Connection Newsletter June 2020

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue ...

Hometown Heroes..................... 4

June 2020

College Announces Reopening Plan After a two-and-one-half-month period of teaching and learning remotely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the College opened its campuses on a very limited basis June 8.

A small number of employees (20% maximum) reported to work on Monday, June 8. Those individuals included faculty who are teaching summer classes, support staff, and employees who are supporting fall enrollment efforts. All other employees continue to work remotely.

“Reopening our campuses is not a decision we take lightly. Rather, the decision was made after weeks of careful review and analysis and in consultation with other academic institutions and government agencies,” said President Galen DeHay. The re-open plan consists of three phases over the summer with the goal to return to full campus operations in August.

The college notes that progress through the phases is contingent upon the directives of the President of TCTC, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and guidance from health authorities such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

(continued on page 11)

College Commissioner John Powell Receives Award.............. 5

Hamid Mohsseni Appointed to College’s Commission............... 6

TCTC COVID-19 Recovery Planning Task Force

Surgical Technology Transitions To Associate Degree.................. 7

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 www.tctc.edu

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

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.

2 • CONNECTION

Connecting

A

Tri-County Rises to The Challenges Dr. Galen DeHay s I reflect back on the past few months and the President extraordinary challenges we have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to be amazed by your resilience and the resolve you have shown in responding to the needs of our students and to each other during this crisis.

I am pleased that many of you will be returning to campus in the coming weeks to complete the summer term and begin preparations for the fall semester. However, we are not out of the woods yet. There is still a lot of uncertainty as it relates to COVID-19; therefore, we must continue to be flexible in our reopening process and prioritize safety.

Historically, community college enrollment spikes during economic downturns, but the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us to expect the unexpected. One thing I can tell you for certain is that our communities need us now more than ever. Tri-County will again play a critical role in jump-starting the economy in our upstate region. 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 businesses, industries, healthcare facilities and community organizations.

But, like every other industry, higher education must reinvent itself for what many are calling the “new abnormal.” While a lot is still unknown, one thing we do know is that the majority of new and emerging jobs will still require education and training beyond a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree.

We also know that our students are critical to the success of our communities. After graduation, the majority of them will stay close to TCTC, contribute to the local workforce, buy homes, raise families and become the next generation of community leaders.

Community colleges are known to be nimble, responsive and pragmatic in facing challenges. This time will be no different. We will continue to focus on delivering highquality learning experiences for our students whether that is in-person, online or a combination of both.

As we focus on meeting the immediate and future needs of our students and community partners, our goal is to emerge from this crisis as a leader in providing solutions to the issues we all will face in the “new abnormal.”

Months ago, few of us could have imagined the circumstances facing us now. At the same time, few of us could have imagined our ability to respond with such creativity, flexibility and determination. These are hallmark characteristics of Tri-County Technical College and will serve us well as we adapt and optimize our programs and services.

The stakes have never been higher, but I assure you, Tri-County is up to the challenge.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D.

Health Ed Departments Answer Call During COVID-19 Crisis Surgical Technology and Medical Lab Donate PPE to AnMed Health Surgical Technology Program Director Denelle White gathered precious personal protective equipment (PPE) from her lab inventory and made two separate donations to AnMed Health.

“That’s what we teach in the surgical world—we are one big medical family and we work as a team,” said Denelle, who gathered surplus supplies from her department’s storage room.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis, all of Tri-County’s classes shifted to an e-learning (online) format in mid-March.

Surgical Technology students are doing simulated clinical work so these items were available. Denelle noted there is an adequate supply when students are back on campus.

On the first trip she delivered seven boxes of surgical masks, four boxes of unsterile gloves, 28 unsterile surgical gowns, and two containers of hospital-grade Sani-Cloth wipes. With the need still there, she returned a few days later to the designated distribution center for AnMed Health with more supplies.

“They were so appreciative of what we can give,” said Denelle.

AnMed Health is a longtime clinical partner of the College. “Our students do their clinical training in AnMed’s Operating Room.

