Connection Newsletter January-February 2021

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue…

January/February 2021

Learning Commons Team Wins Innovative Team of the Year Award

Bosch Continues Support Of College.................................... 5

Long-time College Employees Retire......................10 Congratulations to team members: (standing) Brady Cross, Som Linthicum, Aaron Albro, Mary Orem, and (seated) Leigh Coates, Hannah Fakoornejad, Alex Fiscus, Rebecca Pokorny, and Laura Stanley.

Mia Tensley Chairs Friends of CAAAM.....................11

Leadership TCTC Fall Cohort Graduates....................12

The Learning Commons Team received the prestigious A. Wade Martin Innovative Team of the Year Award for its collaborative work to continue to provide excellent and innovative resources and services to students during the COVID-19 crisis.

The team was honored February 19 during the annual SC Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Conference held virtually. The award recognizes innovative approaches to meet changing needs of technical college education at the college and/or system levels.

The team of faculty and staff from the Learning Commons transformed the College’s traditionallyseparate library and tutoring services into an integrated unit with a single mission statement.

The team had a goal to redefine its objectives to help students to become more effective, efficient and self-empowered learners. The way to do so was to grow students’ college-ready skills through learning literacies.

“The nine-member group undertook a co-curricular approach to purposefully integrate the science of learning with critical literacy skills to outline a set of learning literacies that would support and engage students more specifically in an online learning environment,” said Mary Orem, head librarian and director of the Learning Commons.

Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES

AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

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 Website 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.

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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Connecting

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Spring 2021 Semester Off To Strong Start Dr. Galen DeHay pring is known to be a season of transformation and President new beginnings, and I am seeing evidence of that here at Tri-County. First, we kicked off the spring semester on January 21, and I am proud to share that we not only met but exceeded our spring enrollment goal. Additionally, applications were up 18% compared to last spring, and the College was able to make $3 million in federal grant funding available to eligible students at the start of the semester so that they could continue their academic pursuits uninterrupted. All of these are tremendous achievements and the result of teamwork across multiple departments.

This year, we have learned how teams improve our ability to adapt and learn in a time where everything is changing. I want to highlight some of the excellent work being performed by teams from around the college. The first team I want to highlight is the Portal Project Team. This multi-disciplinary team has spent the past four years developing and executing a plan to transform our aging intranet into a new web portal and app called MyTCTC. MyTCTC provides a one-stop shop for students and employees to access resources in an easy-to-navigate tile format. MyTCTC launched February 1 and is off to a strong start.

The College’s Diversity and Inclusion Project Team is also making significant progress.

At the end of March, the project team will transition to a standing committee known as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA) Council. The council’s primary purpose is to guide, oversee and champion the College’s diversity, equity, access and inclusion initiatives. By making the transition from a project team to a standing committee, we acknowledge that our inclusion, diversity, equity and access work is ongoing. Having a standing committee in place ensures we remain focused on creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive college community and that the council’s work is embedded in our organizational infrastructure.

And last but not least, I want to recognize the team responsible for implementing multiple measures math placement. This team is changing how we place students in math courses. Instead of relying on standardized testing as the only means of assessing if a student is prepared for college-level work, the multiple measures approach uses a combination of placement scores and additional criteria, such as high school GPA and level of completed high school math courses and subsequent grades, to determine placement. The multiple measures approach provides a more holistic view of student academic performance, improving placement decisions and boosting students’ motivation and confidence.

Creating transformative student and employee experiences is at the heart of everything we do, and this year will be no exception. The coronavirus pandemic may have limited our day-to-day interactions, but it has not limited our commitment to student success.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

Three Honored as Educators of the Year Three faculty/staff members were honored as Tri-County Technical College’s Educators of the Year and will be recognized at the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) virtual conference.

Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the Academic and Career Foundations department, is the College’s outstanding administrator.

Jimmy Walker, a mathematics instructor in the Comprehensive Studies department, is the outstanding instructor.

Lynell Hecht, student services program coordinator for the Academic and Career Foundations department, is the outstanding staff nominee.

Jennifer Hulehan

Jimmy Walker

Lynell Hecht

About SCTEA: SCTEA is a professional association of technical education personnel and others interested in post-secondary technical education.

