Tri-County Technical College 2019-2020 Annal Report

2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES DIFFERENTLY

VALUES • Integrity: To be our ideal selves, doing right, and upholding and demonstrating high ethical standards at all times.

• Respect: An understanding that everyone is important and is valued. To be open to accepting and balancing the different views of yourself and others. To preserve dignity in ourselves and others and to interact in a manner that promotes trust, openness, and understanding.

MISSION Tri-County Technical College, a public community college, focuses on teaching, learning, and helping students reach their goals. The College supports economic development for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties in South Carolina by preparing a highly-skilled workforce.

VISION Passionate people transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.

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• Community Minded: To be good citizens within the College community, upholding policies and procedures and taking responsibility for making the working and learning environment better for all. To go above and beyond the boundaries of our position descriptions, departments, or divisions and work for the overall good of the College.

• Commitment to Excellence: The desire or drive to make improvements each and every day in ourselves and our environment.

A Letter from the President Dear Friends and Colleagues,

A

s I reflect back on my first year as president, I am humbled by all that we have achieved and am deeply grateful for faculty, staff, donors and friends who are committed to advancing our mission and vision.

The 2019-2020 academic year has been unlike any other. When the coronavirus pandemic first began, we quickly transitioned to online classes, shifted our student support services and engagement activities online, and reinvented our orientation and enrollment processes. We even held a virtual commencement ceremony for spring and summer graduates.

Our ability to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining an unwavering focus on serving our students and community is what has allowed Tri-County to remain successful in the most difficult of times. While we do not know how much longer the pandemic will last, one thing we do know is that our communities are in crisis, and they need us to serve them differently.

What does it mean to serve our communities differently? At Tri-County, we focus not only on what happens in college but on what happens after college. Student success is at the core of what we do, and we measure our success by our ability to ensure students earn a high-quality credential that leads to a familysustaining wage. Additionally, the partnerships we have formed with local businesses and industries support student success and help ensure our students have the opportunity to earn not only a meaningful degree but a meaningful career that can improve their economic status.

As you read this report, you will see our commitment to student success shine through in all that we do. From helping students gain the knowledge they need to start their own business to developing new workforce development initiatives with companies like Arthrex, Duke Energy and Medshore, we are meeting students where they are and helping them along the pathway to success, wherever it leads and for however long it takes. Tri-County is here for life.

While the future remains uncertain, Tri-County is prepared to tackle new challenges so that we can continue to deliver accessible, affordable, high-quality learning experiences. We will continue to meet the emerging workforce needs of the Upstate, and we will find new ways to serve our students and communities during the most difficult of times.

It is important to remember that we do not do this work alone. You—our faculty, staff, donors and friends—are an integral part of this journey. I look forward to many more years of working together to transform lives and build strong communities, one student at a time.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

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Student Success Coach Rachel Campbell, left, and Maryann Klaiber.

Coping with the COVID-19 Crisis

M

aryann Klaiber is not alone when she says the biggest lesson of 2020 is that anything can happen.

When the coronavirus became a public health threat in early spring, it forced colleges all over the country to shut down in mid-March and to shift the classroom-based course offerings to an online delivery format. During the summer and fall semester, the College continued to do things differently amid the coronavirus pandemic by offering face-to-face, online and hybrid courses while protecting the health and safety of students, employees and the community.

Klaiber, who had carefully mapped out her plan to transfer to Clemson University this fall, struggled with the uncertainties that COVID-19 brought to her life and educational plans. She began to rethink her choice of where to attend college during a global pandemic.

“These last five months have taught me anything can happen and you have to be flexible because plans can change daily,” said Klaiber, a self-described ‘stick-to-the-plan kind of planner.’

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“I’ve learned how to be adaptable. That lesson has been equally as valuable as what I learned in my classes,” she added.

It’s one of the philosophies she and others had to adopt beginning in the early spring of 2020 when the coronavirus struck.

For the past two years, Klaiber has been preparing to transfer to Clemson University by working toward an associate in arts degree at Tri-County.

Being a Clemson student has been a lifetime goal of Klaiber’s, who was waitlisted in high school and enrolled at Tri-County where she earned 60 hours of transferable credits while saving money with Tri-County’s affordable tuition coupled with her LIFE scholarship.

