TCTC and Clemson University Announce Dual Enrollment Academy
Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University officials announced April 30 a first-of-its-kind dual enrollment academy that provides qualified high school students a guaranteed path to earn their Clemson degree.
The TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy is targeted to high school students in the Anderson, Oconee and Pickens school districts whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. Students will be recruited in their sophomore year of high school and those admitted to the academy will take dual enrollment courses through TCTC at little to no cost. To be offered a guaranteed path to Clemson, participating students must meet all academic requirements and achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA in all college coursework and a 4.0 or higher GPA in all high school coursework.
The academy is expected to launch in spring 2026 with 25 students in the first cohort and increase incrementally each academic year to a maximum of 150 students per year. Students in the first cohort are expected to matriculate to Clemson in fall 2028.
“As a land-grant institution, Clemson is committed to providing access to education and ensuring that high-achieving students in our state have a clear, supported pathway to earning their degrees,” said Clemson University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones. “The TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy aligns with the Clemson Elevate strategic plan by enhancing the student experience and transforming lives within South Carolina while building a skilled local workforce that attracts innovative job creators.”
In addition to rigorous college courses taught by TCTC’s credentialed college faculty and guaranteed admission to Clemson, the academy will provide a college admission and orientation session that prepares the student for dual enrollment and their future college experience. TCTC and Clemson will also provide future-focused advising and career counseling centered on the student’s career goals and field of study, as well as support services to aid the student’s learning and success. In addition, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to participate in community-building activities and attend workshops on financial literacy and FAFSA, navigating higher education, and understanding the unique needs of first-generation college students.
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Linda and Ralph Elliott Endow
Dr. Bob Jones and Dr. Galen DeHay sign TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy agreement. May/June
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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
A Season of Growth: Supporting Students and Each Other at TCTC
Summer is heating up—and so are our enrollment numbers!
On the first day of summer classes, we welcomed 3,665 new and returning students to our campuses. This represents a 10.13% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment and an 11.11% increase in headcount compared to summer 2024. Fall enrollment is also trending positively and is on track to meet—or even exceed—our projections. This includes a class of 1,050 Bridge to Clemson students.
In addition to strong enrollment growth, our fundraising efforts are also gaining momentum. The Tri-County Technical College Foundation has had an outstanding year so far, raising more than $2.5 million in support of student scholarships, professional development for employees, and other College priorities.
One initiative I’m especially proud of is the creation of the Employee Emergency Fund. Modeled after our Student Emergency Fund, this new resource is designed to assist employees facing financial hardship due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a sudden loss, or another unexpected life event, the fund is here to provide support during difficult times.
Employees in need can submit a confidential online application, which will be reviewed by Human Resources. All requests will be handled with the utmost discretion to ensure privacy and dignity. If approved, financial assistance will be paid directly to the service provider—such as a landlord, utility company, or funeral home.
This fund is made possible through generous contributions from our employees, along with a matching gift from an anonymous donor. The outpouring of support from our campus community has been truly inspiring. It reflects our shared commitment to one another’s wellbeing and reinforces the belief that in order to care for our students, we must also care for ourselves.
Tri-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.
As we continue through the summer months, I hope you find time to recharge and enjoy the things that bring you joy—whether that’s a vacation, outdoor adventures, or simply a break from routine. Personally, I’m looking forward to summer travels that will take me to new places, expand my knowledge, and foster personal growth.
Thank you for all you do to make Tri-County Technical College a place of excellence, compassion, and community.
In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President
Dr. Galen DeHay President
Learning Beyond Campus Receives CCA’s Instructional Program Award
Learning Beyond Campus (LBC), an innovative and immersive summer program designed to transform TCTC students’ engagement with history and literature, captured the Instructional Program Award at the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA) conference.
Katy Hardy, department head for the Associate in Arts program, accepted the award which recognizes innovative programs in CCA member colleges that have been designed and implemented to foster excellence in teaching and learning. Instructor and LBC program leader Alex Eaton and students currently are in Boston on the annual trip and were unable to attend the conference.
LBC is an eight-week program that blends virtual instruction with on-location experiential learning in Boston and the surrounding New England area. The program is designed to help students experience history and literature firsthand by walking the very ground where America began to take shape.
This interdisciplinary program offers students the opportunity to earn six transferable credit hours in American History (HIS 201: Discovery to 1877) and Early American Literature (ENG 201) by combining virtual coursework with an intensive learning experience in Boston. Through this unique approach, LBC fosters academic engagement, historical literacy, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to American heritage. It’s a way of helping students see the relevance of what they’re learning, not just in textbooks, but in the world around them.
