Connection September 2016

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue ...

Columbia College to Offer B.A..................................... 4

Annual Washington, DC, Trip Planned............................... 4

Thank You, Abney Foundation................................. 5

September 2016

Officials Break Ground on Student Success Center The College broke ground September 16 on a 75,000-square-foot Student Success Center, the first new building on the Pendleton Campus in two decades.

“This is a milestone day in the history of our College,” said Dr. Booth to a crowd of county officials, legislators, community partners, faculty, staff, and students who crowded Fulp Officials broke ground September 16 on a 75,000-square-foot Student Success Center, the first new building on the Pendleton Campus in two decades. “This is a Plaza to witness this longmilestone day in the history of our College,” said Dr. Booth to a crowd of county awaited day. officials, legislators, community partners, faculty, staff and students who crowded The $42 million project Fulp Plaza to witness this long-awaited day. will include a new building that houses a learning commons, library collections; meeting spaces; computer labs; study areas; supplemental instruction and tutoring spaces; Student Development Offices; Information Technology Services; College Store; Café; Printing Services; and shipping and receiving.

The project also includes a complete renovation of Ruby Hicks Hall and the installation of a central chiller plant and chilled water loop.

The Student Success Center is a key component of our strategy to increase student success, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and address double-digit enrollment growth. “Student support facilities were built 25 or more years ago and are designed to accommodate about 3,500 students.

The College now serves around 5,000 students at the Pendleton Campus. Currently students sit in the halls to study and are cramped into nooks and crannies all over campus. Our current Café is woefully inadequate to meet students’ needs. There is very little place for them to work on team projects and study together. This Center will increase space allocated to students and their academic support. I am so pleased this day is here,” Dr. Booth said.

“As we expect our students to develop 21st-century workplace skills, like teamwork, collaboration, communication and social skills, we need to provide spaces where they can hone these skills outside the classroom,” said Dr. Booth. “The Student Success Center is important to achieve our mission and fundamental to delivering a transformative student experience and an investment in our students’ success.”

(continued on pages 10–11)

College Celebrates Constitution Day....................... 12

Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES

AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

Connection

Connecting

is published ten 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 Hamilton Career Center 100 Vocational Dr., Seneca, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 TDD/Voice 1-800-735-2905 Website www.tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation

O

More Than Construction.

Transformation.

of Tri-County Technical College.

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

Dr. Ronnie L. Booth

n September 16, several hundred students and President employees gathered with business, industry, and community leaders to break ground on our long-awaited Student Success Center, the first new building on the Pendleton Campus in more than two decades.

During the ceremony, County Council and Legislative Delegation members, along with Senator Lindsey Graham, spoke about the important role Tri-County plays in higher education and economic development in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

For years I have justified the need for this facility by citing double-digit enrollment increases, aging facilities, energy costs, and decaying infrastructure. I have shared how students sit in the halls to study, find corners where they can work on group projects, and eat in a small, overcrowded Café that was cobbled together from existing structures during the eighties. I have pled our case for spaces where students can learn and develop 21st-Century workforce skills, such as teamwork and collaboration.

It was Briana White, our new SGA president, who articulated our needs best in her remarks during the ceremony: “I believe this new Student Success Center will go a long way in helping us to learn, grow, and—just as importantly—develop a sense of belonging at Tri-County Technical College.”

Briana and other students may not realize it, but the sense of belonging she describes is strongly tied to student success, particularly for academically-capable students from under-resourced backgrounds. On several occasions, I have cited a study conducted at the University of Texas and Stanford University that concluded the underperformance of academically-capable students from low-income backgrounds stems from students’ belief they did not have the ability to be successful AND that they did not feel a sense of belonging. We serve these and all other students best and increase their probability for success when we help them to achieve a sense of belonging.

To Briana and other students, this new Center represents something that is difficult to achieve on a commuter campus—a sense of belonging. To us and to our partners, it symbolizes an investment in student success. Because each partner is willing to share in this investment, we are able to accomplish more as a team than we could ever accomplish individually.

As we stood together, shoulder to shoulder, symbolically using our shovels to turn dirt and officially start the construction project, I could feel the true strength of our partnership with the community and the power of our vision to transform lives and build strong communities—one student at a time. It was a day long-awaited and never to be forgotten.

