Connection Newsletter September/October 2021

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue…

KeyMark Sponsors Six TCTC Scholarships............................... 5

Celebrating Abney Day............... 6

September/October 2021

Melinda Hoover Honored by SCOSS TCTC I-BEST instructor Melinda Hoover is the recipient of the Outstanding Service to Students Award by the South Carolina Organization for Student Success (SCOSS). She received the award at the annual conference held virtually October 15.

This award goes to an individual whose work exemplifies the developmental education philosophy. The recipient must demonstrate excellence in teaching or appropriate professional skills (tutoring, counseling, administration, etc.), responsiveness to individual students, and commitment to professional growth.

Since 2017 Melinda has taught in the I-BEST program, which is designed to increase the College’s focus on unemployed and underemployed populations. It is a one-semester program that allows students to explore careers in manufacturing, health care or a stand-alone course for college and career exploration Melinda Hoover opportunities. The program offers opportunities to earn college credit and national (industry-recognized) skill certifications. There is no cost for the I-BEST program.

“Melinda’s devotion to her students is obvious in the countless hours she spends working with individuals before class, after class, and even long after they graduate,” Lynell Hecht, student services program coordinator in TCTC’s Academic and Career Foundations, wrote in her nomination letter. “She exudes a confidence that transcends into a can-do mentality that encourages the most difficult student to want to perform better. The students experience a mindset transformation under her leadership and instruction. Students who may have initially doubted they were “college material” end up successfully completing her class and going further at TCTC.” (continued on page 9)

Governor McMaster Announces Workforce Scholarship Program Celebrating National Vet Tech Week................................... 8

Men of Color Event Draws Community Partners................11

Governor McMaster announced on November 3 a new initiative that will significantly reduce the cost of attendance for nearly all of our students. The initiative is called Workforce Scholarships for the Future, and it seeks to address critical workforce shortages in industries like manufacturing and health care through high-quality, affordable education at the state’s 16 technical colleges.

The initiative is funded through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and will cover the cost of tuition and required fees (after applying all other scholarships or grants) for a minimum of one semester starting in spring 2022. To be eligible, a student must be a South Carolina resident, complete a FAFSA and enroll in a high-demand field such as manufacturing, health care, computer science and information technology, transportation, distribution and logistics or construction. To remain eligible, credit-seeking students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. All participating students must complete one of the following requirements: be employed, perform 100 hours of community service, or complete a financial literacy course offered at a technical college.

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

Guided by Our Priorities ri-County Technical College kicked off the 2021-2022 academic year on August 23 with a return to normal Dr. Galen DeHay operations. By “normal,” I mean the “new normal.” In President the new normal, our classes and campuses look much like they did prior to the pandemic, but we are prepared to return to a remote environment should conditions warrant it.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by three priorities: 1. Maintain a safe on-campus learning and working environment.

2. Infuse appropriate levels of technology into instruction and student services in order to build a foundation for our digital transformation while meeting the needs of our student population.

3. Strengthen enrollment efforts and student support initiatives for students and populations who did not attend over the past year due to COVID-19.

Our commitment to maintaining a safe on-campus learning and working environment has allowed us to maintain a relatively low infection rate among our student and employee population this fall. COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing face coverings while indoors, has been key to slowing the spread of coronavirus on our campuses. We also continue to offer weekly COVID-19 testing in partnership with Clemson University and monthly on-campus vaccine clinics.

As part of our commitment to infusing technology into instruction and student services, we have spent the past several months gathering student and faculty input, along with student success data, to inform the type of technology we use in the future and how that technology is used. A lot of lessons have been learned from the pandemic, and it’s critical that we take the time to evaluate what we learned and how it applies to our students and their learning.

Lastly, while community college enrollment is down across the state and nationally, Tri-County experienced a moderate increase in enrollment this fall compared to fall 2020. In addition, we have seen an increase in both Latinx students and students age 25 and older. In short, our efforts to re-engage populations most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are working, but there is more work to be done.

