Connection Newsletter May-June 2021

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue…

Governor Announces Free Training Programs.............. 3

Arthrex Funds Scholarships............................... 3

Annual Awards Presented At Spring Convocation........... 4–5

Brashier Family Donates Land to Foundation.................... 9

May/June 2021

BASF, Partners Launch New Apprenticeship Program for Students Eight new hire individuals joined the BASF team as apprentices who will pursue a credential while also earning a full-time wage through onthe-job training at the company’s Seneca plant.

BASF, TCTC and Apprenticeship Carolina joined with other community partners at the Oconee Campus June 14 to launch the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program.

This collaboration is a partnership between BASF, TCTC, Apprenticeship Carolina and readySC. “This unique partnership creates a clear, structured workforce pipeline and is a wonderful opportunity to work for a great company in the Seneca area,” said TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay. “It’s an opportunity to learn at TCTC through credit and non-credit classes, earn a paycheck BASF apprentices pose with college and community and a credential,” said Dr. Amy Firestone, vice partners. president of Apprenticeship Carolina. “It also supports a long-term talent pipeline development strategy,” she added.

Elba Lizardi, BASF Seneca site director, said the program aims to meet future talent needs for a skilled and diverse technician workforce with an emphasis on attracting more females to these roles. “Our company wants to grow in diversity and inclusion at this site and globally,” she said.

Starting mid-June, these apprentices began attending classes one to two days a week at TriCounty’s Oconee Campus while working as apprentice process technicians at BASF’s Seneca facility. The eight-month apprenticeship program pays apprentices a full-time wage to participate in on-the-job training at BASF’s Seneca facility while earning a certificate in Process Technology from Tri-County. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions.

In addition to paying a competitive wage, BASF offers benefits and covers the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with the certificate program. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions.

This program is funded by a $45,000 grant from Apprenticeship Carolina through the Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Expansion grant (administered by Apprenticeship Carolina).

These funds are specifically designated to support the College’s collaboration with BASF and its North American Apprenticeship Development Program. Last year the College was awarded $90,340 for this apprenticeship initiative.

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

T

Getting People Back to Work

he coronavirus pandemic has impacted our region a multitude of ways. One of the most significant Dr. Galen DeHay impacts has been on our workforce. Thousands of President people were furloughed or lost their jobs, while others were reduced to part-time work or had to quit their jobs entirely due to transportation or childcare issues.

As a community college, Tri-County plays a critical role in jump-starting our local economy. We are equipped to do this because of our commitment to providing an accessible and affordable high-quality education and to being a partner in meeting the workforce needs of our region’s employers. In fact, in just the first half of 2021, we announced four new initiatives aimed at getting people back to work and into great careers.

The first initiative is a partnership between the S.C. Technical College System and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) that makes workforce training available to unemployment insurance claimants at no cost. Training is provided by the state’s “Tri-County plays a critical role in 16 technical colleges with participants jump-starting our local economy. We earning an industry-recognized credential are equipped to do this because and/or certificate in a critical workforce of our commitment to providing an area such as health care, computer accessible and affordable high-quality information technology or manufacturing education and to being a partner in in 16 weeks or less. Training costs, meeting the workforce needs of our along with any required course materials region’s employers.” and assessments, are covered by the —Dr. Galen DeHay Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.

Second is the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program. Starting mid-June, up to 15 apprentice process technicians will attend classes one to two days a week at Tri-County’s Oconee Campus while working at BASF’s Seneca facility. The eight-month apprenticeship program pays apprentices a full-time wage to participate in on-the-job training at BASF’s Seneca facility while earning a certificate in Process Technology from Tri-County. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions.

Third is our first-ever Construction Academy, which launches in July. Apprentices will be hired by one of three Anderson-based businesses where they will work part-time while receiving job-related education from Tri-County. Education is provided at no cost thanks to funding from Apprenticeship Carolina. At the end of the two-year program, apprentices will be equipped to take on roles such as construction foreman or site supervisor.

The fourth initiative is a Police Pre-Academy Training Certificate, which launches this fall. The certificate program, which was developed in partnership with the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA), aims to increase the education level of law enforcement officers and create a new workforce pathway for the (continued on page 14)

Governor Announces Free Workforce Training Programs Governor Henry McMaster visited our Anderson Campus June 8 to launch a partnership between the state’s technical colleges and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce aimed at getting unemployed individuals back to work.

The S.C. Technical College System received $8 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding to offer workforce training programs—at no cost—to the state’s 87,000 individuals who are currently receiving unemployment checks.

For unemployment insurance claimants who enroll in one of 11 specified, no-cost training programs at a technical college for 16 weeks or less, the weekly job search requirement is waived while they are enrolled in the training program. The individual continues to collect unemployment benefits.

“As the federal unemployment program comes to an end on June 26, 2021, we want to ensure that claimants have access President DeHay, left, talks with Governor Henry McMaster prior to the to all options involving training and employment opportunities. press conference.