LBC is structured in three parts. Students begin their studies in May with three weeks of online coursework that provides the historical and literary foundation for their travel. During this time, history students explore major themes in early American development, while literature students analyze foundational texts from the colonial and early national periods. They also prepare for the travel portion by researching the places they’ll visit.
In June, students and faculty travel together to Boston and the surrounding region for nearly three weeks of experiential learning.
They immerse themselves in history by visiting key sites, including the Freedom Trail, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, the Bunker Hill Monument, and Paul Revere’s house.
Students get a taste of the local culture through music and authentic food and learn to navigate public transportation. “For many, it’s their first time outside of South Carolina. The experience opens their minds to new ideas, new places, and new possibilities,” said Hulehan.
The final two weeks of the program are dedicated to independent reflection and coursework. Students complete research papers, creative projects, and presentations that integrate their travel experiences with the academic material they studied earlier.
The impact of the program is both academic and personal. Participants consistently describe the experience as life changing. One student’s mother wrote to LBC program leader Alex Eaton to share the effect the trip had on her daughter:
“First, I want to say thank you for being part of such an amazing program. I’m sure as a teacher you wonder if some things are making a difference. I know my daughter won’t see the changes now, but I know you have changed the course of her life. You have opened her mind. What an amazing gift! You may never see the change, but I will, and for this, I am grateful. Thank you for being a teacher.”
For many community college students—particularly firstgeneration college-goers or those with limited financial means— opportunities like LBC are rare. That’s part of what makes the program so important.
“Many of our students don’t have the financial means to participate in traditional study-abroad programs. LBC removes that barrier by offering a structured, affordable travel-learning experience. It gives our students access to the kind of high-impact educational opportunities that are often only available at elite institutions,” said Hulehan.
“The LBC program redefines how students interact with history and literature, removing barriers to transformative learning experiences,” said Hulehan.
“It’s a model of instructional excellence, equity, and engagement—and a perfect example of what community colleges do best.”
The group poses in front of the Boston Pops.
Katy Hardy, right, accepts Instructional Program award.
Jiratchaya Suwankuer, left, and Krystal Smith are pictured at Quincy Granite Quarry.
Nick Eason Delivers Keynote at Spring Graduation
Nick Eason, associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator for Clemson University, delivered the keynote address at the College’s spring commencement.
Graduates received degrees, diplomas and certificates at Littlejohn Coliseum on May 12.
“If you’ve made it to this pinnacle in your life, you’re what I call, in the world of football, someone with GRIT – or growth, resilience, instincts, and tenacity,” said Eason.
“Grit is the ability to learn from your setbacks and use them as an opportunity for growth. Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from adversity and to maintain determination. Instinct is when it’s
time to adjust course and approach goals in new ways. Tenacity is the unwavering persistence and dedication to achieve long-term goals,” he said.
Despite his successes both on and off the field, Eason admitted, “Nobody gave me a manual for life. I got my degree and walked across the stage and thought life was going to be hunky dory. I got the opportunity to play in the NFL, but there were obstacles and adversity in life. I tell players, ‘Learn to live life inside out.’”
Eason imparted this advice to the Class of 2025:
• No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
• Don’t compare your life to others. Comparison is the thief of all joy.
• Stop thinking too much. It’s all right to not know all the answers.
• Smile. You don’t have to own all the problems in the world. He concluded with reminding graduates of the “three things you don’t get back in life: time, opportunity and words. So, make sure you use them wisely.”
Ronnie Short Receives Degree; Says TCTC Changed His Life
In 2023, Ronnie Short was asked to participate in a video TCTC was filming to promote its annual United Way fundraising campaign. Short, a high school dropout who years later earned his GED and enrolled at TCTC at age 44, recounted his story of how he has benefitted from the services of the LOT Project and the Salvation Army, two United Way-supported agencies.
Short also reflected on his experience with TCTC’s I-BEST program, which is designed to increase the College’s focus on unemployed and underemployed
populations. It is a one-semester program that allows students to explore careers in manufacturing, health care or a stand-alone course for college and career exploration opportunities.
Short says both United Way and TCTC changed his life by showing him how to turn failures into opportunities and gave him the confidence to pursue an associate degree. Short received a CNC Programming and Operations degree at spring commencement, something a few years ago he would have deemed an impossibility.
Nick Eason delivers address.
A graduate takes a selfie.
Ronnie Short
Owen Recio Achieves Goal of Standing and Walking to Receive TCTC
Diploma
Owen Recio and his family were told there was a 99.9% chance he would never be able to walk again following an accident in 2022 that damaged his spine and left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Recio refused to accept that fate. “My initial response was, ‘This isn’t permanent. I will find a way to walk again.’”
