March/April 2025
College Announces New Workforce Development Program
Officials from TCTC, AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers signed an agreement March 26 outlining a new Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program that will launch at the College’s Easley Campus in fall 2027.
The new two-year associate degree program aims to address a critical shortage of physical therapy assistants in the area and create a pathway into additional physical therapy education programs.
Officials from TCTC, AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers signed an agreement March 26 outlining a new Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program. Pictured from left are Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education Division; Paul Hecker, owner and CEO of Elite Integrated Therapy Centers; and Scott Weiskittel, chief operating officer of AnMed.
What makes the program unique is that it is fully funded by AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers. In addition to covering the cost of equipment and program faculty, AnMed and Elite will provide internships, work placement and clinical rotations for students.
“Rigorous, quality education and training for health care professionals are critical both for our not-forprofit health system and the community at large, and we’re grateful to be able to team up with wonderful partners like Tri-County Technical College and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers to make a program like this happen,” said William Kenley, CEO of AnMed. “Physical therapists and assistants are needed by neighbors, friends and family members throughout the Upstate, and that need is growing. With the help of this wonderful new program, we’re going to educate and train people to make a difference and launch rewarding careers in health care in the process.”
Students enrolled in the PTA program will gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and patient care with a focus on therapeutic exercises, modalities, and clinical skills for rehabilitation. They will also engage in clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience.
Upon graduation, students must pass a national exam to become certified. Once certified, they can work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and schools.
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
S.C. Technical Colleges Play Key Role in Educating Next Generation
President DeHay’s message appeared in the Post & Courier on April 1.
ATri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. TriCounty Technical College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
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.
pril is South Carolina Technical College Month. At Tri-County Technical College, we want to take this opportunity to remind our community of the important role technical colleges play in educating highly skilled workers for positions in business and industry and ensuring students earn a high-quality credential that leads to a job that pays a family-sustaining wage.
We also view this month as an opportunity to combat some of the myths that surround technical colleges. For example, one of the most common misperceptions is that a technical college is not a student’s first choice. On the contrary, we find that more high school students are choosing to come to Tri-County after graduation. In fact, one year after graduation we enroll the third-most S.C. high school students of any college in our state — behind only the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.
Another common misperception is that technical college education is of lower quality than that of a four-year college or university. That’s simply not true. We offer rigorous academic programs and courses that are comparable to those of four-year colleges and universities, and we have the success data to prove it.
Tri-County has the highest graduation rate, success rate and transfer rate in the S.C. Technical College System. Nationally, our performance falls in the 90th percentile for student success and transfer, and Pell grant recipients who attend our college and later transfer to Clemson have the highest bachelor’s degree rate in the nation. In addition, a 2024 Survey of Community College Outcomes conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond shows that Tri-County has the best student success rate among 121 community colleges in the 5th district (Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.).
It might not be commonly known that technical college graduates remain in their community and thrive when they enter the workforce. For example, more than 70% of our graduates are working in South Carolina 10 years after graduation — the second-highest rate for all colleges in the state. And 93% of Tri-County graduates are placed in a job related to their field of study. Additionally, we are the best performing two-year college in South Carolina for economic mobility after 10 years in the workforce.
In my 25 years at Tri-County, I have heard countless students and alumni say that choosing to attend a technical college was the best decision they ever made. For some, it’s because we make getting an education affordable. For others, it’s because we offer small class sizes and wrap-around support services such as tutoring and assistance with child care and transportation. But mostly, it’s because our students found a place where they belong. A place where they feel seen and valued. A place where faculty and staff are committed to helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
In short, technical colleges exist to meet the needs of the communities they serve. So, whatever your academic or career goal may be, Tri-County Technical College and our 15 sister colleges in the S.C. Technical College System can help you achieve it.
In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D., President
Dr. Galen DeHay President
Fourth Cohort Completes Manufacturing Works Program
The 22 Anderson County high school seniors who completed the College’s Manufacturing Works program March 21 are well-positioned to enter an apprenticeship program, begin a career in manufacturing, and/or continue their education at TCTC.
College officials and business and industry partners gathered to celebrate the fourth cohort to successfully complete the Manufacturing Works program.
Manufacturing Works is a registered pre-apprenticeship with Apprenticeship Carolina. Arthrex and First Quality are corporate sponsors of the program.
In 2022, TCTC established Manufacturing Works for high school seniors in Anderson County who don’t have an identified path after graduation. Through the program, they gain technical skills while exploring careers in manufacturing. It is custom-designed to align with skills sought by local employers and high-quality apprenticeship programs in the region.