She says Tri-County’s highest transfer rate among the 16 technical colleges in the state and ranking in the top 1% nationally for successful student transfers were influencing factors.

Despite the continuance of COVID-19 through June, she still hoped to enter Clemson this fall and was elated in July 2020 when she received her long-awaited acceptance letter marked ‘You’re a Tiger’—she had reached her goal.

But the COVID-19 crisis was still in full gear and Clemson University was among colleges that were delaying the return to campus and continuing remote learning before transitioning to campus on September 21.

She began to weigh her options—it didn’t take long for her to see that staying at Tri-County was the answer, especially when she learned she received lottery tuition assistance.

She made the decision to stay at Tri-County during fall 2020 and continue to earn credits that will transfer to Clemson in the spring of 2021.

“I didn’t want my first semester at Clemson to be entirely online and not step foot on campus. I want the Clemson experience,” she said.

Klaiber deferred enrollment to spring and continues to take online classes at Tri-County. “It was the most economical, the smartest and the most comfortable choice for me,” she said.

During these times, she said, “You have to have patience and have a good support system.” She says she couldn’t have made it without guidance from Student Success Coach Rachel Campbell.

“She is my support system. She is well informed and she knows the answers to my questions on the spot. She has helped me to navigate the waters, even assisting me with finding an apartment.

We talked about my classes and about life. She has been more helpful than I could ever have imagined,” said Klaiber.

“Maryann is one of those students who has taken full advantage of the support services Tri-County has to offer,” said Campbell. “She is very self-aware and intuitive. Every semester we had checkpoint meetings to address her questions and concerns, including this past summer to determine which online classes she needed to keep her on track to transfer to Clemson in spring 2021. I always encourage students to reach out to us and we will support them.

That’s why we are here—to help students weigh all of their options.”

“Choosing Tri-County was a good decision two years ago and it remains a good decision today during the COVID-19 crisis, both academically and financially,” said Klaiber.

Tri-County is ranked in the

TOP 1%

NATIONALLY for successful transfers and has the highest student success rate among the state’s 16 technical colleges.

Tri-County was “ Choosing a good decision two years

ago and it remains a good decision today during the COVID-19 crisis, both academically and financially. | Maryann Klaiber

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Stephaine Merriweather, left, greets instructor Mia Tensley.

Improving Quality of Life

S

tephaine Merriweather took every possible precaution to stay safe and healthy this spring, yet a month before the summer term ended, she contracted COVID-19 and began to doubt she could finish her classes.

The 44-year-old business major silently battled COVID-19 and was hesitant to reach out to her instructors as she struggled with symptoms that prohibited her from focusing on her online studies.

Merriweather says there is a terrible stigma about COVID-19 and admitted she was feeling shame of contracting the disease—after meticulously practicing all of the precautions—wearing a mask, washing her hands and social distancing.

But during the 14-day quarantine she had time to think. She vowed to not give up and to finish the semester. “I took a breath and said I won’t let this sideline my goals. I had come too far to just throw in the towel,” she said.

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“It was hard enough already for me not being able to go to school and get that face-to-face teaching that I felt like I needed,” said Merriweather, who earned her GED in the summer of 2019 and enrolled in the business management program that fall.

Not one to lean on others for help, she thought she could power through it alone. “I am independent, but I realized I needed guidance,” she said. She thought of Mia Tensley, her college skills instructor, whom she says is always quick to answer e-mails during remote learning—day or night. “I reached out to her by text. I almost expected her to say there’s nothing I can do for you.

However, the response that came proved me wrong. She texted me back not just for the assignment but also to offer me resources that could help me financially and emotionally,” said Merriweather.

“This has taught me a lesson that if you just let go of your embarrassing pride and let the right people know what’s going on with you, the situation can and will turn around in your favor.

Never would I have thought in a million years that people whom I have never seen would really care so much about my well-being in school. But it really speaks volumes when you are outside of the school setting during a pandemic and you can get the physical and emotional help that you need to be the person that you are trying to better yourself to be. I am so grateful,” said Merriweather.

