Connection Newsletter September-October 2023

Connection September/October 2023

In this Issue …

Foundation Hosts Its Annual Abney Day..................................................7

Jacob Bouchillon Receives Distinguished Alumni Award.........10

Study Abroad Is Stand-Out Memory for Students........................11

College Accepts ACCT Southern Region Equity Award President DeHay and TCTC Commissioners accepted the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Southern Region Equity award at the ACCT Leadership Congress held in Las Vegas October 10.

The equity award recognizes exemplary commitment by a governing board or governing board and president of an ACCT member two-year postsecondary institution board or state board for two-year postsecondary institutions to achieve equity in the college’s education programs and services and in the President DeHay and TCTC Commission Chair Tom Strange accept administration and delivery of those the award. programs and services.

“I was honored to accept the 2023 Southern Region Equity Award on behalf of Tri-County Technical College at the ACCT 2023 Leadership Congress,” said President DeHay. “This award recognizes the intentional efforts of our faculty and staff to strengthen enrollment efforts and student support initiatives, thereby improving access and success for under-resourced populations. I am proud of the work we have done and continue to do to ensure students have opportunities to pursue educational pathways that lead to the successful completion of a degree, diploma or certificate at TCTC. I also appreciate the TCTC Commission’s leadership and their commitment to advancing the College’s vision and mission.”

Developing a structured path to economic mobility and better serving TCTC’s under-resourced populations has been the continued focus over the past year. Accordingly, the College made strategic changes in what, when, where, and how TCTC reaches, teaches and supports these individuals. One example is instead of approaching communities with a menu of services, faculty, staff and administration engage in listening sessions to better understand their needs.

Strengthening enrollment efforts and student support initiatives and refining strategies to improve access and success yielded positive growth in Hispanic enrollment with fall 2022 showing the largest Hispanic student enrollment in College history.

Earlier this year, for the second consecutive year, the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) awarded TCTC its Equity Award.

Connection is published six times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.

Mailing Address (All Campuses) P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670 Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd.

Anderson, SC Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC Oconee Campus 552 Education Way Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. 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.

2 • CONNECTION

Connecting Celebrating Our Success

W

e hosted our annual report reception on Oct. 24.

This event is important because it affords us the Dr. Galen DeHay opportunity to thank our partners, donors, faculty President and staff for all that they do to help us transform lives and build strong communities one student at a time. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments from the past fiscal year, which is evidenced through the success of our students.

I shared with the crowd one of our most notable successes—our student success rates.

Tri-County remains the only college in the S.C. Technical College System to meet or exceed all of the state’s performance indicators. Indicators range from graduate placement and licensure pass exam rates to fall-to-spring persistence, graduate production and overall student success.

I also shared that student enrollment continues to improve since the COVID-19 pandemic and many of our credit and non-credit programs are flourishing. In fact, thanks to our intentional outreach efforts to recruit under-resourced students to the College, we saw the highest Hispanic student enrollment in the history of the College. In addition, our outreach efforts resulted in Tri-County receiving the S.C. Association of Technical College Commissioners Equity Award for the second year in a row and the Association of Community College Trustees Southern Region Equity Award.

Lastly, I shared that we added new transfer agreements with Lander and North Greenville University that provide students additional pathways to earn a bachelor’s degree. And we established new programs with business and industry, resulting in more opportunities for students to earn while they learn and for incumbent workers to enhance their skills and expand their career opportunities.

All of this and more is highlighted in our 2022-2023 annual report. I encourage you to scan the QR code to read more and to watch videos of our students sharing their stories. I am proud of these students for overcoming barriers and forging new paths to success. However, they couldn’t have done it without you—our faculty, staff, donors and partners. You are key to their success.

Thank you for partnering with us on this journey. Together we are transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

Medical Laboratory Technology Graduates Report 100% Pass Rate on ASCP Exam TCTC’s 2023 Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) graduates report a 100% pass rate on a national certification exam.

The seven graduates who received their MLT degrees in May were successful on the National American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam.

TCTC ranks higher than national registry scores. The 2023 national pass rate for the ASCP exam is 79%, and TCTC graduates scored an average of 109 points higher (or 11% higher) than the national average scores, said Amber O’Shields, MLT program director.

“This was a great group of students who really put in the work so the faculty and I knew they would reap their rewards,” said O’Shields.

The exam is a computerized, competency-based exam.

