he said. as they continue their education while staying close to home. AU “With this agreement signed, a bachelor’s degree from is committed to supporting TCTC students within the community Anderson University will be accessible, affordable, and available by offering innovative programs alongside the personal academic to our graduates,” added Dr. DeHay.

Women’s Self Defense Class Held: Lt. Jason Hayes, left, and Officer Malissa Moore, third from left, both of our Campus Police Department, taught a three-part women’s self defense class for female students, faculty, and staff during the month of November. Mandy Elmore, dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division, and Kerrigan Alexander, an associate degree Nursing major from Liberty, pose with them on the final day of class.

If you are interested in participating in this free class next semester, please contact the Campus Police Office, located in Pickens Hall 138 on the Pendleton Campus or call Campus Police at Ext. 1800.

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Scenes From Professional Development Day Physical Plant Director Ken Kopera, Richard Macbeth, project manager, and representatives from the civil engineering firm Thomas & Hutton hosted two sessions to address the redesign of the central pedestrian corridor on the Pendleton Campus. As the College looks to reinvent the central pedestrian spine that runs from Ruby Hicks to Oconee Hall, faculty, staff, and students have had a chance to provide input into what the future plaza will look and feel like, how it will function, and most importantly, how it can support and enhance student success.

left: Our Human Resources Team conducted a half-day session titled Be Innovative and Collaborative for a Cause. This hands-on, interactive session helped participants to take a look at foundational aspects and context for creating collaborative, innovative, and team-driven environments that all work for a cause. Participants discussed change, analyzed connective values, ways to value individuals and teams, and provided context for improving results, relationships, and processes. Pictured here are Wade Pitts program nanager for the Center of Workforce Excellence for the Corporate and Community

Education Division (CCE) , Eric Griffith, trades specialist for the physical plant, and Jay Sloan, CCE training and development director. right: During an interactive session, Dr. Renet Bender, a math instructor and one of the Program HIPs Designers, right, shared information about her signature work through posters. Faculty met informally with colleagues, asked questions about the assignment design, and learned about the piloting of the program HIPs.

College Sponsors Toy Drive The Tri-County Technical College chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) partnered with Toys for Tots this holiday season to sponsor a toy drive to benefit children ages infants–15.

NSLS members, pictured here with all of the toys donated by our faculty, staff, students, and community members, thank everyone for their generosity. Pictured from left to right are Dwight Hawfield, Shayla Lee, Vania Elizondo, and Greg Acatitlan.

November/December 2019 • 5

Our College Family excellence through service

Denise Day

Jessica Raymond

Brady Cross

Graphic designers Denise Day and Jessica Raymond received awards at the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations’ (NCMPR) Fall Regional Conference in Asheville, N.C., October 21-23. On a regional level, each of NCMPR’s seven districts sponsors individual awards.

Denise and Jessica, representing District 2, received awards in the following categories: Jessica received a Silver award in the Print category for the Viewbook for non-traditional students she designed.

Denise received a Gold award in the Logo category for the ConTRIbute logo she designed for the Foundation’s fundraising campaign.

Denise also received a Bronze award in the Novelty Advertising category for the Top 10 Reasons to Attend TCTC T-Shirt she designed for Admissions.

A research article written by Brady Cross, digital initiatives librarian, has been published by the International Journal of Information, Diversity, and Inclusion. Brady presented his findings at the SCLA and the ALA Library Research Seminar VII last month.

In transition Susan Duckworth is the Administrative Specialist for the High School Engagement and Outreach office. She earned an Associate in Arts from TriCounty in 1998 and transferred to Clemson University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Susan Duckworth (English) in 2000. She began her teaching career at Westside High School, where she taught English for seven years. She homeschooled her three children until accepting this position.

She and her husband, Keith, and their children, Gray, 18, a freshman at Tri-County, Elizabeth 16, and Granger, 15, live in Anderson.

Aaron Albo is the Community Campuses Coordinator/Outreach Librarian.

He comes to us from Clemson University, where he was the Inaugural Library Fellow for three years. Prior to that he was a Reference and Instruction Librarian for Harrisburg Area Community College for three years. He holds a B.A. in Classics from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and MLS and MIS degrees from Indiana University.

Aaron Albo

Amanda Massey is the Procurement Specialist in the Finance Office. She worked for the last four years as a Supply Specialist for the SC Department of Transportation and prior to that was a Human Resources Specialist for Belk.

She and her husband, Hunter, have a son, McCoy, eight months. They live in Liberty.