Tensley recounts: “Stephaine asked for an extra day on an assignment, but I knew she also needed our support. I told her it’s not just about the assignment—the most important thing here is that you are supported—you don’t have to tough it out by yourself.”

Knowing this could impact her academic progress, Tensley contacted Croslena Johnson, director of student support, to enter a referral to Student Health and Wellness. Johnson and her team followed up with Merriweather to offer resources and support, such as personal and financial support, access to free COVID-19 testing, connecting with her instructors to support her need for the extensions for assignments, and checking on her well-being.

Her symptoms didn’t warrant hospitalization so she quarantined for 10 days until she retested negative for the virus. She finished the semester with an A in Tensley’s class.

It has been a long rocky road for Merriweather, who dropped out of school in the ninth grade and became the sole caretaker of herself and her sibling because of her parents’ addiction to drugs, she said.

She spent her adult life working in restaurants, and the stumbling block to moving up and better pay was a GED. In addition to her children, she began raising her sister’s three children and was awarded custody of them and later adopted them at age 20.

“I wanted more. Coming to school is for me. The goal today is to finish my degree in business. The end goal is to give back and help others,” said Merriweather, who has been a part-time chaplain for seven years and is married with children.

“It’s a very freeing moment after carrying burdens for so many years.

I’ve always put everybody else first. Tri-County has truly made an impact on my life.”

In the Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens service area,

184,000

people have a high school diploma or less.

190,000

have less than an associate degree.

The average associate degree graduate from TCTC will see an increase in earnings of

$10,200

each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in South Carolina.

In June 2019 she earned her GED from the Anderson Adult Education Center 3, 4, and 5 and in August she applied to TriCounty.

“

Never would I have thought in a million years that people whom I have never seen would really care so much about my well-being in school. But it really speaks volumes when you are outside of the school setting during a pandemic and you can get the physical and emotional help that you need to be the person that you are trying to better yourself to be. I am so grateful. | Stephaine Merriweather

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Bradie Reece is Arthrex’s first registered youth apprentice.

Advancing Workforce Development

B

radie Reece isn’t your typical 18-year-old. For starters, before she graduated from Pickens High School in June, she already had earned 10 college credits through technical advanced placement through courses taken at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center. She spent her junior and senior years as a dual enrollment student and earned 19 credit hours of computer numerical control (CNC) classes at the College’s Industrial Technology Center.

She honed her machining skills during her junior and senior years as a machine technology student by competing in state and national competitions. Her mobile robotics team earned second place during the SkillsUSA National Championship in 2019, and she also participated in a national 5-axis high school competition sponsored by the Department of Defense where her team finished fourth.

In January, she was selected to be Arthrex’s first registered youth apprentice at the company’s new manufacturing facility in Sandy Springs, enabling her to gain valuable paid work experience while

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taking classes at Tri-County. She also continued to maintain a parttime retail job on the weekends.

Earlier this year she was named the Pendleton Region Technology Champion, an award given to the school’s most outstanding Career and Technical Education student.

She didn’t slow down after graduating from Pickens High School; instead, she continued her full-throttle pace as she transitioned from youth apprentice to adult apprentice at Arthrex this summer.

She also recently bought her own home and vehicle.

“I definitely have goals,” said Reece, who currently works first shift as a machine operator at Arthrex and takes evening CNC classes at Tri-County. She will graduate from college next year at age 19.

“The job makes me a better student and the classes make me a better employee,” she said.

“You can see why Bradie stood out, why she was our top candidate when we were making our selection for our first youth apprentice,” said Melanie McLane, human resources manager at Arthrex. “She is an award winner, a champion. We have a competitive, winning spirit here and she definitely has that.”

Work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeships—for high school and college students—are the key to producing work-ready graduates, said McLane. “It allows us to identify talent early on and to get the best of the best.”

Youth apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with jobrelated education.

Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive product development, worked with Apprenticeship Carolina to establish the youth apprenticeship program to enhance its relationship with career and technology centers in the Upstate.

Developing work-based learning opportunities (scholars programs, co-ops, internships and apprenticeships) requires partnerships with school districts and career centers, in addition to technical colleges and Apprenticeship Carolina. “It’s an opportunity to immerse a talented student into your culture and workforce and a way to attract and develop the best employee,” said McLane.