New Partnership Creates LPN Program at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson Certified nurse aides (CNAs) employed at the Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson will have an opportunity to pursue a licensed practical nursing (LPN) credential on site this fall, as part of a new partnership between TCTC, the nursing home and Honor Health Career Programs (HHCP).

A shortage of LPNs at the Richard M. Campbell Nursing Home prompted HHCP to contact TCTC to initiate an agreement—the first in the state—that would create an educational pathway for qualified CNAs to enroll in the three-semester program. There will be eight students in the initial cohort.

These students will be held to the same standards for admission to the College and Competitive Clinical Entry for the LPN program as are all students applying to the College and the LPN program, which is housed at the Easley Campus.

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 the Easley Campus and the cost of tuition, books and supplies.

Students can apply for financial aid, but HHCP is providing additional funds to these students to offset any other costs associated with uniforms and supplies.

This program will provide a curriculum to prepare CNAs to successfully complete the LPN program and pass the National

Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX). Courses will be taught by one full-time faculty member dedicated to managing the students in both the classroom and the clinical setting. This instructor will be a full-time employee of TCTC with the salary and fringe benefits paid by HHCP. Faculty will be hired based on the requirements of the South Carolina Board of Nursing, Tri-County Technical College, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges requirements.

The curriculum and hands-on lab will replicate the LPN program at the TCTC Easley Campus. HHCP received a federal grant that will pay for outfitting the clinical lab which will include patient simulators. HHCP has purchased a laptop computer for each student as well as iPads for classroom use.

Student services that are available to all TCTC students will be offered to the Richard M. Campbell cohort either face-toface at the Anderson Campus or via online with the Pendleton Campus.

Major benefits of this program will be for state veteran nursing homes to upskill employees, provide a path for career advancement and promote from within the organization.

The Richard M. Campbell student cohort will be evaluated as part of the LPN program assessment at TCTC in both aggregated and disaggregated data acquisition. HHCP and TCTC will continue to monitor this program to assure that the goals of the program are being met.

January/February 2021 • 3

Tri-County Disburses $3 Million in Grants to Eligible Students In January we disbursed nearly $3 in CARES Act funding to nearly 2,500 million in grant funds to eligible students, eligible students. Grant awards weren’t helping them to return for the spring based on credit hours but on who needs semester and stay on track academically. it the most,” said President DeHay. The College awarded grant funding Jackie Jeter, a licensed practical to eligible students as part of the 2021 nursing major and single mother of four, Coronavirus Response and Relief said receiving CARES Act funds last year Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) was a “game changer” for her. She was Act, which was enacted on December able to catch up on car insurance and 27, 2020, to provide $22.7 billion for other basic living expenses. “I was so institutions of higher education to lessen grateful,” she said. the economic hardships that COVID-19 Jeter also was eligible to receive has placed on students and their families.

CRRSA Act funding this semester.

Jackie Jeter The $3 million was disbursed to “Receiving funds again this semester approximately 3,500 eligible students— will help me get through another time nearly half of the students on campus could be eligible for the of hardships and help inspire me as a student to know that I am funds if they met certain requirements. still capable and willing to continue my education despite minor Colleges and universities are required to use CRRSA funding setbacks within my financial limitations. I want to thank all of the to provide grants to students for expenses related to disruptions employees at all of Tri-County’s campuses for helping me to get to their education due to COVID-19, including things like tuition, a brand new beginning by achieving my goal of becoming a nurse. fees, course materials and technology, as well as food, housing, I will never forget all of the unconditional love and help along health care and child care. the way.”

“We used equity and flexibility to guide our grant awards Jeter will graduate in May 2021 with a practical nursing process as we did in April 2020, when we disbursed $2.1 million degree. She plans to pursue an associate degree in nursing.

Faculty, Staff Support Students through Contributions to Workforce Completion Fund At just mid-year, the TCTC Foundation contributions total more than half of its $800,000 fundraising goal.

Since July 1, 2020, the Foundation staff raised $645,086 (as of March 1).

One very impactful way donors, including faculty and staff, have directed their gifts is to the Workforce Completion Fund.

Established last spring, the purpose of the fund has been to provide financial support to students whose academic pursuits were affected by the transition from in-person to online learning, unemployment or other life situations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TCTC Foundation made the first gift of $10,000 to the fund and the College has pledged up to $100,000 in matching dollars.

Bank of America followed with a $10,000 contribution.

Bosch recently made a $20,000 contribution. Many employees have generously contributed to the fund, as well.