Students are tested on seven areas: chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, urinalysis and other body fluids, immunology and laboratory operations. There are 100 multiple-choice questions to cover these seven major areas of clinical laboratory science.

Medical laboratory technicians analyze blood and other bodily fluids for disease processes in hospitals and doctors’ offices.

TCTC graduates report a 100% job placement rate and are employed at the hospital labs that served as their clinical sites.

O’Shields added that faculty received excellent feedback from the facilities where students did their clinical training throughout the year.

“The MLT students received very good feedback and high evaluation marks from their clinical sites. Our students were well prepared for the workforce and were able to hit the ground running,” she said.

TCTC’s eight hospital affiliates are AnMed, Bon Secours, Prisma Health Baptist Easley, Prisma Health Oconee Memorial, Self Regional Health Care, Stephens County Hospital and St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital.

TCTC’s MLT program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

RN/PN NCLEX Scores Exceed National Averages TCTC’s RN and Practical Nursing (PN) graduates’ third quarter certification scores surpassed national averages on the new NGN (Next Generation) National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX).

The NCLEX is a nationally recognized licensure examination required to become either a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN) or a licensed practical nurse (NCLEX-PN).

The new NGN NCLEX now includes next generation features, such as real-world case studies to measure a nurse’s ability to think more critically and make the right decisions.

For the third quarter report (July 1 - September 30, 2023), TCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing graduates reported a 100% pass rate on the NGN NCLEX-RN Exam. Ten graduates who were from the May 2023 class took the exam and all were successful.

According to the National Council State Board of Nursing, these first-time candidates exceeded national (90.89%) and state (95.09%) pass rates.

Earlier this year 46 graduates from the May class took the exam and reported a 97.83% success rate on the new exam.

Practical Nursing graduates scored a 94.74% pass rate on the NGN NCLEX-PN Exam with 18 out of 19 graduates from August 2023 being successful. This is the first time these graduates took the NGN exam which launched on April 1, 2023, to better measure nursing candidates’ clinical judgment and decision-making abilities through

the use of innovative item types.

The national average is 90.64% and the state PN pass rate is 97.16%.

“I am so proud to work with a wonderful group of nurse educators who ensure that TCTC delivers great nurses for the future,” said Jackie Rutledge, TCTC’s nursing department head.

PN graduates are employed at nursing homes, doctors’ offices and acute care facilities. ADN graduates are predominantly employed at Prisma Health and AnMed, she said.

TCTC’s nursing departments are fully accredited by the State Board of Nursing in South Carolina and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Student Nurses Association Sponsors BSN Expo The Student Nurses Association (SNA) held its fall BSN Expo September 19 for all Pre-Nursing and Nursing students to meet with BSN school representatives to help them determine which path is best suited to continue a nursing career.

September/October 2023 | 3

Career Fair Draws Crowd, Positive Feedback

Partner Appreciation Breakfast The College hosted its annual partner appreciation breakfast on September 15. Jenni Creamer, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Educational Partnerships, gave a presentation on dual enrollment. Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college classes while they are still enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit.

Dual Enrollment by the Numbers: • 21% of Anderson-Oconee-Pickens graduates come to TCTC in the fall following their high school graduation.

• TCTC is the third in the state for freshmen who start college after their senior year of high school.

• Over the past decade, 894 students enrolled in Technical Career Pathways.

• $2.9 million in tuition savings over the past 10 years.

• 802 credentials have been earned by Technical Career Pathways students over the last 10 years.

The Career and Employability Resources Office hosted its annual career fair on October 3. Businesses and industries were recruiting from all academic divisions. The event is a great opportunity for students to explore full-time, part-time, and workbased learning opportunities. Many companies have internships and work-based learning opportunities that are ideal for our students and our graduates.

Among the business representatives was Mary Terry, a 2021 Business Administration graduate and assistant store manager at TD Bank in Easley, pictured with daughter, Emmaline Terry, and son, Seth. Emmaline is a Business major at TCTC and works at TD Bank as a banking associate. Seth is also a Business major at TCTC. Mary said, “Emmaline and I enjoyed chatting with students at Tri-County Technical College’s career fair about opportunities at TD Bank. From internships to IT positions, we had so many good conversations! My husband, our oldest daughter, and I graduated from TCTC, and our other three children have been students (Emmaline is almost finished!), so we have a personal connection to this school’s value. Our youngest, Seth, enjoyed exploring options.”