Reece calls Arthrex her “dream job” and wants to make a career at the Sandy Springs facility.

“I had never seen a facility like this,” said Reece. “I love it here. I told my parents after my first day at work that it felt like I was with family when I walked in the door. I love my job. Every day is a learning experience and it’s fun. I’m gaining the foundational skills in my Tri-County classes and then I go across the street and

work on a brand new piece of equipment. I ran my first machine by myself in the first two months. Now I can operate three.”

In addition to workforce development, youth apprentices are changing the stereotype of manufacturing, said McLane.

“They also can influence the college curriculum—that’s part of the partnership. Bradie’s voice is influential, more credible because she’s learning real-world applications. You are elevating the expectation of everyone in the class when you have a work-based learning influencer in the classroom,” said McLane.

She added that the Arthrex team has been extremely accepting of Reece as a youth apprentice and the plant’s youngest employee.

“They are excited to teach her and to serve as mentors. She helps us to be a bigger, better community.”

TCTC is the educational provider for

428 APPRENTICESHIPS These apprenticeships are based at

42in theCOMPANIES tri-county area.

INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing

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Health Care

5

Other

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A strategic planning meeting was held February 10, 2020, to develop and grow youth apprenticeships in the tri-county service area.

Agenda topics included youth apprenticeship program structures, PAYA (the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship) tools, and a path forward. Attending were representatives of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties Career and Technology Centers, Apprenticeship Carolina, and multiple departments at Tri-County.

Pictured from left to right are Amanda Donald, TCTC; Ken Kopera, TCTC; Kelli Lancaster, Anderson 1 & 2 Career & Technology Center; Chad Lusk, Oconee County Career and Technology Center; Dana Grant, Anderson Institute of Technology; Ken Hitchcock, Pickens County Career and Technology Center; Carla Whitlock, Apprenticeship Carolina; Douglas Long, Apprenticeship Carolina; Coni Campbell, TCTC; Bryan Manuel, TCTC; Dr. Chris Marino, TCTC; and Amanda Blanton, TCTC.

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Whitney Farmer Black, owner of Punch Drunk Designs

Evolving as our Communities’ Needs Do

W

hitney Farmer Black never thought of herself as a budding entrepreneur.

She spent her entire professional career working as a writer and for six years as assistant director of the cooperative education program at Clemson University.

“A couple of months in, the business took off. I thought I would get my life back in January, which isn’t bachelorette party season, but it never slowed down,” she said.

It was only on a whim, to satisfy her creative instincts and her curiosity, that she enrolled in an Adobe Illustrator class where she discovered she has a knack for design. She took those skills and began designing and producing a series of bachelorette party T-shirts and sweatshirts as a creative outlet on weekends.

Black says she knew she had to make some tough career decisions.

“I was a one-woman show and holding down my job at Clemson.

This became more than a part-time hobby,” said the Anderson native who holds a journalism degree from Samford University and a master’s in communications from Virginia Tech.

“That class changed everything,” said Black, who opened an online customized T-shirt store, Punch Drunk Designs, on Etsy in April 2018. Sales started out slow and steady—which was encouraging and manageable—but suddenly skyrocketed after Punch Drunk 10 |

Designs—and two of her cold-weather bachelorette sweatshirts— got a mention in Brides magazine’s online publication.

She made the difficult decision to resign and open Punch Drunk Designs full time.

She didn’t have any training in small business ownership and operation. Fortunately, her husband, Talbert, ran across

information about INSPIRE Lab, a new business incubator program offered by Tri-County Technical College and designed to give future business owners the proper resources and knowledge to create new businesses.

She also enrolled in the Anderson County Economic Development LEAP where she learned a different set of skills. She received a $10,000 grant to help her jumpstart the renovations needed for the basement.

The class serves as a place to educate business owners or start-up founders and give them access to professional business mentoring.

Her first DIY class was scheduled for March 21 but everything was put on hold due to COVID. In late June when retail stores opened, she began renting the downstairs, Punch Drunk Parlor, for private parties. DIY classes followed in July, with precautionary measures in place, like social distancing and limited class size to 12 participants.

