Connection Newsletter May-June 2022

Connection May/June 2022

In this Issue…

TCTC Receives 2022 Equity Award.............................................3

Alumnus Addresses Class of 2022.............................................8

College Celebrates 60 Years...............................................18-19

College Celebrates 60 Years, Unveils New Logo Tri-County Technical College kicked off its 60th anniversary April 27 with a college-wide party and unveiled its new logo.

Hundreds of students and employees gathered in the Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus and community campuses to eat cake and hear TCTC Commission Chair Tom Strange share a brief history of the College.

“When the College first opened, President Dr. Galen DeHay and members of the College’s Student it had fewer than 500 students in seven Government Association unveil the new logo. disciplines. Over the past 60 years, TriCounty has grown from one technical education center to four community campuses and two learning centers serving roughly 9,000 students annually. It also has expanded to include technical and health education training, business and public services majors, university transfer offerings in the arts and sciences, college credit courses for high school students, and non-credit courses in continuing education.

We have something for everyone, and we continue to grow our offerings year after year,” said Strange.

Following the history of the College, President Dr. Galen DeHay and members of the College’s Student Government Association unveiled the new logo.

President DeHay said the new logo is the culmination of months of research and focus groups with faculty, staff and students.

He explained that the shield itself represents the stability of the College’s past and the strength of its future. The three bars represent the three counties the College serves while also creating a sense of connectedness as they come together to form a single, unified image. The images within the shield celebrate the Anderson Campus employees celebrate the College’s diamond anniversary.

College’s location in Upstate, South Carolina, and the positioning of the TCTC letters indicate that Tri-County (continued on page 3)

Connection is published six 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 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 TriCounty 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 Partnerships Pave the Way For Success

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Dr. Galen DeHay uly 1 marks the start of a new fiscal year, and with each new President fiscal year comes new strategic initiatives aimed at fulfilling our mission and vision.

One strategic initiative that is gaining momentum is our new business and industry engagement model. The new model resembles the structure of a bicycle wheel. The wheel’s hub represents Tri-County and its resources, and each spoke represents an internal or external partner who delivers those resources. Our role is to connect and deliver resources for our partners and our students. For students, the end result is not only a degree, diploma or certificate, but a pathway for continued education throughout their career so that they can continue to move up the economic ladder. For employers, the end result is a highly-skilled workforce that can evolve and grow as needs arise.

One example of how this model is working well is our partnership with BASF. Tri-County and BASF collaborated to develop the BASF North American Apprenticeship Program. As part of the program, apprentices work full-time at BASF’s Seneca facility while attending classes at our Oconee Campus. Upon completion of the one-year program, apprentices earn a Process Technology Certificate from Tri-County. Students also have an educational plan they can use to continue their education at Tri-County. In addition to paying a competitive wage, BASF offers benefits and covers the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with the program. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions. Seven apprentices graduated from the program in March and a second cohort starts in June.

HMR Veterans Services is another example. A shortage of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) prompted HMR to contact Tri-County. This partnership led to the establishment of an on-site LPN program for HMR’s certified nursing assistants (CNAs). For the employee, this program is an opportunity for continued education and a higher-paying job in health care. For the employer, this program is a means of retaining qualified personnel who have the knowledge, skills and experience to perform the job duties of an LPN. As you can see by these two examples, partnerships are critical to our ability to increase educational attainment and create workforce pipelines. We look forward to creating more opportunities for students to move up the economic ladder and to meeting the needs of our region’s employers in the coming fiscal year.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

Tri-County Technical College Receives SCATCC’s 2022 Equity Award The SC Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) awarded Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) the 2022 Equity Award for the collaborative and intentional work achieved by the Men of Color (MOC) committee.

The Men of Color committee, comprised of administrators, faculty and staff, was created in January 2019. The goal is to educate, motivate, inspire, and empower minority students and to let them know they have a place at Tri-County Technical College. The committee works intentionally to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters success where young men and women of color feel safe, welcomed and valued.

MOC team members were recognized by President DeHay at the June 13 TCTC Commission meeting. Members include Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services Division; Men of Color committee members are pictured (front row) August Johnson, Tammie MartinTravis Durham, director of student engagement Rucker, Dr. Jackie Blakley and Dr. Laneika Musalini; and (back row) Rodney Estrada, Dr. and accountability; Rodney Estrada, career and Brian Smith and Travis Durham. employability counselor; August Johnson, business management instructor; Dr. Laneika Musalini, former director of grants; Tammie Martin-Rucker, wellness support specialist; and Dr. Brian Smith, assistant dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“I am very proud of your work that led to this state award, Tri-County’s first-ever Equity Award,” said President DeHay. “More importantly, I am grateful for your commitment to improve the student experience and student outcomes for our students of color.”

Recipients will be recognized and awarded in person at the SCATCC Annual Commissioners’ Academy scheduled for February 1, 2023, in Columbia.

SCATCC strives to foster cooperation, communication and improve the dissemination of information regarding the state’s technical colleges. Its goal is to improve the technical college system through the professional development of its commissioners.

New Logo (continued from page 1)

Technical College is a strong foundation from which to transform lives and build strong communities.

“When an organization reaches a milestone like 60 years, it’s common to take time to reflect on where the organization is today and where you want it to be in the future,” said President DeHay. “As our logo has evolved over the past 60 years, it has remained deeply rooted in our vision and mission and the three communities that we serve. This logo is no different. However, this logo is fresh and modern, more fitting of a college, and a logo our students are excited about and want to wear. We believe it will have a long shelf-life, and we are excited to start rolling it out across our campuses.”

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Students Attend Men of Color National Summit For several years the TCTC Men of Color students have had the opportunity to attend the two-day Men of Color National Summit hosted each year by Clemson University. This year, six students attended the April 21-22 summit along with Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability. Other faculty and staff who attended were Dr. Jackie Blakley, Dr. Brian Smith, Dr. Laneika Musalini, August Johnson, and Tammie MartinRucker.