Community Service Activity Two off-campus community service opportunities for the fall were held at the Dream Center’s Seneca and Easley locations.

Participants sorted and organized inventory at their resale store in Seneca and they mulched and cleaned at the Easley location.

Frances Boyce, the Arts and Sciences academic resource specialist said, “We had a great group representing TCTC, and I love the Dream Center’s purpose and the passion that they show for working with those who need a hand up. It was a great experience and one that I recommend repeating!”

Emmaline Terry (left), business major alumna, Mary Terry (center), and Seth Terry (right), business major.

Duke Energy General Manager Preston Pierce and TCTC intern Gabe Boggs, standing behind table, talk with students.

4 | CONNECTION

TCTC and Anderson University Announce New Transfer Program TCTC and Anderson University (AU) signed an articulation agreement September 19 outlining a new transfer program that will support students who are looking to advance their education in Business, Criminal Justice, Early Care and Education, Media Arts Production, and Nursing.

What makes the new transfer program unique is the reverse referral option.

This is one of only a few formalized articulation agreements in South Carolina to include a reverse referral option. With a reverse referral, students who apply to Anderson University and determine they are not academically and/or financially prepared to attend the University are referred by AU to TCTC to begin their coursework. The student then has the option to transfer to AU once they complete transfer requirements.

TCTC students who transfer to Anderson University have the option to complete their bachelor’s degree program fully online, on campus or a combination of online and on campus, depending on their chosen program. Both traditional and post-traditional students also receive academic and advising support from both TCTC and AU advisors.

The new transfer program replaces the Bridge to AU program that was launched in 2019. As with the Bridge to AU program, the new transfer program provides TCTC students who complete an Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in either Business or Criminal Justice guaranteed admission to AU. The A.A.S. in Early Care and Education and A.A.S. in Media Arts Production are newly added programs. Additionally, TCTC students who complete 30 transferable credits with a 2.50 GPA are also guaranteed admission to AU’s traditional program. Posttraditional students are guaranteed admission to AU with a 2.0

Dr. Evans Whitaker (left) and Dr. Galen DeHay (right) sign the agreement.

GPA, with the exception of Early Care and Education majors, which requires a 2.5 GPA for both traditional and post-traditional students.

“Our mission at Tri-County is to provide students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of life,” said TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay. “One way we achieve this is by partnering with institutions like Anderson University to create opportunities for our students to earn an advanced degree that is both accessible and affordable.”

“Anderson University is thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Tri-County Technical College. This relationship enables us to provide a seamless transition for students seeking to continue their education and obtain a four-year degree,” said Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker. “This agreement further affirms our commitment to the Upstate community in helping students achieve their educational and career goals.”

Those interested in learning more about furthering their education at Anderson University are encouraged to visit tctc.edu/ transferAU.

EMT Paramedic Program Awarded Five-Year Initial Accreditation by CAAHEP TCTC’s Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Paramedic program has been awarded a five-year initial accreditation by the board of directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This distinction was made upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

CAAHEP accreditation is required for graduates of Paramedic programs to sit for the National Registry Paramedic certification examination, said Ryan Nix, B.S., NRP, who serves as Emergency Medical Technology program director for TCTC.

TCTC’s Paramedic program, located at its Easley Campus, offers an associate degree and two certificate options for future EMTs and Paramedics. The degree and certificate programs prepare students to test for the National Registry certification.

Successful completion of the National Registry exam is required to practice as a paramedic in most states, including South Carolina.

Graduates of TCTC’s Paramedic program work as paramedics with EMS agencies in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties, said Nix.

September/October 2023 | 5

College Partners with Anderson-Oconee Behavioral Health Services for Alcohol Awareness Event TCTC and Anderson-Oconee Behavioral Health Services partnered to host an alcohol impairment simulation event on October 18 on the Pendleton Campus.

The awareness event was made possible by a grant funded by the S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (DAODAS) to Anderson-Oconee Behavioral Health Services (AOBHS).

Participants could virtually experience the effects of alcohol and other drugs via simulated exercises under the direction of TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess, Sgt. Jeremiah Vissage, Sgt. Sean Chastain, Officer Mike Eppes, and Melissa Dunn, prevention coordinator, and

Travis Cain, prevention specialist, both from Anderson-Oconee Behavioral Health Services.