If someone is ready to make a career change, exploring the state technical college programs should be your first step. This free “We are providing a tuition-free opportunity to access a training could lead to a certification or credential, which provides marketable skill and match up with a good job in South Carolina,” you access into new or higher paying jobs,” said S.C. Department said Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the S.C. Technical College of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey.

System.

These programs provide quick training for high demand “We couldn’t do this alone,” said Tri-County President Galen careers in health care, information technology, transportation, DeHay. “Our partnerships with DEW, our community, business construction, advanced manufacturing, for example—where the and industry, and our legislators made this happen.” state’s employment shortages are.

For a list of qualifying programs, visit tctc.edu/comeback.

Arthrex Funds Student Scholarships Current students and recent graduates who have received Arthrex Scholarships gathered at the company’s Sandy Springs facility to thank their benefactors and to tour the facility and learn more about the company and career opportunities.

Pictured from left are (front row) Melanie McLane, human resources director, Arthrex; Luke Stevens, General Engineering Technology major; Amber Littlefield, CNC major; Sam Center, Mechatronics major; and Beth Brown, Foundation Office; (back row) Chris Johansen, director of operations, Arthrex; Jason Hawkins, Mechatronics major; Terrance Beaty, Mechatronics major; Blake Malpass, Industrial Electronics Technology major; Bryan Manuel, dean of integrated workforce solutions; and Courtney White, Foundation Office.

Save the date. The 2021 Adjunct Expo will take place Saturday, August 28.

May/June 2021 • 3

Annual Awards, Recognitions Presented at Spring Convocation Doug Wilson Is Recipient of Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence Doug Wilson is energized by investing in others’ lives. His passion for education and mentoring is evident in every aspect of his life: in his teaching at Tri-County Technical College (TCTC), when he is building race cars with his nephews on weekends, or leading the men’s and young men’s ministry groups at his Doug Wilson church.

Doug, who directs the College’s Mechatronics program, was honored May 6 with the highest award presented to the TCTC faculty, the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence.

The medallion is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College and to the students.

“There is absolutely no one at the College who is more studentfocused than Doug Wilson. He doesn’t just focus on teaching students about mechatronics technology—he wants them to be amazing men and women outside of the classroom. He is helping to build a stronger community one student at a time,” said Justin Herndon, industrial technology department head.

Doug joined the College as a Mechatronics instructor in 2015 and later was named Program Director for Mechatronics. He spent the majority of his career at Bosch in Anderson (1999– 2015), where his last position was senior associate development specialist. He was responsible for the performance management

Tom Hiebel Receives Student Advocate Award Tom Hiebel, a philosophy instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division, received the Student Advocate Award at spring convocation. He was chosen by the Student Government Association in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding vision, commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success.

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and technical development for all technicians at the plant, including training and teaching TCTC’s Bosch scholars during their work schedule.

“Having spent the majority of his professional career at Bosch, he has a strong sense of what is needed to be an excellent technician,” said Richard Burton, Mechatronics instructor.

Over the last few years, Doug transformed TCTC’s Mechatronics program, getting input from full-time and adjunct faculty for every change that has been made, while remaining dedicated to offering curricula that aligns with what industry needs or wants from TCTC students.

He also worked to put new equipment in place in all departments. He and faculty streamlined courses for online students, created new PLC labs, designed and created new trainers for all departments, and updated existing trainers.

“He does all this while making sure that he follows industry safety standards, completing 5S practices with areas, and applies continuous improvement methods for things that have been done in the past,” said Kimmy Connor, Mechatronics instructor.

“He truly is what I consider the gold, not diamond, standard of a program director, always thinking about ways to make it better, more engaging for students,” said Justin.

Doug is a 1991 Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) graduate of TCTC. In 2014 he received the College’s 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award, which highlights his dedication to his alma mater.

Last year Doug was among the 24 TCTC faculty and staff chosen to participate in the College’s first Leadership program.

He is the Men’s Ministries Director at Varennes Heights Baptist Church, as well as a Sunday School teacher. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Anderson.

Randall Jameson Receives Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award Randall (Randy) Jameson, who teaches resiPreviously he worked as a maintenance dential and commercial electrical wiring classes electrician for Stauffer Chemical, BASF and for the College’s Corporate and Community Walgreens Distribution Center.

Education (CCE) Division, received the College’s “Randy embraces a hands-on learning 2021 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award. environment,” said Sandra. “He develops This award is given annually at the fall customized, creative lesson plans with realfaculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty world projects and activities for his students. member who is recognized for excellence in He partners the theory with hand-on activities teaching, who has consistently high student that help enhance and retain student learning. evaluations and who supports the philosophy He has gone above and beyond the call of and goals of the College. duty by personally building dozens of electrical Since 2002 Randy, a master electrician, has trainers for his classroom lab activities that taught classes for the CCE Division, including cover the typical residential and commercial Residential Electrical Wiring, Commercial job duties,” she said.