The mission of the Clemson University Men of Color National Summit is to close the opportunity gap for African American and Hispanic males, from cradle to Travis Durham, right, is pictured with students who career. Bringing together approximately attended the Summit, from left, Israel Williams, Nicholas 2,400 high school and college students, Grant, Bryan Olvera and Andreas Martinez. Not business professionals, educators, pictured are John Chappell and Rene Miranda Flores. government officials and community leaders from around the country, the summit emphasizes the importance of education, best practices and choices to increase high school and college graduation rates.

Nationally-known speaker Justin Everett Hilton, program director for the global project management office for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, was among the presenters.

Andreas Martinez, president of the TCTC Men of Andreas Martinez, who is president of the Men of Color student organization, said it was Color student organization, right, was inspired empowering to meet Hilton and have a conversation about his goals beyond college. “I made by the speech delivered by Justin Everett Hilton, lots of contacts and connections,” he said. program director for the global project management office for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Admissions Hosts Scholarship Appreciation Event The TCTC Admissions team hosted a scholarship appreciation event May 12 for students who are the recipients of Foundation-sponsored scholarships. Around 90 students (all incoming and continuing TCTC students) and their friends and family members attended the event where they met President DeHay, along with staff members who can serve as resources for them while they are in college. Financial Aid team members manned a computer station where students could compose thank you letters to donors.

Companies and individual donors play a major part in making it possible for so many students to attend college, said President DeHay, a first-generation college student who was awarded scholarships to attend Clemson University. Dr. DeHay told the crowd he personally understands the importance of scholarships making college possible for so many students who are juggling family, college and jobs. “We are proud of you and are glad to see your family and persons of support with you today. We all know we don’t travel this journey alone.”

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Astrid Saylors is a returning student in the Pre-Pharmacy program. She attended the scholarship appreciation event with her children, Carleigh, M’Kenzie and Alyssa. She works as a certified pharmacy technician at Publix in Anderson. Saylors is the recipient of the Martha Barham Parker Memorial Scholarship.

Randy Price Receives Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award Randy Price, who has taught for our Welding program for 27 years, received the College’s 2022 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award May 6.

This award is given annually at the spring faculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.

“Randy is a consummate professional and student advocate who demonstrates dedication to the welding program and our students on a daily basis,” said Paul Phelps, TCTC department head for welding and CNC. Price has served as an adjunct for the Welding program continually since graduating from the program in 1995. He has taught every term, for a total of 81 semesters. During that time, he has taught more than 210 sections of various welding courses. Among his students have been TCTC Welding faculty, including Phelps and instructors Scott Brabham and Matt Woodall.

“Randy never shrinks from a challenge,” said Phelps. Price routinely teaches the Welding capstone, Advanced Fabrication, a project-based course. “This course is an excellent example of the way Randy always goes the extra mile. The projects designed and built during the course change every semester based on ‘customer’ needs. Since the projects change, Randy adapts his instruction to the projects in the course that semester, in addition to adapting to the needs of the students enrolled in the course. He goes above and beyond teaching fabrication and welding techniques. Randy uses this opportunity to teach the students how to interact with their customers to clarify areas of confusion and determine design requirements,” said Phelps.

“Numerous times Randy has given his personal time to painting and delivering finished products with his students – seeing this as an opportunity to teach his students the importance of consistently doing just that little ‘something extra’ to distinguish yourself,” added Phelps.

Price consistently receives excellent reviews from students. For example, one student summed up Price’s teaching succinctly: “Randy was a great teacher and always helped and gave advice when you needed it most.”

“Randy is laser focused on students’ needs and how to provide students with the best possible education and experience,” said Phelps, who entered the program as an evening student in 2000. Price was his instructor for several classes over the three years he was a student.

“Now, here we are in 2022, and my role has changed. I am no longer a student, but a program director and department head. A lot of these opportunities are due to Randy and the time he put into me as a student.”

“Randy brings experience and structure to our evening welding program. He is a talented welder/fabricator with a desire to help others learn this trade to provide a better future for them and their families. He is always willing to step up and help out our students, faculty and program however he can without hesitation,” said Matt Woodall, TCTC Welding instructor

Campus Police Conduct Active Shooter Training Session TCTC Police conducted a force-on-force active shooter training session on May 16. Eleven officers participated and used training firearms that fire projectiles to conduct reality-based active shooter response training. The goal is to become more prepared in active shooter response, said TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess. Sgt. Shaun Chastain led the three-hour training.

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Katy Hardy Receives Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence Kathleen (Katy) Hardy, program director for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in the College’s Arts and Sciences Division, was honored May 6 with the highest award presented to the faculty. She received the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence at the College’s spring convocation.

“Katy embodies Tri-County Technical College’s mission, vision and values and is a tireless advocate for students,” said President DeHay. “Katy understands that students are our most valuable resource,” said Corey Evans, Spanish instructor, one of two instructors who nominated Hardy for the award.

Colleagues praise Hardy for providing quality instruction which creates substantive change in learners. Through her hands-on teaching style and her ability to relate to a wide variety of students, she creates activities and classroom topics that are relevant to students.

Hardy joined the College in 2017 as a history instructor and has taught all the history courses offered. “Whether in group tests, class discussion about primary sources, or group projects, Katy is always changing her teaching to adapt to student learning. Her skill at evaluating outcomes and making classroom changes was especially evident when she transitioned her classroom learning tasks to fit outcomes suitable to the pandemic learning environment,” said Dr. Della Vanhuss, history instructor.

Last year Hardy was promoted to program director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and continues to teach and encourage co-curricular learning to enhance the personal and career development of students.

Community Law Enforcement Forums A community forum was held in Pickens County in May and in Oconee County in June for residents and law enforcement officials. The forums are an outgrowth of Ten at the Top’s Creating a Safer Upstate initiative, which seeks to provide opportunities for law enforcement and the community to convene to discuss community issues and emerging law enforcement topics.