“Thanks to the AOBHS for partnering with the TCTC Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee and TCTC Campus Police to bring this program to our campus,” said Croslena Broadwater-Johnson, director of student support. “The Distracted Driving Tour allowed students to grasp the consequences of texting-while-driving and impaired driving in a controlled, safe environment. Also, students seemed to really enjoy the experience, especially the traffic stop simulation and being able to ask officers questions about traffic stops.”

left: The Golf Cart Cone Course with Fatal Vision Goggles is an alcohol impairment simulation activity. Participants navigated a cone course using various levels of Fatal Vision Goggles to experience hands-on the danger of impaired driving.

center: TCTC Sgt. Jeremiah Vissage demonstrated standard field sobriety testing with Fatal Vision Goggles. right: During Traffic Stop Simulation, Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, right, conducted a standard traffic stop to show students how to prepare for and react during a stop.

Timothy Bertoni Addresses Students at Division Conference The Health Education Division’s third annual conference for students, faculty and staff was held on October 17 with more than 300 people in attendance. Timothy Bertoni, social science instructor, delivered the keynote address. The title of his presentation was “Reflections of the Digital Revolution: Going from Order to Chaos.”

“His presentation hit the most prevalent issue that our society is facing with the digital revolution impacting our daily life,” said Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of the Health Education Division. “The presentation was received very well by the audience, as evidenced by a provocative Q&A session.”

Following the keynote address, 105 HED students presented posters on an assortment of projects that ranged from awareness and prevention of a variety of cancers, stress management, coping with depression, PTSD, opioid addiction, suicide prevention, and many more. Twenty-four students from Medical Assisting,

6 | CONNECTION

Veterinary Technology, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Student Nurses Association, and Surgical Technology student clubs showcased the wonderful work their clubs are doing. “I am super pleased and excited with the outcome of the conference which is an initiative of the Health Education Division’s strategic plan,” remarked Dr. Chaudhry.

Timothy Bertoni (left), social science instructor, talks to associate degree Nursing major Nicki Rush (right), who is a participant in Prisma Health’s new Nursing Apprenticeship Program.

Foundation News Thank You, Abney Foundation The Foundation hosted its Annual Abney Day on September 12 to give students the chance to personally express their appreciation to The Abney Foundation for its continued Abney scholars at the TCTC mural on the Pendleton Campus. support of scholarships.

A recent study shows that students who graduate from TCTC Since 1989 The Abney Foundation has given $4.7 million to Tritend to stay in their communities. Research shows that 10 years County, making it the single largest donor in the College’s history. In after graduation, 71% of TCTC graduates remain working in South December 2001, the College received (at the time) its largest financial Carolina. “You’re building a stronger community by investing your gift ever—one million dollars from the Abney Foundation. The gift time, talent and expertise in your community,” he said. was made to name Hayden Abney Fulp Hall in memory of 21-yearold Hayden, a student at Tri-County who was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

About The Abney Foundation The Abney Foundation provides more than 650 scholarships The Abney Foundation was originally formed in 1957 by Mrs. annually to students enrolled at 15 colleges throughout the state, Susie Mathews Abney, widow of Mr. John Pope Abney, the founder of including TCTC. This year, 139 students are receiving Hayden Abney Abney Mills in Greenwood, SC. At that time, five trustees, including Fulp Memorial Scholarships with an additional $10,000 allocated to Mrs. Abney, were appointed to govern the trust. The principal office the Corporate and Community Education Division for scholarships. was located in Greenwood. At her death in 1969, Mrs. Abney left a “Your education will pay dividends for years,” said Dr. Lisa sizeable bequest to The Abney Foundation.

McWherter, executive director of the Abney Foundation. “You are The mission of The Abney Foundation is to aid organizations inspiring another generation to aspire to greater educational goals.” that are operated exclusively for educational, religious, charitable, She encouraged them to wear the Abney pin that each received at scientific, and literary purposes. The highest priority is placed on the luncheon. “Let it be a reminder that we believe in you.” higher education.

Lastly, she encouraged them to give back to the College and their communities. “Someday you will have the opportunity to give back.

Consider giving back to TCTC because of the investment they made in you. Continue to extend that generosity when you can.”

President DeHay echoed Dr. McWherter’s sentiment by urging the Abney scholars to give their talents to the workplace and to help one another to engage with their communities. He reminded them their time is a valuable resource.