Ronnie L. Booth, Ph.D., President

SP

LIGHT OT

Spotlight

on SACSCOC Reaccreditation

By Margaret Burdette, Coordinator of SACSCOC Compliance and Assessment

They Are Coming, and We Are Ready!

Who are “They?” They are members of the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), of which we are a part. “They” are our peers.

SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degreegranting higher education institutions in the Southern states.

Why are they coming? Every 10 years, SACSCOC-accredited institutions must go through a decennial review. Institutions must write a Compliance Report explaining how they uphold the standards and requirements of the organization and then write a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve student learning over the next five years. Last spring, an offsite review team reviewed the College’s Compliance Report and reported findings that need to be addressed.

The College then replied to the findings and sent the QEP to a new on-site team that will be here October 10–13. The College’s QEP is titled High Impact Edge. The plan gives details on how the College will embed at least two High-Impact Practices, such as learning communities, service learning, work-based learning, and capstone projects, into each associate degree program

Since 1971 Tri-County Technical College has maintained accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award the associate degree. SACS is the accrediting body for colleges and universities in 11 states. In August of 2007, the College received a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation by SACS.

QEP Core Team • • • •

Sarah Shumpert, Chair Galen DeHay Dr. Amoena Norcross Deborah Brock

• • • •

Mandy Orzechowski Cheryl Garrison Dr. Chris Marino Margaret Burdette

over a five-year period and how the College will engage faculty in professional development on how to integrate high-impact teaching into their courses.

What will be going on the week they are here? The Committee will be clearing up the remaining compliance findings, visiting offsite locations (Anderson Campus, Easley Campus, the Industrial Technology Center, and Anderson District I and II Career and Technology Center), and taking a tour of several academic program areas, but mainly the committee will be finding out more about the QEP. They will meet with some of the TCTC Commission members, students who have experienced high impact practices, faculty involved in the creation of the QEP, and faculty who were not involved in the creation of the QEP Wow! Who did all the work to get ready for this visit?

You did, and your peers did. You made the job of writing the Compliance Report easier because of your efficient and effective processes and innovative teaching in and out of the classroom.

The QEP was developed by a large group of faculty and staff from across the College, and another large group has been working on all the details and logistics to make our SACSCOC Visiting Committee feel welcome while they are here and able to complete their responsibilities effectively.

So, get ready to be wonderful hosts and hostesses. Let’s put our best foot forward as we welcome this committee of peers who have volunteered to visit with us and assist in making us better.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 22, for the Open House to celebrate the new Animal House and renovated Student Learning Center for Veterinary Technology.

The event will be held from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Halbert Hall on the Pendleton Campus.

September 2016 • 3

Columbia College to Offer B.A. Beth Byars, of Anderson, administrative assistant for the Foundation and an alumna of the College, is among the first to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program through Columbia College with classes held on our Pendleton Campus. She is pictured talking with Matthew Cady, site coordinator for Columbia College, about the program that is set to begin in January.

Last year College Presidents from Tri-County and Columbia College signed a unique agreement that will enable individuals who have associate degrees from Tri-County to complete their bachelor’s in Health Communication or Leadership and Professional Communication through Columbia College in the evenings on Tri-County’s campus at a discounted tuition rate.

This is the first time Tri-County has signed a partnership agreement of this type with a private college. This agreement creates pathways that will allow associate degree graduates to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree without loss of time, credits, or money.

For more information, contact Kristen Karasek, director of Bridge and Educational Partnerships, at Ext. 1683.

Annual Washington, DC, Trip Planned for May 5–8, 2017 Mary Geren is beginning to recruit students for the annual trip to Washington, DC. Around six student leaders from various campus organizations have signed up for the trip set for May 5–8, 2017.

“It’s the highlight of the year,” said Mary, English instructor, faculty co-advisor for Tri-County Association of Political Scientists (TAPS) and a chaperone each year. Joining her this year will be English Department Head Allison Earley and instructors Dana Griffith and Lara Wrightson.

“We are looking for students who have never been to our Nation’s Capital to join us on the trip,” said Mary. “It is open to all students, but we encourage our student organization leaders to consider joining us.” Space is limited with a maximum of 30 students accepted. The trip is funded by fundraising efforts of campus organizations, along with the Student Development and Engagement Division.

The goal of the trip is to learn about U.S. history, our government, and to honor our veterans. Over the years, students toured the Capitol, the House of Representatives chamber, Monticello, the Pentagon, WWII memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial (also called the Iwo Jima Memorial), Arlington Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, and various other museums.