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One of her projects was the design of Leadership through the Humanities, a course to help students recognize their leadership growth potential in a variety of work environments. Since piloting the course in the spring of 2020, she continues to seek out different avenues in which to promote this course to students with a variety of academic backgrounds and educational goals, both traditional and non-traditional.

“Through her involvement with the various resources at the College, Katy is an advocate for getting students involved and acknowledged, knowing that life lessons are not just a product of a traditional classroom experience,” said Evans.

“She continues to meet students where and when they are available whether faceto-face or online. She is the best at analyzing their situations to help them decide the best direction for their studies based on their educational interests and personality traits as individuals,” said Evans.

“Her students respect her enthusiasm in the classroom and her advisees seek her advice and experience as she mentors them and gets to know them better with each advising session. Katy is supportive of all aspects of the College’s growth initiatives and plays a critical role at positively contributing to the College’s mission of being student-focused in all aspects of the job,” said Dr. Vanhuss.

Hardy holds a B.A. degree in history and master’s degrees in history and higher education administration, all from the University of Akron.

Battle of the Deans BBQ Follows Convocation Immediately following the May 6 spring convocation, the first-ever Battle of the Deans BBQ kicked off in support of the Faculty Choice SOAR Scholarship, which seeks to benefit students of promise as they Strive, Overcome, Achieve, and Rise (SOAR). Faculty and staff enjoyed barbeque of all kinds created by the TCTC deans.

Adam Ghiloni Jennifer Hulehan (Academic and Career Foundations) was voted “Most Smokin’ Dean.” Adam Ghiloni, dean of Enrollment Services, took home the People’s Choice Award and celebrity judges chose Dr. Mandy Elmore (Engineering and Industrial Technology) to receive the Judge’s Choice Award.

The deans raised a total of $3,440 through sponsorships and other fundraising such as a silent auction and product sales.

Campus Police Officer Jimmie Cash, who retired in May, won the kayak in the prize drawing to support the SOAR (Strive, Overcome, Achieve, and Rise) scholarship. Ticket sales raised $1,795. The kayak was donated by Mandy Karaganov, social science instructor, also pictured here.

Open House Showcases Remodeled Automotive Technology Lab Faculty and staff attended an open house highlighting TCTC’s Automotive Technology program and toured the newly remodeled Wilson Hall. In the future, program offerings will expand to include a diesel mechanical program, an unmet need in our community.

Automotive Technology class

Jennifer Hulehan, left, is pictured with Randee Dorontich and Tiffany Rogers.

Remodeled Automotive Lab

Dr. Mandy Elmore

Jimmy Cash won the kayak. He is pictured with Mandy Karaganov.

Automotive Technology Pogram Director, Bill Leverette, left, and Paul Pelps, department head for Welding and CNC.

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Alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner Addresses the Class of 2022 In his remarks to the Class of 2022, alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner told the graduates to expect feelings of self-doubt as they make their way into the workforce and beyond, but warned them not to let those feelings of insecurity get the better of them. “The imposter syndrome (defined as an internal experience of doubting yourself and feeling like a fraud) happens to everyone,” said Dr. Heavner, who currently serves as the scientific director of the CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory, an international research consortium. Eight hundred and fifty-seven graduates from fall 2021 and spring 2022 were eligible Two-time alumnus Dr. Smith Heavner, who currently serves as the scientific to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates at Littlejohn Coliseum director of the CURE Drug Repurposing Collaboratory, an international May 14. research consortium, was the commencement speaker.

“The imposter syndrome is that feeling that you’re not good enough, that you are making it up as you go along, but everyone earned his associate degree in nursing in 2012 and passed the NCLEX else knows what they are doing. You will question whether you are with ease. qualified, capable. You will think I am making this up as I go along. The “It took me six years to finish but my choice of school, our choice secret is we are all making this up as we go along,” said Dr. Heavner. of school, made it possible for me to make it through. They assured “But your education, your training gives you the tools and me that my past failures didn’t define me, that I deserved to be resources to make better guesses about what to do. The purpose there,” he said. of higher education isn’t to give you all the answers. It is to help He went on to earn a bachelor of science in nursing from Clemson you understand what you do not know and to train you to find the University in 2014. He earned a doctor of philosophy from Clemson information you need to make a decision. Don’t let the imposter University in 2021, and currently he is engaged in the Global Clinical syndrome get the better of you. You are qualified, you are ready, you Scholars Program at Harvard Medical School. are capable.”

“I didn’t always make all the right choices,” said Dr. Heavner, a public health scientist who is also a registered nurse with more than a decade of clinical experience, specializing in emergency and critical care nursing. Nearly two decades ago 17-year-old Heavner met Jennifer Beattie (now Hulehan), then a TCTC English instructor who was teaching a dual enrollment class at D. W. Daniel High School, where Heavner was a student.

He says he remembers the day Hulehan told him he had written a college-level paper. “She said SGA Vice President Bryan Olvera, who graduated summa I should be proud of my work. I vividly remember cum laude with an associate in science degree, delivered the her saying that I would succeed in college – not welcome remarks at commencement and Megan Ropp, a just that I should enroll in college,” he said. He university transfer major, sang the National Anthem. decided he would be a nurse aide and figure things out from there.

Greg Acatitlan, former president of the He enrolled at TCTC, recognizing that small Student Government Association and classes and better relationships with instructors the National Society of Leadership and were a plus. In 2008, Heavner was pursuing Success (NSLS), received an associate his associate degree in nursing but failed an degree in nursing. 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. He Uber Queen received a Media Arts Production degree.

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James L. (Jim) Williams Honored with Tri-County’s Order of Merit The College honored longtime foundation board member and Seneca attorney James L. (Jim) Williams with the highest award given by the College’s ninemember Commission.