Amanda Massey

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A Farewell Message

By Rebecca Eidson

lands in the public eye—both internally and externally. Whenever I make a big “Look up on that hill! I’ve heard of blunder, like forgetting to put Senator THAT college,” I called out to my husband Lindsey Graham’s name on the printed nearly 28 years ago as we drove by program when he was our keynote Tri-County Technical College for the first speaker, I force myself to remember time. It was moving day, and we had that everyone makes mistakes … just driven more than six hours from even Chief Justice John Roberts, who Bainbridge, Georgia, to Clemson with our managed to screw up the Presidential six-month-old son, two dogs, one cat, Oath of Office while swearing in Barack several potted plants, and a packedObama, bless his heart. Whenever I to-the-gills moving van following close ramble and stutter while talking to a behind. reporter about a controversial topic, I “I plan to work there one day,” I remind myself that I could be the White added, sounding a bit smug. “Tri-County House Press Secretary instead. Wouldn’t Technical College is known across that be fun? Whenever our Presidents the nation as an innovative leader in have wandered off script during their technical education.” graduation speeches, I … just throw I really said that, or words to that up my hands. Heck, I stopped worrying effect. about that a decade ago. Putting things While employed at Bainbridge in perspective always helps me feel a bit College in the late 1980s, I attended a better. conference in Dallas where the “buzz” Rebecca Eidson Thankfully, my mistakes were not was all about Tri-County Technical College career ending. I succeeded more than I failed, and I laughed and a bold new initiative called Tech Prep. TCTC was recognized more than I cried (or cussed). as the national leader in the Tech Prep movement and was In all seriousness, I am grateful to have had the opportunity spotlighted throughout the conference. to spend my career telling the TCTC “story,” helping to shape our I meant what I said in the car that day, so three years later brand in the community, and supporting three Presidents. I owe I accepted a job at TCTC—not just any job, but a position a huge debt of thanks to the incredibly talented people I work working with the nationally-recognized Tech Prep program. In with, Lisa Garrett in particular. We have so much good news to 2000, I landed my present position in Public Relations and share, and it’s all because of your good work and dedication to Communications. our students. You made it easy.

The whole experience has been wonderful, but I must I will admit a shameful secret. While in high school during the admit it can be hard at times because nearly all of my work 70s, I turned my nose up at the local technical college, believing it was for people who couldn’t get into “real” college. I did a complete about-face when I started working at one of “those” colleges in Georgia in the mid 80s. A light turned on in me then, and it continues to burn today. I have fully embraced our mission to provide educational access and opportunities for all, and our vision to transform lives and build strong communities— one student at a time. Tri-County has made me a better person.

April Buyer and her son, I look forward to watching Tri-County Technical College Jackson, of Central, were in line exceed all our expectations in the years to come. My work will when the Veterinary Technology continue as I seek to become your greatest fan and strongest Pet Adoption doors opened, and vocal advocate in the community. they adopted Tony, an orange

Veterinary Technology Pet Adoption

tabby kitten.

November/December 2019 • 7

BASF Engineer Addresses Students Gene Durrance, continuous improvement engineer for BASF, standing, above left, conducted a workshop that emphasized the power skills that will keep you employed. “Your attitude will determine your success,” he told the group of

EIT students who attended. Following his presentation, students worked on an interactive team activity with LEGOs.

Kaelyn Minick Will Attend Tuition Free (continued from page 1)

Introduced last summer, SCWINS is a Statewide technical college scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages.

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) and SC WINS recently were increased for Spring Semester 2020. LTA has increased from $100/credit hour to $110/credit.

SC WINS has increased from $50/credit hour to $100/ credit hour with a limit of $2,500 per academic year per student. In addition, those students qualifying for SC WINS by major are eligible to receive up to $300 in a book allowance.

Information about eligibility for SC WINS can be found at www.tctc.edu/scwins.

“This opportunity gives residents a path to economic mobility by enabling them to get the education needed for indemand careers—not just a job,” said Adam Ghiloni, director of financial aid at Tri-County. “College can be affordable and manageable for both full- and part-time students pursuing degrees, diplomas, and certificates at all of our campuses.”

Affordability isn’t the only reason Kaelyn is happy with her decision to attend Tri-County. She prefers the small classroom size Tri-County offers as opposed to the universitystyle lecture hall that can accommodate more than 300 students. “I really like the smaller classes and the campus.

It’s easy to navigate, and the faculty and staff are really friendly,” she said.

The 21-year-old Columbia native—and Clemson Tigers fan—graduated from Dutch Fork High School in Irmo in 2016.

Initially she was interested in pursuing an associate degree in Nursing and applied at Midlands Technical College but was placed on a waiting list.

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In the interim period, she discovered Tri-County. At the same time, she was accepted to a year-long Disney College program at Disney World.

She had two days to decide whether she would spend a year working and living at Disney World, or preparing for a career by beginning her education at Tri-County.