Tuition funding comes from the State Apprenticeship Expansion and Innovation grant administered by Apprenticeship Carolina. A participation stipend is funded by the Development Corporation of Anderson County.
Students enrolled in Manufacturing Works attend weekly classes at Tri-County’s Anderson Campus.
Each student earned an OSHA 10 card and a yellow belt in lean six sigma, learned technical skills that are useful in today’s manufacturing environment and were introduced to the fundamentals of lean manufacturing. They completed a resume and cover letter and participated in mock interviews with TCTC’s Career and Employability Resources team. They also practiced their employability skills in interviews with TCTC employer partners, First Quality and Arthrex.
Jamiah Galbreath, who will graduate from Belton-Honea Path High School in May, said he was interested in a manufacturing career before enrolling in the Manufacturing Works program. He thought the program solely would consist of
hands-on, manufacturing-related concepts. “In addition to this, we were able to gain lots of knowledge through our OSHA-10 and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt classes. Ellen Pate, director of TCTC’s CER office, taught us how to write resumes and cover letters, sharpen our interview skills, and helped guide us to possible career paths. I feel more prepared to interview for future jobs, especially after we did mock interviews with Arthrex and First Quality,” said Galbreath.
Galbreath plans to enter TCTC in the fall to pursue a Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance. “I hope that this leads me to a finance job or leadership role in the area. I feel more prepared to go to college because we had class on an actual college campus and got the feel of a real college classroom.”
“One of the standout features of the Manufacturing Works program is its focus on real-world experiences,” said Elizabeth Wallace, coordinator of the Manufacturing Works program.
“This isn’t just about theory—it’s about giving you exposure into what actual workplaces look like, how they operate, and how you could become a part of one in the future. Employers are looking for qualities like dependability, communication skills, critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate, and you’ve proven yourselves in these areas,” she told the group.
“This program has proven to be an invaluable steppingstone for students interested in building a future in manufacturing or related fields. With more than 170 manufacturing companies in Anderson County, this industry offers not only job stability but also opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers. Through Manufacturing Works, you’ve gained practical training and education that will set you up for success in a growing field,” she said.
Jamiah Galbreath
Manufacturing Works students pose with instructors.
April Is Community College Month
Community colleges like Tri-County Technical College serve 11.5 million students nationally, making the two-year degree the first choice for almost half of the undergraduate students in the U.S.
Nearly 85% of Tri-County students receive some form of free financial aid, including Pell Grants, Lottery Tuition Assistance, SCWINS scholarships, LIFE scholarships and Foundation scholarships.
Financial aid isn’t just for persons who are struggling financially it can be a resource for everyone. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Tri-County is an affordable option for everyone with many students graduating debt free, thanks to these scholarships and financial aid. A two-year degree at Tri-County is a cost-effective way to begin college.
Quintin Moulterie
Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual
Quintin Moulterie, a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual in Greenville, is a 2021 Business Administration graduate. He is the first in his family to graduate from college. He graduated from TCTC debt free thanks to a Pell grant and a $2,500 scholarship he was awarded through Chick-fil-A, his employer at the time. “When I tell folks I graduated debt free from TCTC, they can’t believe it. I lived at home and took the same courses that a four-year college offers for a fraction of the price.”
After graduating from TCTC, he transferred to Anderson University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics.
Cadie Giba
Bergan Director of Recruitment for Lead for America
Cadie (Nikki) Giba Bergan was one of 30 seniors who graduated from Cherokee High School in Alabama in 2013. “I can count on both hands those who went on to college,” she said. For most of them, it was the University of North Alabama, located in Florence, just 30 minutes from Cherokee where most of her friends planned to make their homes and settle into careers after graduation.
Bergan was the only graduate who moved out of state to go to college. The goal was to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. As a junior high school student, she found solace and joy in career technical education – specifically agricultural communication projects and public speaking competitions through her participation as a
member and later state officer for Future Farmers of America (FFA). She served as president of her high school’s chapter, was state officer for Alabama and was the prepared public speaking champion for Alabama her senior year in high school. In 2014, she was a national officer candidate for the state of Alabama and attended the weeklong national FFA convention in Kentucky.
She applied to Clemson University right after the trip. She was accepted and began to make plans but after doing the math, she realized that out-of-state tuition was too costly, and she didn’t want to dive into debt.
She searched the internet for smaller, less expensive colleges near Clemson and found Tri-County just five miles down the road. An added bonus was that Tri-County’s university transfer courses easily transfer to Clemson.