Over the year, the fund has grown to more than $50,000.

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“At Tri-County, we are committed to our vision of changing lives, one student at a time,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations for the College and executive director of the Foundation.

“The Workforce Completion Fund has been established by donors who understand that community college students are different and have different needs. Many of our students are non-traditional, working full-time jobs and raising families. It is important that we meet our students where they are and offer them the support they need to stay on track academically so that they can continue to meet the goals they set prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Workforce Completion Fund aims to do just that. It will provide resources to students whose educational journey and life have been altered due to this pandemic.”

To make a donation to the Workforce Completion Fund, visit tctc.edu/give. Be sure to type “Workforce Completion Fund” in the notes section. Donors also can call (864) 646-1812.

Bosch Continues Support of College Robert Bosch in Anderson made a $50,300 contribution to the College before the holidays in support of four areas. Their donation directs $20,000 to the Workforce Completion Fund, $20,000 for equipment for the Engineering and Industrial Technology division, $9,300 for the robotics competitions, and $1,000 in support of the Silent Victims of Crime camp sponsored by the EIT Division in the summer.

Pictured from left are Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations at the College; Kinsley Rollins and Randy Bunch, both from human resources at Bosch; and President DeHay.

College Commissioners Re-Elect Officers

J. Allard (Al) Young

Thomas Strange

Jim Kaplan

TCTC’s commissioners unanimously re-elected J. Allard (Al) Young of Honea Path to lead its ninemember governing board.

Chairman Young was re-elected to a second term at the commission’s February 1 bi-monthly meeting.

Thomas Strange of Easley was re-elected vice chair and Jim Kaplan of Pickens was re-elected secretarytreasurer.

Grant Helps to Expand Apprenticeships The College has been awarded a $90,340 grant from Apprenticeship Carolina for the State Apprenticeship Expansion (SAE) to expand registered apprenticeships in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.

A registered apprenticeship is a formal program that meets industry standards and is sponsored by an employer.

Registered apprenticeships provide employers with the unique opportunity to grow their own workforce.

The funds will pay for training for 17 individuals who are not employed (pre-apprentices), and the remainder

to incumbent or currently employed workers who want to upgrade their skills to meet their employers’ needs.

A total of 51 individuals will be trained through the Corporate and Community Education Division in the following areas: Mechatronics, CNC, EMT, Truck Driving, CDL, Certified Logistics Technician, Power Line Worker, and Heavy Equipment Operator.

The benefits of a registered apprenticeship are increased productivity, reduced turnover, higher skills levels and improved morale.

January/February 2021 • 5

Our College Family excellence through service

biomarkers for assessment of human radiation exposure.

Linda Jameison, vice president for student support and engagement, received the Joseph O. Nixon Award for Chief Student Affairs Officer. She was honored February 17 by the South Carolina College Personnel Association (SCCPA) for her contributions to the field of student affairs. Linda is the only two-year college student affairs professional to be honored by SCCPA this year

Tiffany Blackwell, director of recruitment, admissions and orientation, has been elected to serve on the Nominations and Elections Committee of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). This is her first time serving on a national committee for the non-profit, voluntary, professional association of more than 11,000 higher education professionals in admissions and enrollment management. She has been a member of AACRAO for 15 years.

Linda Jameison

Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, interim vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the Health Education Division, has been selected to serve on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Radiation, Cancer, and Oxidative Stress review panel for proposals to the NASA Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry research call. Dr. Chaudhry was selected based on his national and international reputation in the scientific areas of genomic instability and miRNA as

Tiffany Blackwell

Meredith Dickens, Early Care and Education program director and instructor, has been appointed to serve as vice president for the executive board of the South Meredith Dickens Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children, South Carolina’s affiliate of the national accrediting body.

Service Excellence EIT Instructor Sharon Jones can’t say enough about the help she received from Justin Baggott, a curriculum coordinator in our Academic Development department.

She writes: “I just wanted to let you know how much of a HUGE help Justin Baggott has been for me over these past few weeks getting up to speed on BlackBoard. He has saved me TONS of time and has been there for me even on short notice.

He’s always pleasant and patient. I’ve told my supervisor/ department head Ted Stokes about the help I’ve received and he’s stated that he, too, would like to get some time with Justin.