I am grateful to our faculty and staff for their sustained focus on these priorities and for their ongoing commitment to student success. These priorities will continue to guide us as the pandemic wears on.

Since we do not know when the pandemic will end, we must now try to strike a balance between managing a crisis in the present while planning for the future. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it is work that we are eager to take on as it will lead to better outcomes for our students and our communities.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

College Celebrates Successes at Annual Report Reception TCTC continues to be an excellent investment in developing an educated and trained community, President DeHay told an audience of community leaders at the College’s annual report reception held October 26. The annual report publication, titled Shaping a Stronger Tomorrow, features highlights and accomplishments, as well as stories about students whose lives were transformed by their educational experience at Tri-County Technical College—all made possible by faculty, staff, Commissioners, Foundation Board, our donors and community partners.

“I am encouraged by all that we accomplished during the 2020–2021 academic year. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, our continued focus on mission and vision produced exemplary results,” he said.

President DeHay told the crowd that TCTC continues to earn the top ranking among all 16 technical colleges in the state system in the three most important categories:

student success rate, transfer to four-year colleges, and graduation rate.

“We have one of the lowest tuition rates, have the highest quality of instruction and the greatest outcomes,” he said.

In addition, TCTC’s job placement rate is 95% and compared to other two-year colleges across the nation, TCTC ranks in the top 10 percentile for student success, job placement and transfer.

“Creating transformative student and employee experiences is at the heart of everything we do at Tri-County, and the 2020–2021 academic year was no exception. The coronavirus pandemic may have limited our day-to-day interactions, but it did not limit our commitment to student success. Thank you again for your support and for helping us shape a stronger tomorrow for all,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations and executive director of the Foundation.

E. Steve Darby Family Named Philanthropist of the Year The E. Steve Darby family has programs at the College in 1994. always been passionate about The couple first endowed a educational opportunities for today’s scholarship in honor of Judy Darby’s young people and deeply committed uncle, the late Claude Moore of to improving the lives of TCTC Pendleton, who had served as students. head of the Automotive Mechanics “It’s wonderful to see someone Department from 1963 until his get an education. My late husband, retirement in 1970.

Steve, was often quoted as saying, In November of 2001, they made ‘The only way to truly give a gift is a major gift to the Foundation to to do so without strings attached,’” support former English instructor/ said Julia “Judy” Darby, a longtime award-winning writer and poet Ron Anderson resident who received Rash’s writing. In addition, they the 2020 Philanthropist of the Year contributed to the Don C. Garrison award on behalf of the Darby family Instructional Excellence Endowment in recognition of the loyal support in 2003 and to the Linda Craven they have demonstrated toward the Elliott Endowment in 2005. In April of advancement of the College.

2006, Steve Darby established the This is the Foundation’s highest Julia M. Darby Endowed Scholarship and most prestigious honor reserved in honor of his beloved wife. for individuals, foundations, Shortly after Steve Darby’s death companies, trusts, organizations in January of 2007, contributions or other entities that have made a began pouring in to honor him significant financial contribution, through the establishment of the E. Steve and Judy Darby either cash or non-cash, to the Steve Darby Memorial Scholarship.

Foundation to support the work of the College.

Judy Darby continues to support the three scholarships that The Darby family began giving benevolently to the educational she and her husband endowed.

September/October 2021 • 3

Alumnus Smith Heavner Addresses Annual Report Audience Alumnus Smith Heavner returned to his alma mater as a guest speaker at the annual report reception held October 26. He talked about the impact Tri-County made on his life.

Smith, who holds a practical nursing degree and an associate degree in nursing degrees and recently defended his dissertation, serves as scientific director of the CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory, a private-public partnership of the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health with the Critical Path Institute.

“Because of Tri-County, I am doing work that influences millions of people across the world,” he said.