She began to build her resume by working as a work-study for Tri-County’s Public Relations office and served as a member of the team for special events like groundbreakings and the Bluegrass under the Stars concert. She was also among the Tri-County students and graduates selected to participate in a special event, hosted by Country Music Television (CMT), for high school juniors and seniors. They discussed their individual educational journeys and the different pathways that led them to Tri-County. “It was a great learning experience,” she said.
Bergan posted her story on LinkedIn in observance of Community College Month. She writes:
In honor of Community College Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on how my community college experience shaped my educational and professional journey.
In 2013, I was accepted to Clemson University as a first-generation college student from a very rural area. I’ll never forget the excitement of receiving my acceptance letter on my birthday, thinking, “They wouldn’t use this much paper to say no.”
But just weeks later, personal circumstances forced me to defer my enrollment and move to a waitlist option. I was devastated. Teachers and counselors encouraged me to consider staying in Alabama, saying an out-of-state university was never a “realistic” option for me anyway. But I’ve always believed there’s a way around most walls.
I found my way through TCTC. A week before the semester, I packed up my little red truck, found an apartment, and registered for classes. What felt like a setback at the time turned out to be the best redirection I could have asked for.
During my time at TCTC, I was more than just a student. I worked in the Public Relations office and Admissions department, where I was mentored by leaders from every department. They helped me navigate the college experience, supported my professional growth, and exposed me to fields like community outreach, marketing, admissions, and recruiting.
TCTC also introduced me to rural sociology, a field I might never (continued on page 13)
Early Care and Education Hosts First Discover Your Impact Student Conference
The Early Care and Education (ECE) program hosted its first Discover Your Impact Student Conference April 11 and 12. The event drew a total of 50 student attendees from TCTC, Greenville Technical College, Central Carolina, Midlands Technical College, Piedmont Technical College, and Trident Technical College.
“This conference was born out of a vision to celebrate our ECE Scholars and to elevate their own professional sense of belonging within the early education profession,” said Meredith Dickens, department head for Business and Public Services.
“It worked so well to use this conference as a perfect ending to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child celebration! We celebrated Family Friday and created our own new day, Scholar Saturday,” she said.
The keynote speaker on Friday was Dr. Anthony Broughton, an award-winning master teacher, scholar, and a highly regarded leader in early, primary, and higher education. He performed a special concert for the children at Nevitt Forest Elementary School in Anderson. Dr. Broughton served as a national governing board member for NAEYC and as president of the South Carolina affiliate. He currently serves as the associate dean for the College of Education at Alabama State University. Dr. Broughton shared an inspirational message about the importance of great early educators and the impacts they make upon the lives of children, families, communities, and our nation.
“The ECE program was thrilled to be able to sponsor a Mr. B concert for the children at Nevitt Forest Elementary School in Anderson. The faculty, staff and students were so very appreciative, and everyone enjoyed the experience,” said Dickens.
SC Endeavors presented the keynote on Saturday with presenters urging students to know and use their professional resources with participation in the TEACH Scholarship, SC’s ECE credentialing system, Smart Money Bonus offerings, and the SC Early Childhood Career Registry.
Many thanks to the conference sponsors: SCAEYC (lunch and T-shirts on Saturday); Southern Wesleyan University (sponsored
dinner on Friday evening); and Lake Shore Learning (sponsored the play-based learning session by donating over $1000 in teaching materials, which were given away to lucky conference attendees).
Information tables were hosted by: SHARE Head Start; The Sunshine House/Foundations Early Learning Centers; The Champion Center; Pickens County First Steps; North Greenville University; Southern Wesleyan University; and Lander University.
“In ECE, we believe that in order for education to be impactful, it must be relational. This ideology was on full display during the conference! Meaningful connections were created and strengthened through the learning opportunities and networking experiences,” said Dickens.
Faculty posed with conference speaker Dr. Anthony Broughton following his performance at Nevitt Elementary School. He is pictured with, from left, ECE adjunct and Nevitt Forest K5 teacher, Maghan Churchill, Meredith Dickens, public services department head; and Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services Division.
Our College
Family
excellence through service
TCTC Receives Pillar of the Community Award
Tri-County Technical College is the recipient of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Pillar of the Community award.
Jeff Kittle, immediate past chairman of the Easley Chamber of Commerce board, presented the award to Easley Campus Director Daniel Adams at an annual awards ceremony in March. The award honors a longstanding business that contributes to building a strong foundation for the Easley-Powdersville community and is highly respected as an important stakeholder in making the community resilient, vibrant and successful.
“We can’t say enough for the great work that is done by TriCounty in our community. They continue to impact the lives of individuals each and every day,” said Kittle.