I know what it was like before I had Justin’s help and I can say that my work here is much more pleasant and so much

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less stressful because of the knowledge that I’ve gained from working with him. That has major value in terms of quality of life, so I thought you’d like to hear what a difference having someone in Justin’s capacity is making for me and other employees.”

Justin’s supervisor, Sarah Shumpert, echoes Sharon’s comments and adds: “Thank you, Justin, for embodying the qualities of SERVICE EXCELLENCE! I certainly appreciate your going the extra mile to provide your expertise to our faculty in a friendly way that makes them feel comfortable and confident in their ability to master unfamiliar technology. Well done! We are so lucky to have you on our team.”

in transition Jamie Gilmer joined us in December as the director of IT Service Delivery. In this role, Jamie is responsible for the customerfacing delivery of IT services and products to ensure an excellent customer experience. He oversees the delivery of IT services, computing resources/devices, classroom technology, as well as Service Desk support across all Jamie Gilmer buildings, on all campuses, and to all users.

Jamie has held various roles throughout his career that includes both management and technical roles.

He served as the manager of desktop services for Prisma Health which consists of 59 full-time employees who provide support to 12 campus locations across the state. He began his career at Oconee Memorial Hospital where he served in various capacities such as technical services manager, technical team lead, and system and network administrator.

Jamie holds a bachelor of science degree in computer science from Clemson University. He and his wife, Becca, live in Seneca.

They have three children, Tinsley, 18; Sam, 16; and Carson, 14.

A Shout-Out to Som Dr. Kristen Karasek, director of Bridge Programs and Educational Partnerships, sent this shout-out to Som Linthicum, associate librarian in the Learning Commons.

“While it is always beneficial to have a collegial connection to others in your field, especially when it helps our communities serve our students and staff better, Som Linthicum is taking that to the next level.

Som and Jessica Kohout-Tailor (Clemson Libraries) have collaborated to serve the Bridge to Clemson students well by participating in the program’s academic recovery workshops in January, and by putting in a ton of research and work for upcoming workshops for Bridge to Clemson and Tri-County students focused on research and writing.

They have also collaborated on a designated Bridge to Clemson student webpage on Clemson Libraries (https:// clemson.libguides.com/birdsofafeather/birds). Such actions highlight that the Bridge to Clemson students belong here (Tri-County and Clemson!) and specifically highlights how they have double the resources as a citizen of two institutions. Thank you, Som, for your efforts in supporting our students so well!”

Tracey Robinson is the training coordinator for the CDL, Power Line and Heavy Equipment programs in the Corporate and Community Education Division.

Her employment history includes serving as a success advisor for ResCare Workforce Services from 2014 to 2019. She worked for the Department of Employment and Workforce as an employment services representative from 2008 to 2013. Prior to that she worked Tracey Robinson in industry at Hydro Aluminum for 12 years as a fabrication supervisor for three years and in quality assurance for eight-and-one-half years.

Tracey earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta sorority and is an incorporated member of the New Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness.

Ron Bryant is the transportation director for the Corporate and Community Education Division.

Ron is a decorated 20-year Air Force veteran pilot and an experienced training development program manager.

For the past six years he was employed by ScanSource, where he served as product manager and most recently technical sales support manager.

Ron Bryant He joined the US Air Force in 1986 and during his career he served in various roles, including program manager/aviation training/standards examiner, and workplace safety expert. In addition, he served as chief, athletic liaison division and physical education instructor at the Air Force Academy. He also served as chief of course instruction for a 20-member division responsible for overseeing 1500 students annually in resident and distance learning education.

He is the recipient of five department of defense commendations for superior achievement and outstanding performance of duties in the areas of aviation operation, athletic team development and leadership and graduate-level course development and instruction. He also is the recipient of the top flight award signifying him as the number-one pilot in the entire training command.

Ron worked for Northwestern Mutual as a financial sales representative from 2006 to 2013 and (continued on page 8) January/February 2021 • 7

received the Northwestern Mutual Bronze award for top first-year sales performance.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the USAF Academy in Colorado. He also earned a master of science in aeronautical science and technology from EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University and a master of science degree in military operational arts and science from Air University, Maxwell AFFB in Alabama.

Ron and his wife, Mia, reside in Anderson. They have a daughter, Berkley, 20.