The Foundation hosted the record-breaking, sold-out 2023 President’s Cup Golf Tournament at Cross Creek Golf Club in Seneca on October 3, raising more than $84,000. Team Chappelear & Associates won first place. Team members were from left to right T.L. Bivens, Craig Chappelear, William Kenley, and Matt Tolley.

The Masters Gnome featured in the team’s picture was donated

by TCTC Chief of Staff Dan Cooper as a silent auction item.

President’s Cup Golf Tournament Raises More Than $84,000

An Abney scholar talks with Dr. Lisa McWherter (center) and Labrena Campbell (right).

September/October 2023 | 7

Our College Family excellence through service Proposals by Three ACF Faculty Members Accepted For Annual Conference Three faculty members from Academic and Career Foundations have had proposals accepted for the 48th Annual Conference of the National Organization for Student Success.

Alex Burrell and Jonathan Chastain will present “Express Track Mathematics: Upping the Ante on Acceleration.” Crystal PitroisTakayama will present “The Invisible Backpack: Unpacking Our Own Biases to Create a Culture of Care.”

Three Faculty and Staff Graduate Leadership Class

Gerald Maxie

Ellen Pate

Three faculty and staff—Greg Grogan (photo unavailable), Gerald Maxie and Ellen Pate—were among the graduates of the Leadership Oconee Class of 2023.

Since 2005, Leadership Oconee has promoted and fostered the development of leadership in Oconee County by training emerging and existing leaders to build the needed skills, knowledge, motivation and vision to help them contribute in a greater capacity.

The Oconee County Chamber of Commerce facilitates and leads the program.

CNC Faculty Member Named Instructor of the Month

Alex Burrell

Jonathan Chastain

Crystal Pitrois-Takayama

Congratulations to Gerald Maxie, an instructor in the CNC program, who was named the postsecondary instructor for the month of September by Phillips Corp.

College Hosts First Women of Color Meeting In October the College hosted its first Women of Color student organization meeting for the fall semester. This inclusive initiative welcomes women of all cultural backgrounds with the goal of ensuring that every woman at TCTC has access to the resources she needs to seize every opportunity.

Thanks to faculty and staff who are serving as co-advisors: Dr. Jackie Blakley, Raeneeva Davis, Ingryd Masters, Dr. Beverly McAdams, Mia Tensley and Taliah Wheatley.

Co-advisors Dr. Jackie Blakley, Raeneeva Davis, Ingryd Masters, Dr. Beverly McAdams, Mia Tensley and Taliah Wheatley pose with students at the second Women of Color meeting held in October.

8 | CONNECTION

From left to right: Janice Mills, Kiana Geer, Stephaine Merriweather and Larissa Galloway were among those who attended the inaugural meeting.

in transition Jordan Christopher joined TCTC as a project manager working in the Physical Plant Project Management Office. He is the point of contact for all projects assigned to him, managing these from conception to completion. He has a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and was previously a senior project manager at Hart/Ryobi.

Eric Clark is a full-time Computer Technology instructor for the Business and Public Services Division. After completing his master’s degree, he began teaching IT courses as an adjunct for ECPI College, Greenville Technical College, Virginia College, and TCTC. Raeneeva Davis joined the Learning Commons team as the new learning strategist.

She leads our skillshop series, provides academic coaching sessions, and consults with individual students on a range of techniques to learn more effectively, manage their time wisely, and balance the academic responsibilities of college life. She holds a master’s degree in education from Clemson University with an emphasis in special education and learning disabilities, and she has worked as a learning specialist in both K-12 and higher education settings.

Brant Duncan is a general maintenance technician in the Physical Plant. He is responsible for maintaining all building envelope issues, as well as daily maintenance needs. He previously worked for Clemson University.

George Howard works in the Administrative Services department as the administrative services coordinator. He is responsible for campus store sales and inventory control for both online and in-person transactions. Additionally, he is responsible for assisting with coordinating, setting up and breaking down events held on the Pendleton Campus.

Chad Howell is an instructor in the Engineering Design Technology program and assists in the CNC program. He is an alumnus of our CNC program and previously worked at the Robert Bosch Anderson plant.

Kari Jones works in the Human Resources department and is the benefits manager.

She has eight years of experience in human resources, with her most recent role being the total rewards manager for a local manufacturing company.