Daniel Adams, director of the Easley Campus, third from left, accepted the award. He is pictured with, from left, Jonathan Cauthen, director of development for the TCTC Foundation; Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division; and Dr. Mark Dougherty, dean of students.
Survey Says: TCTC Has Best Student Success Rate Among States in Fifth District
TCTC has the best student success rate among states in the fifth district, according to a student outcomes survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Community College Initiative last year.
In 2024, TCTC was one of 10 colleges in the fifth district (covering Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.) that participated in a pilot Survey of Community College Outcomes (SCCO).
The SCCO is a tool the Richmond Fed has developed to better measure the way community colleges are serving their students and communities.
Initially launched in 2021 as a pilot study of 10 schools, the 2024 SCCO covers 121 community colleges across five states. To collect this data, they worked with state partners, including the South Carolina Technical College System.
Students, Faculty Advisors Recognized at SNA Conference
TCTC’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) and its faculty advisors were recognized with several awards at the annual 2025 SNA-SC State Convention held February 21-23 in Columbia.
Katie Anderson, nursing faculty member and TCTC graduate, received the SNA-SC State Outstanding Faculty Award.
Stacy Smith, nursing faculty member, received the SNA-SC State Outstanding Mentor Award.
TCTC’s student SNA chapter received the SNA-SC State Legislative Award for educating students on bylaws, policies, and procedures. The student organization also was honored with the SNA-SC State for Most Pre-Slated Candidates (due to the number of students who signed up to run for state positions).
In addition, two students were elected to SNA-SC state board positions:
• Joshie Dowell was voted into the Public Relations director position on the state board.
• Patesha Vance was voted into the Breakthrough to Nursing director position on the state board.
SNA-SC is a pre-professional organization for nursing and prenursing students enrolled in South Carolina-accredited associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs.
“We are very proud of the work our faculty are doing to support our students. Congratulations to Katie and Stacy for winning the awards. It truly reflects their dedication to empowering students to be our future leaders.
Congratulations to our students for their accomplishments,” said Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division.
TCTC’s SNA was honored with the Most Pre-Slated Candidates Award.
Pictured from left: Patesha Vance, Josh Dowell, Ashley Wright, and Jules Edgar.
Katie Anderson
Stacy Smith
TCTC Students Shine at Johns Hopkins Model United Nations Conference
TCTC students recently made a strong showing at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Model United Nations (MUN) Conference in Washington, D.C.
Under the guidance of faculty member Veronica Luckow, a delegation of 10 students participated—all for the first time—and distinguished themselves among experienced competitors.
“Each and every one of these students surpassed their and my expectations and performed exceptionally,” said Luckow. “In fact, the overwhelming feedback from the conference leaders was astonishment that this was their first MUN conference, especially with two earning prestigious awards, which is rare for a first-year student. I could not be prouder of my students and how they challenged themselves beyond their comfort zone.”
Orian Musial and Andrew Grady were the two students who earned special recognition for their leadership and diplomacy.
Musial, a 17-year-old Associate in Arts student, earned the Best Delegate award and the coveted Gavel. She was the UK delegate on the Interpol committee, where she successfully led the passing of a resolution addressing the illegal mining of sand, a critical issue in global construction. Her resolution created a legal framework to protect the world’s most vulnerable coastal environments—a powerful example of student engagement with real-world environmental issues.
Grady, an 18-year-old Bridge to Clemson student, received a Diplomatic Commendation for his exceptional collaboration and negotiation skills. As the UK delegate in the DISEC committee, he built consensus across opposing blocs in a committee focused on drones and lethal autonomous weapons, ultimately co-authoring a resolution to establish a legal framework for their regulation.
“These achievements highlight not only the talent and preparation of TCTC’s students but also the strength of the College’s MUN program, which includes three academic courses and an active club,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the Arts and Sciences Division.
As the program continues to grow, Luckow will pursue collaborative opportunities with Clemson University’s MUN team to offer even more enriching experiences for TCTC students.
DeLisa Dawkins Completes ACBSP Evaluator Training
DeLisa Dawkins, Administrative Office Technology department head, completed evaluator training through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Dawkins now can serve as an evaluator for ACBSP schools going through the initial accreditation and reaffirmation processes.
Prior to joining TCTC, Dawkins had experience as a site evaluator for the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) and the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
In 2023, the ACBSP Associate Degree Board of Commissioners reaffirmed accreditation of the business programs at TCTC. The business programs were first accredited by ACBSP in 2001.