Electrical Wiring, and Journeyman/Master He develops and maintains a real Electrician Exam Prep. connection with his students, she said. “He “Randy loves to teach and to help students not only instructs but he also serves as a Randall Jameson build their confidence and skills so that they mentor and encourager. The connection are successful,” Sandra Strickland, program director for the Randy builds with his students is instrumental in his high student Business Training Center of CCE, wrote in her nomination letter. satisfaction and retention rates,” she said.

“He integrates what he has learned in the workplace and students Randy and his wife, Connie, live in Anderson. They have eight find that extremely beneficial.” adult children and 34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Major Darrell Hill Receives Distinguished Alumni Award The Distinguished Alumni Award is given each year and highlights a graduate’s dedication to his/her alma mater. The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association or the community.

Major Darrell Hill’s work ethic and his character have served him well over the last 32 years in law enforcement.

He is among the first members of the command staff to report for work at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department and usually the last to leave for the day. “My job is extremely rewarding; it always has been,” said Major Hill, who joined the force on July 25, 1988. “I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was 15 years old.

I love helping people.”

He was hired at age 21 as a patrolman working rotating shifts and attending classes at Tri-County. He often spent his lunch hour in class. “It was worth it. I knew I needed the degree. My instructors were wonderful. They were former law enforcement officers who gave us valuable insight that only comes from those who have traveled that road.”

He says his degree has made him a better officer, and today he applies the skills he learned in every class. “Education opened doors for me. The degree played a major role in my promotions. It takes hard work and dedication but it’s worth it.”

Five years after graduation he was promoted to sergeant and

Major Darrell Hill

then lieutenant and later captain. He moved to special operations when Sheriff Chad McBride was elected. Two years ago he assumed his current position as major of operations.

In addition to law enforcement, sports and coaching have always been a passion of his. After graduating from T.L. Hanna High School, he received a partial scholarship from a junior college for cross country track but declined because it didn’t offer a criminal justice major. “I wanted to be a police officer and I chose Tri-County because of its outstanding (continued on page 14) May/June 2021 • 5

Graduation at a Glance We celebrated our spring 2021 graduates during three ceremonies held May 11 at Littlejohn Coliseum. To view photos, visit the College’s Flickr account.

Number of Graduates: 582 (Fall 2020–Spring 2021) Keynote Speaker: Instead of the traditional keynote speaker, three Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, including 2021 recipient Major Darrell Hill, delivered individual messages via video.

Our graduates continue to amaze us as they persevere and often overcome all kinds of obstacles on their journeys to the finish line. Often they credit faculty and staff, as well as the wealth of student support resources offered to help them to be successful. Micah Traynham is one of these students. His inspiring story of overcoming a traumatic brain injury and going on to earn an associate degree from TCTC was featured in Greenville Business Magazine. Read his story on the News Release section of our website.

Read about some of our other graduates and their successes below: Micah Traynham

Dustin Addis, age 29, and his mother, Lynn Addis, age 50, are both firsttime college students and graduated at our May 11 spring commencement ceremonies. Although there is a 21-year difference in their ages, their stories are strangely similar. Both waited years after high school graduation before returning to the classroom to pursue their dream degrees.

Both were the oldest among their classmates at Tri-County—Dustin in heating, ventilation and air conditioning classes and Lynn in the associate degree nursing program. Both maintained high GPAs throughout their time in college. Lynn scored all A’s except one B. Dustin earned all A’s except two B’s.

Read their story on the News Release section of our website.

Associate Degree Nursing graduate Allie Richey wears the TCTC Strong mask that was given to each graduate as they checked in for each ceremony

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Mary Terry, the mother of four and a part-time proctor in TCTC’s Assessment Center, who also homeschools her two high school children, graduated May 11 with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in business administration.

Daughter McKaylah, age 21, managed a full-time job as an ophthalmic technician in Greer over the past nine months while completing classes at the Pendleton campus and online for an administrative office technology degree with a medical emphasis. Read their story on the News Release section of our website.

Jeremy McCracken, social sciences instructor who serves as Faculty Senate President, carried a ceremonial mace during the graduation procession. Tri-County began instituting the mace as part of our tradition at the May 12, 2009, commencement. Secondyear Engineering Graphics Technology students designed and produced the mace.

Executive Staff and College Commissioners ushered in a new tradition by congratulating graduates as they exited Littlejohn Coliseum at each of the ceremonies.

Jacob Zambrano, president of the Student Government Association, addressed fellow grads before receiving his Media Arts Production degree. Jacob is transferring to the University of South Carolina this fall.

Instead of the traditional congratulatory gesture of hand-shaking, President DeHay fist bumped graduates as they accepted their diplomas.

Early Care and Education graduates poses before the ceremony begins. From left are Antronisha Greenlee, Natasha Levesley, Oceana Burkhalter, Alyssa Kilpatrick and Allie Smith.