TCTC President Galen DeHay presented Williams with the Order of Merit on May 11.

The Order of Merit is an honorary society that recognizes community and state leaders who have contributed to the development of Tri-County Technical College and the S.C. Technical College System. The resolution of appreciation outlines Williams’ service to the Foundation Board and his loyalty to TriCounty Technical College and its students.

Williams joined the TCTC Foundation Board on January 1, 1990, and was a Tri-County Technical College honored longtime Foundation Board member and Seneca attorney James L. faithful member of the Board until his (Jim) Williams (third from left) with the highest award given by the College’s nine-member Commission. departure June 30, 2020, making him President Galen DeHay (seventh from left) presented Williams with the Order of Merit on May 11. Pictured the longest-serving member to date. with them are, from left, Grayson Kelly, TCTC vice president for institutional advancement and business He served as treasurer of the Board relations and executive director of the Foundation; Marcia Hydrick, TCTC Foundation Board member; from May 19, 1994, until June 30, 2020.

TCTC Commissioner John Powell; Nelia Williams; Dr. Ronnie Booth, former TCTC president; Alisa Suddeth, During his tenure as Finance Committee Foundation Board member; and Ben Hagood, Foundation Board chair.

Chair, the Foundation assets grew from approximately $2.5 million to more than $25.5 million. He also to further their support of veterans and to show support of their cultivated numerous major gifts totaling more than $1.3 million, dependents. primarily in support of scholarships.

Williams has practiced law in the Upstate of South Carolina since “Jim has a servant’s heart and we are forever grateful for his he was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1973, and he became a decades-long service to advance our mission and vision to improve partner at Derrick, Ritter, Williams & Morris, P.A., in 1975 at the age the quality of life of our residents through education,” said President of 30. He also serves as municipal judge for the towns of Salem and DeHay. “Jim served with distinction representing Oconee County Walhalla. on the Tri-County Technical College Foundation Board for 30 “His record of leadership and achievements have been recognized years. During his years of service to the Foundation Board, Jim across the state and he is viewed as an inspiration to his colleagues, demonstrated his commitment to Tri-County Technical College, both his community and this College as a loyal and passionate champion of personally and professionally, in a multitude of ways.”

Tri-County Technical College and its students,” said President DeHay. As the attorney and close friend of the late Mrs. Ruby Sharp Hicks, Williams represented her estate in 1992 when she bequeathed to TCTC nearly three quarters of a million dollars to support scholarships in perpetuity – at that time, the College’s largest gift to date.

He named the TCTC Foundation as the primary beneficiary in his personal charitable remainder unitrust to endow scholarships for students from Oconee County pursuing a degree in veterinary technology. As a former Marine, he is active with the Honoring their Service organization in Oconee County and was instrumental in the group’s establishment of a scholarship endowment at TCTC

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Our College Family Excellence Through Service Stacy Smith Receives Student Advocate Award Stacy Smith, an instructor in our associate degree nursing program, received the Student Advocate award April Katie Anderson congratulates fellow instructor 27 in recognition and Stacy Smith, an instructor in the associate degree appreciation of her nursing program, right, after Smith received the outstanding vision, Student Advocate Award. commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success.

Each year the award is presented by the Student Government Association. Student nominations highlighted Smith’s passionate dedication to her students and their success.

“This is very special,” said Smith. “My favorite day of the week is a day I get to be in a classroom.”

In addition to teaching full time, she is faculty advisor for TCTC’s Student Nurses Association (SNA).

In a nomination letter, a student wrote about Smith’s keen insight into the struggles of students and how she offers her time and college resources to help them to be successful. “I remember attending one of her office hours after a frustrating and long day. I knew she, too, had been having a long day of work and she still volunteered to advise me, even though she was not my assigned advisor and even though I had not asked that of her. When she volunteered to do so, I couldn’t help but tear up. As a Latina nursing student challenged by multiple cultural barriers and when faced with the rigors of academia that all nursing students go through, that gesture on her part felt like a relief.

I can tell she makes an effort to genuinely try to get to know not just me but all of her students. She has no favorites, she is attentive to our needs, and builds a comfortable environment in which students are unafraid of asking questions.”

Dr. Carolyn Walker Is Speaker at IAAP Conference Dr. Carolyn Walker was a speaker at the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Carolinas Region and Branches Virtual Conference on May 14. The conference title was “Connect. Grow. Lead.”

She was one of three presenters on hot

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topics in the administrative profession. Walker’s 15-minute topic was “How to Empower Yourself at Work.” The IAAP is the world’s largest organization for administrative professionals.

Accounting Faculty Attend TACTYC Conference Angel Luper, accounting program director, and Casey Lewis, accounting instructor, attended the Teachers of Accounting at TwoYear Colleges (TACTYC) annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, May 19-21. The organization’s primary objective is the advancement of accounting education and emphasizes the development of creative and innovative teaching and curriculum. TACTYC was organized to encourage networking on issues of significance to accounting education.

Business and Public Services Faculty Participate in Tiered Credentialing Sessions Four instructors in the Business and Public Services division were among the postsecondary leaders who were invited to participate in the S.C. Department of Education feedback sessions to support the review and tiering of credentials that are available to high school students. The following faculty participated in tiered credentialing sessions this month: • Tracy Ethridge, Business Administration Program Director, Marketing.

• Angel Luper, Accounting Program Director, Finance.

• Amy Roberts, Media Arts Production Instructor, Arts, AV Technology and Communication.

• John Woodson, Media Arts Production Program Director, Arts, AV Technology and Communication.

Seven Attend Spring Institute August Johnson, business administration instructor, was one of seven representatives from TCTC to attend the 2022 Spring Institute: The Student Life Cycle at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Wednesday, May 25. The SCTCS Division of Academics, Student Affairs and Research provided the one-day institute to bring applicable and scalable ideas to support the success of the continuing student from recruitment to completion.

