Pathway to Success Luncheon Honors Rosemond-Saunders 11
Anderson Campus Expansion Groundbreaking Set for January 16
Tri-County Technical College will break ground Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11 a.m., on a $31 million investment at the Anderson Campus to expand and grow workforce development programs. Specifically, the expansion will create a manufacturing, utilities, transportation and logistics hub to house Power Line Worker (PLW), Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), Commercial Truck Driving (CDL), Forklift Operations and Safety, Certified Logistics, Mechatronics Technology, Automotive Technology and Heavy Duty Diesel Technology programs on a single campus.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
(continued on page 12)
Pathways Gala Will Support Dual Enrollment Academy
Jim and Julee Kaplan, Harper General Contractors Are Visionary Sponsors of Event
TCTC Commissioner Jim Kaplan and his wife, Julee, and Harper General Contractors are the visionary sponsors of the Dual Enrollment Academy Pathways Gala set for next year.
The fundraising gala will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6 p.m., in the Ruby Hicks building on TCTC’s Pendleton Campus. The theme is “An Evening of Opportunity: Opening Doors, Changing Lives.”
Around 150 community members will attend the Pathways Gala to enjoy an evening of fundraising and fellowship while learning about the Dual Enrollment Academy and ways to support it, said Courtney White, executive director of TCTC’s Foundation.
(continued on page 7)
Jim and Julee Kaplan
is published six times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.
Mailing Address (All Campuses)
P. O. Box 587
Pendleton, SC 29670
Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC
Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd. Anderson, SC
Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC
Oconee Campus
552 Education Way Westminster, SC
Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282)
Toll-free
1-866-269-5677
tctc.edu
Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (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.
Tri-County Technical College’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at tctc.edu/TitleIX. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to tctc.edu/TitleIX.
Celebrating Excellence and Looking Ahead
Iam thrilled to share that Tri-County Technical College has been named one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges, making us eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the work our faculty and staff do every day to ensure student success. It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens our region.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead to an exciting start to the new year. On January 16, we will break ground on a $31 million expansion of our Anderson Campus, creating a state-of-the-art hub for manufacturing, transportation, and logistics programs. This investment will allow us to meet critical workforce needs and provide students with hands-on training for high-demand careers.
Just weeks later, on February 28, we will host the inaugural Pathways Gala to support the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy. This initiative opens doors for first-generation students and provides a clear, affordable path to a Clemson University degree. The gala will bring together community leaders and donors who share our vision of expanding access and opportunity for every student in the tri-county area.
These projects, and the many successes highlighted in this edition of Connection, are possible because of your engagement and support. Together, we are building strong communities and transforming lives one student at a time.
As we close out 2025, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with health, happiness, and continued success.
In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President
Dr. Galen DeHay President
The Aspen Institute Names TCTC as a Top 200 U.S. Community College Eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize
The Aspen Institute named Tri-County Technical College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.
“Being named an Aspen 200 college is a powerful affirmation of the work our faculty, staff, and community partners do every day to ensure student success. At Tri-County Technical College, we are committed to delivering high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens our region. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence in everything we do,” said TCTC President Galen DeHay.
Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.
“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”
Community colleges educate nearly six million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.
TCTC has the highest graduation rate, success rate and transfer rate in the S.C. Technical College System. Nationally, TCTC’s performance falls in the 90th percentile for student success and transfer, and Pell grant recipients who attend TCTC and later transfer to Clemson have the highest bachelor’s degree rate in the nation.
More high school students are choosing to come to Tri-County after graduation. One year after graduation TCTC enrolls the third-most S.C. high school students of any college in South Carolina — behind only the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.
TCTC and other eligible colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.
This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. In 2017, TCTC was one of 150 colleges selected from more than 1,000 community colleges across the nation to compete for this honor.
President’s Cup Raises More Than $98,000
The TCTC Foundation hosted the 2025 President’s Cup golf tournament on October 8 and raised $98,765. A team representing Arthrex was named the tournament champions with the winning score of 14 under par.
Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Oconee Federal and Prisma Health. We appreciate their continued generous support.
Supporting the Next Generation of Nurses
Despite the healthy enrollment in both Associate Degree Nursing (199 students) and Practical Nursing (72 students) programs at TCTC and at other colleges and universities in the state, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continues to project a shortage of nurses across South Carolina.