Student Leadership Council Receives Award at SCTEA Conference
TCTC Student Leadership Council’s (SLC) “Western North Carolina Hurricane Helene Relief” efforts won third place in the South Carolina Technical Education Association’s (SCTEA) Student Community Involvement Project competition this year. Pictured left to right are SLC President Sage Briggs; SLC Communications Officer Brian Page; Kim Parler, SCTEA president for 2024-2025; and club advisors Dr. Mark Dougherty and Kari Logan.
Orian Musial
Andrew Grady
in transition
Longtime Nursing Department
Head Jackie Rutledge Retires
During her 24-year tenure with TCTC, Nursing Department Head Jackie Rutledge has made a lasting impact on so many nurses working in the Upstate and beyond.
Anderson and Jackie Rutledge
She joined the College in March 2001 as a full-time Associate Degree Nursing instructor after 20 years of working in a variety of positions at Prisma Health (formerly Greenville Hospital System). She was named Nursing department head in 2015 and oversaw the Associate Degree Nursing (R.N.) and Licensed Practical Nursing (L.P.N.) programs. Under her direction, both Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) graduates’ scores on the NGN (Next Generation) National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) continually exceeded state and national records.
“I’ve loved working at TCTC. I’ve met the most wonderful people whom I hope will stay in my life. It’s been a wonderful 24 years,” said Rutledge. “What I will miss most is the interaction with co-workers and students,” she said.
“I appreciate Dr. Chaudhry (dean of the Health Education Division), who is a great collaborator and who supported me and our faculty, our nursing departments and our division,” she added.
Rutledge’s retirement is bittersweet for Katie Anderson and other faculty members who have worked with Rutledge both in the classroom and in clinical settings.
“I’ll miss her, but we are excited for her. Her retirement is well deserved. She has impacted so many people over the years. One of the first questions alumni ask me is if Miss Rutledge is still at TCTC,” said Anderson, a 2014 graduate and former student of Rutledge.
Observing graduates working in health care settings is a point of pride for Rutledge, as is welcoming graduates back as faculty as she did Anderson. “When I see our alumni working in area hospitals, they are my peers now. It’s so gratifying to see them graduate, pass the national licensing exam and work as nurses. One of the highlights of my career is that I have been able to hire graduates like Katie. I love when they get their master’s degree and come back to teach,” said Rutledge.
Rutledge’s last day at the College was Friday, March 14.
Lori Burkett was appointed to serve as interim nursing department head following the retirement of Jackie Rutledge on March 14. Burkett assumed the role on March 17.
Meghan Nelson is an admissions coordinator. She works closely with students as they begin the application process and contacts potential students to ensure they have all their needed requirements for admissions.
Ashley Ellison is an administrative assistant providing support to both the Marketing/Public Relations Department and the Foundation. Prior to TCTC, she worked in the construction industry in roles ranging from accounts payable and receivable to medical billing and human resources.
Brian Battan is a new IT Support Specialist for TCTC. In this role, he provides deskside and classroom support to TCTC users as they have IT issues. He previously worked for TCTC as a part-time employee answering phones and performing initial triage for students and employees. He has a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and security from Western Governors University.
Burkett joined the TCTC Nursing faculty in 2015 after working as a registered nurse for 22 years. Her prior experience includes flight nurse for AnMed and later operations manager for Kudzu Medical. She holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Greenville Technical College and BSN and MSN degrees from South University.
Salley Ouellette is the newest career counselor with Career and Employability Resources, where she guides students with career planning and job readiness and connects their education to future opportunities. She also helps host workshops, and collaborates with faculty, staff, and employers to support student success. She brings over 15 years of experience in career counseling, student services, program development, and corporate partnerships. Most recently, she served as a program coordinator at Clemson’s Center for Corporate Learning, managing professional development programs and corporate training initiatives.
Candi Forester-Smith is the department head for Business and IT Logistics for Corporate and Community Education programs within the Business and Public Services Division. She works closely with her training coordinator and instructors to ensure students successfully complete their programs and are placed in the workforce. Prior to TCTC, she was director of the Prisma Health Baptist Easley Foundation and worked in the community to raise money for Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communication studies from Eastern New Mexico University and a master’s degree in public administration from Clemson University.
Katie
Students Showcase Projects to Industry Leaders
Engineering Systems Technology (EST) and Engineering Design Technology (EDT) students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals who attended an annual showcase event on April 10.
The Engineering Department and Employability Resources (CER) collaborated for the Engineering Showcase and Reverse Career Fair. Twenty-six student presenters from EDT and EST impressed six companies and 16 recruiters with their professionalism and innovation. Students showcased their projects, shared what they learned, and discussed how their work connects to real-world applications.