Nearly two decades ago 17-year-old Smith met Jennifer Beattie (now Hulehan), then a TCTC English instructor who was teaching a dual enrollment class at D. W. Daniel High School, where Smith was a student.

He says he remembers the day Jennifer told him he had written a college-level paper. “She said I should be proud of my work. I vividly remember her saying that I would succeed in college—not just that I should enroll in college,” he said. Despite being proficient at taking tests and earning a high ACT score, he graduated at the bottom third of his high school class. “I had struggled with the traditional academic environment. I wasn’t good at climbing the proverbial tree. I was interested in a health care career, so I decided I would be a nurse aide and figure things out from there,” he said.

He enrolled at TCTC, recognizing that small classes and better relationships with instructors were a plus. “I hoped there were more Jens and there were,” he said.

In 2008, Smith was pursuing his ADN but failed an obstetrics class. “It knocked me out of the program. I had never failed before,” he said. He didn’t give up, and after receiving a practical nursing degree in 2010 and passing the state board exam, he transitioned back into the ADN program. “When I enrolled a second time, I learned how to be a student. Instructors taught me how to get things done and how to make college work for me.”

He earned his associate degree in nursing in 2012 and passed the NCLEX with ease. He went on to earn a bachelor of science in nursing from Clemson University in 2014. “Throughout all of my education, I continued to work, specializing my clinical practice in emergency and critical Smith Heavner care, and I slowly gained experience with quality improvement projects.” He enrolled in Clemson’s graduate certificate program in Clinical and Translational Research and completed the certificate in 2017. He completed a master of science in Applied Health Research and Evaluation in 2019 and will earn his Ph.D. in the same program this fall.

Smith was a research manager at Prisma Health when COVID-19 made it to the U.S. “I was tasked with overseeing the development of our COVID-19 registry. The work included providing the data for leaders to make decisions about our mask and visitation policies, as well as representing the health system in an international registry effort led by the Mayo Clinic and Society of Critical Care Medicine Discovery Network. I also served on the clinical leadership team of Prisma Health’s upstate mass vaccination site,” he said.

His work with COVID-19 built his national reputation and earned him his new job.

“I’m very proud of all that I have achieved, and I plan on making a big deal about finishing this Ph.D.,” Smith said. “But that practical nursing diploma will always be a reminder to me that I didn’t get here on my own and that even when I thought my academic career was over before it even started, there were people who believed in me.”

Commission Approves Moving Forward on Oconee Hall The Tri-County Technical College Commission approved on September 28 a recommendation from the Buildings Committee to engage an architect in preliminary design work for Oconee Hall. The cost of the design work is estimated at $240,000 or roughly 1.5% of the total projected cost to renovate and expand Oconee Hall.

The next step is to seek the approval of the Commission on Higher Education, Joint Bond Review Committee, and State Fiscal Accountability Authority. If approved, Tri-County can begin the design vendor selection process in January 2022.

Oconee Hall is located on Tri-County’s Pendleton Campus and houses the Arts and Sciences Division, along with the Comprehensive Studies, Humanities, Math, and Social Sciences departments.

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Foundation News KeyMark Sponsors Six TCTC Scholarships The Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) Foundation hosted an appreciation luncheon September 30 for corporate donor KeyMark and the six recipients of scholarships the company sponsors.

Recipients include: • Kevin Davenport, a CT-Software and Web Development major; • Gavin Jones, CT-Cybersecurity/Forensics major; • Nicholas Lella, CT-Network Management Emphasis major; • Tyler Williams, CT-Software and Web Development major; • Phillip Pauley, CT-Network Management Emphasis major; and • Dustin Sullivan, a TCTC grad who transferred to Clemson to study computers.

“We appreciate your generosity and support of our students,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations at TCTC and executive director of the TCTC Foundation. “Scholarships can be life-changing for so many students. Receiving a scholarship can make the difference whether someone enrolls in college.”