According to 2025 projections by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), South Carolina will have a deficit of 5,520 registered nurses in 2025, leaving 8.9% of projected demand unmet.
By 2030, the shortage is expected to grow to 10,400 registered nurses, placing South Carolina among the top four states with the most critical nursing deficits.
Key drivers of the shortage include an aging workforce, population growth and workforce attrition.
Nursing apprenticeship programs with community partners like Prisma Health and AnMed address these barriers, making it possible for TCTC to expand its nursing cohort size. Thanks to generous donors, students are eligible to apply for TCTC Foundation scholarships, as well as scholarships restricted to nursing students. These scholarships enable more students to attend college each year.
Despite these avenues, many students struggle to make ends meet while attending school, which can lead to student loans.
To support the next generation of nurses, the TCTC Foundation kicked off its “100 Women, One Vision” initiative on July 1. The initiative was created to bring 100 women together to contribute $1,000 each to support this next generation of nurses.
To date, the TCTC Foundation has raised $89,626 in pledges and gifts toward its $100,000 goal for “100 Women, One Vision.”
For more information, contact Jonathan Cauthen at jcauthe2@ tctc.edu or 646-1866.
History of the Nursing Programs
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING
Soon after Clemson University announced it would discontinue its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program in the early 1980s, TCTC initiated the lengthy process of implementing the program.
In April of 1981, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education approved TCTC’s proposal to take over Clemson University’s two-year associate degree nursing program. Later in May, the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina approved the request. The nursing program has been fully accredited by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina since the program’s inception in 1981.
Tri-County began its ADN program in the fall quarter of 1981. The next year classes opened with a capacity enrollment of 24 students.
In 1983, the College graduated 12 students from its first class of nurses and all of the first class of graduates passed the National Council Licensing Exam for registered nurses.
PRACTICAL NURSING
The Anderson Public School District administered the Practical Nursing program from its inception through August of 1988. TCTC began administering the program during the 1988-89 year. Practical Nursing, along with Dental Assisting and Surgical Technology, were added to the College’s list of diploma programs. In 1990, the program ranked first among the 20 participating state programs and first among 990 schools nationwide with its 100% pass record for writing the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination).
Pictured from left are Emily Ballenger Holland, vice chair of the TCTC Foundation Board and president and CEO, H3 Marketing; Maril Yeske, and Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation.
Mary Pickens, right, is pictured with Emily Ballenger Holland, vice chair of the TCTC Foundation Board and president and CEO, H3 Marketing, left, and Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, center.
Alumna Remington Carroll Named S.C. Emergency Nurses Association’s Nurse of the Year
Each year the South Carolina Emergency Nurses Association (SCENA) honors an exceptional emergency room nurse who demonstrates dedication, skill, and compassion in the care of patients within the high-pressure environment of the emergency department.
This year Remington (Remi) Carroll, a TCTC alumna and ER charge nurse at Bon Secours, took home the prestigious S.C. Emergency Nurses Association’s Nurse of the Year award that also recognizes ability to adapt in fastpaced, challenging situations and commitment to improving patient outcomes. She accepted the award at an annual meeting in Myrtle Beach.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be nominated,” said Carroll. “Winning was the cherry on top. I felt so appreciated. I love what I do so it was an amazing moment.”
Two colleagues who nominated Carroll say she epitomizes clinical excellence, as well as demonstrates clinical and professional excellence while supporting and advocating for others.
They highlighted her achievements in their nomination letters.
“Remi is an amazing example of a true emergency nurse,” said Greta Gue, administrative director for Emergency Services at Bon Secours. “She began in Emergency Services, like many, on night shift and has worked her way up to a charge nurse role on dayshift. She has grown exponentially over the past several years into a compassionate, skilled, and very resilient ED nurse. She consistently demonstrates clinical expertise and teamwork, remains calm under pressure, and makes sound judgement decisions in a very fast-paced environment,” said Gue.
“Beyond the bedside, she is a natural leader and mentor. Many look to Remi for guidance and she freely shares her experiences and provides support to her peers whenever the opportunity arises,” said Gue.