We want to give back to a place where our students do their clinical rotations and often where they are later employed. It’s just another way to work as partners,” she said.

share it,” said Deborah. Supplies included plastic face shields that go over masks, liquid-proof lab coats and nitrile gloves.

“Since our MLT students are doing simulated clinical work now, these items are available. I also knew we would have an adequate supply when we are back on campus,” Deborah added.

Jennifer Porter, an MLT instructor and former AnMed employee, shared AnMed Health’s plea for supplies and after going through the proper approval channels, the College came to the aid of its longstanding clinical partner.

“The largest percentage of our MLT students do their clinical training at AnMed Health clinical laboratories so we made the decision to donate the items to this healthcare system. We were more than happy to help. We must all work together in these times,” Deborah said.

Engineering and Industrial Technology Division Producing PPE Equipment for Area EMS Agencies

The 3-D printers in the College’s fabrication lab were running non-stop on April 1, when the faculty and staff from the Engineering and Industrial Technology (EIT) Division answered the call from area EMS agencies and began making personal protective equipment (PPE) for these frontline Medical Laboratory Shares Inventory healthcare workers who are struggling When healthcare agencies began to voice concern about the to find this necessary gear during the diminishing numbers of personal protective equipment (PPE) COVID-19 crisis. for their staff during this COVID-19 crisis, Medical Laboratory When EIT Division members aren’t Technology (MLT) Program teaching, advising, planning Director Deborah Brock or working with students, they immediately thought are making cartridge filters of the inventory her that are used with oxygen department had that the masks to make the approved College could share with N-95 for masks, along with its healthcare partners. straps for the masks.

Cartridge filters and straps Before spring break “We reached out to EMS were made for local hospitals Deborah placed an order and hospital partners and and EMS personnel. for protective gear used asked how we could help,” in classroom laboratories said Mandy Elmore, dean of the EIT Division. on campus—this was prior “They are in need of these items and we moved into to classes shifting to an planning and production mode,” she added. They are e-learning (online) format following an FDA-approved design created by MUSC. in mid-March.

Most of the materials were already in stock at the “There were supplies College and what other items were needed were bought already on hand in our at craft and hobby stores. storage room. I knew we The 3-D straps for healthcare workers are designed had inventory that people to alleviate the pressure these protective masks needed. It was just sitting often put on the ears, which makes wearing them Medical Laboratory supplies were shared with the on the shelf, and we could College’s healthcare partners. uncomfortable. (continued on page 9) June 2020 • 3

Hometown Heroes Charity Martin Helps Deliver Meals to Students Who Are Homebound During COVID-19 Crisis Charity Martin is a self-described extrovert who loves interacting with and helping people in her job at Chastain Road Elementary School and in her community. That’s why she was one of the first to sign up when the Pickens County School District began offering a new food service option of delivering meals to students who need food while they are homebound during the COVID-19 crisis.

Charity, who is a 2019 graduate of our Early Care and Education program, is the 3K Kindercare Director at Chastain Road Elementary School in Liberty.

She is a member of one of the bus delivery teams who, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, disseminates breakfasts and lunches at schools and churches in Pickens County.

The School District of Pickens County is offering breakfast and lunch for anyone under the age of 18 (and special needs adults up to age 21) on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Meals for two days are served and delivered on Tuesday and Thursday. They serve more than 1,000–1,200 meals a day with the five bus routes.

During her shift she and other volunteers load buses with up to 500 meals (breakfast and lunch). All meals are prepared by school cafeteria personnel.

The delivery service began in mid-March and will go through the end of the school year in June.

“It’s very fulfilling. It’s a safe way to serve my community and work as a team,” Charity said.

CRJ Grad Jeanna Martin Makes Kids’ Days with Drive-by Birthday Parades The smiles on the faces of Mauldin Police Officer Jeanna Martin and her fellow officers rival those of the kids they have been visiting with drive-by birthday parades that serve as substitutions for in-person celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place restrictions.