This year, the TCTC Foundation awarded around $500,000 in scholarships, which benefited about 500 students.

“Companies like KeyMark make that happen,” said Grayson.

“We couldn’t do that without the generosity of KeyMark, who shares our mission and vision of making this community a better place to live.”

TCTC President Galen DeHay expressed his appreciation to KeyMark representatives. “Thanks to KeyMark for supporting our students—whether it’s hiring them after graduation or supporting those who may one day work there. These scholarships help students realize a potential some didn’t know they had. It takes all of us together. Your investment makes a difference in the lives of our students.”

KeyMark CEO Jim Wanner said, “Tri County Technical College does a wonderful job of providing an affordable high-quality education. We are honored to work with the College to empower students to follow their chosen career paths without the added stress of managing costs. I know each of these students will learn valuable skills here at Tri County that will enable them to tackle either an advanced degree or a career in the technology industry.”

KeyMark, Inc., is a leading automation software integrator, delivering capture, workflow, case management, and robotic process automation solutions.

KeyMark student scholars pose with company and college representatives.

September/October 2021 • 5

Be the Change The Foundation kicked off its annual giving campaign, Be the Change, with a breakfast on October 18, and held several other events in the Anderson Hall Events Center.

This annual giving campaign, which ended November 11, benefits scholarships, priority needs, and other important initiatives.

Without support from individuals who make gifts of all amounts, many opportunities simply would not exist for our students. Many students are enrolled this year only because of the resources provided to them left: Hannah Fakoornejad, left, received the Judges’ First Place Taste Award, and Tina Burton, right, received the Judges’ First Place Presentation Award. by the Foundation. Many of you helped to make a scholarship possible and changed a student’s life. right: Heidi Mathis won the People’s First Place Taste Award for her Broccoli-Cheddar Soup.

Your support of the Foundation, at whatever level, is important in absolute terms but more important in letting and voted on favorite soups prepared by faculty/staff campaign others know that we all believe in and support the work of the representatives. The winners were: Foundation as it supports the work of the College.

• Judges’ First Place Taste Award—Hannah Fakoornejad, Ham Together your gifts make it possible to award more than 500 and Split Pea Soup student scholarships this year.

• Judges’ First Place Presentation Award—Tina Burton, Together we can Be the Change.

Autumn Chicken Chili The Foundation hosted Souper • People’s First Place Taste Award—Heidi Mathis, BroccoliBowl Monday on October 25 Cheddar where faculty and staff enjoyed • People’s First Place Presentation Award—Amanda a loaded baked potato lunch Karaganov, Baked Potato Soup

Celebrating Abney Day Since 1989 The Abney Foundation has been providing resources to Tri-County’s students, faculty, and staff to help them achieve their educational goals.

No other foundation, individual, or company has contributed so generously to the Foundation. The Foundation sponsored the Annual Abney Day on September 16. The event was designed to show appreciation for the College’s largest contributor to date.

“It’s great to receive a gift but even greater to Dr. Lisa McWherter, executive director of the The Abney Foundation, center, is pictured with a group of Abney Scholars who attended a give a gift,” said Dr. Lisa September 16 appreciation luncheon.

McWherter, executive director of The Abney Foundation. “When you have a chance, make someone else’s opportunity possible,” she told the Abney scholars who attended the luncheon. “We are grateful to you and for you. Continue to carry the baton of gratitude as you go forward.” left: Emma Robinson, coordinator of student resource programs at TCTC, was a recipient of an Abney Foundation scholarship when she was a student at the college in 1991. “Your scholarship is a blessing; don’t take it for granted,” she said. Emma is pictured holding her Abney Scholar certificate.

6 • CONNECTION

TCTC Was Right Choice for Lillian Boatwright Ten years ago, Lillian Boatwright was an honor student enrolled in AP classes at Daniel High School and, like many seniors, weighing the pros and cons of where to attend college.