Funded by a $200,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Tri-County, the program’s core training elements are customer problem/solution mapping, selling/marketing, building a team, and business plan execution. “Our goal is to build entrepreneurs within the Upstate, in our own backyards,” said Craig Kinley, a WiProwess consultant hired to launch INSPIRE Lab for Tri-County.

She applied and was among the eight accepted into the 12-week class taught by Kinley.

She bought the building at 609 N. Murray Avenue for her production facility before leaving Clemson and began moving production equipment from her home to that location. The upstairs served as the design and production facility, as well as her office.

The basement of the building was vacant and needed a lot of renovations. Family and friends helped to transform the basement into an inviting and accessible living room space to accommodate her next idea—a retail space where she can collaborate with local artists to offer DIY classes in floral design, jewelry creation, hand lettering, fiber wall hangings, painting, and ceramics.

“I had no idea how to marry the two businesses of making T-shirts and offering DIY classes so my goal for the INSPIRE Lab class was to talk to folks about how to combine the two. I didn’t know it could work and what that process would look like until completing this class. It was very validating. The course helped by giving me confidence and helping to solidify my ideas. It was so helpful to have a class to attend while I made this career transition.”

“

The course helped by giving me confidence and helping to solidify my ideas. It was so helpful to have a class to attend while I made this career transition.

”

“Every class so far has filled,” she said. “I’ve had such great support from the community. It’s very humbling that my hometown supports me. I want my venture to be another fun thing Anderson offers people in town—a dedicated space for ‘make and take’ classes taught by local professional artists. People are looking for different creative and interactive classes. I have lots of ideas and they are coming together. I want to share them with the people of Anderson.”

INSPIRE Lab will be located in Anderson within the TCTC Enterprise Campus.

This space will consist of incubator/ accelerator programs providing entrepreneurial flexible work space and access to capital for start-ups. The INSPIRE Lab curriculum is a 12-week program in partnership and collaboration with the economic development offices and Chambers of Commerce in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. The program supports new business incubation in the tri-county region. The top three overarching goals for the project are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial culture and commercialize research through startups.

| Whitney Farmer Black

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Meeting Workforce Needs “Our curriculum is designed to prepare potential employees to meet the specific needs of employers in our area,” said Dr. Rick Cothran, dean of the CCE Division. “Our new outdoor career pathways, through our QuickJobs programs, can quickly put people to work in jobs paying a sustainable wage in high demand careers.”

At the end of the class, Level I power lineworker students participate in a rodeo where they showcase their skills for potential employers who are looking to fill these in-demand jobs across the state.

Burton attended a rodeo, where he networked with future Blue Ridge Co-op employees and enrolled in the second 14-week class.

Students showcase their skills to potential employers at a rodeo.

E

ighteen-year-old Luke Burton had a plan when he graduated from high school in 2019.

He would follow in family members’ footsteps and enter the medical field; his goal was to become a respiratory therapist. But about three weeks into university transfer classes at Tri-County’s Pendleton campus, he realized that the traditional classroom learning environment was confining for him. “I want to work outdoors. I like hands-on work,” said the Westminster resident.

“This is my dream job. I love every day,” said Burton, who was hired by Blue Ridge in July.

He since has earned his CDL license, which enhances his skill set by operating, driving and hauling utility equipment.

“This is a good paying career. I get to work outside. It’s different every day and I learn new skills. It’s very rewarding—and fun. This is the perfect job for me. I hit the jackpot for sure,” said Burton.

“The utility industry is changing at a rapid pace and we must increase the talent pipeline for lineworkers here in South Carolina today to keep up,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s state president for South Carolina. “Investing in programs that recruit and train this valuable workforce will reap benefits for the industry both immediately and in the years to come.”

Less than a year later he found his dream job working as a Class C power lineman for Blue Ridge Electric Co-op.

After researching career options, he decided to attend a Corporate and Community Education (CCE) open house where he discovered the powerline worker training program funded by Duke Energy.

The SC Technical College System Foundation awarded Tri-County a second year of funding from a $1 million Duke Energy grant to expand its power lineworker training program to meet workforce demands. In 2019, through the SC Technical College lineworker grant program, Tri-County received $200,000 to develop and implement a 14-week program. The training includes how to operate a bucket truck, along with pole climbing, pole top rescue, naming material, demo digging and setting poles, hanging insulators, switching and underground work.