“The kids love it, the parents are excited, and they usually are videotaping it. Everyone waves and smiles. It’s good to see these homebound kids smiling,” she said.

“We, along with the fire department, acknowledge their special days with our sirens and lights and wish them a happy birthday via the PA system,” she said.

Jeanna, a 2015 graduate of our Criminal Justice program, 4 • CONNECTION

Officer Jeanna Martin stands next to her police cruiser.

worked at the Greer PD for two years before joining the Mauldin PD last year. She recently completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology through Arizona State University.

“I loved my time at Tri-County. They were the best two years of school for me, and I would go back and relive it if I could,” she said. She is considering returning to Tri-County for paramedic training to complement her degrees. She also says a master’s degree is on the horizon “because my dream job would be to teach at Tri-County one day.”

MLT Alumna Jamie Short’s Team at Premier Medical Laboratory Services Performs Tests for COVID-19 Two months ago, Jamie Short, an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Technician (Medical Laboratory Technology, Class of 2010), spent her days at Premier Medical Laboratory Services in Greenville overseeing the daily flow of the Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics Lab where she supervises a staff of seven technicians. Her daily work could include in-depth troubleshooting of issues with equipment and processes, handling training and orientation for new hires, updating policies and procedures, and overseeing regulatory compliance standards.

In March, amid the COVID-19 crisis, her job changed dramatically. She’s still serving as General Supervisor for Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics for Premier Medical, but her group is now part of a team performing tests for COVID-19, making Premier Medical the first private commercial testing facility in South Carolina to do so.

Her company partnered with MUSC who is sending patient samples from Charleston to Premier Medical where Jamie and her team of MLTs and Medical Technologists analyze the COVID-19 tests.

Before the FDA approval, she oversaw the validation process and received training with technicians. “We have all been

trained properly and are following the FDA and CDC guidelines for the special extraction and qPCR processes of testing patient samples - which can take 4–5 hours between their arrival and the reporting of results,” she said. Technicians can perform 93 samples at a time. Results are sent electronically to MUSC. “Our MLTs and MTs—we are the front lines, and we are giving it all we have. “It’s our top priority,” she added.

Jamie has worked in the healthcare industry as an ASCPcertified MLT since graduating from Tri-County in 2010.

Vanessa Cabrera Dedicates Herself to Tornado Relief Efforts in Seneca Vanessa Cabrera has dedicated her life to helping people, whether it is working as an LPN at Clemson Downs or as an active member of the National Guard following the April tornado that devastated the town of Seneca and surrounding areas.

For two weeks, the 2019 Practical Nursing graduate went on leave from her third-shift job in long-term care at Clemson Downs and worked 8–12 hour days on active guard duty, clearing roads and handling traffic control as part of tornado relief efforts in Seneca. She also delivered food that area restaurants have

Vanessa Cabrera delivered supplies to those in need in Seneca.

donated, along with non-perishables, to residents in need.

“I’m happy to help,” she said. “There is a lot of damage. Seeing it up close is even worse than in photos. It’s devastating,” she added. “I’m helping in different ways and both jobs are equally rewarding,” said Vanessa, whose clinical rotation led to a full-time job at Clemson Downs after graduating.

John Powell Receives SC Trustee Leadership Award Tri-County Technical College Commissioner John Powell is the recipient of the 2020 South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) Trustee Leadership Award. The award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to promote the technical or community college concept.

Commission Chair Al Young surprised Powell when he made the announcement at the beginning of the June 1 virtual meeting. Powell is a champion and role model for technical college education. A 1972 graduate of Tri-County, he is the second alumnus in the College’s history to serve on its governing board. He has represented Oconee County since 2010 and served as chairman from 2017 until this year.

“If John Powell had not come to Tri-County Technical College, our ollege may not be what it is today,” said Young.

“He truly lives our vision.”

Garvin Barker, a member of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, echoed Young’s sentiments during a zoom call. “The impact you have had on Tri-County and the impact that has had on so many students’ lives is something you should be proud of. This is a well-deserved recognition,” said Barker.