Heather Helble joined Apprenticeship Carolina as a Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator in November. Her office is housed on Tri-County’s Pendleton Campus and she works with students in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties who are dually enrolled at high schools and participating in work-based learning opportunities. She serves as a contact and resource for these students, their parents, the Heather Helble College and business mentors.

Heather recently moved to the area from Charleston where she was site coordinator for Charleston County School District’s Office of Expanded Learning. She also served as an adjunct faculty member for the Medical University of South Carolina undergraduate healthcare studies program.

In 2019 she was named assistant site coordinator of the year. Heather holds an associate in arts degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College, a bachelor of science degree in public health from the College of Charleston and a master of public health degree in behavioral health/health promotion from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Keyla Jones has joined the Arts and Sciences office team as one of the administrative assistants for the division.

Many of you already know Keyla, who joined the TCTC team in October 2019 in a part-time capacity as the Recruitment, Admissions and Orientation (RAO) assistant. She served as a welcoming face to those entering and needing assistance in Ruby Hicks Hall.

Keyla Jones She earned an associate degree from Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona.

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She was special events coordinator/HR assistant at Bass Pro Shops from 2016 to 2018. She also worked in temporary administrative assignments, as well as customer service jobs.

Since 2013 she worked in contract graphic design for Chakra 5 Productions.

She has self-published a novel, “Dear Mr. Somebody.” She received a Best in Show award for “The World’s Playground,” a play she wrote and directed. Keyla lives in Seneca.

Kristi Sullivan is the operations assistant for the Registrar’s office.

For the past 22 years, she was the office manager at the Anderson Skin and Cancer Clinic.

Kristi is a 1992 graduate of our Business Management (Finance) program. She and her partner, Charlie Blaine, live in Long Creek.

Dr. Beverly Rice McAdams joined us last year as the new Anderson Campus director. Beverly Kristi Sullivan has numerous years of experience at both four-year and two-year colleges. Most recently she was associate dean/director of the Office of Community and Ethical Standards at Clemson University.

She worked at Anderson University from 2002 to 2018 in various leadership roles, serving as vice president for Diversity and Inclusion/Title IX Coordinator from 2016 to 2018; and vice president of presidential affairs/chief of staff for three years. She began Dr. Beverly Rice McAdams her career at TCTC where she was director of counseling from 1999 to 2002.

Beverly received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Erskine College, a master of education degree in counseling, and doctor of philosophy in higher education leadership degrees from Clemson University.

She has served on a number of local community and state boards including SC Probation and Parole, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way, YMCA, the Women’s Leadership Council, African American Leadership Society, Friends of the Library, Partners for a Healthy Community, Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), the Anderson County Omega Project, and the Selective Service System. Most recently she was appointed to the Board of the Anderson Free Clinic.

Other involvement included serving on the School Improvement Council for Anderson School (continued on page 9)

District Five and the Legacy Mentoring Program. She is also an active member of the Kappa Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Greater Anderson Rotary Club.

She is the recipient of the Women’s Empowerment Award for Education, Riley Institute Diversity Fellow, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Student Development Division Award, Anderson University President’s Award, Joseph E. Heyward Humanitarian Award, Anderson Independent Mail recognition for Community Service, and the Clemson University Minority Fellowship Award.

She is a member of Zion Church of God-Holiness, where she serves as a member of the youth, senior, and concert choirs, is a Sunday School member and a children’s choir assistant.

She and her husband, James, have three children, Austin, India and John. They live in Anderson.

Kitzie Taylor is the administrative specialist for the Bridge to Clemson office.

Prior to moving to South Carolina last September, Kitzie was a health, environmental, safety and security (HESS) professional at American Refining Group, Inc, in Radford, Pennsylvania, for 14 years. She also owned and operated a

Kitzie Taylor

daycare, Love Thy Children, also in Bradford. She is a graduate of Leadership McKean and earned an AAS degree (Occupational Therapy) from Jamestown Community College where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

She is a Pennsylvania State EMT, certified in CPR/AED/ First Aid Instructor, Hazmat Technician, by the American Heart Association. She is former registrar and board member for Bradford Community Soccer Club (2010-2017).

She and her husband, Tim, have three adult children. They reside in Belton.

Owen Simpson is the instructor for the Engineering Technology department. He comes to us from North Georgia Technical College where he was an engineering technology instructor. He also has years of experience working in industry. He was a quality, environmental, safety and health manager for Sulzer Pumps, a quality engineer for US. Engine Valve, and a quotations specialist for Optical Cable Corporation.