“We definitely want to visit the African American Museum because this will be the first year it will be open when we travel,” said Mary.

Even though this is the fifth year that Mary has taken a group, the trip always remains fresh, she said. “For the first time last year, we were granted a White House tour, and we will put in a 4 • CONNECTION

request and hope that we will be able to do so again this year,” she said. “There is always so much to learn.”

Participants in the 2016 trip to Washington, D.C., pose in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Foundation News Thank You, Abney Foundation This year’s Abney Foundation Scholarship recipients are seen with Executive Director David King and Executive Director Emeritus and Trustee Carl Edwards (front, center).

Abney Foundation Leaders Learn about CCE The Abney Foundation has given consistently to Tri-County Last December CCE received what Teresa calls a “huge over the years, helping thousands of students to attain their Christmas gift” when the S.C. General Assembly allotted the educational goals. No other foundation, individual, or company State’s 16 technical colleges funding to award scholarship has contributed so generously to the Foundation. The Foundation money. Tri-County received $335,000 earmarked for in-demand, sponsored the Second Annual Abney Day on September 1. The QuickJobs training in the areas of manufacturing, health event was designed to show appreciation for the College’s largest care (both clinic and office related), and transportation and contributor to date. logistics (i.e., truck driving, IT, computer, business, and highway The Abney Foundation’s Executive Director Emeritus and construction).

Trustee Carl Edwards and Executive Director David King met with The CCE Division offered scholarships for QuickJobs training to Program Coordinators in our Corporate and Community Education help individuals who are unemployed, as well as underemployed, (CCE) Division to learn more about their mission and how they are prepare for high-demand jobs that lead to a sustainable wage. working to fulfill training needs for local business and industry.

“Our funding trained 250 students,” (continued on page 9) CCE Operations Manager Teresa Young gave an overview of the programs offered by the division, as well as a profile of a typical student.

The group also viewed videos of several students telling their success stories.

“Our focus is to work with tri-county area employers to fulfill their workforce needs by offering training with certifications that have meaning to employers and credentials that are transportable should individuals choose to work elsewhere in the United States,” said Teresa.

“Our training can last from two days to six months. Following the training, we work with students on their employment success,” she said.

The mean age of CCE students is 42.3. CCE students receive no federal or State financial aid CCE Operations Manager Teresa Young, right, gave an overview of the programs offered by the nor do they qualify for loans. “Scholarships are Division, as well as a profile of a typical student, to leaders of the Abney Foundation, including needed,” Teresa said.

Executive Director Emeritus and Trustee Carl Edwards and Executive Director David King.

September 2016 • 5

Our College Family in transition Katherine (Katie) Reeves is the new Training Coordinator in the Corporate and Community Education Division. She comes to us from Clemson University, where she worked for four years as an Katie Reeves Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Development. She also worked for eight years for the Department of Health and Environmental Control as an Administrative Assistant for the Business Department and later as Administrative Coordinator for the Environmental Quality Control Department. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Anderson University in 2011. She is a member of Covenant Baptist Church, where she is a volunteer Production Manager in the Audio/Visual Department. She has three children—Alex, 24, Phillip, 20, and McCurry, 15. Katie lives in Anderson.

Teresa Gimenez is the new Library Technical Assistant. Since 2012, she worked part time in our Admissions Office. Teresa holds a B.S. in Human Resources from Southern Wesleyan University. She worked for 10 years in software technical support for Computer Software Innovations.

She and her husband, Tomas, live in Pendleton.

Teresa Gimenez

Jimmy Walker, the 2012 adjunct faculty presidential award winner, is now a full-time Developmental Math instructor in the Comprehensive Studies Division.

He has taught at the College since 2007 and has served as an Academic Advisor since 2012. He recently served on the Adjunct Expo Committee.

Jimmy attended Tri-County as a Jimmy Walker non-degree transfer student before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where he earned a B.S. in Mathematics. He worked as a Lab Instructor for the USC Department of Physics and Astronomy in 2006–2007.

During the 2010–2011 academic year, he served as an Adjunct Representative for the Arts and Sciences Division to the 6 • CONNECTION

Faculty Senate. In the fall of 2011, he was trained to serve as a small group advisor in the College’s Advising Center. In 2012, he served as a Tutor in the Arts and Sciences Learning Lab. He completed the Master Teacher Program at Tri-County in 2008 and was one of the first adjunct instructors to do so.