Students Attend Financial Literacy Workshops
The Women of Purpose student group empowers women of all backgrounds at Tri-County Technical College to discover and pursue their purpose. The student group provides a supportive community where members develop leadership skills, connect with mentors, build valuable skills, and expand their networks, fostering personal and professional growth in areas such as career advancement, healthy living, and academic success.
right, top: The student group recently hosted guest speaker Quantella Simmons Kinard, a real estate broker for The Link Group. She gave important financial literacy information during her presentation titled “Money Moves: Building Your Financial Future.”
right, bottom: Semaj Anderson, a real estate agent in the Upstate, was the guest speaker at the recent Men of Purpose networking session. He told the group, “Networking is about exposure to opportunity. Be intentional about networking. It can change your life.”
Additionally, 15 students attended as part of their class. Fourteen faculty and staff participated as hosts or attendees. Industry partners—including Abbott, ASI-Southeast, Carolina Burglar & Fire Alarm, Carolina Handling, Haering Precision USA LP, and ZF Transmissions—were highly engaged and impressed. “It was a powerful day of connection, career readiness, and collaboration,” said Ellen Pate, director of CER.
Course projects included demonstrations of a variety of technical disciplines, including digital electronics, 3D printing, programming and automation.
Here, Tripp Brooks, senior manager of operations, cardiac rhythm management for Abbott, left, learns about the Vivarium Humidity Temperature Monitoring System project from Jonathan Trotter, who will graduate in May with an EST degree.
Shelley Smith, manager of manufacturing engineering for Abbott, left, talks with students about their project.
TCTC Faculty Earn Expert Badges In Military Credit Training
Eighteen faculty and staff have earned military badges after participating in a training program focused on awarding college credit for prior learning from military experience.
On January 27, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), in collaboration with the American Council on Education (ACE), concluded a groundbreaking training program focused on awarding college credit for prior learning from military experience. Representatives from colleges and universities across South Carolina gathered at the R2i2 Conference Center in Columbia to participate in this first-of-its-kind initiative.
Eye-Opening Experience for Participants
The training shed light on the significant challenges military students face when transitioning to higher education. “Military students represent about 52% of all adult learners nationally, making them a vital group within our adult learner population,” said Alfie Mincy, CHE’s program director. Yet, as the training revealed, many institutions struggle to effectively evaluate and award credit for their military experience.
Comprehensive Training Leads to Expert Badges
The comprehensive four-phase training program, which included both inperson and online elements, spanned several weeks. Participants explored detailed methods for helping military-connected students earn maximum academic credit for their military skills and knowledge, utilizing ACE’s proven frameworks.
TCTC faculty and staff members Mary Corley, Ashley Harbin, April White Pugh, Jay Sloan, and Rachel Ristine were awarded Expert Badges and Evan Bate received the Champion Badge, in recognition of their commitment to this initiative in support of military and veteran students.
Dr. Stephan Irwin, Science and Mathematics department head, urges other faculty and staff to participate in this online training. “It isn’t time consuming and is manageable,” he said. “I have a respect for our service men and women, and it’s important to assist them with their education any way we can.”
Pictured from left are (front row): Kayla Johnson (Success Coach); Kathleen Costello (Registrar’s Office); Clorissa Miller (Financial Aid); Dr. Stephan Irwin (Science and Mathematics); and back row: Brady Crocker (Financial Aid); April White Pugh (Registrar’s Office); Rachel Ristine (Registrar’s Office); Rachel Elkins (Financial Aid); and Claire Waddell (Financial Aid).
Celebrating Excellence in Student Success
Three faculty and staff were recognized at the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) conference in February.
Catherine DuRant, I-BEST learning support coordinator; Mourning Pace, Math instructor; and Randee Dorontich, College, Career, and Life Skills program director received awards.
DuRant received the Gladys R. Shaw Award for Outstanding Service to and Support of Student Success Programs, recognizing her unwavering commitment to ensuring students have the resources and guidance needed to thrive.
Pace was honored with the Vickie Kelly Adjunct Award, which celebrates adjunct instructors who go above and beyond to support student success. She is a Math instructor in both Comprehensive Studies and Arts and Sciences.
Dorontich completed the NOSS Learning & Leadership Academy (NLLA), an intensive professional development program designed to advance leadership and best practices in student success. The NLLA equips participants with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and collaborative research experiences, fostering the next generation of leaders in the field.