“When envisioning the ideal caregiver—someone you would entrust with your own well-being or that of a cherished loved one—the image that comes to mind is not only of a professional endowed with exceptional knowledge and clinical skill but also one who radiates kindness, empathy, and compassion. Remi effortlessly
encompasses all these qualities and more,” said Tori Pressley, R.N., at Bon Secours.
“The impact Remi has on those she cares for extends far beyond clinical competence. Patients and their families frequently express profound gratitude for her exceptional care, often remarking that their experience under her watch was unlike any other. Many have shared how Remi’s expertise and compassionate approach have positively shaped their entire care journey, offering comfort and confidence during some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Pressley.
“She generously dedicates time and energy to mentor and educate newer, less experienced nurses, fostering growth and excellence within our profession. Her guidance not only nurtures the skills of emerging nurses but also inspires them to embrace the same values of compassion and dedication that define her practice,” said Pressley.
Carroll graduated from TCTC’s Practical Nursing (LPN) program in 2016 and began working part-time at Lila Doyle Nursing Home in Seneca while working toward her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). “It was a very good learning experience,” said Carroll, who completed the degree in 2017. “I felt very prepared when I graduated because of the amazing instructors at TCTC. They all challenged me, and it made a huge impact.”
“Beginning in her first semester, Remi was motivated and wanted to succeed,” said Julie Beard, program director for TCTC’s LPN program. “Remi took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow and was always problem solving, which is one of the qualities of being a good nurse.”
Stacey Smith, TCTC ADN instructor, said she wasn’t surprised when she learned of Carroll’s award. “Tri-County produces practiceready nurses. In the classroom and in clinical settings, Remi exhibited strong leadership skills and was gifted in assessment and clinical decision making.”
In 2020, Carroll graduated from Chamberlain University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She has worked at Bon Secours for eight years.
Remington Carroll
Alumna Annie Platt Joins Atreus Medical Surgical Associates as Nurse Practitioner
Tri-County Technical College alumna Annie Platt never realized how meaningful her experience at the College has been in and to her life until she returned to campus recently for a career fair.
It had been eight years since she graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing. (She earned an Associate in Science degree in 2015.) At age 31, she was back on campus, this time as Dr. Annie Platt, DNP, full-time nurse practitioner who that day was recruiting new employees for another passion of hers, the Clemson Child Development Center (CCDC), which her grandparents founded, and she now serves on its board of directors.
“I signed up to attend the career fair because I serve as secretary for the board of the CCDC that my grandparents, Albert and Berniece Holt, founded in 1969. We were looking to fill job openings and have since hired several TCTC Early Care and Education majors. My manager and I were so impressed with the caliber of students who were friendly and engaging. That is a testament to TCTC’s dedication to prioritizing students,” she said.
“Because I’m a TCTC graduate, I volunteered to represent CCDC at the fair. I hadn’t been on campus in a long time. I was blown away. I’m so proud to be an alumna.”
Platt said though TCTC may look different physically, with the remodeling of Oconee Hall and the renovation of Pickens Hall currently underway, it still maintains that student-centered focus, a vibe she appreciated as a freshman.
She reflected on the many life-changing positives she experienced as a student.
“Being back on campus, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion. I didn’t realize how bonded I was to TCTC and the impact it had on me,” she said. “TCTC is really important because it’s where I met my husband, Ryan Holley, a 2020 Associate in Arts graduate, and we both participated in the College’s Learning Beyond Campus (LBC) program, which was life changing.”
TCTC’s LBC program is an innovative and immersive summer program designed to transform community college students’ engagement with history and literature. LBC is a six-week program that blends virtual instruction with on-location experiential learning in Boston and the surrounding New England area.
Platt says it was at TCTC that she found her calling in health care and where she made lifelong friends, which include LBC instructors whom she is still in contact with.
TCTC wasn’t on her radar as a Daniel High School student and an award-winning member of Daniel’s swim team and the Clemson Aquatic Team (CAT), a club team she was a member of from ages six through 19.
“The plan was always to be a member of the Clemson University swim team but my sophomore year in high school, the program was cut. My plans went out the window,” Platt said, and so did her desire to continue her education if she couldn’t participate as a competitive swimmer at Clemson.
The same year her mother had an emergency surgery, so she devoted time to her mother’s recovery. She admits that when her junior year rolled around, academics weren’t at the top of the list.