Owen Simpson He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering technology from Western Carolina University where he graduated magna cum laude. He has one child, Zade, 7. He resides in Seneca.

A Perfect Example of Collaboration g Bra & e r Sha

Michelle Jacobson, assistant director of Financial Aid and the Money Management Center, shared this great story that illustrates how multiple departments came together to serve one of our students. Michelle says this is a perfect example of how amazing and collaborative our teams are: “I was working with a student last Thursday—she was at her wits’ end and felt like her only option was to withdraw because she couldn’t afford her payment that was due the next day and she had transportation issues. She had withdrawn herself from all of her classes except the last one and was calling to withdraw from that one, not realizing that she still owed all of the money for the classes no matter if she withdrew or not.

She has been a student here since the summer of 2019 and only has a couple of semesters left in her program. After speaking with her and trying to encourage her to finish up this semester, she realized she made a huge mistake. Within a matter of less than 30 minutes, Jessica Haning had canceled her payment plan so the payment wouldn’t come out (the student didn’t have the funds); Cathy Cole had re-registered the student in her classes; and Croslena BroadwaterJohnson and Emma Robinson offered to help with some emergency funding and gas cards for transportation.

This student now has a significantly reduced bill because of the emergency funding, and I’m working with her to get a payment she can afford for the remainder. She WILL get to finish this semester! This student was extremely grateful, and I felt so lucky to work with such amazing people who were willing to jump in and get this student what she needed quickly!!!”

January/February 2021 • 9

MLT Program Director Deborah Brock Retires, Reflects on 14-Year Tenure As Deborah Brock neared her January 29 retirement date, the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program director reflectively said after three decades as an instructor, she is ready for a new chapter in life.

She is quick to add that she can smile at the successes she and her colleagues have shared during her 14-year tenure at Tri-County.

Deborah joined the College in 2006 after 16 years as an MLT instructor and department head at Trident Technical College. She was named our MLT program director in 2016.

Prior to her teaching experience, she worked as a medical technologist in large and small hospitals and as a lab manager in doctors’ offices.

“It’s been a wonderful lifelong career,” she said. “I’m not retiring—I will be doing different things,” she noted.

Not one to sit idle, she soon will begin a new job as a consultant for a Florida college helping them to establish a new MLT program. She also will teach online for our program beginning in March. She recently completed a certificate in Biblical counseling and will work with Cross Point Church in Clemson.

“I really enjoyed teaching and in knowing this program is a quality program and our graduates are out there taking care of our community. Everywhere I go I see my graduates.”

Deborah Brock

Cathy Payne Retires One of the many lessons of 2020 has been that time is incredibly precious, said Cathy Payne, who retired January 4 after 17 years of working as an applications analyst and programmer for the College.

“It was a hard decision because I’ve loved working here,” said Cathy, who joined Tri-County in 2003 where she spent nine years in IT before accepting a job at Piedmont Technical College’s IT department. She returned in 2016 as an applications analyst/programmer dedicated to the Registrar’s Office/Student Data Center. “I’ve enjoyed every minute,” she said.

But she says she is ready to move on to the next phase of her life, which includes spending time with her nine grandchildren—whose ages range from four months to 13 years. When it’s appropriate and safe, she also plans to begin traveling. “I have three vacations planned for the end of 2021. Fingers crossed I will be able to go,” she said.

Cathy is especially excited about working even more with women who are in recovery from addictions. “It’s my passion, my calling,” says Cathy who has been in recovery for 10 years.

“The highlight of my week is when I go to a 12-step meeting at one of the women’s recovery homes. It’s so energizing to see a woman fight her way out of addiction and to live a normal life.”

She says she will stay in close contact with her Tri-County team, whom she Cathy Payne considers family.

“My most memorable moments include working with these dedicated folks,” she said. “This team works together so well. Their depth of expertise is amazing. They are all so smart and everyone is student focused. It’s just amazing what they can do.”

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Celebrating Black History Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.

TCTC celebrated Black History Month by highlighting role-model graduates who are making a difference in their community in the College’s weekly electronic newsletter. The College also hosted a number of virtual events, including a live viewing of the documentary, “Black Men in White Coats,” and a panel discussion with the film’s producer. The film seeks to increase the number of black men in the field of medicine through exposure, inspiration and mentoring.