Faculty and Staff Recognized for Service to State and College 30 years (College and State)

15 years (College and State)

Tonia McClain Sandra Strickland Susan Womack

Gayle Arries Melissa Dover Terry Heg Beverly Vickery

20 Years (College and State) Melissa Baxter Ken Kopera

15 Years (College)

10 Years (College and State) Timothy Bertoni Betty Fant Matt Whitten

Service to the State 20 Years Jackie Rutledge

15 Years August Johnson

10 years Berdina Hill

Karen Bryson

May/June 2021 • 7

Faculty and Staff Earn Digital Badges During spring 2021, 107 faculty and staff participated in at least one of the four workshops in the Advanced Topics in E-Learning Boot Camp. The workshops focused on Creating Effective E-Learning Lectures, Creating an Inclusive E-Learning Environment, Creating Student Engagement in an E-Learning Environment, and Creating Effective E-Learning Modules.

Some workshop participants successfully completed the optional deliverable for the workshop they attended and earned a micro-credential (digital badge). The participants who successfully developed a deliverable for all four workshops also received an additional badge signifying their completion of the entire E-Learning Boot Camp.

The faculty and staff who earned a micro-credential for each workshop and for the entire E-Learning Boot Camp are: • Molly Collins, English Department • Stella Grove, Career and Employability Resources • Anthony Imms, English Department • Laura McClain, Medical Assisting • Jennifer Porter Medical Laboratory Technology • Mary Roldan, Science Department Other faculty who earned at least one digital badge include Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, Veterinary Technology; Sheri Dickson, Humanities Department; Lisa Finley, Nursing Department; Mystic Finster, Social Sciences Department; Greg Kelley, Business Technology Department; and Betty Stack, English Department.

NSLS Induction Held Twenty-six students participated in the spring induction ceremony for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). The ceremony was held May 1 in the Student Success Center. Abigail Hopkins and Elizabeth Spake shared their personal journeys before introducing TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay, who delivered the keynote address.

NSLS is a community where like-minded, success-oriented people come together and help one another succeed. The Society distinguishes itself by offering interactive broadcasts with the nation’s best speakers; training in goal setting and team meetings in which students set and hold each other accountable for achieving goals; and offering its members benefits to help them personally and professionally for the rest of their lives.

Students who achieved GPAs of 2.75 or better and had completed at least 12 credit hours of full- and part-time college work received invitation letters at the beginning of the year.

Lori Morrissette, manager of student development and involvement, serves as advisor for the program.

NSLS was established at Tri-County in July 2016 and nearly 300 members have been inducted to date.

CRJ and Campus Police Team Up to Teach Patrol Tactics and Techniques Class Students in the Criminal Justice Patrol Tactics and Techniques class participated in a training exercise June 9 with Campus Police in Pickens Hall on the Pendleton Campus. Participants carried plastic replica handguns and practiced how to clear a building as part of the exercise.

Instructor J. B. McCoy invited Sgt. Shaun Chastain of TCTC’s Police Department to serve as the guest instructor for the building/room clearing block. “He has a wealth of training and knowledge covering this very important block, and he is very passionate about training,” she said.

“Training like this is what sets our program apart from all the others,” said Public Services Department Head Dr. Chris McFarlin.

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Foundation News Brashier Family Donates Land to Foundation The family of the late Dr. Thomas Walter (Walt) Brashier donated to the College Foundation 24 acres of land adjoining the Anderson School District 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center in Williamston.

The property is valued at $500,000.

One of Dr. Brashier’s sons, Ted Brashier, and Ted’s son, Matt Brashier, attended the May 20 Foundation meeting where President DeHay, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Business Relations Grayson Kelly, Foundation Board Chair Ben Hagood and board members formally acknowledged the family’s generous donation.

“Dr. Walt Brashier was an Upstate businessman, evangelist, and a philanthropist who had a passion for education and Christian leadership,” Grayson said. “Dr. Brashier passed away in March of this year, but his legacy will live on through his family and the contributions and donations he made to many organizations across the state.”

Dr. Brashier was instrumental in bringing the technical college system to Greenville (Greenville Technical College’s Brashier campus is named after him).

In his lifetime, Dr. Brashier and his family supported higher education by donating large gifts to and endowing scholarships at South Carolina colleges and universities.

Ted Brashier said initially the land was for sale but his father decided to donate it to TCTC. “He was very excited about this donation. Even in the hospital, he was looking forward to attending the Foundation meeting. It was on his calendar to be here,” Ted said. “He was passionate about education and he believed in students and in helping them.

He also appreciated and understood the importance of a technical college education, especially in today’s times more than ever.”

Dr. Brashier also was passionate about the town of Williamston, where he was pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in the late 1950’s before the family moved to Greenville. “I heard him say many times how special Williamston was to him,” Ted added. “We are excited to do this not only for TCTC but for the community as well.”

From left: Foundation Board Chair Ben Hagood, Ted Brashier, Matt Brashier, and President Galen DeHay.

Grants Update TCTC received $114,654 in Perkins Reserve funding to create a new HVAC Career Pathway at the Pickens County Career & Technology Center that will launch this fall.