Karen Kloeck is a full-time mathematics instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division.

She has served as an adjunct mathematics instructor/lecturer since 2020.

Dakota Phillips is an instructor in the Welding program. He is a graduate of TCTC’s Welding program and previously worked at JDI Industrial Services in Oconee County.

April White Pugh is the College’s new registrar. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring the fair, consistent, and equitable implementation of College policies and procedures, accurate student data, and leading the Record’s team. Starting her career in the community college arena, she is “returning home” to the two-year sector after working in the private four-year sector for the past seven years.

Celia-Dawn Scott is the new biology lab specialist in the Science Department of the Arts and Sciences Division. She is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of biology labs. She comes to TCTC from Clemson University, where she served as an undergraduate assistant researcher for the genetics and osteology research lab.

McKinsey Threlkeld is a success coach in the Advising and Academic Support department. She is responsible for providing ongoing support for students as they navigate college. Her previous experience includes teaching English/ELA for the past five years at the secondary level.

Scott Wheeler is the human resources director for the College.

He has been in human resources for more than 26 years. He has owned a career consultant business for several years and has served many companies in the Upstate.

September/October 2023 | 9

Jacob Bouchillon Receives Distinguished Alumni Award Difficult days were ahead for Bouchillon, his father and younger sister, Angela, who was 14 at the time.

TCTC instructors and Michelin worked with him as he and family traveled every week to visit his mother, who was hospitalized in Winston Salem, N.C. “My instructors and Michelin worked with me and I will be forever grateful for what they did for me,” Jacob Bouchillon is a testament to he said. the value of a two-year degree.

Bouchillon remained resilient and In just over a decade Bouchillon persevered to stay on track. “We have has gone from an 18-year-old Michelin a strong family network,” he said.

Technical Scholar to Technical Scholars/ Despite losing his mother, he remained Youth Apprenticeship manager for all of committed to his classes and earned the Michelin plants in the United States. a spot on the President’s List every “Never in a million years did I ever semester—and graduated debt free in think I would be in this position,” said 2009.

Bouchillon, who never misses a chance He began as a maintenance tech to tell his story when he travels around at Michelin in Sandy Springs and the U.S. and Mexico recruiting talent later became a teacher/trainer for for the company, always emphasizing Michelin AP Technical Training. At Jacob Bouchillon with Courtney White, executive director of that technical/advanced manufacturing age 27, Bouchillon was one of the the TCTC Foundation. degrees are the future. manufacturer’s youngest instructors “I tell them I started out in your shoes,” he says. “I try to open for its internal technical training school. There are 98 technical their eyes to possibilities. I’m not the exception to the rule. With a scholars, from 16 technical colleges participating in Michelin two-year degree, there is a pathway to wherever you want to go.

Technical Scholars programs across the U.S. For me, it all started at TCTC.” He took on his current role in Technical Recruiting and Bouchillon was part of the inaugural Bridge to Clemson class in overseeing the Michelin Technical Scholars and Maintenance Youth 2006. He originally thought he wanted to major in engineering at Apprentice programs on December 1, 2021.

Clemson University, but quickly got interested in the electronics “We have an extremely high success rate with our scholars classes at Tri-County and decided not to transfer. “The teachers becoming full-time employees after they graduate,” said are awesome, and they really work with you. Once I found Industrial Bouchillon. “The goal of the scholars program is to work directly Electronics Technology, I found my niche. I realized I wanted to with students to ensure they are prepared for the jobs and work in industry in electronics.” demands of the future. Tri-County students are top notch. They In his second year at Tri-County, he began working at Michelin’s have demonstrated drive and motivation. Associate degree Sandy Springs plant and was chosen as a prestigious Michelin graduates have excellent hands-on skills. They are in high demand,” Technical Scholar, a cooperative education program where students he said. work while in college. The program offers tuition reimbursement “Tri-County opened up a world of opportunities for me and and employee health benefits. He also qualified for lottery tuition the opportunities continue at Michelin,” he said. “None of this assistance. would have been possible without the Michelin Technical Scholars “It came at the right time,” he said, because his father lost his job Program and the partnership with TCTC.” at Honeywell and later his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Jacob Bouchillon, a 2009 graduate of the Industrial Electronics Technology program, is the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago; and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association or the community.