John Woodson Presents At BEA Conference Media Arts Production (MAP) Program Director John Woodson and Cory Carpenter, assistant professor of digital media at Lander University, made a presentation at the Broadcast Educators

Association (BEA) conference in Las Vegas. They demonstrated how the MAP program and Lander have developed an articulation agreement and relationships with area career centers that will guide students from high school to a MAP degree and an easy transition to earn a four-year media degree. The BEA Conference is held in conjunction with the National Association of Broadcasters Convention.

Manuel, Marino and Paige Present at NACE Conference

Amy Roberts Earns Certified Digital Marketing Professional Certificate Amy Roberts, Media Arts Production (MAP) lead instructor, earned the Certified Digital Marketing Professional certificate from the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). DMI is the global certification body for Digital Marketing education.

ECE Earns Renewed Accreditation from NAEYC TCTC’s Early Care and Education is among the 11 degree programs in the United States that recently earned renewed accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.

Accreditation serves as a mechanism for ensuring a consistent and high level of program quality and alignment to the NAEYC Initial Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs while respecting the unique mission and context of each degree program, its host institution, and its community.

In 2007, our Early Care and Education program earned initial accreditation by NAEYC.

In Transition Joshua Eppes joined the Campus Police department in May as a law enforcement officer. Eppes served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 until 2006. He has 15 years of law enforcement experience.

He began his career at Calhoun Falls Police Department and worked at the Williamston Police Department before serving five years as West Union Police Chief.

Bryan Manuel, dean of Integrated Workforce Solutions, center, Adam Paige, director of Career and Employability Resources, right, and Dr. Chris Marino, director of Institutional Research and Evaluation, presented at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conference in Portland in early June. The presentation, titled “Unlocking the Rosetta Stone: The Key to Aligning Education and Industry Expectations,” was developed as part of an ongoing strategic initiative at the College. The goal of the initiative is to identify approaches for enabling more explicit communication between employers, college program managers, and students to reduce language as a barrier to effective alignment of stakeholder needs.

The project uses a data-driven approach to aligning skills and competencies by analyzing actual job postings and program-specific student learning outcomes to identify both overlap as well as gaps in need. The analysis is the basis for engaging stakeholders in dialogue around the best way to address core needs.

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Our College Family Kayla Whitaker is manager of student involvement programs. Most recently she was assistant director of residence life at Presbyterian College and prior to that was residence life coordinator at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.

Whitaker holds a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies (with an emphasis in theatre and communication) and a specialization in African American studies from Coker University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Columbia College. She lives in Greenville.

Hope Stacy joined the College in June and serves as executive assistant to the vice president of academic affairs and workforce development. Stacy has 16 years of experience supporting executive level offices, including 12 years as assistant to the president at Maysville Community & Technical College (2006-2018). For the last four years she was the administrative assistant to the chief nursing officer and associate chief nursing officer at Prisma Health’s Greenville Memorial Medical Campus. She and her husband, Tommy, have four adult children and two grandchildren. Stacy is a proud Navy mom.

Priscilla Curvin is a student success coach in the Advising and Academic Support department. Since 2020 she has worked as an adjunct instructor and later a lecturer in Comprehensive Studies and I-BEST programs. She also taught medical assisting classes at ECPI University in Greenville before joining TCTC. Curvin also has 10 years of experience working in medical specialty practices as a certified medical assistant. She has an associate degree in applied science from Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, NC, a bachelor of science degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and a master’s degree in health science with a concentration in health management from Western Carolina University. She is a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Curvin lives in Easley.

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Casey Lewis is an Accounting instructor in the Business and Public Services Division.

She comes to us from Advoco, a part of Accenture, where she was a finance administrator. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Alabama. She attends Dunean Church in Greenville, and she and her husband, Matthew, live in Greenville.

Amanda Bryson is an operations assistant in the Corporate and Community Education Division. For the past three years she has been office manager/customer service representative for Orkin Pest Control in Anderson. Prior to that she was office manager for Clear Water Solutions, LLC. Bryson is an alumna of TCTC, earning a business management certificate in marketing in 2003. She and her husband, Jeremy, have two children, Mary, 15, and Adam, 12, and live in Liberty.

Carter Campbell is an IT services specialist in the IT department. He received an associate in arts in general studies from TCTC in 2016 and for the last four years has worked as a retail sales consultant at the AT&T store in Anderson. Campbell resides in Starr.

Ayana Aikens joined the team in April and serves as financial aid coordinator.

Aikens spent the majority of her career (18 years) working for First Citizens as a teller leader, a personal banker and a trainer. Since 2019 she worked for Anderson County in the register of deeds and probate offices. She attended Greenville and TriCounty Technical Colleges and transferred Ayana Aikens to Anderson University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in health care management and human services from Anderson University. She resides in Anderson.

Mia Tensley to Serve as Faculty Liaison Mia Tensley has been selected to serve as the Faculty Liaison for Academic Development within the office of the vice president of academic affairs and workforce development.

Retirements Karen Linscott For the past 15 years, it’s been a tradition when instructors Corey Evans and Karen Linscott see each other, they hug. “We greet each other with a big, warm hug,” said Evans, a Spanish instructor who was a former student in Linscott’s Chemistry 111 class years ago.

Nothing changed recently when they approached each other, except their hug took place at her retirement party where colleagues gathered to wish her well. After 28 years at TCTC, Linscott retired as the department’s longest-standing chemistry instructor.

“I will miss the faculty and staff and my students,” said Linscott, “especially the pre-pharmacy students I built relationships with that extended past graduation.”

Although she is toying with the idea of teaching as an adjunct in the fall, her summer will be devoted to spending time with her husband and their two dogs, fishing, gardening and her true passion – crafting (painting, crocheting and knitting).

Dr. Stephan Irwin, program director of the School of Mathematics and Science, said he hears nothing but good comments about Linscott from her students. “She is supportive and a great co-worker,” he added.