Early on in his first semester at TCTC, Recio decided it was his goal to stand and walk to receive his diploma.
Two years later, at TCTC’s spring commencement, seated in his wheelchair, Recio began the ascent up the ramp to receive his degree from TCTC President Galen DeHay.
As he approached Dr. DeHay, Recio stood up from his wheelchair, took hold of his walker, walked a few steps, shook hands and accepted his diploma in Network Systems Management.
The audience celebrated Recio with a standing ovation.
“The audience’s response made me feel like all my struggles and mental warfare that held me back initially were gone. The crowd’s response was a good reminder that you can achieve your goals.” His college graduation was his first time to stand and walk in public.
The 22-year-old Piedmont resident graduated from Wren High School in 2021 and entered Clemson University to major in computer science.
In January of 2022, while out “horsing around with friends, carrying a buddy on my shoulders,” he fell and broke his back resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
He had surgery to realign his spine, which was successful, but not restorative, he said.
He was taken to Prisma Health’s Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital in Greenville where he received months of in-patient rehabilitation for the spinal cord injury.
One year after the accident, he enrolled at TCTC to continue studying computer science.
“TCTC was very accessible, and the instructors were great. Everyone wanted to see me succeed and that helped to motivate me to graduate,” said Recio.
He never doubted he would graduate; he just wasn’t sure when.
Within two years he earned his degree. “I’m proud of myself and I was happy to share this with my family and the people I love,” he said.
He made major progress at Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital
and about six months ago began to take small steps. “The feeling has returned about 50%,” he said, “and is coming back in bits over time.”
He first began to regain some feeling in his leg followed by motor return. It gave him the motivation to forge ahead. “When I got home from rehab, I knew it was all on me to see progression in walking and with motor return,” he said. “I still can’t move my feet to this day and my left leg is slow on motor return. My right leg is completely numb and was fitted with an AFO, or ankle foot orthosis, which lifts my right foot to become mobile,” he said.
Recio’s left leg is fitted with a KFO, or knee foot orthosis, and he uses a full leg brace from the hip down. Recio’s left leg also uses an Ottobock C-brace, which is a full leg brace with a computer chip with a hydraulic press to control the knee function.
“It’s so rewarding, after months of dedication, to get my degree and to walk across the stage and make plans for the future,” he said.
Franklin Williams, a public speaking instructor at TCTC, who taught Recio in the fall of 2023, got to know Recio’s story during the class’s first introductory speech. “He is as determined as anyone I’ve seen in my two-and-one-half years of teaching at TCTC. We’ve kept in touch since the public speaking class, and we would have conversations about his progression. But I had no idea he would walk at graduation. I was as shocked as the audience when he stood to receive his degree. I was able to see him after the recessional and give him a congratulatory fist bump and say good job. Owen will be one of our most memorable graduates because of his positive message about not giving up. Looking back, he made a lasting impact on all of us.”
Owen Recio shakes President DeHay’s hand.
Duke Energy Continues Support of Power Line Worker Program
Duke Energy continued its support of TCTC’s Power Line Worker program by presenting the TCTC Foundation with a $60,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation to support equipment needs and scholarships for the program.
The presentation was made on National Lineworker Appreciation Day (April 18), a day to recognize the service, commitment and sacrifices of power lineworkers, who are critical to ensuring customers have access to safe and reliable electricity.
Trent Acker, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy Corporation, made the presentation to TCTC Foundation Executive Director Courtney White. “These funds will enhance our Power Line Worker certificate program by providing essential equipment and will fund two scholarships for students to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as part of the program. With five cohorts of 18 students per year in the Power Line Worker certificate program, this investment will support the program’s continued success and workforce development in the region,” said White.
TCTC’s Power Line Worker certification program is a 12-week course that prepares individuals for entry-level careers in the power line industry. The program includes two weeks of basic construction
Commission Elects Officers
At its April meeting, the TCTC Commission elected officers for 2025-2026.
Hamid Mohsseni was re-elected to serve his second term as chairman of the College’s nine-member governing board. He represents Anderson County.
Jim Wanner of Salem was re-elected vice chair. He represents Oconee County.
Jim Kaplan of Pickens was re-elected secretary. He represents Pickens County.
skills, covering OSHA 10, CPR, and NCCER Core Safety, followed by 10 weeks of specialized training in climbing, electrical theory, rigging, aerial framing, and equipment use.
Participants also have the option to obtain a CDL A to enhance employability. With an 86% completion rate and 91% job placement rate, many graduates secure employment before finishing the program.