“Tri-County Technical College has been a vehicle not only for me, but all graduates, to excel in our lives and our workplaces. Tri-County helps people to understand what their potential in life is and to achieve it. The College believes in the future of its students and is dedicated to helping them to reach their goals in life,” said Powell.

Powell unselfishly gives his time, efforts, and expertise to support initiatives that promote student success, said Young.

A founder and longtime member of the College’s Business Technology Advisory Committee, he provides input into the curriculum to ensure relevancy in today’s ever-changing work environment.

A charter member of the Business-Education-Industry Partnership in Oconee County, he participates in an annual showcase for students to promote career opportunities and how to be successful in the workplace. A longtime activist in his community, Powell helped to establish a Backpack Lunch program to combat child poverty, a domestic violence shelter, and a homeless shelter in his community. In 2012 the Oconee Chamber honored him with the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award.

The College has nominated Powell for the American Association of Community College (AACC) Trustees Leadership award. ACCT’s awards program is designed to recognize and honor outstanding community college trustees, equity programs, presidents, faculty members and professional board staff members at regional and national levels.

June 2020 • 5

Hamid Mohsseni Appointed to College’s Commission Hamid R. Mohsseni of Anderson has been chairman of the Leadership South Carolina appointed to Tri-County Technical College’s board for two years and is a graduate of Commission, the nine-member governing Leadership Anderson. board of the College.

He serves on the Board of Regents for Governor Henry McMaster appointed Anderson University and the local Salvation Mohsseni to the Commission, effective in Army board. He has served on the boards June. His term expires April 2021. of Region’s Bank, the Anderson Chamber of Mohsseni is President and CEO of Anderson Commerce, the Anderson YMCA, United Way Restaurant Group in Anderson. The company of Anderson County, and the AnMed Hospital operates two full-service restaurants—Tucker’s Foundation. He is an ex-officio member of the Restaurant and Carson’s Steak Warehouse & Tri-County Technical College Foundation.

Saloon, as well as a restaurant management A native of Tehran, Iran, Mohsseni came and commercial leasing operation. to the United States in 1977, earning a Hamid Mohsseni He is a member and former chairman bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from of the Anderson Economic Development Board and has Clemson University. He previously was general partner of participated in several overseas economic development Kelsey’s Restaurant in Hendersonville, N.C. partnerships, including missions to China and Ireland. He is He has made Anderson his home for 25 years with his a 2005 graduate of Leadership South Carolina. He served as wife, KD, and their 14-year-old son, Maddox.

College Commission Elects Officers Tri-County Technical College’s Commission elected officers Board of Tri-County Technical College from 2014–2017. for 2020. J. Allard (Al) Young, of Honea Path, is the new chair of Kaplan was appointed to the Commission in 2018. He is the nine-member governing board of the College. Tom Strange, president/owner of Cornell Dubilier Electronics, a manufacturer of Easley, was elected Vice Chair. Jim Kaplan, of Pickens, was of electric components. With corporate headquarters and elected secretary/treasurer. They took office at the April 6 manufacturing in Liberty, the company also operates from sites in meeting, which was the Commission’s first virtual meeting since Massachusetts, California, Illinois, Mexico, and Hong Kong. the COVID-19 pandemic began.

He serves on several boards, including the Pickens County “Tri-County Technical College is a major player in our Upstate United Way, Electronic Industry Association, Alliance Pickens area and serving on the Commission allows me to help the County, and the Electronic Components Industry Association. citizens throughout Anderson County to be presented with many The Tri-County Technical College Commission meets bieducational options,” said Young, who was appointed to the monthly in the Board Room of the Ruby S. Hicks Library/ Commission in February 2001.

Administration Building on the Pendleton Campus located at Young served as president and CEO of The Commercial Bank 7900 Highway 76 in Pendleton. The meetings begin at 12:30 p.m. in Honea Path from 1996 until his retirement in 2014.

Strange was appointed to the Commission in April 2017. Until his retirement, he worked for 23 years for Abbott (formerly St. Jude Medical) in Liberty. As senior director of research and development, he introduced many new technologies that continue to define state of the art in implantable medical devices for both pacing and arrhythmia correction.