“These recognitions are not just individual milestones but a testament to the culture of excellence we cultivate at Tri-County Technical College. We are committed to creating programs and support systems that truly meet students where they are, empowering them to achieve their goals,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the Arts and Sciences Division. “Catherine, Mourning, and Randee are making a difference—not just for our students, but for the national conversation on student success. Their work exemplifies the dedication, innovation, and leadership that define our institution. Congratulations to all three on this well-deserved recognition.”
Catherine DuRant
Randee Dorontich
BudgetCon Addresses the Importance of Financial Literacy
Learning and implementing financial management skills is an essential component of building life skills but research shows many individuals enter college with a limited knowledge of how to effectively manage their money.
A survey by College Pulse of 1,500 undergraduates found that almost four in 10 (38%) were never taught how to manage their finances, such as how to make a budget and pay bills. Just one in five (20%) were taught in school, while 35% were taught by a parent or family member and six percent were taught by someone else.
If students are struggling financially to cover their living expenses, this can lead to stress which can negatively affect their academic performance. Research also shows that financial literacy empowers students by teaching them how to effectively manage their money which can reduce stress, which can lead to higher grades and consequently improved graduation rates.
When TCTC Freshman Seminar (College 105) instructor Elizabeth Wallace asks her students, “What is financial literacy?” or “Why is money management important?,” often the group is silent. Wallace said end-of-semester course evaluations revealed that students wanted more money management information than the class discussion, and financial literacy was the most requested “missing” topic from TCTC courses based on end-of-course surveys.
TCTC’s Academic and Career Foundations (ACF) Division recognized the importance of financial literacy and addressed the need by developing, organizing and embedding an annual cocurricular activity, called BudgetCon, into the College 105 course. College 105 students are required to attend but this event was available to all TCTC students.
This innovative simulation activity, which began in 2023, was designed to give students the tools to take a deep dive into how their personal finances look. Based on their projected salary, they learn how to actively manage their finances based on net pay. In addition to personal budgeting, they get important information about interest rates, student loans, credit scores, and more.
The ACF Division partners with departments across the College to
guide students through the various stations of the event. Department volunteers include Financial Aid, the Learning Commons, Career and Employability Resources (CER), Student Engagement, success coaches and faculty from multiple divisions.
In 2023, 300 students participated in the first BudgetCon and 334 students participated in the second annual workshop in November 2024. There were 241 participants in the recent BudgetCon held April 3 and 4. At each event, students worked through various stations to create a monthly budget based on the entry-level pay for their chosen career field.
BudgetCon included information on deductions from gross pay to net pay, choosing realistic housing and transportation options, information on student loan repayment, investments, and savings, as well as additional information on building and managing credit.
Budget Con addresses the need to be responsible for your personal finances. After each student received a starting salary figure for their desired career choice, they visited each table to learn to prioritize their monthly finances. “They see how to readjust their wants vs their needs,” said Wallace. At the end they see their total monthly expenditures. “It’s a valuable exercise in learning to budget and prioritize,” she said. Students research their starting salary two weeks before BudgetCon and see an outline of deductions, like payroll, savings, and insurance.
CER helped with a career exploration project and administered Pathway You, a test that asks students about their values and lists the careers that best align with their individual results. In addition to the test, CER staff were on hand to talk about internships and work-based learning opportunities as a means of income and experience, allowing students to learn while they earn.
Financial Aid representatives attend the event, helping with questions about student loans and encouraging participants to apply for scholarships at TCTC and beyond. Accounting and economics instructors volunteer at a savings and investments table.
Many become aware of the cost of living when they itemize their monthly or weekly expenditures and realize they need to take a deeper look at what they are spending and begin to make cost-cutting changes. “When they get to BudgetCon and
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Hayden Jones, College 105 student, attends BudgetCon.
College 105 class visits BudgetCon.
New Workforce Development Program
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Students may also choose to pursue further education, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree to become a physical therapist. TCTC has transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities to aid students in their preferred career pathway.
“Whatever the student decides, there is no shortage of career opportunities for them,” said Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education Division. “The demand for physical therapy assistants and physical therapists continues to grow as our population ages and the prevalence of chronic conditions increases.”
According to a 2024 report produced by the American Physical Therapy Association, the national vacancy rate for outpatient physical therapy practices stands at 9.5%, nearly double the U.S. national average vacancy rate for all industries of 4.8% as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Additionally, roughly 13% of all physical therapist and physical therapy assistant positions at outpatient practices are open. These shortages are projected to continue through 2037, further impacting patient access to timely care.