Following completion of TCTC’s Level I Power Line Worker certification classes, students participate in a rodeo where they showcase their skills for potential employers who are looking to fill these in-demand job across the state.
“Lineworkers support the growth of industries and businesses by helping build and expand power infrastructure. Line technicians install new power lines, transformers and other equipment to reliably accommodate the tremendous growth we are seeing in South Carolina,” said Acker.
“Our curriculum is designed to prepare potential employees to meet the specific needs of employers in our area,” said Ron Bryant, department head for Transportation/Truck Driving at TCTC. South Carolina employment data indicates the job market is wide open, and employers are looking to fill new positions and openings created by a retiring workforce, he said.
Hamid Mohsseni Jim Wanner Jim Kaplan
Dr. Stephan Irwin Receives Highest Award Given to Faculty
Dr. Stephan Irwin, department head for the Associate of Science program at TCTC, was presented the highest award given to faculty on May 5.
Dr. Irwin was honored with the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence at the College’s spring convocation. The medallion is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College and to the students.
Dr. Irwin joined the College in 2014 as an anatomy and physiology instructor and later was named coordinator for instructional activities for science. In 2022, he took the role of program director for the School of Science and Mathematics, and in 2024 was promoted to his current position.
Dr. Stephan Irwin
“Stephan’s contributions to the School of Science and Mathematics—and more recently, to the larger Arts and Sciences Division—are remarkable in both scope and depth,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of the Arts and Sciences Division. “He consistently identifies and addresses student needs through thoughtful, equity-centered approaches. Over the past two years, he has engaged in extensive professional development, including refining assessment language for accessibility and building classroom practices that foster belonging,” she said.
“One particularly creative and impactful effort was his development and deployment of daily icebreakers during the early weeks of the semester. Designed to build interpersonal communication and connection, these small moments had a big impact—transforming quiet classrooms into spaces where students now regularly engage in conversation and peer support,” said Hulehan.
She added that outside of the classroom, Dr. Irwin “continues to lead with integrity and effectiveness.”
He supported faculty through the redesign of Biology 101, helping to mediate differing viewpoints and shape course materials and provided valuable assistance in the development of a new science course for the Early Care and Education (ECE) program.
“Dr. Irwin also participated in a peer group with the state technical college system focused on improving success rates in BIO 210 and 211 classes across the state, demonstrating his commitment to excellence
beyond his own classroom,” said Shelby Duffy, academic program strategist for the Arts and Sciences Division.
He was among the 18 faculty and staff who earned military badges after participating in a training program focused on awarding college credit for prior learning from military experience.
Last year he participated in TCTC’s second cohort in the Rural Educator Academy (REA) through the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA). The overarching purpose of the REA is to cultivate the competencies and skills required for Appalachian community college faculty, student services staff, and leaders to improve rural student outcomes, particularly for lower income students and students of color.
In a nomination letter, colleagues wrote that Dr. Irwin “not only learns from these experiences but translates them into practical classroom interventions and division-wide strategies, showing that he views professional development as a tool for systemic improvement.”
Duffy said she admires Dr. Irwin’s dedication to fostering a comfortable learning environment and promoting student engagement while aligning his actions with institutional goals and values.
“His commitment does not stop with students. His leadership is cemented in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the human side of academia,” said Dr. Brian Smith, director of adjunct faculty and student support for the Arts and Sciences Division.
“It is clear that Stephan exemplifies the very best of Tri-County Technical College. His advocacy for students and faculty, his commitment to continuous improvement, and his collaborative spirit make him an indispensable part of our community,” said Hulehan.
“The award is a reflection of all the wonderful coworkers that I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years, as I learned from them and sought to emulate their best practices, and to my wife, Heather, whose patience, love and support have made me the man I am today,” said Dr. Irwin.
Dr. Irwin holds a Bachelor of Science in aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife, a Master of Science in wildlife and fisheries biology, and a Ph.D. in wildlife and fisheries biology with a certificate in science education, all from Clemson University.
Our College
in transition
Tamia Grate joined TCTC as our newest police officer. Grate is currently working the afternoon/ evening shift at the Pendleton Campus. Grate previously served as an officer with the State Transport Police. She also has experience working in law enforcement communications, having been employed with Anderson County 911.
Emily Grace Cannon is the new administrative assistant for the Arts and Sciences Division. She is a recent graduate of Anderson University with a degree in Communications. In her role, Cannon serves as the first point of contact in the division office, providing front desk support and assisting students, faculty, and visitors.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Brannon joined the Marketing department as a marketing account coordinator. She will be working directly with internal customers, connecting them with the varied resources of the Marketing department. An additional key responsibility will be data and analytics related to marketing campaigns. Brannon is a cum laude graduate of Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications-Digital Media, and she holds a variety of relevant certifications through Google.