He represented Pickens County on the Tri-County Technical College Commission J. Allard (Al) Young Tom Strange Jim Kaplan from 2011–14. He served on the Foundation 6 • CONNECTION

CARES Act Provides Funds to Students; Foundation Establishes Workforce Completion Fund Federal funding for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, were released in April, and Tri-County received a total of $4.2 million, with $2,123,242 dispersed immediately to eligible students.

The CARES Act is federal legislation to provide funding to higher education to lessen the economic hardships that COVID-19 has placed on individuals and families.

Colleges and universities are required to use CARES Act funds to provide grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19, including things like course materials and technology, as well as food, housing, health care, and childcare.

Colleges and universities must use at least 50 percent of funding for direct student aid and up to 50 percent for college operations.

“Our framework was based on two guiding principles: equity and flexibility,” said President DeHay. “Our awards weren’t based on credit hours but on students who need it most. We also were flexible in providing those who have the responsibility to deliver those funds to make professional judgments to increase funding based on student need. I am very proud of that.”

Workforce Completion Fund Established In addition to CARES Act funding, Tri-County has partnered with Bank of America to make additional funds available to

students through its newly established Workforce Completion Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to students whose academic pursuits were affected by the transition from in-person to online learning, unemployment or other life situations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thanks to Bank of America for its continued support and generosity in helping us to change lives, one student at a time,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations.

The Tri-County Technical College Foundation made a $10,000 gift to the fund, and the College has pledged up to $100,000 in matching dollars.

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

Surgical Technology to Transition to Associate Degree This Fall Our Surgical Technology program will transition from a diploma to an associate degree program this fall.

In keeping with accrediting agencies’ guidelines, all Surgical Technology programs in the United States must convert to a twoyear degree program by August 21, 2021.

Every five years, the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/ STSA) is required to review the profession’s Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Education Programs in Surgical Technology. The new standards prompted the need to require associate degree credentials.

Tri-County’s curriculum change was approved last November by the S.C. Technical College System.

“I’m so excited—this has been a long time coming. We have been working toward this since I joined the College three years ago,” said Denelle White, program director. “Graduates really do need the additional knowledge and skills. “New surgical procedures are developed every (continued on page 10) day, and technology is advancing so

quickly. Additional classes will prepare our graduates for today’s workplace and help to ensure quality patient care and optimal

Surgical Technology lab June 2020 • 7

Our College Family in transition Tim Bowen, director of our Anderson Campus since 2009, has been promoted to Senior Director, Community Campuses. In this role, Tim will lead the Anderson, Easley, and Oconee campus teams as they support and collaborate with Tim Bowen all TCTC employees to deliver the Transformative Student Experience for students pursuing their academic goals at these campuses.

In addition to his new role, Tim also will serve as Director of the Easley Campus. Tim Jared will continue to serve as Director of the Oconee Campus.

Som Linthicum has been promoted to Assistant Director of the Learning Commons. As our Associate Librarian, Som will continue his work as the lead Learning Services Librarian. The additional responsibilities for programing and staffing will allow him to more fully support the mission and vision of the Learning Commons in building extra- and co-curricular experiences that support student learning outside of the classroom.

Croslena Broadwater-Johnson takes on an updated leadership role as Director of Student Support. This area includes Wellness

Programs and the Accessibility Resource Center, and she will continue to collaborate with offices across all campuses to connect students with programs and services from the College and our local community.

Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division, has Croslena Broadwateragreed to serve as interim Vice Johnson President of Academic Affairs.

In this role, Dr. Chaudhry will be responsible for coordinating the work of academic deans and providing administrative responsibility for the Academic Affairs office. He will focus on communication and engagement within the Academic Affairs unit and act as a liaison to the assistant vice president of College Transitions on credit program enrollment matters.

He will serve as the designee for Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry all academic matters related to the student code. Dr. Chaudhry also will continue to serve in his role as Dean of the Health Education Division.