Evans echoes those sentiments as a colleague and an alumnus. He said he entered her class at age 19 as a second-semester sophomore.

“My first impression was ‘she has done this a long time. And I’m not getting away with anything,’” he said. “The course was a reality check.

It helped me to realize I needed to change my major to Spanish. When I returned to teach at TCTC several years later, Karen greeted me with a hug. We really connected back then and we have enjoyed more than 21 years of friendship.”

“Karen has been a great mentor to me over the years, always pushing and challenging me. I will forever be grateful for all of her wisdom and advice,” said Shelby Duffy, assistant dean, School of Mathematics and Science.

“Throughout her teaching career, Karen’s commitment to her students was evident in all of her work,” said President DeHay. “She chose to teach labs to ensure her students had the best experience, and she always held unwavering high standards. I am deeply appreciative of her dedication to service, and I’m thankful to call her a friend.”

Teresa Summers In May, Campus Police Officer Teresa Summers gathered with co-workers, family and friends to celebrate her retirement. After nearly 17 years at the Officer Teresa Summers and Chief Marcus Guess College and a total of 26 and one-half years in law enforcement, Summers retired May 6.

“Thank you for your service,” said TCTC Chief Marcus Guess.

“Enjoy this moment.”

Summers, who is the recipient of the first Police Officer of the Year award at TCTC, told the crowd, “This is bittersweet. I love this place. Tri-County has been good to me.”

“During the critical times of the COVID-19 pandemic Teresa set up a regular training schedule for all officers at the Campus Police department,” said Police Chief Guess. “She also helped set up and initiate the PoliceOne training portal along with ACADIS training from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, which she combined for officers to complete on a daily routine schedule she developed. She was responsible for working with Sgt. William Albert to ensure all officers were receiving policy information for review, and she kept detailed documentation of all training and policies completed by each officer to be adopted in the accreditation process. She also gladly assisted as needed with COVID-19 protocols, which included building security, guidance of COVID-19 protocols, and distribution of PPE in her building at the Anderson Campus,” said Chief Guess.

Summers is a two-time honor graduate of TCTC. She received a Criminal Justice degree in 2009 and a Business Technology degree in 2008. She is a graduate of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. She also holds a degree in Information Systems Technology from Piedmont Technical College.

Summers is involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and is an instructor for Family to Family classes for those who have family members who are suffering from mental illness. She also coordinates with NAMI to host crisis intervention training classes on the TCTC campus for officers all over the state.

Summers and her husband, Kevin, plan to travel and begin remodeling their home.

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Our College Family Dr. Laneika Musalini Departs College Dr. Laneika Musalini’s contributions to the College have been countless over the last decade. She has raised more than $20 million by writing successful state and federal grant proposals in her nearly 10 years as director of grants development for the College. She has been recognized by local, state and national organizations time and time again for her passion, service, commitment and collaboration with other individuals and organizations to enhance and improve educational opportunities for folks in her community and beyond.

Dr. Musalini departed the College June 2 to accept a job as director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Columbus State University.

“She is a good friend and colleague and a phenomenal asset to Tri-County. She also is a great partner to so many,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations.

“It’s not farewell; it’s see you later,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone for your support over the years. I’ve always put the integrity of the institution first,” said Dr. Musalini, who received an associate degree from Tri-County before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Most recently she received her doctorate of education (in higher education executive leadership) degree in December 2021. She also was honored with an unexpected accolade – the outstanding dissertation award for her cohort at Wingate University.

Dr. Musalini’s dissertation is titled “Factors that Impact African American Students’ Decision Making to Attend Community College.”

She has been active with the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and is the past chair of the organization’s presidential task force on diversity and inclusion. She

Dr. Laneika Musalini, director of grants for the past 10 years, third from left, departed the College June 2 to accept a job as director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Columbus State University. She is pictured with her Foundation co-workers, from left, Beth Brown, Beth Byars, Grayson Kelly, Courtney White, Debbie Nelms and Thomas Hudgins.

currently chairs the NCURA Region III D&I Committee and is DEI advisor to the executive committee. In 2020 she was honored by NCURA with the 2020 Distinguished Service award for Region III. She is a member of the TCTC Men of Color Committee comprised of administrators, faculty and staff. The committee works intentionally to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters success where young men and women of color feel safe, welcomed and valued. (See story on page 3.) Since 2019 she was the liaison for the College’s Board of Visitors and managed the board’s activities, communication and meetings.

“I appreciate your allowing me to spread my wings in other TCTC initiatives, such as diversity, equity and inclusion and as liaison to the board of visitors,” she said. “I appreciate all you do for the students, for the College and for me.”

CRJ Hosts K-9 Demonstration The Criminal Justice (CJR) Department hosted a K-9 demonstration/presentation on the Pendleton Campus June 7 in the Marshall Parker Auditorium.

The demonstration was part of the Police Patrol class taught by CRJ instructor Officer Jess McCoy. The event included seven K-9s and their handlers from various law enforcement agencies, including GSP Airport Police Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, and S.L.E.D. Individual handlers talked about explosives detection, tracking and narcotics interdiction.

Additional demonstrations were held outside Oconee Hall.

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Foundation News NHC Funds Nursing Equipment National HealthCare (NHC) in Anderson presented the TCTC Foundation with a $15,000 check from its Foundation for Geriatric Education. The donation will go toward funding health care equipment (an Apollo patient simulator) for the College’s nursing department.

Pictured from left are Eaden Moorhouse, a certified nurse aide and TCTC nursing student; Jackie Rutledge, TCTC department head for nursing; Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations/executive director of TCTC Foundation; Courtney White, director of development at TCTC; Heath Hill, administrator, NHC; and Donna Robinson, director of nursing, NHC.

Keowee Key Community Partnership Awards Three Scholarships The Keowee Key Community Partnership awarded scholarships to three students for FY23. Madison Rankin is a 2022 Early Care and Education graduate, who is returning to TCTC to pursue a business degree. Her goal is to open her own hands-on pre-K learning center.