She had been accepted at multiple in- and out-of-state four-year universities, but ultimately conversations with her parents led her to opt for Tri-County Technical College, just three miles from her home in Clemson. Thinking back on her decision, she says there isn’t just one reason why TCTC was the right choice for her.

While a student at Daniel, she took advantage of the dual enrollment classes, which gave her an introduction to TCTC and its instructors. The College’s university transfer class offerings, along with scholarships that allowed her to attend TCTC debt free, convinced her that enrolling at her local technical college was a no-brainer. “We did the math and realized I could go to TCTC at no cost and I could receive a valuable education and guidance for a seamless transition to Clemson University,” she said.

“I got the full college experience at TCTC. I moved out of my parents’ house, got an apartment and commuted to campus. My advisors, who were knowledgeable and helpful, knew my goals and made sure I took the right classes before transferring to Clemson,” said Lillian, now operations coordinator at KeyMark in Liberty.

“I don’t know that I would have survived a four-year college right out of high school. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to ask questions in class and know how to engage with faculty members for help outside of class time. TCTC is a good way to ease into college and not just jump into the deep end,” she said.

“I even made lifelong friends, whom I still keep in touch with to this day. I didn’t miss out on anything by starting college at TCTC. It was a good lead in to Clemson and college life,” she said.

That’s the message she communicates to the high school students she interacts with in her community service project endeavors and the TCTC students who have been interns at KeyMark. She says she identifies with these students, most of whom are juggling multiple priorities and who rely on scholarships that make their education possible. Corporate donor KeyMark is sponsoring six scholarship recipients this year.

“I’m proud to say that I graduated from Tri-County debt free with a LIFE scholarship and a Foundation scholarship,” said Lillian.

After three semesters at TCTC she transferred to Clemson in 2013. At the end of her junior year, she gave birth to daughter, Claire, now 7, and took a break from college to focus on motherhood and later began a job search to support her and her daughter.

She wasn’t sure what was ahead until her mother, a former teacher and now a media specialist at Liberty High School, came home from work and handed her a business card for Jim Wanner, CEO at KeyMark. Wanner was the guest speaker at the high

school’s career day and Mrs. Lillian was impressed with his comments and his company. She urged Lillian to look at the website. “I applied, interviewed and was hired within two weeks,” said Lillian.

“I really wanted the job. I enjoyed meeting the interview team and everyone at the organization,” she said.

She began working at the front Lillian Boatwright desk and later transitioned to the sales team and then the marketing department. “It was a great way to learn about the many different aspects of the company,” she said.

“What started as a job for a single mother, turned into a career I truly value. I really love working here. I feel heard and valued and I know that what I do matters. I still get excited about coming to work every day. I didn’t think it would turn into a long-term career that day when I interviewed. I was a single parent looking for a job. But it is so much more than that now.”

Two years ago, she went back and finished the bachelor’s degree online through Coker College. Coker offered a business degree completely online which fit into her schedule. With her TCTC and CU credits, she just needed two semesters at Coker and was able to continue working full time and taking two to three classes a semester. In 2019 she earned a bachelor of science in business administration and management and maintained dean’s list status.

That same year she joined the Pickens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections and other community service opportunities followed.

“I’m grateful that KeyMark allows me to engage in community service and engagement projects,” she said. This year she was named to the board of the Upstate Conservation Trust and serves on its executive committee. She also serves on the City of Clemson’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

Earlier this year she was nominated for a Jefferson Award for her public service and was selected by the Multiplying Good Board to be a member of its 2021 Upstate ChangeMakers class.

ChangeMakers are a distinguished group of community leaders in the Upstate who have demonstrated a commitment to service and the potential to move South Carolina forward.

She says daughter Claire is the impetus for her passion for making her community a better place. “She pushes me to do good things. We have conversations about what she wants to be when she grows up. It’s light-hearted now but I always mention TCTC in the conversation. I will be the parent who recommends TCTC because of what it did for me.”