Karen Potter Named Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement Karen Potter has been named Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement.

Karen joined the College’s Institutional Advancement team April 2. In her role, she directs the College’s marketing, public relations, branding and communications efforts. She also works with President DeHay on both internal and external communications and in Karen Potter ensuring that services and programs align with the College’s mission, vision, and values. Karen serves as a member of the College’s Executive Leadership Team.

She joins Tri-County after working in corporate communications for both health care and manufacturing.

For the past two and one-half years, she served as Manager 8 • CONNECTION

of Plant Communications for BMW Manufacturing Company in Greer. Prior to that, she spent 11 years at Prisma Health (formerly Greenville Health System), where she managed the Public Relations Department. She began her career at The Women’s Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she was the Events and Communications Coordinator.

She is an adjunct professor in the Communications Department at Anderson University and is a longtime volunteer with the Greenville Literacy Association. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Communications from Marist College in New York.

She has her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America and is a past President of the organization’s South Carolina chapter. She also is a graduate of the Riley Institute at Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Institute.

She resides in Greenville.

excellence through service Congratulations to Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of our Business and Public Services Division, who is the recipient of the Mildred Bulpitt Woman of the Year award by the Board of Directors of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges. Jackie will be recognized at the annual awards breakfast later this year.

Dr. Chris McFarlin, chair of the public services department and a criminal justice faculty member, has Dr. Jackie Blakley Dr. Chris McFarlin Laneika Musalini been appointed by the Department of Justice-Office of Bridge Builder Award. Croslena received the Art Hartzog Award for Justice Programs as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Peer Reviewer Programming at a Two-Year Institution or Technical College. for individuals seeking federal grant funding for their agency’s missions. He has been classified as an SME in the areas of Law Congratulations to Jan Gibbs, adjunct Medical Assisting Enforcement and Prosecutorial Initiatives. This is a national instructor, who is the recipient of the 2020 Student Advocate appointment.

Award. She was chosen by the Student Government Association representatives for providing outstanding service to students Congratulations to Director of Grants Laneika Musalini, who and having a passion for helping them to succeed. President was honored by her professional organization, NCURA, with the DeHay announced the recognition at our livestreaming spring 2020 Distinguished Service Award for Region III during an annual convocation held April 30. business meeting.

Jenni Creamer, assistant vice president for college transitions, and Croslena Johnson, director of student support, were honored by the SC College Personnel Association for their service to our students. Jenni was awarded the Paul P. Fidler

Croslena Johnson

Jenni Creamer

Jan Gibbs

A big shout-out to our Campus Police Department who completed state firearms re-qualifications May 13 at the Anderson County pistol range. The officers with the highest scores competed for the first annual TCTC TOP GUN award (best shot). Officer Patrick Krigbaum won the award. He received a plaque and a certificate, and later will receive a sharp shooter lapel he can wear on his uniform until the next year’s competition.

Officer Patrick Krigbaum

Health Ed Departments Answer Call (continued from page 3)

“We found the design on Facebook and downloaded the design from thingiverse. After the preparatory work, 12 hours later we were making and then testing prototypes,” said Mandy.

Once the parts are printed, it becomes a manual process and the assembly is meticulous, Mandy said.

Around 1,000 were 3-D printed, and Dan Cooper, the College’s chief of staff, distributed the gear to EMS agencies,

area hospitals, dialysis centers, and other healthcare providers in our area and in neighboring states.

In observance of the Governor’s mandated stay-at- home order, Mandy said adjunct instructor Foster Sims, a graduate of the College’s General Engineering Technology program, took four small printers to his home and began running them 24/7.

“We have a great team,” said Mandy.

June 2020 • 9

It Takes Teamwork g Bra & e r Sha

Mechatronics Program Director Doug Wilson says “THANK YOU” for all the support and help the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division received in assembling and disseminating lab kits to our Mechatronics students.

Because of the COVID-19 requirements, the F2F lectures and labs for the IMT 224 classes were modified. Part of this modification was for the students to conduct labs in their own homes (Department Head Justin Herndon’s idea), and they needed a kit that contained all of the necessary components for it to happen.