“By offering a local PTA educational program, we are not only addressing the critical shortage of skilled licensed therapists in our community, but we are also creating opportunities for local individuals to pursue rewarding careers close to home,” said Paul Hecker, owner and CEO of Elite Integrated Therapy Centers. “Those who are educated and trained within their own communities are naturally more invested in its well-being, leading to a higher level of care and a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the neighborhoods they serve.”
The PTA program will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Individuals interested in learning more about the program are invited to visit tctc.edu/pta.
BudgetCon
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have to start making more realistic choices about that money, the lightbulbs really start to come on. Some students even begin making small budget changes in their current lives based on what they learn,” said Randee Dorontich, TCTC program director of College, Career and Life Skills.
“Interdepartmental participation is so important for this event because we all have experience trying to budget and be financially responsible when we graduated college and began working in our fields,” said Dorontich. “It’s important for students to see and hear the perspectives of various faculty and staff. It’s also important to have subject matter experts working some of the tables at BudgetCon. For example, Financial Aid staff exclusively work the student loans table and can give accurate information to students. Faculty and staff who are parents can speak to the reality of childcare costs. It’s important for students to be able to trust the information they’re being given.”
James Loggins, an Associate in Science major and Army veteran, is in his first semester at TCTC. “I’m invested in my education,” he said, adding that he also takes advantage of tutoring and the math flex lab. He appreciates the College Skills class and BudgetCon, which reinforces financial literacy skills. “There is always room to learn and grow,” said Loggins, who plans to transfer to Clemson University to study environmental engineering.
Hayden Jones, a 20-year-old Business Administration major, said in addition to learning about personal finances, she is refining her study strategies in the College Skills class. Jones plans to transfer to Anderson University.
Following BudgetCon, students are required to write a 500-word reflection.
Instructor Randee Dorontich talks with James Loggins.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation Awards Grant to TCTC’s Dental Assisting Program
TCTC received a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for its Expanded Duty Dental Assisting (EDDA) program.
Additions to the College’s dental lab include a Dental X-ray Teaching Training Replica, or DXTTR mannikin, the gold standard for teaching radiography, said TCTC’s EDDA Program Director Mandy Hanks. “Made of a natural human skull, with a composite of genuine human teeth, DXTTR is an excellent teaching tool for students to learn dental anatomy, as well as teaching positioning and radiographic interpretation.”
By practicing their X-ray and radiography skills on DXTTR, dental assisting students gain real first-hand experience and learn what it’s like to work with actual patients, Hanks said.
TCTC’s dental clinic has six operatories, and now this addition puts a DXTTR in each room to accommodate student ratios, so every student has an opportunity to practice and learn during the three-hour labs, said Hanks.
The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation grant also funded the addition of a 3-D printer system, wash unit and curing unit, the department’s second, to accommodate printing 3-D models after making digital impressions using a scanner.
The department also received six X-ray units to replace aging equipment, stools for simulators in the dental materials lab, various orthodontic and dental implant models, full sets of plastic teeth for instruction, and a mannikin head for the simulator.
“Dental technology changes rapidly and these enhancements strengthen our students’ hands-on experiences by using innovative teaching tools they will see in the workplace,” said Hanks.
Celebrating Community College Month
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have discovered otherwise. I took my first sociology class just to fulfill a credit requirement. That class led me to change my major to rural sociology at Clemson, combining my passion for understanding my rural upbringing with my solution-oriented mindset.
Looking back, was community college the right decision? A resounding yes.
It offered me:
• Work-study, internships, and part-time jobs that built my resume early.
• From dinner at the Governor’s Mansion to sitting on a CMT panel, my education extended beyond the classroom.
There is a high demand for graduates, said Hanks. The program has a 100% job placement rate, with graduates working in general or specialty dental offices, clinics and public health settings. They also may work as adjunct instructors for Dental Assisting programs at technical colleges if certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
TCTC’s EDDA program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• A low-risk start for a first-gen student. When financial aid was uncertain or I took the wrong class, it was a setback, not a catastrophe.
• I built meaningful relationships both at TCTC and the Clemson community while engaging in local volunteer work, like the bluegrass festival that contributed to a strong sense of place.
Because of this pivot, I went on to achieve my dream of graduating from Clemson University; earning both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. The first in my family to do so.
I am forever grateful for Tri-County Technical College and the community college system as a whole.
DXTTR mannikin
3-D printer system
P.O.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tri-County Marks 63 Years
Sixty-three years ago (April 7, 1962), Tri-County Technical College made South Carolina history by becoming the first multicounty technical institute in the state.
Tri-County was founded in 1962 when the 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.