September/October 2021 • 7

Our College Family excellence through service Marcia Leake Graduates from Leadership South Carolina Marcia Leake, associate vice president for human resources, graduated from the Leadership South Carolina program September 8. Each year, Leadership South Carolina Marcia Leake selects around 50 highly motivated candidates from hundreds of possible applications for its nine-month core program (September to April). The program gives participants an opportunity to advance their leadership qualities while broadening their understanding of issues facing the state.

Golden Corner Rotary Club Welcomes New Member Beth Brown The Golden Corner Rotary Club recently welcomed new member Beth Brown, manager of donor relations for the TCTC Foundation, second from left. Pictured with her are, from left, Rotarians Teddy Martin, club president Steve Moore, and Lorraine Harding.

Mandy Elmore: Training the Next Generation of Engineers Mandy Elmore, dean of the Engineering and Industrial Education Division and a University of South Carolina graduate, is featured in an article posted on her alma mater’s website.

Celebrating National Vet Tech Week Tri-County Technical College Celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week October 17–23. First celebrated in 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week takes place in the third week of October each year.

National Veterinary Technician Week provides an opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ contributions. Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. They’ve been called the backbone of veterinary clinics, and many veterinarians say they wouldn’t dream of opening their practice on any given day without a veterinary technician who serves as an extra set of hands to handle many aspects of patient care, as well as laboratory procedures.

Veterinary technicians work closely with veterinarians and

other members of the veterinary team to deliver quality animal health care.

Their primary responsibilities in a veterinary practice include animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, client education, hospital management and laboratory duties.

Tri-County’s program, which is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is endorsed by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians.

Grant Funds Police Body Cameras TCTC’s Police Department has been awarded nearly $20,000 from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to purchase body cameras for police officers.

The department will purchase 13 body cameras and accompanying software to update equipment purchased several years ago.

In 2015 former Governor Nikki Haley signed into law a bill requiring law enforcement to wear body cameras. The 8 • CONNECTION

goal is to increase accountability and build trust with the communities they serve.

Cameras are activated by TCTC officers when responding to a call for service or police interaction.

“The benefits to officers wearing body cameras include promoting transparency with the community and providing an accurate detail of police and citizen interactions,” said Sgt. Billy Albert of the TCTC Police Department.

in transition Amanda Karaganov joined TCTC in August 2018 as a psychology adjunct instructor and recently was promoted to a full-time psychology Instructor in the Social Sciences department.

Previously she worked at Marshall I. Pickens Hospital in Greenville. She holds Amanda Karaganov a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a bachelor of science in psychology from Walden University. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

While an adjunct, she served on the TCTC Faculty Senate and is a SOAR committee member.

Amanda is a member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Powdersville. She and her husband, Andrey, live in Easley.

Lynn Gao joined TCTC in September as the accounting manager in our Fiscal Affairs Department. Lynn spent the last six years working at Clemson University’s office of budgets and financial planning.

Her last role was as senior budget analyst. Her other work experience includes serving as an accountant at the University of Michigan, where she received the Director Award for financial operations in 2013.

In 2008 she received the Outstanding Accounting Theory Lynn Gao Award from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as the CPA exam Silver Medal Award from the Mississippi Board of Public Accountancy.

Lynn holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Fudan University in Shanghai PR China and a master of science in economic development and a master of professional accountancy, both from the University of Mississippi.

She and her husband, Zhicheng Dou, live in Clemson and have two children.

Carissa Foster is the lab specialist in the Biology department. She holds a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences from Clemson University.

For the last four years, she has worked at Clemson University as an assistant in the arthropod collection and pesticide regulation departments.

Carissa lives in Pendleton.

Carissa Foster

William Cooper is an enrollment counselor. He previously worked as an admissions counselor at Gardner-Webb University and Erskine College. He taught English in Korea from 2013 until 2015.

He is a graduate of Erskine College and is currently enrolled at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

William lives in Greenwood.