Jimmy lives in Anderson.

Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond is now a full-time instructor in our Science Department after four years as an adjunct teaching Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology. For the past two years, she has been a Lecturer in the Department.

Last year she developed an Ecology Honors Class as part of the College’s new Honors College Program. She Dr. Sharon HomerDrummond coordinated with Pendleton Pride in Motion, the town of Pendleton, and Anderson School District 4 to lead students in the development of a natural educational trail for use by the community, school district, and College.

She served on the Adjunct Faculty Compensation Committee last year.

Over the years, Sharon taught as an adjunct for the Biology Departments for Anderson University, Palm Beach State College, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.

In July 2015, she was the Visiting Scientist for the Dolphin Health and Environmental Risk Assessment program for the Georgia Aquarium. In 2013, she was the Visiting Scientist for the Marine Mammal Program for the Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research at Charleston.

She received her B. A. in Interpersonal Communications from Wheaton College and a B. S. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana. She was the Laboratory Supervisor and Primary Research Assistant for Veterinary Oncology in 2002 for the Small Animal Clinic Oncology Veterinary College at the University of Illinois.

She earned an M.S. in Marine Affairs and Policy at the University of Miami and her Ph. D. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University in 2012.

She is a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine.

She served in the US. Army, US National Guard, and IRR in successive command positions in Medical Support Units from 1990–2007. Sharon serves as mentor for our student veterans.

She and her husband, Robert, have a daughter, Katherine, 16, and they live in Anderson.

Pattie Burriss joined the Associate Degree Nursing faculty this semester.

Pattie previously taught in the department from 2005–14. Over the past two years, she worked as a Nurse Practitioner for Carolina Long Term Care and for Due West Family Medicine. She holds B.S.N. and M.S.N. degrees from Clemson University and is a Nurse Practitioner. Other Pattie Burriss experience includes working as an R.N. at Anderson Dialysis Clinic from 1993–2003. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

She and her husband, Travis, have three children, Taylor, 20, Carlee, 17, and Gracie, 12, and live in Iva.

Jennifer Porter is a faculty member in our Medical Laboratory Technology program. She worked as a Medical Laboratory Technologist for 12 years at AnMed Health and taught seventh grade math in Greenville County Schools for seven years. She holds a B.S. in Medical Technology and a Master of Arts in Teaching (Middle School Education), both from Clemson University.

Jennifer Porter She and her husband, Brian, have two children, Dylan, 19, and Allen, 17. They live in Williamston.

Linda Crowe Retires After Three Decades of Service Longtime Comprehensive Studies think they aren’t college material because Administrative Assistant Linda Crowe retired they’ve lived for years with that belief.

September 30 after 30 years of service.

They’ve had little to no academic success, “I love what I do, but because of ongoing and their prior educational experiences health issues, I’ve decided to retire,” said leave them intimidated by the collegiate Linda. “I love the students and the people environment. Linda is a calming and here at Tri-County. It has been a blessing reassuring presence for them, and this has from God to have this job.” been invaluable to our department and to Linda was 27 years old and married Tri-County.” with two children in elementary school Jen added that Linda exhibits when she decided to enter college for professionalism in everything she does— the first time in 1983. She enrolled in from answering the telephone to greeting the Secretarial Science program (now students to communicating with faculty Administrative Office Technology) through and staff. “She is efficient and effective the Job Training Partnership Act. In addition whatever the task. She demonstrates a to full-time classes, she was a work study spirit of cooperation. She fully supports for the Developmental Education Division the initiatives and programs of this (now Comprehensive Studies) formerly department, she works well as part of this Linda Crowe led by the late Nancy Patterson. Just prior team, and she creates a work environment to graduation, there was an opening in the Division for an that is pleasant and conducive to productivity,” Jen said.

Administrative Assistant, and Linda submitted an application.

She added that Linda embodies the College’s philosophy, “I had my interview before graduation, which was on a goals, and values.