10 | CONNECTION

Study Abroad Experience Is Stand-Out Memory for Many Students For 14 years, TCTC Spanish instructor Trini Tumlin has accompanied a group of students on a study abroad experience in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Many alumni say when thinking back on their time at TCTC, this 11-day trip to Mexico is the first memory that comes to mind.

“It is definitely a highlight for me and for them,” said Tumlin.

“The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the local culture and take the opportunities to speak the language whenever you can. ” Students take classes at Universidad Internacional, a well-known Spanish immersion language school, and live with local families.

They spend Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school.

A weekday routine consists of students enjoying a delicious breakfast with their Mexican families, taking Spanish classes at the international university during the mid-day, and participating in cultural activities and/or guided tours in local museums during the afternoons.

“The school evaluates the students’ abilities individually and places them in a class of less than six students at the same level,” said Tumlin, who is a native of Cuernavaca, Morelos, and taught at the school for five years before moving to Easley.

“Not only do our students have fellow Tri-County students in their class, they may study with students from around the world. It’s like a family. It’s a small school, and they make you feel comfortable. It really helps to relax and feel at home and not be so overwhelmed,” said Tumlin.

From left are Barbara McAlister, Spanish instructors Trini Tumlin and Crystal Chemel, Merrill Fischer, Isaiah Steele, and former TCTC employee, Ensley Feemster, who also went on the trip.

Students stay with host families and are surrounded by the language all day. Living with a Hispanic family that has been approved through the school is the most effective way for the students to gain a fundamental understanding of the culture. “As the students interact with their family members during meals and daily activities over 11 days, the learners naturally retain the information more successfully,” she said.

Tumlin says she sees a big improvement in their skills when they return to the classroom. During the weekends and evenings, they enhance their cultural knowledge of Mexico through excursions to markets, museums and other towns.

Each evening the group meets for dinner to discuss the day and their experiences. Weekends are filled with day trips, said Tumlin.

“Students have visited such places as Taxco, a beautiful city rich with old and new silver mines; Xochicalco, a pre-Columbian archeological site in the western part of the state; Zempoala, a national park where you can enjoy horseback ridings, canoeing, and other sport activities; and Las estacas, an aquatic park where you can enjoy swimming in the river or pools. They also visited Tepoztlan, a small, ancient town where one can buy fresh groceries, as well as trying different traditional dishes and purchase regional handicrafts.”

The next trip is scheduled for June–July 2024.

Thanks to the W.C. English Foundation for making the experience more affordable for our students.

Learn about the study abroad experience at tctc.edu/life-at-tctc/ academic-resources/study-abroad-in-mexico/.

Barbara McAlister, left, talks to Yaminah Ragwar-Hayes about the study abroad trip.

September/October 2023 | 11

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

David Wakefield Named 2023 Philanthropist of the Year David Wakefield of Anderson was named a total of $135,191. He and his wife, Sally, the 2023 recipient of the TCTC Foundation’s made their first gift in 2004 to establish an Philanthropist of the Year award. This award is endowed scholarship in memory of their son, the Foundation’s highest and most prestigious Hill M. Seigler. After Sally’s passing in 2017, honor reserved for individuals, foundations, Wakefield honored his late wife and her love of companies, trusts, organizations or other teaching by establishing the Sally M. Wakefield entities that have made a significant financial Memorial Endowed Scholarship. “Scholarships contribution, either cash or non-cash, to the can change people’s lives. I have a collection Foundation to support the work of the College. of letters from individuals who over the years “I am honored and humbled by this award,” have benefitted from TCTC scholarships. The said Wakefield. “My association with TCTC has depth of their appreciation is moving. Those been one of the most rewarding experiences of letters encourage me to continue to support my life.”

TCTC. Scholarships can make the difference Wakefield’s association with the TCTC between someone being able to attend college Foundation dates back to May 13, 1998, or not,” said Wakefield.

David Wakefield and Courtney White when he joined the board. He served as Courtney White, executive director of chair of the board from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2012. the TCTC Foundation, said, “David Wakefield exemplifies the He also served as a member of the finance committee and the definition of philanthropy. Not only has he supported the investment subcommittee for the majority of the time he served Foundation and the College through his financial support, but he on the board. has also provided invaluable knowledge and input at Foundation Wakefield, now an honorary trustee of the TCTC Foundation board meetings. We are forever grateful to David for his board, has been a generous donor to TCTC for 19 years giving generosity.”

12 | CONNECTION