Juniors and seniors from Pickens County high schools can take advantage of this new pathway. Its advantages include gaining college credits while in high school and upon high school graduation, students transfer to TCTC and can finish the HVAC degree in three semesters.

Another benefit of teaching classes at the Center is increasing accessibility for students with transportation issues and those who participate in after-school activities.

Recently the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

announced that TCTC is the recipient of two grants.

To combat COVID-19 layoffs, ARC will provide $249,734 in funding for 75 students to enroll in non-credit, short-term training to get reskilled and back to work.

The College will match those funds, bringing the total project funding to $498,748. Targeted program areas include advanced manufacturing, healthcare and information technology. This is a one-year grant.

In addition, ARC awarded TCTC another matching grant.

ARC approved $25,000 for a feasibility study that will assess the practicality of creating a workforce training and business development center for Pickens County.

May/June 2021 • 9

Our College Family in transition Tammy Strite joined the TCTC team on May 3 as an operations assistant in the Registrar’s Office/ Student Data Center. In this role, she will provide advanced departmental support and management of student records, data and events while continuously finding ways to improve the associated data-driven processes.

Before moving to the area, Tammy Tammy Strite worked at Hagerstown Community College for 30 years, most recently as evaluation specialist in the Institutional Effectiveness department. She holds an associate degree in communications and a certificate in management from Hagerstown Community College. In 2000, she received the President’s Customer Service Award.

Tammy has a son, Matthew, who is currently in boot camp at Parris Island.

Thomas Parham is a systems programmer/developer in Application Delivery and Business Intelligence in our Information Technology Department. Thomas will help with programming support for software applications and provide technical support for all campus operational and administrative functions. Since 2012 Thomas has worked as an integration specialist/systems Thomas Parham analyst at Southern Wesleyan University (SWU). In 2015 he received the University’s Staff Member of the Year award.

Thomas earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from SWU in 2013.

He has two children, Lindsay, 24, and Emily, 16. They live in Central.

Foster Sims recently accepted the Office Manager position for the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division. Foster joined the TCTC team in April 2014 as a part-time General Engineering

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Foster Sims

lab assistant. He then moved into an adjunct teaching position in 2017.

He is a 2014 graduate of the General Engineering Technology program and in 2018 was a nominee for the Adjunct Faculty Presidential Medallion award. Foster lives in Belton.

Devona Tucker is the Health Care Program Manager in the Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division. She joined the College in March of 2018 as a healthcare adjunct instructor in CCE. She holds a BSN from Western Governor’s University, an associate degree in nursing from TCTC and earned her LPN degree from the Oconee School of Practical Nursing.

Devona Tucker She has been working in the health care field since 1994, as an RN at Brightstar Care and at Greenville Memorial Hospital. She began her career as an LPN at Easley Nursing Center and later Foothills Retirement Community where she was an LPN and later RN for 14 years. She and her husband, Paul, have two children, Vincent 12, and Israel 10.

They live in Liberty.

Beverly Franklin recently accepted the full-time Procurement Specialist position in the Fiscal Affairs Department. She joined TCTC in February 2019 as a part-time Bookstore associate.

Prior to that she was director of post office and bookstore operations for Anderson University’s Bookstore for 13 years. She served as a customer service manager for Bi-Lo Beverly Franklin in Anderson for 10 years.

She earned associate of arts and bachelor of science degrees from Anderson University (AU) where she was a member of the Denmark Society and graduated cum laude.

While at AU she was a member of the Gamma Beta Phi honor society and served on the board and as president. From 2003 to 2017 she was a member of the SC Association of College Stores and is a former board member and president of the organization.

She and her husband, Darryl, have three children, Deedra, 23, Jonathan 23, and Joshua, 21. They live in Seneca.

Adam Paige is the Director of Career and Employability Resources.

He provides direct support to the team through projects and initiatives within a whole-student development framework. Adam comes to us from the University of Georgia where he was internship and recruiting coordinator for the political science and international affairs department Adam Paige for three years. His work experience includes serving as an employment consultant for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency in Athens, an employment specialist for Friendship Place in Washington, DC, and as a workforce development specialist for the Virginia Department of Corrections.

He holds a political science degree from the University of Georgia as well as a master’s degree in public administration. He and his wife, Endia, have a daughter, Eden, 1.

Amber O’Shields is the new Medical Laboratory Technology Program Director in the Health Education Division.

For the last 10 years, Amber has been Medical Laboratory Technology Program Director and instructor at Spartanburg Community College.

Prior to working in education, she was a medical technologist advanced at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital from 2004–2010. She worked at Trident Medical Center as a medical technologist from 2002 to 2005.

Amber holds a bachelor of science degree in medical technology with a minor in chemistry Amber O’Shields from Winthrop University and a master of science degree in clinical laboratory science—medical technology—from MUSC. She has been a member of the College of Health Professions Honor Society at MUSC since May 2002. She also is a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. At Winthrop, she received a certificate of achievement for Outstanding Academic Performance in General Zoology, Spring 1999; Genetics, Fall 1999; and Microbiology, Fall 1999.