Thursday night in Clemson. Nancy Patterson offered me the job “Linda displays all of these characteristics on an everyday at the graduation ceremony. I said yes on the spot. From that day basis. She always makes everyone—co-workers, students, on, it has been a true blessing.” potential students—feel like they can and will succeed and Comprehensive Studies Department Head Jennifer Hulehan like they can and will make worthwhile contributions. Linda’s says Linda has always provided outstanding service—both to the contributions to our department and to the College over three employees who work with her and the students she regularly decades exemplify the College’s dedication to high standards. encounters. “Her interaction with our students is particularly In addition, her efforts have helped to create a nurturing exemplary. She always answers their questions in a kind, environment, she has been invaluable in ensuring excellence in friendly, and respectful way. Developmental students, more our programs, and she has provided the unparalleled service Trithan our other students, often feel out of place in college—they County strives for according to our mission, vision, and values.”

September 2016 • 7

Getting To Know You Justin Herndon Program Director for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Engineering and Industrial Technology Division 1. What do you like best about your job?

The best thing about my job is being able to teach and mentor students through their journey in earning a two-year HVAC degree.

I not only like to teach my students about HVAC, but also mentor them through life Justin Herndon lessons. I love being in the trenches when it comes to providing a real transformative student experience. I don’t mind at all when a student needs to talk with me about some personal issue he or she may have at home. I think we are not only instructors here, but sometimes family members. Not all of our students come from the typical picturesque family photo.

2. What is the best book you have ever read? That’s a security question to get my password back, so I can’t tell you that. The second best book has to be the textbook I use for class. It, of course, was the book that taught me a lot about HVAC when I came through the program as a student. I wouldn’t have this job if it weren’t for reading that book.

3. What is the quality you most admire in people? If they have a sense of humor, it would be that. I am someone who likes to keep things fun and entertaining if possible.

4. If you could do another job for one day, what would that be?

I love what I do every day, so I don’t really have another job that I would want to try. I would, however, like to try being Dale Gilbert at a Clemson basketball game. I would love to do the player introductions at the beginning of the game. Being the basketball nerd that I am, I already do them by myself while he is doing it except I add some flare to mine.

5. What makes you laugh? Anything funny.

Sue Dacus Senior Student Data Analyst, Registrar’s Office/ Student Data Center 1. What do you like best about your job?

The thing that I like best about my job is helping all students who are at point A get to point B, along with ensuring that they have a great experience not only at the Student Data Center but at Tri-County Technical College. As an encourager, I believe that taking time with students is a must and Sue Dacus encouraging them to keep going. “You Can Do It” or “You Can Make It” gives them the little push that they may need at that time.

2. What is the best book you have ever read? I have read many books and obtained much information from them; however, the best book that I have read is my “Bible.” I have found comfort, strength, and encouragement from this book.

8 • CONNECTION

3. What is the quality you most admire in people? There are many qualities that are important to me so I can’t just name one. The qualities I most admire in a person are someone who is patient, open, honest, truthful, good morals, respectful, and who has integrity.

4. If you could do another job for one day, what would that be? I love helping others, so I would like to be a mentor for single mothers and a liaison to help the elderly within my community.

5. What makes you laugh? As we all know, laughter isn’t only fun, but is important to our health. There are many health benefits of laughter and just the normal “it makes me feel good” to laugh. So I guess I will say mostly anything that is hilarious cracks me up. If I am not myself, a big laugh will remind me not to take things too seriously but to enjoy every moment as if it were your last.

Mandy Orzechowski Dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division.

1. What do you like best about your job?

Wow, this answer is really going to make me sound like a Pollyanna. I like getting to know our students and helping them reach their goals. I consider myself incredibly lucky that I have many current and former students I can count as friends.

Mandy Orzechowski 2. What is the best book you have ever read? That is a difficult question to answer. I LOVE to read. It’s one of my serious vices: shoes, pocketbooks, and books. Good to Great

by Jim Collins would be one of may favorites. I have read it several times. As far as sheer pleasure reading, I would have to go with the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini. I have read the entire series many, many times.

3. What is the quality you most admire in people? The quality I most admire in people would be grit. “Gritty” people have work ethic.

They get back up when they fall. They keep going, even when it is hard—even when it requires reassessing the plan. “Gritty” people may not seem like optimists, but I think they are.

4. If you could do another job for one day, what would that be?

Oh my! I don’t know that I am willing to admit this, but I think I would like to be the First Lady of the United States. Isn’t that funny? We always talk about teaching kids that you can be anything you want to be, even President of the Great United States of America. I don’t want to be POTUS… I want to be FLOTUS. How cool would that be? I also think we tend to underestimate and forget the impact our first ladies have made on American history. The iron will of Nancy Reagan. The passion of Eleanor Roosevelt. The fortitude of Rosalynn Carter. What a great club to be a member of… even for just one day.

