Dual Enrollment Student Chosen for Michelin Scholars Program

Cole Hill learned a month before graduating from Crescent High School that he was among a select group of individuals chosen for the prestigious Michelin Technical Scholars program.

Hill, 18, has been preparing to study Mechatronics at Tri-County Technical College by taking dual enrollment classes at the College’s Anderson Campus and by earning Technical Advanced Placement (TAP) credit.

Hill passed the aptitude test required by Michelin to be eligible for consideration for the company’s Technical Scholars Program. Applicants must pass an aptitude test administered by Michelin officials and an interview with plant representatives. Scholars must maintain full-time (12) credit hours and a 2.5 grade point average.

With 12 college credit hours accrued, Hill will enter TCTC this summer and begin working 20 hours a week at the US10 plant as a Michelin Technical Scholar. He will be paired with a maintenance reliability technician to get hands-on experience that will complement his studies at TCTC.

With Michelin covering the cost of tuition, fees, and books, Hill will graduate debt free.

Michelin created a Technical Scholars program at area technical colleges to grow their own technicians, said Jacob Bouchillon, Technical Scholars/Maintenance Early Scholar manager for Michelin plants in the U.S. “The goal of the scholars program is to work directly with students to ensure we’re prepared for the jobs and demands of the future,” he added.

“We have an extremely high success rate with our scholars becoming full-time employees after they graduate,” said Bouchillon, who at age 27, was one of the manufacturer’s youngest instructors for its internal technical training school. There are 98 technical scholars, from 16 technical colleges participating in Michelin Technical Scholars programs across the U.S.

Bouchillon took on his current role in Technical Recruiting and overseeing the Michelin Technical Scholars and Maintenance Early Scholars programs on December 1, 2021.

“Tri-County students are top notch. They have demonstrated desired drive and motivation. Associate degree graduates have excellent hands-on skills. They are in high demand.”

Bouchillon’s career pathway at Michelin began 15 years ago when he was selected as a Michelin Scholar. Following graduation in 2008 from TCTC’s Industrial Electronics Technology (IET) program, he was hired full time. “The scholars program opened up opportunities for me and it will do the same for Cole,” said Bouchillon.

TCTC, Lander Announce New Transfer Partnership

TCTC and Lander University announced a new transfer partnership for students who are looking to advance their education in marketing, management, accounting, education or digital media production.

Officials from both institutions met April 12 to sign articulation agreements that will allow TCTC students to easily transfer their credits into the equivalent baccalaureate program at Lander, entering as juniors. Students who meet the requirements of their degree program will be guaranteed admission to Lander and will receive priority acceptance in their program.

“Our mission at TriCounty is to provide students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of life while advancing economic development in our region by preparing a highly-skilled workforce,” said TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay. “We are proud to partner with Lander University to create opportunities for our students to earn an advanced degree and a rewarding career in a high-demand field like accounting, business administration, digital media production, and early childhood education.”

Battle of the Deans

Immediately following spring convocation, the Battle of the Deans BBQ kicked off in support of SOAR scholarships. Faculty and staff enjoyed barbeque of all kinds (created by their favorite deans) and partook in sides and drinks.

Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services division, was voted “Most Smokin’ Dean,” which was judged on overall presentation, BBQ taste, team spirit and money raised. Adam Ghiloni took home the People’s Choice Award for the second consecutive year, and celebrity judges chose Bryan Manuel to receive the Judge’s Choice Award. The deans raised a total of $3,065 to support the SOAR (Strive, Overcome, Achieve, and Rise) scholarship.

Cara Hamilton won the set of four Michelin tires in the prize drawing to support SOAR.

Duke Energy Continues Support on National Lineworker Appreciation Day

National Lineworker Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18 and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.

Duke Energy celebrated its partnership with TCTC by presenting a $10,000 check to College officials in support of the program.

Pictured from left are James Guthrie, instructor; Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations; Emily DeRoberts, district manager for government and community relations for Duke Energy; President DeHay; and instructor David Reese.

Food Lion Donates to Student Support Pantry

Many thanks to Food Lion, who donated more than $800 worth of items—weighing 700 pounds—to the TCTC Student Support Pantry. The pantry supports students in need with short-term food assistance. Emma Robinson, coordinator of student resource programs at TCTC, left, pictured here with Croslena BroadwaterJohnson, director of student support, asks faculty and staff to remind students that the Student Support Pantry is open year-round.