Lisa (Erin) Noel-McFerrin joined the Office of Academic Development as the educational technology consultant. She will be providing Blackboard support and consulting on online course development and the integration of educational technology into the curriculum. She has a background in curriculum and teaching, learning community management, and college student development.
Dr. Della Vanhuss Retired June 2
For nearly three decades, Dr. Della Vanhuss has encountered graduates just about everywhere she goes – the local post office, area schools, the grocery store and even Tri-County Technical College. Former students Hubert McClure and Andrea Barnett later served alongside her as fellow instructors in the Arts and Sciences Division.
After 27 years of teaching history courses, and 24 years as humanities department head, Dr. Vanhuss has decided to retire.
Her last day at TCTC was June 2.
After working as an adjunct for four years, Dr. Vanhuss was hired in 1998 as department head for humanities for the Arts and Sciences Division, where she taught history and other humanities courses.
She says the people at TCTC—co-workers and the students in her classes and those who she met while serving as Alpha Zeta Beta advisor—made TCTC a great place to work. Dr. Vanhuss said she especially enjoyed teaching “the non-traditional evening students, many of whom started and/or finished their degrees at TCTC. That is so exciting to see.”
TCTC mathematics instructor Andrea Barnett is one of those nontraditional students Dr. Vanhuss taught when she was working as an adjunct. At the time, Barnett was a married mother of two young children and working a full-time job while returning to school after a 10-year hiatus. She admits she was dreading the Western Civilization class. “But Della made it interesting. I left the class with a deeper appreciation of the material and even signed up for Della’s class for the second part of World Civ. I saw how much Della loves the subject she teaches, and I admired that. So, when I started teaching math, a subject that some students fear, I modeled her approach by finding new ways to make math interesting for people like she did the history class for me. Della is professional, positive, and easy to talk to, and I’m really going to miss her.”
Hubert McClure, a TCTC alumnus and longtime math instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division, was one of those students who enrolled in a Western Civilization class taught by Dr. Vanhuss in the evening. (He had transferred to Clemson University and was fulfilling history requirements at TCTC.) McClure says Dr. Vanhuss falls into the category of “a great teacher, someone you never forget.”
“Della teaches from the heart. She doesn’t present; she teaches. She made history come to life,” he said. He admits he initially wasn’t interested in the subject matter as a 20-year-old (then) Civil Engineering major, but he says, “Della and my Western Civilization II teacher, Dr. Belcher, made the class go from a requirement to something I enjoyed.”
“Della has a remarkable ability to see the good in people and to bring out their best,” said Corey Evans, Spanish instructor at TCTC. “She hired me into my first full-time role, and her belief in me—and in so many others—has shaped careers and changed lives. Her steady presence, unwavering support, and deep commitment to our students and our mission will be felt for years to come.”
Welding Alumnus Larry Hembree Receives Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award
Larry Hembree, a professional welder who has taught for TCTC’s Welding program for 17 years, received the College’s 2025 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award May 5.
This award is given annually at spring 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.
A 1990 graduate of TCTC’s Welding certificate program, Hembree worked as a fabricator/welder for Blair Mills, Inc., Consolidated Southern Industries, and Day & Zimmerman, Inc., before returning to his alma mater in 2008 as an adjunct instructor. He assumed the role of Welding lecturer in 2016 and has taught multiple sections of almost all of the Welding program offerings.
“He has a great passion and desire to see all of the students in the Welding program succeed and has played a vital part in their ability to do so,” said Matt Woodall, Industrial Technology department head. “Not only does he care about the students’ success, Larry goes the extra mile to make sure all of his fellow co-workers are successful as well.”
Instructors say Hembree is the first to volunteer to cover a class when an instructor is out sick; he has mentored and trained new instructors coming into the program; and he volunteers his time to support students while traveling out of town for annual welding competitions.
“Larry sees each student for what they can be and not where they are in their life or learning process. He truly wants the best for his students in their personal and professional lives. Larry thoroughly prepares his students for this industry in every way possible. He takes pride in his students’ successes both in the classroom and later in the workplace. Larry has kept in contact with dozens of students
over the years, even some from his first year of teaching more than 17 years ago. This speaks volumes about the type of person Larry is and the type of positive experiences he provides his students in the Welding program,” said Woodall.
Alumni agree Hembree made a lasting impression on them and say their journey to success began in his class.