Maria Owens of Fair Play and Emma Marcengill of Seneca, are both associate degree nursing majors.

Madison Rankin The Keowee Key Community Partnership consists of Keowee Key property owners whose mission is to partner with deserving, effective, not-for-profit organizations that make a difference in Oconee County.

The first partnership was established with the TCTC Foundation to create the Keowee Key Maria Owens Community Partnership Scholarship Fund.

The purpose of the scholarship is two-fold: to provide financial assistance to need-based individuals on a case-by-case basis, with Keowee Key full- and part-time employees and their immediate families receiving first consideration, and to support the College’s vision of transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.

The scholarship covers two Emma Marcengill and semesters of study.

Dave Eldridge

SCBA Leaders Meet Scholarship Recipients Media Arts Production (MAP) students are recipients of scholarships provided by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association (SCBA). One student was awarded the SCBA/Cleatus O. Brazzell Endowed Scholarship this past year. The SCBA also gives $5,000 additional money each year to award five $1,000 scholarships.

Several scholarship recipients are pictured from left: Uber Queen, back row, far left, and Zach Rainey, back row, far right, along with Elizabeth Spake, middle front, and DeAnne Anthony, front row, far right. Pictured with them are SCBA Executive Assistant Paula Thayer, front row, far left, and SCBA Executive Director Margaret Wallace, front row, third from left. Also pictured on the back row are Amy Roberts, MAP instructor, and John Woodson, MAP program director.

Since 1992 the SCBA has given more than $100,000 to the TCTC Foundation. Each year the organization supports scholarships for MAP students and over the years have endowed a teaching chair for MAP as well as an endowed scholarship for MAP students.

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I-BEST Student Appreciation Day Celebrated I-BEST faculty and staff celebrated with the program’s alumni and family members at the June 10 I-BEST Student Appreciation Day. Alumni reunited with fellow graduates and instructors for food, fun and festivities.

Jason Hawkins, a spring 2020 I-BEST graduate, received an outstanding alumni award. Hawkins entered the Mechatronics program after completing I-BEST and graduated with honors at the spring 2022 commencement. He recently accepted a job as industrial engineering technician at AL Industries in Greer.

I-BEST 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 opportunities.

The program offers opportunities to earn college credit and national (industry-recognized) skill certifications and training. There is no cost for the I-BEST program.

Shayla Cook received a Personal Care Aide certificate in 2021 and is employed as a personal care aide at All Ways Caring. Cook had been a student athlete at an area four-year university before she enrolled at TCTC. “The Personal Care Aide certificate is perfect because it was shorter (three classes) than traditional college. I wasn’t sure I would stick to a two-year program,” said Cook. “When I heard about the I-BEST program, it motivated me to return to college.”

Lucas O’Shea and his mother, Christal O’Shea, both graduated from the I-BEST program in 2017 and both entered degree programs afterward. She received an Expanded Duty Dental Assisting degree in 2019 and is now employed as a testing specialist at Clemson University. Lucas received a Mechatronics degree in 2020 and is employed at Central Textiles as a shift electrician.

Jason Hawkins, a spring 2020 I-BEST graduate, received an outstanding alumni award. He is pictured with Melinda Hoover, instructor, left, and Erin Smith, former I-BEST director, right.

Lucas O’Shea and Christal O’Shea

Shayla Cook

Physical Plant Projects Update This summer the Physical Plant has several facility and infrastructure projects that, upon completion, will improve the campus and learning environment.

Projects on the Pendleton Campus include: 1. Repaving the Front Drive and adding sidewalks along Perimeter Road.

2. Replacing the exterior stairway by Cleveland Hall and Wilson Hall to soften the climb. Seating areas will also be added.

3. Adding a dog run outside Halbert Hall, which benefits the animals and also eliminates water intrusion into Halbert Hall during heavy rains.

4. Adding nine classrooms to Miller Hall in preparation for the Oconee Hall renovation.

5. Replacing the roof on Wilson Hall.

6. Upgrading the HVAC controls in Miller Hall, Anderson Hall, Pickens, Hall, and Cleveland Hall.

In addition, a Mechatronics hand tools lab will be added at the Anderson Campus.

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TCTC Is Platinum Sponsor of Clemson’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration TCTC was one of the premier sponsors (platinum level) of the City of Clemson’s 2022 Juneteenth Celebration held June 18 in Nettles Park. The event was hosted by the Friends of the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM) and the City of Clemson.

The yearly celebration of Juneteenth honors the abolition of slavery in the United States. In addition to live entertainment, there were food vendors, kid-friendly games, merchandise and information. The celebration was organized by Mia Tensley, reading instructor in our Comprehensive Studies department and Clemson Area Juneteenth committee chair; Lisa Bennett, volunteer coordinator; and Cicsley Galloway, vendor coordinator.

Faculty and Staff Attend Women’s Roundtable Pre-Summit

Opening remarks and special thanks were given by Clemson City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Alesia Smith and Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre.

CAAAM Executive Director Angela Agard offered a historical overview of Juneteenth. The host was Kevin Norris. The event’s entertainment was supplied by DJ Tuc. The Poetry Slam was led by poet laureate Moody Black. The annual Juneteenth parade, which is a fan favorite, brought the festivities to a close.

The Women’s Roundtable Pre-Summit is a developmental and networking opportunity for participants to acknowledge, explore and invest in the promotion of the experiences of girls and women, particularly in STEM fields. The Women’s Roundtable also focuses on the tools and skill sets necessary to cope with and navigate exclusionary educational and professional environments that many girls and women encounter.

Attending the Women’s Roundtable Pre-Summit were, from left, Bonita Talbert (student); Tammy MartinRucker; Kela Manick, student; Dr. Jackie Blakley; Dr. Beverly McAdams; Emma Robinson and Dr. Laneika Musalini.