“When I was 17, I talked to my parents about finishing high school another way and they agreed,” she said. With advice from a counselor, she finished the last semester of high school online and graduated in the 11th grade.
“When thinking about college, I wanted to stay close to my doctors because I have been a Type 1 diabetic since the age of three and I wear an insulin pump,” she said. She chose TCTC where she enrolled in Associate in Science classes and transferred to Clemson University. “Then a good friend of mine passed away and I lost all interest in school and dropped out,” she said. Platt took a semester off, then headed back to TCTC, this time as an Associate Degree Nursing major.
“It was there I found the right program. I made a tight group of friends and we helped each other power through,” she said.
After graduating from TCTC, Platt joined the neurology department at AnMed and began pursuing a BSN at Clemson University in 2018 through AnMed’s tuition reimbursement program. She later worked for Hospice of the Foothills for three years and then transferred to Oconee Memorial Hospital working as an R.N. in the endoscopy and GI lab.
“I was ready to go back to school in 2022 and applied to the MUSC Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) program and was accepted to its three-year hybrid program. Earlier this year Platt simultaneously earned a master’s and a doctorate degree in adult geriatrics and was the only AGNP candidate to graduate in 2025.
She recently accepted a job as a nurse practitioner at Atreus Medical Surgical Associates, a progressive private multispecialty medical group in Seneca offering ear, nose and throat care.
Annie Platt, D. N. P.
Nursing Programs Report 100% Pass Rates on NGN
National Council Licensing Exam
TCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs report 100% pass rates on the nursing accreditation exam, the NGN (Next Generation) National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) for first-time candidates Educated Pass Rate.
These scores represent data from the first two quarters of 2025 (January 1 – June 30, 2025).
The NCLEX is a nationally recognized licensure examination required to become either a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN) or a licensed practical nurse (NCLEX-PN). Graduates of both programs must pass the exam to work as RNs and/or LPNs in the state. Both programs report perfect pass rates for two of the three quarters of 2025, and both exceed state and national pass rates for the year. After three quarters of 2025, the LPN program has a year-to-date pass rate of 100% and the ADN program has a year-to-date pass rate of 98.28%.
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division, said, “Nursing faculty deliver instruction using a team-taught approach that leads to student success. In addition, Assessment Technology Institute (ATI) technology is employed to forecast student success and allow timely remediation to make improvements to student learning.”
“I am extremely proud of the faculty,” said Lori Burkett, TCTC department head for Nursing. “I am thankful to our faculty for all they do to help educate our nursing students and ensure their success on the NCLEX, as well as practicing as professional nurses in our community and beyond.”
LPN graduates are employed at nursing homes, doctor’s offices and acute care facilities. ADN graduates are predominantly employed at Prisma Health and AnMed.
TCTC’s nursing programs are fully accredited by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Lt. Billy Albert Presents at S.C. Police Accreditation Conference
Accreditation Manager/Lt. Billy Albert recently gave a presentation at the S.C. Police Accreditation conference in Myrtle Beach. The presentation focused on the importance of using statistical data to inform police policy, training, and equipment needs.
The TCTC Police Department is one of only four college police departments in the state to earn South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA). Other accredited college police departments are MUSC, USC Upstate, and College of Charleston.
With 15 employees, they are also the smallest agency in the state to hold this highly esteemed award.
SCLEA, the official state accrediting body for law enforcement, is a voluntary initiative for professional improvement. Agencies must prove compliance with 302 standards in areas of management, administration, operations, and support services.
In December 2022, the TCTC Campus Police officially attained South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation making TCTC the first technical college in the system to achieve this gold-standard status. The TCTC Police Department’s three-year SCLEA reassessment took place in November.
Cara Hamilton, vice president of Business Affairs, stated, “I am extremely proud of our police department. Not only is it staffed by passionate, tenured, highly trained law enforcement officers, but it is the only technical college in South Carolina that is accredited. That is a testament to the commitment to excellence and professionalism of our team.”
Pathways Gala
(continued from page 1)
In April, TCTC and Clemson University officials announced 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.