5. What makes you laugh? My daughter makes me laugh. She is 14 years old and quite reserved in general, but she is so funny. I love when she relaxes and is herself. She is quite the comic, even when she doesn’t mean to be. The other thing that makes me laugh are all these silly memes… especially ones about thinking too hard and working too hard. One of my favorites says “I cannot brain today. I has the dumb.”

Feed A Pig Giving Challenge Gets Underway

Fair Features Employee Benefits Students are excited to have their own FEED A PIG Giving Challenge this fall. Students are collecting spare change in their adopted piggy bank to support student scholarships. Pictured from left are Megan Bruce, of Williamston, Michael Herring, of Anderson, and Arianna Santone, of Williamston.

Abney Foundation (continued from page 5)

she said. “We need these scholarships to offset costs for individuals. We also received grants targeted for those with barriers,” said Teresa.

“We have received grants for the long-term unemployed, the over 50 population, those who are changing careers and/or retooling their skills for new technology,” added Teresa.

Another popular program is the South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) program. “We received 618 applications but only funded 197. We are looking for other sources of funding. There are more than 100 names on the waiting list for funding now,” she said.

SCMC classes cost $2,000 per person.

SCMC is a quick, yet comprehensive training route for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and to secure full-time employment as operators in manufacturing or other organizations. “Our SCMC training provides individuals the opportunity to earn national credentials that manufacturing employers understand. It shows that you have the skills sets to fill those in-demand jobs,” “Scholarship funds make it work. They fill long-term and immediate needs,” she said.

Sarah Simpson, accounting technician in the Business Office, left, and Katie Walsh, admissions specialist in the Health Education Division, right, were among the faculty and staff who attended the 2016 Benefits Fair held September 6 in the Wellness Center. They are pictured talking with George Hazin, field services manager, insurance and retirement, for PEBA. The event is an opportunity to talk with vendors and put a name with a face with our insurance representatives. Remember, Open Enrollment begins October 1.

Nelson Speaks at Partnership Appreciation Breakfast Caleb Nelson, a 2015 Easley High School graduate and an Industrial Electronics Technology major, spoke to middle and high school counselors at the annual Partnership Appreciation Breakfast held September 16. Caleb, a BMW Scholar, works in the plant’s body shop, in addition to being a full-time student. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will graduate debt free from Tri-County in May.”

We extend our deepest concern and sympathy to the victims, families, and friends impacted by the tragedy at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016. #TownvilleStrong September 2016 • 9

Groundbreaking (continued from page 1)

Senator Lindsey Graham told the crowd of several hundred people that this project is a big commitment, with the biggest benefactor being the students. “Tri-County is so relevant today— that’s why you are growing. But we must find our niche in a changing economy.” He said in the next 50 years, our future competitors won’t be China and India—the competition will be between man and machine. “Your challenge is to design curricula around the human touch. No machine will hold someone’s hand in Hospice care.

There will never be a substitute for the human touch.”

Student Government Association President Briana White said she is excited about the Center that “will create a sense of community and belonging for students.”

Members of County Councils and Legislative Delegations also expressed their support for the Center.

Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn said, “Our community’s future is in the hands of Tri-County. The Student Success Center will play an important role in preparing students for the challenges that lie ahead.”

“I have respect for what I consider to be the best technical college in S.C.,” said Paul Cain, chairman of the Oconee County Council. “It is easy for Council to invest in the future of this College. Your leadership listens to students and industry and provides us with a great reason to fund this great center for student success. Oconee County is proud to support the College and the Student Success Center in every way.”

Rep. Gary Clary, Pickens County delegation member, called the Student Success Center “a game changer that in 50 years will be a signal day for the College, the region, and the State. I’m proud to be part of State government and a part of the decision making for this Center.”

“Each one of you knows someone who will need this facility,” said Rep. Brian White.

Site prep for the construction got underway this summer, which required the removal of the amphitheater and Clarke and McKissick halls. The Student Success Center is set to open January 2018.

The Ruby Hicks renovation will begin in 2018 and will take about a year to complete. It will include a One Stop Center designed to improve efficiencies and customer service by allowing for co-location of admissions, advising, registration, financial aid, cashier and other enrollment services.