History of Juneteenth On June 19, 1865, about two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia, Gordon Granger, a Union General, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended.

General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two-and-a-half years earlier on Jan. 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

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Tri-County Celebrates 60 Years In each issue of Connection throughout 2022, we will celebrate the College’s diamond anniversary through photos and fun facts to highlight the events which have shaped the College into the role model for community college education that it is today.

Sixty years ago, on April 7, 1962, Tri-County Technical College made South Carolina history by becoming the first multi-county technical institute in the state.

Tri-County was founded in 1962 when tri-county leaders pooled their resources to plan the College after Act 323, Section 23, of the South Carolina General Assembly established the State Committee for Technical Education and provided for the establishment of regional centers.

Governor Ernest (Fritz) Hollings signed Act 905 of the General Assembly on April 7, 1962, creating what would eventually become Tri-County Technical College.

Tri-County Technical Education Center opened its doors September 10, 1963, and attracted 919 students during its first year of operation. W.T. (Bill) Yarborough was hired as the first executive director. The curricula included Electronics Technology, Machine Shop, Welding, Air Conditioning, Automotive Mechanics, Drafting and Design, Chemical Technology, Industrial Technology, Textile Technology, Industrial Electricity, and other engineering technologies. The facility housed a canteen, a library, machine shop, electronics lab, and auto mechanics shop.

Over the next eight years, Yarborough would lead the institution’s growth from one building and 919 students to three structures and more than 1,600 students. Under the leadership of Yarborough, the College added two buildings, Anderson Hall in 1968 and Miller Hall in 1970.

In October of 1971, Don C. Garrison of Easley was appointed executive director following the resignation (in September of 1971) of Yarborough. The College achieved a milestone the next month when it was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Upon the recommendation of the Commission on Colleges, delegates to the annual SACS convention in Miami unanimously voted December 1, 1971, to grant the College a 10-year accreditation.

Through the years, Tri-County expanded its offerings with courses in allied health, human services, and college transfer courses (Associate in Arts and Sciences, now University Transfer).

Tri-County was the second technical institution in the state to gain approval to offer college parallel courses after the South Carolina General Assembly enacted Act 1268 on May 25, 1972, Don C. Garrison

making it possible for technical education centers to add Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees to their programs of study.

The name of the institution was changed by an act of the State Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education on April 10, 1973. Now Tri-County Technical College, the name change more clearly identified the institution as a postsecondary educational facility emphasizing technical training but offering freshman and sophomore transfer courses.

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Alumni Association Established In 1985 The Tri-County Technical College Alumni Association was established in 1985 and officers were officially inducted into office on May 30, 1985.

Dana Robertson (now Griffith), a 1983 graduate of Radio and Television Broadcasting, was named president. Griffith returned to Tri-County in 2009 as a speech instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division.

John Powell was vice president of special events. He is a 1972 graduate of the Business/Marketing program and is owner of Powell Real Estate. In 2010 he was named to the College’s Commission to represent Oconee County.

The late Bob Chiles, of Anderson, was named vice president for membership. A 1974 alumnus of the Engineering Graphics Technology program, Chiles spent 28 years as a counselor in various capacities on campus.

Dorothy (Dot) Bradley, of Seneca, was voted the organization’s secretary. She graduated from the Secretarial Science (now Automated Office Technology) program in 1976 First Alumni Association officers are pictured from left: and retired in Dana Robertson, president; Scott Webber, treasurer; John Powell, vice president of special events; Bob Chiles, vice 2009 after 33 president for membership; and Dot Bradley, secretary. years of state service, Scott Webber was the treasurer. He graduated in 1979 from the Industrial Electronics Technology program and spent his career in the banking industry. In 2008, he was honored with Tri-County Technical College’s Distinguished Alumni Award highlighting his dedication to his alma mater.

Associate Degree Nursing Program Begins in 1981 Soon after Clemson University announced it would terminate its associate degree Nursing program in 1981, TCTC initiated the lengthy process of implementing the program. Peggy Deane, then-vice president of nursing at Anderson Memorial Hospital, was elected chair of the 11-member advisory board. Tri-County began its associate degree Nursing program in the fall quarter of 1981. The next year classes opened with a capacity enrollment of 24 students.

The first and only memorial to the military veterans in Upstate South Carolina who paid the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam was dedicated May 25, 1980. Dr. Don Garrison participated in an annual Memorial Day service.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial The first memorial to military veterans from Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties who died in Vietnam is located at the main entrance to Tri-County’s Pendleton campus.

The College dedicated its Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the first in the state, on May 25, 1980, with the honorable William Jennings Bryan Dorn, former commander of the South Carolina American Legion, addressing the crowd. President Don Garrison conceived the idea of the memorial which is an impressive lighted flag plaza at the main entrance to the campus. It has three 3’ x 5’ marble markers listing the names of the veterans from the tricounty area who paid the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam.

The flags, poles, monuments, and stonework were provided by contributions from the students, faculty, and staff and Veterans Club of Tech, the American Legion, and the family and friends of the late Johnny Purser.

Two other monuments memorialize Purser, former coordinator of Tri-County’s Veteran’s Affairs until his untimely death in an automobile accident on August 4, 1978, and tell the purpose of the plaza. The center monument is engraved with this message: “In Memoriam: This patriotic plaza is dedicated to the memory of the courageous men of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Vietnam conflict. Their answer to the call of their country distinguishes them as eternal bearers for free people everywhere.”

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P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670 tctc.edu

Pet Adoption Is July 22 The Veterinary Technology program’s public pet adoption will be Friday, July 22, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Halbert Hall on the Pendleton Campus. All animals are on a first-come, first-served basis. The adoption fee is $45 cash or check only. This fee includes the animal being spayed/neutered, microchipped with registration, up-to-date on vaccines, and current on heartworm and flea prevention. Dogs have been started on basic commands and leash manners and cats have been socialized.

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