“The TCTC Foundation Board set a goal of $5 million over a five-year period to fully endow the academy so every first-generation high school student in the tricounty area can have access to a debt-free education,” said White.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jim and Julee Kaplan and Harper General Contractors, visionary sponsors of the inaugural Pathways Gala, for leading the way in supporting the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy. With Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative powering the evening as our lighting and audio sponsor, this event is shaping up to be something special. There’s still room to join this inspiring circle of supporters and help create an unforgettable night that directly benefits students across the TCTC service area,” said White.
Event ticket sales and donations will go to support students by covering tuition and fees for dual enrollment courses, textbooks, and other essential learning materials, transportation and other services.
To attend the Pathways Gala and/or to make a donation to the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy, go tctc.edu/gala.
Our College Family
in transition
Lauren Knopf is a success coach with the Bridge to Clemson program. In this role, she helps students with academic and transitional support as well as builds student programming, assists with event planning and execution, and collaborates with campus and community partners for all things Bridge. Knopf came through the Bridge to Clemson program in 2021-2022, and she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clemson.
Christian Beam transitioned from part-time to full-time faculty. He teaches U.S. History, Western Civilization, and Humanities courses with a focus on Technology and Society. His extensive teaching background includes Advanced Placement courses in Human Geography, U.S. Government, U.S., European, and World History, along with Humanities and Social/Political Justice.
Shannon Whitfield is a supervisor in the Campus Café on the Pendleton Campus. She has been a part-time employee in the café for two years and prior to that she worked for T.L. Hanna High School in the cafeteria.
Laneisha Searles Davis manages wellness program services, which includes providing oversight for extended absences, managing referrals and resource supports, and program development. She comes to TCTC with a wealth of experience from Lander University working with students, faculty, and staff regarding resources, workshops, and program development.
Jonathan Reed joined TCTC as a police officer. Prior to coming to TCTC, Officer Reed served with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years. Officer Reed is a veteran, having served in the United States Army.
Briana Allen is an I-BEST learning support coordinator. In this role, she provides individualized academic support and career planning to help ensure the success of I-BEST students. She brings several years of experience in higher education most recently serving as a senior career counselor.
Sarah Moore joined the TC Central Team as a one stop specialist. She is a graduate of Clemson University where she majored in psychology. As a one stop specialist, Moore works to ensure students receive excellent service through knowledge and understanding of TCTC policies and procedures. Additionally, she collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders to continuously aid in meeting the diverse needs of TCTC students and the community.
Faculty and Staff
Receive Degrees
Mike Blizzard to Graduate with M.B.A. December 12
Congratulations to Mike Blizzard, director of IT service delivery, who completed the coursework to earn a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Wesleyan University.
Mia Tensley Successfully Defends Dissertation
Congratulations to Mia Tensley, a reading instructor for Comprehensive Studies, in the Academic and Career Foundations Division, who will be awarded a doctoral degree in Education (Ed.D.) with Curriculum and Assessment Specialization at Southern Wesleyan University’s commencement December 12.
Tensley’s research focused on “Workplace Belonging and Faculty Integration in a Community College: A Phenomenological and Grounded Theory Study.”
Mike Blizzard
Mia Tensley
Community Outreach Activities
As part of the College’s ongoing community outreach efforts, members of the College’s Community Outreach Core Team participated in a number of Halloween and STEM-themed events in the tri-county area in October.
Amber Mulkey, director of the College’s Oconee Campus, and Sarai Melendez, part-time community outreach coordinator and a member of Walhalla City Council, engaged with local elementary schools in Oconee County, showing them how TCTC can support the students and their parents.
Mulkey met with the elementary principals in Oconee County and attended parent’s night at James M. Brown Elementary School and Blue Ridge Elementary School. “I had the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Thrift at James M. Brown (JMB) and identified potential ways TCTC and the Oconee Campus can support the great work her team is already doing. Sarai, who is a former JMB student, and I participated in the parent and family event.”
They met with 25 families and interacted with children and talked with parents about lifelong learning. “Our goal is to show students and parents that TCTC and the Oconee Campus are here for them. We want kids to be able to see themselves here at TCTC early in their educational journey and know it’s a place where they can belong,” said Mulkey.