“I have a strong desire to enter the health care field. I definitely made the right decision,” said Kaelyn. She took health science classes during her junior and senior years in high school, and after graduating she moved to the area and began her general education classes at Tri-County, hoping to enter the associate degree Nursing program. Due to the large volume of applications that year, she wasn’t admitted to the program. “I talked with Bailey Woods (health education admissions liaison), who walked me through my options and then personally introduced me to Laura McClain, Medical Assisting program director. I met with her, and the more she talked, the more Medical Assisting appealed to me—working 9–5 in an office setting with a mix of administrative and clinical duties along with lab work. It offers the best of both worlds,” she said.

“I made a personal connection with Mrs. McClain and have found other mentors in instructors and fellow classmates. I have a support system of instructors and peers—we support each other and can rely on each other,” she said.

After graduating next summer, Kaelyn wants to work in a physician’s office and continue her education to earn a nursing degree.

“Eventually I want to study to be a nurse practitioner. I can do it—because Tri-County is a good place to start,” she said.

Tech Fest Showcases GET Projects General Engineering Technology students showcased their projects during Tech Fest held November 21 in the Student Success Center. right: Industrial Electronics Technology instructor Ted Stokes, left, observes a pneumatic project demonstration designed by, from left, Daniel Barron, Savon Taylor, Miguel Caldron, and Paola Vargas.

Megan Alexander, Christian Davis, and Taylor Hamby designed an Electronic Piano.

Adam Medicus, seated, center, along with team members Jamie Jernigan, Cody Brown, and Grady Duckworth, demonstrate a Balloon Blow Up.

Spotlight on INSPIRE Lab Demo Day (continued from page 3)

Wendi Rodgers Over the years, Wendi Rodgers has entertained entrepreneurial ideas about web development/design and producing online publications, but says she sat on them because she didn’t know how to get started.

Her answer came in an e-mail she received in August which asked, “Are you a budding entrepreneur with an innovative idea for a new business start-up but haven’t finetuned a strategy to successfully get it off the ground?”

“That sounded just like me so I applied,” said Wendi, who works for the US Post Office and formerly worked in public relations for the SC Office of the Governor for guardians ad litem.

Now her dream of opening the first solely African American art gallery in her hometown of Greenville could come to fruition. Her initial idea was to create an online African American publication but she says she changed her plan and focused on her passion for the arts—specifically an art gallery.

“There is such a need in our area to showcase the emerging African American artists,” said Wendi.

She envisions a gallery as a place to view and purchase artwork but also as a community hub and a venue to hold workshops. INSPIRE Lab helped me to identify my target demographic and to build a customer base. This would be a place to support emerging African American artists and would be a business—a gallery that sells art,” she said.

“INSPIRE Lab taught me that the key to entrepreneurship is building a team. I also was able to identify mentors, who are ambassadors for the arts,” she said.

She is grateful for the committee of entrepreneurs who served as advisors and looked at the viability of each business proposal, as well as the practicality of each coming to fruition.

“It’s a lot of work, and you have to put in the time,” said Wendi, who adjusted her work schedule to attend the evening meetings for 12 weeks. “The best takeaway is it can be done if you work past the ifs and buts. Receiving acceptance into the class is confirmation that I am on the right path,” she said.

“Without INSPIRE Lab, I would still be sitting on my idea,” she said.

November/December 2019 • 9

Fall Concert Shows Musical Versatility The Tri-County Technical College fall concert showcased all sides of chorus music this year, with solos and ensemble pieces featuring classic, folk, holiday, and classical music.

The Chorus and Jazz Band presented its fall concert November 22 in the Marshall Parker Auditorium on the Pendleton Campus.

Under the direction of conductor Julia West Miller, music appreciation instructor and director of choir and band activities, the choir performed a holiday favorite,“Carol of the Bells;” a pop music selection, “Count on Me,” by Bruno Mars; “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman;” a folk song, “Homeward Bound,” and a vocal arrangement of Beethoven’s “Sonata No. 8.”

The Jazz Band performed with accompanist Cory Dodgens.

“These performances appealed to everyone in our chorus and to our audience. We showed that choir can be so many different things, and this group does it all well,” Julia said.

“We have the most robust men’s section we had ever had and all of the chorus performers are very experienced in different styles of choir. Everyone came in with strong skills and voices. They really challenged themselves by performing different styles and songs,” she said. top: Jazz Band members pose with Accompanist Cory

Dodgens, far left, and Julia West Miller, conductor, music appreciation instructor, and director of choir and band activities, far right.

middle: Choir Members with Julia

Miller and Cory Dodgens

bottom: The Jazz Band performs.

Dogs for a Cause The Student Government Association teamed up with SC Therapy Dogs for an item drive to benefit the TCTC Student Support Pantry.

Students, faculty, and staff who brought the non-perishable items were able to spend time and have a relaxing visit with the dogs.

Here, Asia Irwin, an associate in arts major, gets to know Bailey, a Burmese Mountain Dog. The Student Support Pantry is located on the Pendleton Campus, however all campuses have emergency goods available to students in need. For questions about the Food Pantry, contact our Wellness Programs at wellness@tctc.edu.

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