Amber is a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ASCLS), and the South Carolina Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (SCSCLS).

She is a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church.

She and her husband, Steven, live in Easley, and they have two children, Kylan, 12, and Caleb, 10.

Teresa Summers Named Officer of the Year Campus Police Officer Teresa Summers is training and policies completed by each officer the recipient of the first Police Officer of the to be adopted in the accreditation process.

Year award at TCTC. She also gladly assisted as needed with Fellow officers submitted nominations COVID-19 protocols, which included building earlier this year, and Chief Marcus Guess security, guidance of COVID-19 protocols, announced Teresa’s award at a recent meeting. and distribution of PPE in her building at the “I was so surprised,” said Teresa, who has Anderson Campus,” said Chief Guess. been with the College for 16 years and has Teresa is a two-time honor graduate of been located at the Anderson Campus for six TCTC. She received a Criminal Justice degree of those years. “It is an honor to be recognized in 2009 and a Business Technology degree by fellow officers,” she said. in 2008. She is a graduate of the SC Criminal “During the critical times of the COVID-19 Justice Academy. She also holds a degree Teresa Summers pandemic Teresa set up a regular training in Information Systems Technology from schedule for all officers at the Campus Police Department,” Piedmont Technical College. said Chief Guess. “She also helped set up and initiate the She is involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness PoliceOne training portal along with SCCJA Acadis training (NAMI) and is an instructor for Family to Family classes for from the Criminal Justice Academy, which she combined those who have family members who are suffering from for officers to complete on a daily routine schedule she mental illness. developed. She was responsible for working with Sgt. William She also coordinates with NAMI to host crisis intervention Albert to ensure all officers were receiving policy information training classes on the TCTC campus for officers all over the for review, and she kept detailed documentation of all state.

May/June 2021 • 11

excellence through service Sarah Shumpert and Justin Baggott from the Office of Academic Development were the featured guests on the University of Wisconsin—Madison’s Distance Teaching and Learning (DT&L) Talk series in May. The series, delivered by UWM’s DT&L conference committee, focuses on various topics in online learning. The 30-minute lightning talk was a free, national event delivered online.

Sarah and Justin discussed the role that professional development plays in effective online teaching and TCTC’s history with the Fundamentals of Online Teaching (FoOT) program offered through UWM. Sarah and Justin highlighted how the FoOT program complemented in-house professional development offerings and reaffirmed Tri-County’s commitment to providing continued faculty development in the post-pandemic landscape.

Dr. Amoena Norcross, curriculum consultant in the Office of Academic Development, recently received the designation of Certified Faculty Developer (CFD) by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international association in lifelong learning.

By passing the CFD exam, Amoena demonstrated knowledge in the eight key areas of expertise.

Amoena also earned the Certificate in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), in collaboration with the American Council on Education, on May 9. Earning this credential certifies that Amoena has completed four ACUE courses and has demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and skills that constitute the ACUE Effective Practice Framework©.

An article co-written by Justin Baggott, Dr. Amoena Norcross, and Sarah Shumpert appeared in “The Appalachian,” an e-newsletter produced by The Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA).

Dr. Amoena Norcross 12 • CONNECTION

Corey Evans

Congratulations to Laneika Musalini, director of grants, who successfully defended her dissertation June 17 and will receive her EDD from Wingate University in December. The title of Dr. Musalini’s dissertation is “Factors that Impact African American Students’ Decision Making to Attend a Community College.”

Comprehensive Studies math lecturer Sharon Yarbrough was awarded an American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Foundation grant to attend the International Mathematical Education Conference. The conference this year will be held in Shanghai, China. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Sharon will attend virtually.

Sharon Yarbrough

An article written by sociology instructor Aristide Sechandice appears in the spring issue of the South Carolina Sociological Association newsletter.

Congratulations to Corey Evans, Lynell Hecht, Kim Oakley, and Mia Tensley, whose proposals were accepted by the South Carolina Aristide Sechandice Conference on Innovations in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (SCCITL). The submission by Corey, Lynell and Kim, titled “The Flex Lab: A Blended Learning Model to Support Online Learning,” was accepted with no revisions!

Mia’s presentation is titled “Making Online Sessions Engaging while Building a Sense of Community: Tips on Polling, Sharing Applications, and Breakout Sessions.”

They will present at the SCCITL conference on Friday, July 16.

Lynell Hecht

Kim Oakley

Mia Tensley

Fond Farewells Tonia McClain Tonia McClain has been an instrumental part of the College and the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division for the past 30 years. As office manager for the last 28 years, she provided support to the EIT Division. EIT Dean Mandy Tonia McClain Elmore said, “Tonia truly cares about students. Over the years, she has spent countless hours providing support to students, faculty and staff.”