Mulkey and Melendez brought recruiting materials and giveaways and chatted with the students and their parents. “It’s an opportunity to get to know our community and to create a pipeline to education,” said Mulkey. “We met several proud TCTC alumni who shared their career journey, and family members who shared they had started their education at TCTC but hadn’t been able to finish their path due to life obstacles. It is important to me to instill the value of lifelong learning and that it is never too late to meet your career goals.”
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Mulkey and Melendez also attended Blue Ridge Elementary’s Halloween party and brought coloring pages with word search games and handed out friendship bracelets created by Oconee Campus staff members Linley Nelson and Sabrina Funderburk.
“At both events, we engaged with students, their families and their teachers and strengthened our community ties,” said Mulkey.
“As someone who once walked the halls of James M. Brown Elementary, returning now to represent TCTC is a powerful reminder of how access and opportunity can transform lives,” said Melendez. “Our outreach goes beyond sharing information — it’s about inspiring aspirations, empowering future scholars, and building relationships that open doors.”
Additionally, Anderson Campus Director Dr. Beverly McAdams, joined by Melendez and other members of the Community Outreach Core Team, engaged in two STEM nights at elementary schools in Belton and Honea Path, two Halloween events in Homeland Park, and Treats on Main in Honea Path. Easley Campus Director Daniel Adams led the College’s participation in the town of Liberty’s Trick-or-Treat on Commerce Street event.
Jonathan Cauthen, director of development for the TCTC Foundation, left, and Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability, participated in the Homeland Park Baptist Church “Just Treats” event.
Pictured
left
Amber Mulkey, director of TCTC’s Oconee Campus; Erin Franey, assistant principal; Mary Thrift, principal; Brad Siedschlag, assistant principal; and Sarai Melendez, TCTC community outreach coordinator and former student of James M. Brown Elementary School.
TCTC was among the 40 community partners who participated in a Halloween celebration in Honea Path on October 31. Faculty and staff handed out candy to little ones (and information about the College to teens and adults). There were about 3,000 from the Honea Path area in attendance.
Sarai Melendez, Daniel Adams and Marla Cobb at the city of Liberty’s Trick or Treat on Commerce Steet event on October 31. More than 3,000 people attended the event.
Over 300 People Attend Fifth Annual Health Education Division Conference
The fifth annual Health Education Division (HED) student, faculty and staff conference was held on October 14 and was a huge success with more than 300 students and faculty in attendance. This year’s keynote speaker, Ryan Bell, director of Procedural Care at Lexington Medical Center, spoke about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. “His presentation addressed the technological advancements in AI that are impacting decision-making for disease diagnosis and management, which was well received by the audience as evidenced by the Q&A that followed,” said Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division. Following the keynote address, 147 students presented posters on an assortment of topics including awareness and prevention of a variety of cancers, stress management, coping with depression, PTSD, opioid addiction, suicide prevention, pain and inflammation, neurovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, reproductive, and genitourinary diseases. “I am super pleased and excited with the outcome of the conference in terms of student engagement with inquiry and professional networking, which aligns with the division’s strategic plan,” said Dr. Chaudhry.
Keynote speaker, Ryan Bell, director of Procedural Care at Lexington Medical Center, left, talks with Cameron Woodruff, a Medical Laboratory technology student, after the presentation.
Students Learn Valuable Information at BudgetCon
Three hundred and forty students participated in the fifth annual BudgetCon, a simulation workshop held each fall and spring where students work through various stations to create a monthly budget based on the entry-level pay for their chosen career field. Hosted by the Academic and Career Foundations Division October 22 and 23, the event was available to all TCTC students and is required for COL 105 (Freshman Seminar) students. It was staffed by a variety of volunteers from different academic divisions representing all campuses.
This innovative simulation activity 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.
Following BudgetCon, students write a 500-word reflection.
“As the event co-chair and curriculum developer for BudgetCon, I’m proud to see how this simulation continues to grow and engage students each year,” said Randee Dorontich, program director for College, Career and Life Skills. “Watching students apply real-world financial concepts, like budgeting, planning, and adapting to unexpected challenges, like those on our new Wheel of Fate, is incredibly rewarding. This year’s record attendance shows how much our students value hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
Food Lion Donates Freezer to Student Support Pantry
Food Lion continued its support of the College’s Student Support Pantry by donating a new freezer. The pantry supports students in need with short-term food assistance.