The parts were ordered and received by Steve Wallace in Shipping and Receiving , and Josh Wrightson from the Bookstore gathered all the Breadboards (75) that the Bookstore had on-hand to complete the components in the lab kits.

Richard Burton, Mandy Elmore, and Doug Wilson assembled the 75 kits and placed them into a one-gallon Ziploc bag for easy distribution to the students.

A video was made by Alan Johnson, TCTC adjunct instructor who works at Bosch, Kim Connor and Doug Wilson staffed the bus stop and distributed the lab kits to the students.

“This project shows the teamwork that exists at TCTC, as well as the partnership we have with industry partner Bosch.

This project shows how passionate TCTC employees are when it comes to helping our students to succeed in learning and in obtaining new skill sets,” said Doug.

The Team • Mandy Elmore—Dean • Justin Herndon—Department Head • Alan Johnson—TCTC adjunct and Bosch employee • Kim Connor—Mechatronics Instructor • Richard Burton-- Mechatronics Instructor • Josh Wrightson—Bookstore • Lou Moritz—Bookstore • Steve Wallace—Shipping • Doug Wilson—Mechatronics Program Director

Surgical Technology to Transition to Associate Degree (continued from page 7)

surgical outcomes for patients. We want the competencies of all surgical technologists to be at the highest level. As the Association of Surgical Technologist motto states, ‘Aeger Primo,’ or the patient first,” said Denelle.

Tri-County’s Surgical Technology program prepares students to serve as members of the surgical team through classroom and clinical experiences. Graduates work in hospital operating rooms, in labor and delivery, endoscopy, ambulatory centers, and doctor’s offices, said Denelle.

The rapid rate of advanced technology requires more knowledge and advanced skills to be incorporated into the curriculum.

10 • CONNECTION

In addition to two new Surgical Technology classes—Surgical Procedure and Biomedical Sciences—this fall students will take transfer-level English and math, biology 101, microbiology 225, and anatomy and physiology. General education classes, such as psychology, humanities, and public speaking, now are required.

With the new requirements, if graduates want to pursue a four-year degree in the future, it will be possible because the classes are transferable.

“It’s an additional investment of time for students, and it’s a worthwhile investment,” said Denelle.

The Surgical Technology department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

College Announces Reopening Plan (continued from page 1)

“As always, our goal is to maintain a safe and healthy South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control environment while serving our students,” said President DeHay, (DHEC). who outlined a reopening plan during a virtual town hall meeting Phase II is tentatively set to begin August 3.

June 4.

President DeHay said the re-opening plan will balance safety He prefaced the meeting by thanking faculty and staff for their with the need to meet our core mission of learning and workforce commitment to students and one another during this prolonged development. “Our mission is so critical to students and our COVID-19 crisis. “I continue to be amazed at the creative ways community. Education serves as a great equalizer, particularly for you deliver learning experiences to our students and how you those who need us most,” he said. serve and support our students and “Our priority is always safety for each other.” everyone while delivering high quality At this time, the plan is to offer in-person President DeHay established a learning experiences through 2020COVID-19 Recovery Planning Task Force 2021 and to integrate student services instruction for the fall term beginning led by Sarah Shumpert, and over the and engagement offerings into all of August 17. last few weeks, numerous teams were our programs,” he added.

Phase II begins July 6, a date that is assembled to develop a reopen plan in Marci Leake, associate vice contingent upon the direction received response to the challenges posed by president of human resources, said, from President DeHay, the Governor, and COVID-19. The plan focused on three “I can’t count all of the ways you have the South Carolina Department of Health priorities: helped to meet the needs of our • Creating a safe on-campus learning and Environmental Control (DHEC). students and I thank you. The way we and working environment live and interact has changed and our Phase II is tentatively set to begin August 3.