Tonia was hired in March 1991 as an evening administrative assistant in the student records office. She joined the EIT team in 1993. Tonia has taken classes on and off over the years to stay relevant in her field, but when she realized she lacked just a few credits to get a degree, she enrolled in the remaining classes and received an office systems technology degree in August 2008.

“I’m excited for Tonia in her new chapter, but I can’t imagine what life will be like without her. She isn’t just a co-worker; she is a true, lifelong friend,” said Mandy.

Lynn Addis, center, poses with her co-workers in CCE.

Lynn Addis Lynn Addis retired Friday, April 30, after 38 years in nursing— seven of which were as the coordinator and instructor of the certified nursing assistant program in the Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division.

Prior to coming to the College, Lynn was a charge nurse for 13 years at Hospice of the Upstate and a nurse manager for 17 years at Medicus Ambulatory Surgery Center. She began her career as a registered nurse at AnMed Health.

She is an alumna of our Medical Assistant program (1979) and was named the outstanding student that year. She earned a B.S. from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1983 and was the recipient of the outstanding nurse student award.

CCE Dean Rick Cothran said, “Lynn is truly dedicated to her profession. Her attention to detail and meticulous planning were a real asset to everyone in the division. We wish her well and will certainly miss her.”

“Lynn has been a mentor to me. I really appreciate her so much,” said Carolyn Stewart. “You are a great group of people.

We’ve had lots of fun,” said Lynn.

Tammy Lollis Director of Student Support Croslena BroadwaterJohnson is quick to admit that it was hard to enter the Student Development suite following the May 24 retirement of longtime Administrative Assistant Tammy Lollis.

Colleagues honored Tammy on May 21 with a drop-in celebration to reminisce and to recognize her 15 years of service to the College. Most recently Tammy Tammy Lollis and her husband, Lewis served as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Student Support and Engagement (Linda Jameison).

“I’m very happy for Tammy and her family, but she certainly is missed by everyone,” said Croslena, who said it was an adjustment Tuesday morning when she came in and didn’t see Tammy seated at her desk.

Tammy joined the College in 2006 after earning a degree in office systems technology (now administrative office technology).

Tammy often said her layoff from Mayfair Mills in 2001 was the best worst thing that has ever happened to her.

“I had planned to retire from there. I was working first shift as a break weaver/training instructor. My husband worked as a supervisor on the same shift; the pay was good. Our daughter was working there, too. I was happy,” said Tammy, reflecting on her 28-year career at the textile plant.

So when it was announced in 2001 that the Pickens plant was closing and employees received a five-month notice, the Lollis family was stunned and devastated both financially and emotionally. “We didn’t see it coming. The entire family was out of a job. I thought what am I going to do? I had never done anything else. And I didn’t have the education to do anything else.”

She entered Tri-County and qualified for the College’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, which serves dislocated workers, adults and employers in the tri-county area. She also worked in the admissions office at the College as a work-study, which paved the way for a full-time job as an administrative specialist in the counseling center after graduating in 2004. (continued on page 14) May/June 2021 • 13

Major Darrell Hill

Fond Farewells

(continued from page 5)

(continued from page 13)

criminal justice department,” he said.

Since the age of 14, the YMCA of Anderson served as a second home for Hill. He credits much of his success to his coach Joe Drennon, chief executive officer of the YMCA of Anderson.

“We developed a bond which continues to this day.

He taught us to respect people and to surround yourself with people who will make you better. Give more than you take to make society better. When I was promoted to my current position, he was the first person I called.”

Today Major Hill pays it forward by serving on the YMCA board and through volunteering his time at the YMCA as a basketball and soccer coach.

“It’s very rewarding to have such an impression on these kids. I see myself in them. I know that I am positively influencing hundreds a year through camps and other activities,” he said.

He serves on the Meals on Wheels board and is a former Habitat for Humanity board member. He has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for more than 20 years.

“Tammy was so helpful when older students who were coming back to school talked about their fear of failure,” said Croslena.

“She told her story which gave so many students hope and inspiration. She offered words of encouragement and they would stick with it and stay in college.”

“Tammy’s strengths are many,” said Croslena, who puts multitasking at the top of the list. “She offered administrative support to the entire division. She was always willing to help with student events and activities. She is a real team player and one of the hardest-working people I know.”

Getting Back to Work (continued from page 2)

profession. Candidates must first complete a 14-week certificate program at any one of the state’s 16 technical colleges. They must then secure employment with a South Carolina law enforcement agency and pass a cumulative exam and physical assessment test. Lastly, they must complete an eight-week training program at the SCCJA in Columbia. With Lottery Tuition Assistance and SC WINS scholarships, there are no tuition costs for the certificate program.

These are just some of the ways Tri-County is helping people in our region gain the education and training they need to obtain a meaningful job that pays a familysustaining wage. As our community continues to navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Tri-County stands ready to deliver high-quality learning experiences and to serve as a leader in providing solutions to the issues we all will face in the “new normal.”