Croslena Broadwater-Johnson, director of student support at TCTC, expressed thanks to Food Lion “for serving as a longtime community partner to the College.” The pantry serves as a bridge food pantry, with students receiving meals for two to three days before visiting the local food pantry for long-term needs.
When individuals support the pantry, it means helping students focus on their education without the burden of food insecurity. Every donation, big or small, ensures that no student has to choose between buying groceries and paying for college.
Croslena Broadwater-Johnson, director of student support at TCTC, left, is pictured with Mark Morrison, assistant store manager of Food Lion in Pendleton.
Entrepreneur Jeff Witherspoon Is Guest Speaker at Pathway to Success Luncheon
The College hosted the Helen Rosemond-Saunders Pathway to Success Luncheon on November 6 in the Anderson Hall Event Center on the Pendleton Campus. The event, formerly known as the Men of Color Luncheon, has been renamed in honor of TCTC Commissioner and long-time educator Helen Rosemond-Saunders.
Jeff Witherspoon, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, awardwinning fitness entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of E2M Fitness, engaged in a Q&A with WSPA consumer anchor Diane Lee and later answered questions from students in the audience.
The event is targeted to male and female high school students, primarily those who are under-resourced and may be the first in their families to attend college.
Witherspoon urged the students in the audience to make every day count, to be solution oriented, and to find activities without using their cell phone. “Let your mind decompress. Start looking at people you admire. Those people are ready to be your mentors. That kind of knowledge is deeper than what you will find on social media. Ask someone you admire to be your mentor. That person will accelerate your life.”
Pathway to Success Luncheon Honors Helen
Rosemond-Saunders
Helen Rosemond-Saunders began her career in the public school system as a home economics teacher for the School District of Oconee County in South Carolina. Later she became a high school guidance counselor, which gave her the opportunity to touch countless young lives and help them to set goals for postsecondary education and a future career. Her passion for education has been at the forefront of everything she has done in her professional career as an educator, in her community and while serving more than three decades on the TriCounty Technical College Commission.
TCTC is proud to honor Helen RosemondSaunders’ legacy through this annual event.
High school students toured the Pendleton Campus following the remarks by keynote speaker Jeff Witherspoon.
For the third consecutive year, South State Bank served as presenting sponsor of the luncheon. Pictured from left are President DeHay; keynote speaker Jeff Witherspoon; and representing South State Bank, Jimmy Lindsey, regional president; and Luis Martinez, vice president/commercial relationship manager.
Diane Lee, consumer anchor for WSPA-TV, left, moderated a Q&A with speaker Jeff Witherspoon, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, awardwinning fitness entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of E2M Fitness.
Oconee Hall Terrace Is Venue For Gatherings
During the fall semester, the Oconee Hall third floor terrace has served as the venue for faculty, staff and student gatherings, most recently the TCTC’s South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) fall event called Terrace Time Out.
Last year, when Clemson resident Becky Jo Clark was contemplating how to make a difference in people’s lives, she thought about TCTC. “I want to make a more lasting impact and touch more students’ lives,” said Clark. “I realized I could touch more people by making a donation to name the third-floor terrace of the newly renovated Oconee Hall, where students now gather and enjoy their time studying and hanging out. It’s a beautiful view that exceeded my expectations,” she said.
A plaque hangs on the third-floor terrace to honor her philanthropic spirit.
“Becky Jo didn’t just name a room—she created a space where students and faculty can come to learn, relax, and take in the beautiful views. It really reflects her adventurous spirit and her deep passion for students. Her gift will make a lasting difference at the College and in our students’ lives for years to come,” said Courtney White, executive director of TCTC’s Foundation.
“I have a heart for helping people in a way to make their lives better. I know that TCTC can change lives and graduates go on to become community leaders and contributors. My gift is a way to make a lasting impact and contribute to TCTC’s future,” said Clark.
Anderson Campus Expansion Groundbreaking
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Funding for the infrastructure to support these expanding programs is coming from a combination of College-accumulated capital reserves, state capital reserve appropriations and a federal equipment grant. The TCTC Foundation is also soliciting donations from entities and individuals interested in supporting this missioncritical project.