William Cooper

Melinda Hoover (continued from page 1)

“This award is such an honor—and a surprise. My background is in manufacturing,” said Melinda, who spent 20 years working in plant management and later as an entrepreneur who owned two businesses. “There are so many great educators who are deserving of this award. That’s why this really is so special.”

Melinda transitioned to education in 2017 “because I always wanted to teach,” she said. “I’ve had great mentors on campus. There is a long list of people I could thank. Everybody at TCTC has been willing to help me from day one. I’ve taken advantage of professional development opportunities whenever I could and I’m not afraid to ask questions,” she said.

“My leadership style has always been very personal.

In manufacturing and in my businesses, I knew all of the employees very well. The same is true of my students and the faculty and staff.”

She says she stays true to the College’s mission of transforming lives, one student at a time.

“I help students in and out of the classroom and even after graduation. I take it very seriously.”

Melinda teaches College 120 academic and career readiness where students learn about life not just school and work. She also teaches Manufacturing 101 and Manufacturing 102, where students get an introduction to the manufacturing environment, the vocabulary and what to expect in the workplace. They visit plants and get a first-hand look at where they could be working.

“I have a true love for the under-resourced student population. Some have never had a positive influence in their lives. I get to see the transformation when they end up in a different place. It’s exciting for me when potential students come in. I tell them the past doesn’t matter. All I care about is the person in front of me. The words I live by are love, respect and acceptance. If you go there, you won’t ever go wrong,” she said.

September/October 2021 • 9

Inaugural Health Ed Conference a Huge Success The Health Education Division hosted its inaugural Student and Faculty Conference September 29 in the Anderson Hall Events Center on the Pendleton Campus.

Students and faculty from the Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Surgical Technology, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medical Assisting, Pre-Pharmacy, and Veterinary Technology programs attended.

The goal of the conference, conceived by Dr. M. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division, was threefold. “The first goal was to bring students and faculty together to introduce new developments in the healthcare field,” he said.

The conference keynote speaker was Dr. Linda Ward, associate professor at Clemson University. Her speech was titled “What’s New in Genomic Healthcare.” “Participants were able to acquire knowledge in areas they were not familiar with, thanks to the cutting-edge information from Dr. Ward,” said Dr. Chaudhry.

Another goal was to highlight the work that faculty and students are engaging in across divisions and departments. For example, Surgical Technology faculty and students collaborated with robotics instructors in the Engineering and Industrial

Technology Division. In addition, Veterinary Technology and Expanded Duty Dental Assisting collaborated on a radiology project, and Practical Nursing, Veterinary Technology and EMT collaborated on a pharmacology project. Medical Assisting and Medical Laboratory Technology worked together on microbiology project.

The groups presented posters and videos to illustrate their work. “The idea is that they were learning together through cross collaboration,” said Dr. Chaudhry.

The final goal of the conference was to provide a platform for all student clubs in the division to highlight the work they had been doing and to get to know each other.

“Conference feedback revealed that faculty are super excited and invested in the work, as evidenced by 100 percent participation,” he said.

Service Learning at its Best Makenzie Green is no stranger to volunteerism. She had been involved in her honor society’s community service projects as a student at Easley High School.

As a first-year medical assisting student at TCTC, she was excited to see that her coursework required individual and group service-learning projects during her two years of study.

Makenzie Green Her work with the Piedmont Emergency Relief Center (PERC) this semester has ignited a sense of giving back to her community that will go beyond the classroom, she said. Located on Main Street in Piedmont, PERC is a non-profit agency that provides emergency food assistance, as well as other services, to families and individuals in need.

Makenzie admits she didn’t realize the number of people in need until she attended a weekly PERC food drive when she witnessed “a line of people that started at the PERC on Main Street and stretched for nearly three miles down the road. This exposure taught me that I want to continue to help in the best way possible. When my service-learning hours are completed, I won’t stop coming to volunteer,” she said 10 • CONNECTION

She usually volunteers on Thursdays and Sundays when she organizes shelves of food and helps with food distribution. “It’s all about giving back,” she said.