Tristan Pitt, a welder at Crowder Construction and a 2019 graduate, said, “Larry Hembree was one of my instructors during my time at TCTC. It was where I found my passion for welding, but it was instructors, like Larry, who taught the skills and gave me the confidence to pursue this passion. Larry’s ability to balance being a friend and mentor allows him to develop relationships with his students that last far beyond their time at Tri- County.”
“Larry Hembree is a vital part of TCTC’s Welding program. He has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students over the past 17 years while enabling them to have a transformative experience every semester in his courses. TCTC’s Welding program wouldn’t be the same without his dedication and service for our students,” said Woodall.
CER Staff Highlight
Successful Collaborations
Career and Employability Resources (CER) team members highlighted TCTC’s successful collaborations during their presentation at the South Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers (SCACE) annual conference in Charleston (May 28-30). Ellen Pate, director of CER, left, and Jennifer Darlak, work-based learning coordinator, hosted a session, “Maximizing Student-Employer Interactions in Small-Scale Career Expos.” They showcased TCTC’s strategic approach to workforce readiness through targeted, intimate career events.
Larry Hembree poses with his family
Linda and Ralph Elliott Endow Presidential Medallion Awards at TCTC
Ralph and Linda Elliott, lifelong educators and longtime contributors to the Tri-County Technical College Foundation, have endowed two awards at TCTC.
The awards, which are the highest presented annually to faculty and staff, will now be known as the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence and the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence.
The awards have been presented at the College for the past 40 years.
The Elliotts, who began their careers as faculty and later became administrators at postsecondary institutions, are passionate about the transformative power of education.
The couple was honored at a ceremony on May 12 to celebrate their generosity and to unveil a donor recognition plaque.
“What better way to commemorate their leadership for the College and the community than to name an award for them,” said Dr. Galen DeHay, president of TCTC.
Linda Elliott retired from Tri-County Technical College on December 31, 2006, after more than three decades of dedicated service in the areas of academia and institutional advancement.
Wal-Mart Donates to
Emergency Fund
Student
At the May 2 grand reopening of the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on East Greenville Street in Anderson, Wal-Mart operations manager Alex Roten, right, presented Jonathan Cauthen, director of development for the TCTC Foundation, with a $500 contribution in support of the TCTC Student Emergency Fund.
The Student Emergency Fund supports the purchase of textbooks, gas cards, academic supplies, etc., for students who are in an emergency situation and are at risk of not continuing their education due to unexpected financial dilemmas.
In 1981, she was the recipient of the College’s Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence.
Ralph and Linda Elliott
“Ralph and I are deeply honored to endow the Presidential Medallions for Instructional and Staff Excellence at Tri-County Technical College. These awards reflect our heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding faculty and staff who go above and beyond in serving students and advancing the mission of TCTC,” said Linda Elliott.
“Linda and I are both passionate about the transformative power of higher education and having the opportunity to support and recognize excellence in this way is truly meaningful to us. With Linda having served at Tri-County for over 30 years, TCTC holds a special place in our hearts, and it is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring community. Thank you to everyone who made the awards of excellence possible and who continue to make Tri-County a place of excellence and opportunity,” said Dr. Elliott.
(continued on page 11)
Clemson Downs Donation Supports Nursing Scholarship
Clemson Downs contributed $2,123 to TCTC’s Foundation to continue its support of the TCTC nursing program. This donation will support a scholarship for a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) student. This scholarship also will cover the course, books, and testing for the CNA student.
James Hill, executive director of Clemson Downs, second from left, and TCTC President Galen DeHay, third from left, are pictured with Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, left, and Carolyn Stewart, MSN, RN, CPP, department head for Corporate and Continuing Education health care.
Ralph and Linda Elliott pose with friends who attended the unveiling ceremony.
“The Elliotts’ longstanding commitment to and passion for teaching, learning and staff excellence made them gifted educators with a strong dedication to instill confidence and to motivate individuals to achieve their long-range educational goals,” said President DeHay.
Dr. Stephan Irwin, department head for the Associate of Science program at TCTC, was honored with the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence at the College’s spring convocation on May 5
“When I first arrived at TCTC 12 years ago, I brought with me a passion for changing lives and making the world a better place one person at a time,” Dr. Irwin told the Elliotts at the announcement. “What this award represents to me is not my actions, but a reflection of the good in others—those who have shaped me, supported me, mentored me, and walked this path beside me. I am honored to be chosen as the recipient, not for personal recognition, but as a spokesperson for their contributions and goodwill. There can be no greater recognition, and for that, I am both grateful and deeply humbled. In all things, I promise to do my best to live up to what this award represents.”