Dr. Mandy Elmore, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development, said the project involves the expansion of credit programs and non-credit industry certifications that align with area workforce needs and economic growth.
The Anderson Campus master plan includes relocating the Automotive program from the Pendleton Campus to Anderson, developing a new Heavy Duty Diesel program, and expanding the two-year Mechatronics program in its entirety. The full Mechatronics program is also offered at the Pendleton Campus.
The Automotive program’s new facility will support the curriculum’s intensive lab components and needs, said Dr. Elmore.
Heavy Duty Diesel is a new offering and will operate in conjunction with the Automotive program. It will be a one-year certificate, a stand-alone credential or an add-on for Automotive students.
A new academic space at Anderson will house the full Mechatronics program. Mechatronics currently enrolls 350 students at multiple sites (Pendleton, Anderson and Oconee campuses and
the Anderson I and II Career and Technology Center). This expansion will allow for students to take the full two-year program at the Anderson Campus, which will be beneficial since most of these students come from Anderson County.
As part of the Anderson Campus expansion, industry certifications such as PLW, Forklift Operations and Safety, Certified Logistics, CDL and HEO programs also will be enhanced and consolidated. The PLW, Forklift Operator, Certified Logistics, HEO and CDL programs will move into expanded and upgraded Anderson Campus buildings and facilities on the west side of Michelin Boulevard. Many of these programs are at full capacity and have waiting lists.
Most students in both the degree programs and the industry certification programs are eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance and SC WINS, a statewide technical college scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages and provide tuition assistance for students enrolling in critical needs areas.
An alternative scholarship opportunity for PLW students is available through SC NEXUS for Advanced Resilient Energy, a federally designated Tech Hub that received a $45 million implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The S.C. Technical College System received a $12.6 million award, and TCTC has been initially allotted $200,000 as a funding source for industry certification programs supporting power grid sustainability.
Becky Jo Davis Clark and Courtney White
Update on Pickens Hall Construction Site
During a recent professional development day, Richard Macbeth, director of project management, and Jordan Christopher, project manager, gave updates on the various projects currently underway or in development before a group of faculty and staff toured the Pickens Hall construction site on the Pendleton Campus.
The Pickens Hall replacement, which began in January 2025 and will conclude November 2026, is part of a multi-year facility improvement plan that includes investments in buildings and exterior elements on TCTC’s Pendleton Campus.
The new $25 million, two-story, 52,000-square-foot building will house the Business and Public Services Division, I-BEST, Academic and Career Foundations, and the English department of the Arts and Sciences Division. Like the recently renovated Oconee Hall, the design centers around the student and employee experience. Exterior view
from Oconee Hall looking east rendering
First floor lobby / faculty offices and deans’ suite entrance rendering
First floor lobby / faculty offices and deans’ suite entrance
Front drive lobby
Front drive rendering
P.O.
tctc.edu
Business Technology Hosts Steps to Success
The Business Technology Advisory Committee hosted its annual Steps to Success event on November 13.
The sessions provided an opportunity for students to get valuable real-life advice from local employers who discussed success strategies and talked about their career paths. Students also connected with speakers and their peers during small group discussions. Dr. Kim Whitehead, a professor at Anderson University and chair of the Business Technology advisory committee, served as moderator.
As students are nearing graduation and gearing up for the interviewing process, the seminar offered topics that were relevant and will be beneficial in their job search and future careers.
Panelists agreed that students shouldn’t limit their opportunities and should take advantage of the resources at TCTC. They also advised students not to be afraid to try new things, to pursue internships if available and to be lifelong learners.
Jermaine Dawkins, a 2010 TCTC Business graduate, who is senior project manager at Sparks Research in Clemson, said, “Take in the moment. Appreciate what’s in front of you. Thank you TCTC for preparing me for what I do now.”
Dr. Kim Whitehead, a professor at Anderson University, chair of the Business Technology advisory committee and moderator, standing, left, is pictured with Steps to Success panelists: Kimberly Whitehead, a teacher with Anderson District Five; Kaci Solid, industrial engineer at Michelin; Jermaine Dawkins, senior project manager at Sparks Research and a TCTC alumnus; Amy Ruby, recruitment, talent acquisition and human resources manager for Anderson Trucking Service; and Brett Moody, market manager for Fastenal.