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D., President This letter appeared in the Anderson Independent-Mail on June 13.

14 • CONNECTION

Lynn Smith Colleagues bid a fond farewell to Lynn Smith, who retired April 30 after 10 years as a career counselor in the Career and Employability Services office.

I started my career here in 1983 as an admissions counselor, and I’m ending here,” she said. “It’s poetic justice.”

“Lynn has boundless energy and ideas and has been a dynamic presence in the office. She will be missed,” said coworkers Glenda Waters.

Over the years Lynn has assisted thousands of students and employers in meeting their employment needs. Lynn worked daily to help students to determine if their goals were realistic.

She also worked with them on presenting themselves to employers both on paper and in person, always stressing that the soft skills are just as important as their technical skills.

In 2015 Lynn received the Art Hartzog Award for Programming at a Two-Year Institution or Technical College.

The award recognizes outstanding programming and program development by student development professionals in South Carolina.

Lynn says she will continue to make contributions to her community and that includes serving as an ambassador for TCTC.

Third EMT Academy Participates in Pinning Ceremony The third EMT Academy graduates participated in a pinning ceremony on April 30. Thirteen individuals were eligible to graduate from the 10week program that, in partnership with Medshore Ambulance, offers free accelerated EMT classes.

All of the graduates are now working for Medshore.

The EMT-Basic course offers free tuition, certification and testing. Classroom instruction is provided by Corporate and Community Education Division instructors at Medshore’s headquarters in Anderson.

For more information, contact 224-4444.

Apprenticeship Carolina Office Space Dedicated

Student Receives Mary Clary Scholarship

TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay and Dr. Amy Firestone, vice president of Apprenticeship Carolina, officially cut the ribbon on the new Miller Hall office space dedicated to Apprenticeship Carolina and their work toward helping to build workready graduates.

Congratulations to Expanded Duty Dental Assisting student Kaitlyn Flowers, left, who received the Mary Clary Memorial Achievement Award.

Tri-County’s new youth apprenticeship program is designed to assist Upstate industries, including manufacturing, health care, information technology and others, with building a skilled workforce.

The SC Dental Association presents the award to a dental hygiene and a dental assisting student each year. She is pictured with Mandy Hanks, program director/ instructor.

In January Apprenticeship Carolina was one of only 14 organizations in the nation to be awarded a $4.5 million Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand youth apprenticeships. Tri-County is one of the primary colleges participating in this grant.

Students Inducted into Psi Beta Honor Society Our Psi Beta honor society chapter has been resurrected this semester and students were inducted in a ceremony held April 30. Congratulations to (pictured from left) Allison Michelle Parker, of Rock Hill; Jakob Chandler Waldrep, of Easley; Emily Grace Rogers, of Westminster; Amanda Sue Johnson of Anderson; and Breanna Allen Frank, of Anderson (not pictured).

Stacey Frank and Mystic Finster-Jordan are the faculty advisors.

Founded in 1982, Psi Beta is a national honor society for twoyear college students who plan to major or minor in psychology, as well as students who simply have an interest in psychology.

Membership is open to students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and have completed a college-level psychology course with a grade of B or higher.

May/June 2021 • 15

P.O. Box 587 • Pendleton, S.C. 29670

Geriatric Simulators Designed to Bring Awareness Students in the Corporate and Community Education Division’s nurse aide classes are learning first-hand what it is like to deal with age-related conditions, such as vision and mobility issues, with the help of six geriatric simulators purchased recently.

“It’s a way of bringing awareness,” said Carolyn Stewart, health care program director in the Corporate and Community Education Division.

The simulators allow students, who are often young, to experience what it’s like when the elderly have mobility issues or feel fatigued. “They can better relate to the

patients they are caring for,” said Carolyn. “Empathy is very important when you are caring for any patient, especially the elderly,” she added.

One of the simulators allows students to experience six different eye disorders, while wearing the weighted simulator for 20 minutes gives them the full effect of what it feels like to have the fatigue that many elderly experience.

“Using these geriatric simulators results in students being more patient and empathetic with our aging population, who will be their patients,” said Carolyn.

New Tri-Talk Series Kicks Off In June, we kicked off a new monthly virtual lunch-andlearn series called Tri-Talk. The guest presenter was Tim Bowen, director of community campuses, who discussed our multi-campus environment and how we provide our programs and services across the three-county area.

Tri-Talk sessions are aimed at helping employees get to know one another and gain a better understanding of the role each department plays at the College.

Lasting no more than 30 minutes on the third Wednesday of each month during academic planning time, each speaker will have 15–20 minutes to present followed by 10–15 minutes of Q&A. This initiative stems from our high-performance teams survey which showed that employees want to feel more

16 • CONNECTION

connected to one another, and Tri-Talks are a way to help employees learn from and establish connections with one another.

Upcoming Tri-Talks July 21—Learning Beyond Campus August 18—Campus Police Topics are subject to change. Employees are encouraged to read the weekly EDGE newsletter for more information.