The College’s Student Government Association also hosted a Q&A with TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess, who shared his experiences as a person of color in America today.

Police Chief Marcus Guess

Mia Tensley Is Chair of Friends of Clemson Area African American Museum

Mia Tensley • Reading Instructor, COL 103 Instructor, Comprehensive Studies Division • Associate in Arts, 2001, Tri-County Technical College; Bachelor’s in Special Education, Clemson University; M.Ed. in Literacy and Curriculum, Grand Canyon University

A tour of several non-profit agencies during a 2019 Leadership Clemson class led Mia Tinsley to get involved with the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM), an organization within the City of Clemson.

She recalls touring the facility located at 214 Butler Street in Clemson and being amazed at what folks were doing—and how much more this group of volunteers wanted to do. “I felt led to get involved,” said Mia, who last summer was elected chair of the Friends of the CAAAM, a non-profit organization that works to support CAAAM financially through fundraising and volunteerism.

“Connectivity is very important,” said Mia. “Effecting change in a positive way is equally important to me. I didn’t see a way to do so prior to my participation in Leadership Clemson. It got the wheels in my mind turning.”

As chair of the Friends of CAAAM, one of her goals is to establish relationships that enhance connectivity within the organization and in the Clemson area. To support this goal, she serves on the Clemson Art and Culture Commission, Green Crescent Trail, Leadership Clemson Board and Pendleton Elks Lodge.

She recently worked with the City of Clemson to redesign and manage CAAAM’s website (caaam.org). She hosts monthly virtual meetings with the 10 board members and worked collaboratively to hire Angela Agard, CAAM’s new executive director.

“We’re always working to establish new relationships with community partners. Collaboration is key. We always get more done together,” she said.

Board of Visitors The TCTC Board of Visitors held its first meeting of 2021 virtually on February 16.

This group of community leaders serves as an extension of the College through the Institutional Advancement Division and works as advocates and ambassadors for Tri-County.

Laneika Musalini, the College’s director of grants who manages the board’s activities, communications and meetings, welcomed the group, thanking new members for accepting the invitation to be a part of this group.

President DeHay opened his remarks with a brief overview of the College, focusing on key performance

indicators, spring semester enrollment, federal grant funding that helped students to remain in college and on track academically, and reasons why TCTC is a great choice.

He ended the meeting with a call to action, urging members to engage with their social media to share good news about the College. “You are influencers in our community. Help us spread the word about the good work we are doing to support our community, especially in these times.”

A focus group for community members was held following the meeting.

January/February 2021 • 11

P.O. Box 587 • Pendleton, S.C. 29670

Leadership TCTC Fall Cohort Graduates Graduates of the first Leadership TCTC cohort celebrated their success February 12 with individual reflections about the many benefits of the program.

A new program at the College, Leadership TCTC is an eight-week program aimed at helping our leaders develop a solid foundation of leadership competencies that can help move the College forward. The program was developed using the American Association of Community Colleges competency framework and is taught by subject matter experts from across the College.

The 24 participants in Leadership TCTC (pictured here) met twice a week from October 27 through December 10.

Marci Leake, associate vice president of human resources, extended a big thank you to Jeff Laws, human resources manager, who invested enormous time into research and putting the class together. “We are looking forward to the next class and taking your feedback and reviewing it and following up to make this class even better next time,” said Marci.

Leadership TCTC Fall Cohort: • Billy Albert, Police • Lindsey Burns, Sciences • Keri Catalfomo, Math • Shawn Chastain, Police • Marla Cobb, High School Engagement • Jason Hart, Information Technology • Scott Harvey, Registrar’s Office • Timia Hunter, Corporate and Community Education 12 • CONNECTION

• Michelle Jacobson, Financial Aid • Som Linthicum, Learning Commons • Richard Macbeth, Facilities • Dr. Chris McFarlin, Public Services • Lori Morrissette, Student Development • Michael Nemchek, Fiscal Affairs • Donna Palmer, Allied Health • Wade Pitts, CCE Manufacturing and Industry • Jackie Rutledge, Nursing • Julia Seligson, English • Carolyn Stewart, CCE Health • Dr. Della Vanhuss, Humanities • Mark Vickery, Information Technology • Courtney White, Institutional Advancement • Matt Whitten, Procurement • Doug Wilson, Mechatronics