Construction of the new building is expected to take 18 months. The entire project, including the renovation of Hicks Hall, will take two and one-half years.

The architectural firm for the project is LS3P Associates, LTD, Greenville, SC, and the construction firm is Juneau Construction Company, LLC, Atlanta, GA.

Architectural Rendering: Southeast View of Student Success Center

left: Student Government Association President Briana

White poses for a

photo with Senator Lindsey Graham. right: Soloist Reed

Wilson, a Veterinary Technology major, performed a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem.

The construction crew continued work on the site until the ceremony began.

Students enjoyed the food and festivities following the ceremony.

10 • CONNECTION

Pendleton Police Chief Doyle Burdette, left, talks with Rep. Gary Clary, middle, and Dan Cooper, director of government relations and economic development.

Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn (at podium) said, “The Student Success Center will play an important role in preparing students for the challenges that lie ahead.”

left: Commissioners Dr.

Valerie Ramsey, middle, and Helen RosemondSaunders, right, talk with Willie Day, retired director of Neighborhood and Transit Services for Anderson.

right: Caleb

middle: From left, Alliance Pickens Executive Director Ray

To view more photos from the event, visit www.tctc.edu and click on the Flickr link.

Farley, Trent Acker, chief operating officer for WorkLink, and Oconee County Council Chair Paul Cain talk after the ceremony.

Allen, a 2016 graduate now working part time in the President’s Office while taking additional courses in the Business Technology Department, greets Rep. Brian White, who spoke at the event.

Executive Staff Summary • NEW PORTAL SYSTEM: The eTC portal, which has been in place since 2008, is approaching end-of-life. Since that time, user needs have grown and technologies have changed and multiplied. A project team has been charged to implement a replacement portal that effectively provides access to Blackboard, administrative functions in SSB and INB, ancillary applications, e-mail/collaboration tools, and website(s) information. The organization plan will align with the objectives of the Transformative Student Experience.

which includes communication, training, and support components. Lean Higher Ed coaches have been trained and are available to assist in developing lean processes.

• CYBER SECURITY: The College has identified the first three projects to implement as part of the State-mandated Cyber Security program. They will include cyber security awareness training, mobile device management, and dual factor authentication. Other projects will follow.

• RESEARCH PROJECTS: The College will secure multiple customized research projects over the next year using membership services from Hanover Research. The first project will be a comprehensive compensation survey.

• TRI-DAY: The Service Excellence team has developed a Tri-Day initiative that allows employees to show their pride in the institution by wearing branded logo attire. Employees will be given the opportunity to order a shirt during the month of October.

• COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION: This project has been completed, and the College now has a model process improvement program in place based on best practices for Lean Higher Education,

• OTHER: SACS visit preparations, Student Success Center groundbreaking, parking/traffic communications, purge processes, capital project/construction updates, and policy/procedure updates.

September 2016 • 11

Reception Held for Students Named to President’s List

Pathways Student Meets Commerce Officials Trevor Callaham, second from left, who earned his high school diploma from T.L. Hanna High School in 2015, along with a Basic Electricity certificate through our Technical Career Pathways program, talks with members of the Department of Commerce about how his pathways experience helped to clarify his career goal. Pictured with him are, from left, Amanda Blanton, director of high school engagement and outreach; and Department of Commerce representatives Michael McInerney and Elisabeth Kovacs.

“We are here to honor your hard work. It’s a matter of pride for us to see students do well,” Dr. Booth told students at a reception held September 20 for students named to the President’s List for Spring Semester and Summer Term.

He is pictured (center) with those who attended the event. To be named to the President’s List one must have a 4.0 GPA for the semester. To view all of the photos from the event, visit the College’s public website at tctc.edu and click on the Flickr link.

College Celebrates Constitution Day The College celebrated Constitution Day with a speech by Dr. Joseph Stewart, Jr., a political science professor at Clemson University. right: Dr.

Joseph Stewart begins his presentation, entitled “Today’s Take on the U.S. Constitution.” below left: In her introduction, Political Science

instructor Lara Wrightson, left, introduced Dr. Stewart as a “civil liberties and civil rights scholar.”

left: A voter registration table was

manned by Kamille Tyson, a Media Arts Production major and a member of the Tri-County Association of Political Scientists, during Dr. Joseph Stewart’s presentation. Here, Erin Saltmarsh, and Chase Schelble, both Bridge students, register to vote.

12 • CONNECTION