Linda Elliott began her TCTC career as English Department head, then was promoted to chair of the Arts and Sciences Division. In 1988, she was named the chief institutional advancement officer for the College. During her 17-year tenure as administrator of the Tri-County Technical College Foundation, assets grew from $2 million to more than $14 million, making it the largest foundation among the 16 technical colleges in the state. Founded in 1986, the TCTC Foundation remains the largest foundation in the South Carolina Technical College System.
Dr. Elliott, professor emeritus of Economics at Clemson University, concluded his tenure at Clemson when he retired in 2006. While at Clemson, he served as director of professional development, associate dean for executive education, and vice provost for off-campus, distance and continuing education. Following his distinguished career at Clemson, he continued to contribute to higher education as a consultant with Auburn University for nearly two additional decades.
The Elliotts have been loyal donors to the TCTC Foundation over the years. At Linda Elliott’s retirement celebration hosted by the
TCTC Foundation Board on December 2, 2006, it was announced that the Foundation Board, friends and family raised $36,600 for the Linda C. Elliott Instructional Excellence Endowment. In addition, Dr. Elliott announced that he would donate funds to name the College’s institutional advancement suite in her honor, and the TCTC Commission recognized her pioneering leadership in the areas of academic programs and institutional advancement and inducted her into the Order of the Trilon.
Established in 1974, the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence is the highest award presented to the faculty of Tri-County Technical College. The medallion is presented annually at spring convocation to the instructor who best exemplifies the College’s philosophy and has contributed the most during the academic year to the performance of teaching and to the development of the College and its students. The recipient must be an exemplary instructor who is highly respected by fellow faculty members, staff, administrators, and students.
Established in 1982, the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence is the highest award presented to the staff members of Tri-County Technical College. The medallion is presented each year at fall convocation to the staff member who best exemplifies the College’s philosophy and has contributed the most during the academic year to the development of the College and its students. The recipient must be an exemplary staff member who is highly respected by fellow employees, administrators, and students.
Linda Elliott receives presidential medallion in 1981.
Spring 2025 Community Service Day: United Way Pickens County
TCTC staff served with the United Way of Pickens County (UWPC) to revitalize the Born Learning Trail at JB Red Owens Park on Friday, May 2. The Born Learning Trail is a partnership between UWPC and First Steps Pickens County and is focused on early literacy experiences that prepare children for school and life. Pictured left to right from the Easley Campus are Tracey Herlong, operations manager, and Campus Director Daniel Adams and his son, Isaiah.
TCTC and Clemson University’s Dual Enrollment Academy
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“Our goal is to ensure students achieve the best outcomes,” said Dr. Mandy Elmore, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development at TCTC. “For dual enrollment students, the best outcomes are courses count toward the student’s desired field of study, the student is ready for their future college experience, the student’s academic performance is better when they go to college, and the student completes college faster, thereby saving time and money. Tri-County has a long history of achieving these outcomes, and we are excited to partner with Clemson to make the dream of college a reality for more students in our region.”
TCTC has established participation agreements with all seven school districts in Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. As part of the agreement, participating high schools will engage in the recruitment, selection and onboarding of qualified students and provide bus transportation for enrolled students to the nearest TCTC campus for in-person coursework.
“This partnership between Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University is an exciting opportunity to expand access to higher education for students across Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties,” said Dr. Danny Merck, superintendent of the School District of Pickens County. “By aligning resources and creating a clearly defined, affordable pathway to a Clemson degree, this initiative helps more students take the next step toward their college and career goals. We are grateful for the leadership of TCTC and Clemson in building this opportunity, and we are proud to join with them in ensuring that more students can access and thrive in postsecondary education. Together, we are building a stronger future for our communities.”
Students interested in the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy should contact their school’s guidance counselor to learn more. Information can also be found online at tctc.edu/academy.
Dr. Danny Merck, left, superintendent of the School District of Pickens County, and Dr. Bob Jones of Clemson University.
Stephanie Brown Receives 2025 Margi Sirois Veterinary Technician Educator of the Year Award
Stephanie Brown, a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) and director for TCTC’s Veterinary Technology program, is the recipient of the 2025 Margi Sirois Veterinary Technician Educator of the Year award.
Brown, who was selected from nominees across the United States and Canada, will be honored at the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) annual conference August 1-3 in Kentucky.
The award honors the memory and legacy of Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, VT, LAT, a fierce advocate for advancing veterinary technology and veterinary technician educators and a past president of the AVTE. It is presented annually to a credentialed technician educator who has demonstrated exceptional strength in representing veterinary technicians in the field of education and exemplifies work toward advancing the field of veterinary technology.