“When a bright and energetic young lady calls you on the phone and expresses her desire to do her college servicelearning project within our organization, we jump at the chance to have somebody who is self-motivated like Makenzie Green, and we admire how she is so concerned about people and food insecurities within our community,” said Lisa Ouzts, who works with PERC. Service-learning provides students with opportunities to develop civic engagement skills. The experience is designed to integrate meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to deepen a person’s understanding of the learning experience.

Laura McClain, program director for medical assisting at TCTC, has incorporated service learning activities into the curriculum since she joined the College in 2014. She believes community service keeps students engaged and provides an opportunity for them to give back to the community.

“Our students are patient advocates and need to be aware of services available to assist those who may have a need,” Laura said.

Men of Color Event Draws High School and TCTC Students, Community Partners Overcoming Obstacles: Financially, Academically, Mentally and Emotionally (FAME) was the theme of the third annual Men of Color luncheon held on October 14.

The Men of Color initiative is dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse student population and engaging with others about educational opportunities on campus and beyond.

The goal is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower these men and to let them know they have a place at Tri-County.

Milan Richard, former Clemson University national championship football player and business entrepreneur, was the keynote speaker for the event, which drew nearly 100 guests.

“I’m thankful that I was able to play football and go the places I did, but I learned that my purpose is to impact other people.

Football was the vehicle to push me to find my passion—owning my own business,” said Milan.

The event also featured a panel discussion with Milan; Rodney Estrada, TCTC employability service coordinator; Luis Martinez, vice president and commercial lending South State Bank, Anderson; and Don Peppers, founder of Proverbs Mentoring Organization and athletic director at Anderson Christian School.

Many thanks to our generous community partners, South State Bank, Restoration Project Foundation and the Pendleton Rhinos, for sponsoring this stellar event.

The TCTC Men of Color Committee spent countless hours planning and organizing this impactful event. Several members are pictured here with panelists and guest speaker Milan Richard, seated, left. From left (standing) are Travis Durham; Luis Martinez; Rodney Estrada, Don Peppers, and Brian Smith. Seated, center is Dr. Lanieka Musalini, and Dr. Jackie Blakley is seated, right. Not pictured is August Johnson.

The event featured a panel discussion with, from left, Luis Martinez, vice president and commercial lending South State Bank, Anderson; Don Peppers, founder of Proverbs Mentoring Organization and athletic director at Anderson Christian School; Milan Richard, former Clemson University national championship football player and business entrepreneur; and Rodney Estrada, TCTC employability service coordinator.

September/October 2021 • 11

P.O. Box 587 • Pendleton, S.C. 29670

Police Pre-Academy Training (PPAT) Hosts Career Fair The Police Pre-Academy Training (PPAT) certificate program hosted its Interviews/Law Enforcement Career Fair on Friday, October 22, in the Anderson Hall Events Center.

Representatives from 10 local and state law enforcement agencies were available to discuss career opportunities, and representatives from TCTC were on hand to discuss the college’s criminal justice associate degree program and the new PPAT certificate program.

The four-course program can provide a simple path to becoming a law enforcement officer. Candidates first apply to one of the state’s 16 technical colleges and complete the 14-week certificate program. Over the 14 weeks, candidates will learn basic and introductory law enforcement training, tactics, and procedures.

In total, they will complete four courses totaling 12 credit hours that can apply toward the 66 credits required to earn an associate degree should candidates decide to further their studies.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our cadets to practice their interviewing techniques and to receive feedback from 12 • CONNECTION

agencies to ensure that each cadet can better be prepared for the panel interview that most agencies conduct,” said Jess McCoy, criminal justice faculty member.

To learn more about the college’s criminal justice program and Police Pre-Academy Training Certificate, visit tctc.edu/ppat.