• Delivering high-quality hybrid work has changed, also.” learning experiences for the 2020The College will operate under the 2021 academic year (curricular and co-curricular) guidelines of AccelerateSC and the governor and move forward in • Expanding opportunities that integrate student support an appropriate way—with no more than 20% of our employees on and engagement services and resources into academic site to reduce the opportunity of interaction while completing our programs duties, she added.

“This team put together the readiness pieces to ensure that “As employees are allowed to return to work, it is critical for we create a safe environment for the small number of employees everyone—both individually and collectively - to follow the public who returned June 8,” said President DeHay. health guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” Marci During phase I, students who need to complete the summer added. term will be back on campus June 19—with a limited density (50% During the pre- phase I, campuses were prepped for a room capacity) and physical distancing. safe return. This includes actions like sanitizing, cleaning and This means only faculty- scheduled face-to-face classes disinfecting of facilities, installing hand sanitizing stations, specifically in-person lectures, instructional labs, and in-person making room alterations to ensure physical distancing, installing computer labs. All other classes will be offered off site (virtually). protective barriers in front-line service areas, and placing signage In-person student support services will be available by throughout campuses reminding people to maintain six feet of appointment only. Support services will continue to be available distance and to practice proper hand hygiene and respiratory virtually and by phone. etiquette.

During Phase 1, physical distancing requirements will be in Prior to returning to campus, employees will have to complete place, and everyone will be strongly encouraged to wear a cloth an online training course and complete a weekly health symptom face covering when in common areas or when unable to maintain survey. Students will be asked to complete return-to-campus six feet of distance from another person. These safety measures training and review a weekly health and safety screening are consistent with CDC guidelines and other colleges in the area, document. and they will likely remain in place through the fall term.

“The health and safety of our employees and students is our At this time, the plan is to offer in-person instruction for the fall top priority. It is up to each of us to model safe behavior and term beginning August 17. follow the rules,” said President DeHay. Phase II begins July 6, a date that is contingent upon the A copy of the College’s reopen plan can be found at www.tctc. direction received from President DeHay, the Governor, and the edu/coronavirus.

June 2020 • 11

Anderson Hall Events Center

Facilities Update Nine capital projects have been underway over the last few months. They include: Anderson Hall Events Center—500-seat event center with stage, multiple 10’ HD screens, upgraded AV and Wi-Fi capacity.

Also features all new HVAC, lighting and dedicated food prep area for events. Completed on time and within budget Restroom renovation of Fulp, Anderson and Cleveland Halls—on schedule for August and within budget Fulp Hall classroom upgrade—the design is complete, the bid went out in May, and construction began June 8 with construction completed by July 12. Furniture due for delivery week of July 22.

Ruby Hicks pedestrian safety traffic light—design complete, bids went out in May, and construction to begin in June or July, pending availability of materials (due to COVID-19 outbreak) Central Plaza access ramp—schematic design complete, bids in August, construction to begin in October Wilson Hall automotive lab up-fit—The Automotive program will remain in Wilson Hall with the up-fit commencing after the Asphalt Lab has been relocated.

Physical Plant Storage Building—schematic design complete, bids in August, construction in October–February 2021. The Commission voted unanimously at its June 1 meeting to go forward with the 4,200-square -foot steel structure to store inventory and physical supplies.

12 • CONNECTION

Two capital projects have experienced delays: Fulp Hall science lab additions have been delayed due to the supply chain disruption amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The anticipated completion date is October. Student impact will be minimized due to labs not being scheduled for Fall semester.

TTI building project—Asphalt Lab and Enterprise Campus space, which is county funded, have been delayed as well. The Asphalt Lab has been bid and construction has begun with an anticipated completion date of September 7. Anderson County is finalizing the renovation plans for the office space and TCTC Enterprise Campus (business incubator) space at the TTI building.

Once the plans are finalized, they will go out for bid. Completion of this work is unknown at this time.

Future Capital Projects that are on hold: • Miller Hall renovation • Oconee Hall renovation on hold due to COVID-19 uncertainty • Chiller loop extension (dependent on Oconee Hall) • Central plaza /accessibility and outdoor space— dependent on Oconee project