“I am truly honored and deeply humbled to accept the 2025 Margi Sirois Veterinary Technician Educator of the Year award,” said Brown. “To be recognized among so many exceptional educators across the United States and Canada is an incredible privilege, and I am especially proud to receive an award that celebrates the enduring legacy of Dr. Margi Sirois,” she said.
“Throughout my 21 years of teaching at Tri-County Technical College, and as a graduate of this very program, my goal has always been to inspire, challenge, and support the next generation of veterinary technicians. I have been fortunate to work with extraordinary students, dedicated colleagues, and community partners who continually fuel my passion for both veterinary medicine and education. This award is not only a personal milestone, but also a reflection of the collaborative efforts that have shaped our Veterinary Technology program. To receive this award from AVTE is truly meaningful. I am inspired to continue pushing boundaries in veterinary technology education and to honor this recognition by further advancing the profession that has given me so much.”
This is the second time Brown has been honored by the AVTE. Last year she was the only veterinary technician educator in South Carolina accepted into the inaugural class of the AVTE Fellows.
A self-proclaimed lifelong learner in teaching and veterinary medicine, Brown seeks every opportunity to advance her knowledge and skills and to adapt to ever-changing practices in the profession of veterinary medicine.
In her nomination letter, 2020 Veterinary Technology alumna Kaylyn Durham, LVT, who is an adjunct instructor for the program, said, “Stephanie’s innovative approach to learning and improvement
of the program led her to create two new courses to enhance student outcomes on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), the national credentialing exam. TriCounty graduates must pass the VTNE before they are eligible to take the state licensure written exam. The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
The first-time pass rate for TCTC students on the VTNE has shown consistent improvement, thanks in part to the introduction of VET 290 Senior Integrated Learning, a capstone course implemented in fall 2020, Durham said. “This course has played a significant role in better preparing students for the exam by reinforcing core concepts and strengthening their test taking skills,” Durham said.
Since 2014, Brown has served as the faculty advisor for the TCTC student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Last year the students brought home the firstplace award for its Student Community Involvement Project—a pet adoption event held each semester—at the South Carolina Technical Education Association conference.
The annual pet adoption event provides clinical learning experiences and enables students to develop competencies while addressing the overwhelming problem of animal overpopulation.
Each semester the department takes in up to 38 dogs and 24 cats from shelters, humane societies, rescues and sanctuaries. Under the supervision and guidance of the College’s veterinarians and LVTs, students use their acquired knowledge and hands-on skills to perform procedures that benefit each animal. In addition, each student is assigned an animal that they train and socialize, transforming them into a highly adoptable pet.
Three times a year, public pet adoption events are held on campus for the shelter cats and dogs that have been cared for during the semester as part of the program.
Recently Brown collaborated with a rescue organization that transports animals by car or airplane to northern shelters where there is a high demand for adoptable pets. She also collaborates with the Greenville Zoo to provide essential equipment and expertise that enhance animal care.
Brown, who has taught at the College for 21 years, is a 1992 alumna of TCTC’s Veterinary Technology program and worked as a licensed veterinary technician in private practice for 13 years.
She was named Veterinary Technician of the Year in 1998 by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. In 2010 she received TCTC’s Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award.
Stephanie Brown
P.O.
tctc.edu
Welding Winners
TCTC Welding students took home three first-place awards and one second-place award at the annual South Carolina Technical College State-wide Welding Competition hosted by Horry-Georgetown Technical College April 24.
Chris Morgan was awarded first place in category 3 of the competition which consisted of SMAW full penetration of carbon steel plate in the vertical and overhead testing positions.
Christian Eib was awarded first place in category 4 of the competition which consisted of SMAW full penetration of 6” diameter carbon steel pipe in the 6G testing position.
Wilson Sarvis was awarded first place in category 5 of the competition which consisted of GTAW & SMAW full penetration of 6” diameter carbon steel pipe in the 6G testing position.
Mason Morris was awarded second place in category 1 of the competition which consisted of GTAW of carbon steel sheet metal and GTAW of aluminum sheet metal along with GMAW full penetration of carbon steel plate. All welds were made in the vertical testing positions.
“Attending this type of welding competition is a great
experience for our students at TCTC,” said Matt Woodall, Industrial Technology department head. “This competition exposes students to the high-pressure welder qualification testing environments that they each will face when they seek employment after graduation. It doesn’t get any more real world than this for students learning this trade. I’m extremely proud of the way all these students competed in this competition. I’m also grateful for all the extra time and effort spent by our Welding faculty to prepare these students for this competition. Without their dedication to TCTC’s Welding program and to the success of our students, none of this would be possible.”
Wilson Sarvis
Christian Eib Mason Morris
Chris Morgan