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The power lineworker program curriculum includes American Heart Association/CPR First Aid training and courses in National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) core; OSHA-10 for Construction; Power Line Worker Level I Certification and modules out of Levels II and III and the Power Line Curriculum with the option of adding Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

First EMT Academy graduates

Paving Pathways to Employment

E

arlier this year the College partnered with Medshore Ambulance to offer free accelerated EMT classes.

Thirteen individuals were accepted into the EMT-Basic course with free tuition, certification and testing. These EMT Academy graduates participated in a pinning ceremony October 1. The EMT Academy is the first of its kind in the state.

Classroom instruction is provided by the College’s Corporate and Community Education Division instructors at Medshore’s headquarters in Anderson.

Students are fully trained and on-boarded to begin working on a Medshore ambulance in 10 weeks upon passing the national registry exam. The course is offered with a two-year employment commitment.

The company plans to offer this course on a regular schedule throughout the year.

“The EMS industry has a real need for talented, dedicated students to begin their careers in EMS,” said Medshore Ambulance General Manager Josh Shore. “Medshore Ambulance has positions immediately available for these students, and this course is the first steppingstone towards continuing to develop their skills in

EMS or entering other areas of the healthcare and public safety field.”

“By providing a free class and a wage for them to complete training full-time, we hope to remove all financial barriers towards that goal,” said Medshore Ambulance Vice President of Operations Jason Cooke. “Upon passing their exam, our students are immediately able to work on an ambulance making up to $30,000 a year. With a company-sponsored paramedic class, they can advance their career to make up to $45,000 a year in a short time.

This is a great opportunity.”

EMT ACADEMY FUNDING

$11,600

Apprenticeship Carolina Expansion Grant

$27,984 Evolved 1.0 Grant

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Jackie Jeter

Meeting Students Where They Are

F

or as far back as she can remember, life, for Jackie Jeter, has been an uphill battle. The proverbial one step forward always seemed to lead to at least two steps back.

Her 39 years have been filled with disappointment, loss, regret, anger, shame, fear and pain. Lots of pain.

In childhood and later as an adult, every time she tried to get ahead—in her education, in her jobs and in her personal life, she says “life happened.”

Despite these setbacks that sidetracked plans and led to decades of negative thoughts, she never lost sight of a dream she has had since she was nine years old—to be a nurse.

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Life has been challenging for the single mom of four, who has supported herself on a limited income from jobs in restaurants, customer support roles and as a certified nurse aide, but always supplemented by government assistance.

Education was always the end goal—for her and her children.

Since earning her GED in 2001, she tried several times to work toward a college degree at Tri-County Technical College but had to withdraw because of attendance issues related to the lack of a babysitter, transportation, you name it.

“I was devastated when I had to drop out the last time. I thought about it every day,” she said. She continued to work in restaurants, “but I wanted to be a nurse. I was so discouraged. I felt like I was always starting over,” she said.

After returning from a mission trip to Uganda several years ago, she reassessed things. “I had more support and a sense of self confidence. I vowed to do things 110%. I will do whatever it takes to pursue my passion, my goals in life. I reminded myself that the attitude you go in with is the attitude you go out with.” She returned to Tri-County in 2016 to begin her prerequisites, armed with a fierce determination, insight and finally, self-confidence.

“I was excited. I wasn’t going to let my past continue to define me. I started with a clean slate,” she said.

She wrote a letter to Tri-County’s financial aid office to request that her academic probation be lifted and was successful.

She remembers two instructors, Dr. Stephan Irwin and Dr. Heather Irwin, who encouraged her every step of the way. “Dr. Stephan Irwin (biology instructor) encouraged me not to give up, to take my time. He said my road is different from others. That resonated with me.”

But this year, miraculously, things have turned around, despite the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

After years of stopping and starting college, she earned an associate in science degree in Tri-County’s July 2020 virtual graduation and received word that she was accepted into the licensed practical nursing program. She also qualified for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act—also known as the CARES Act—which is federal legislation to provide fast and direct financial assistance to higher education to lessen the economic hardships that COVID-19 placed on individuals and families.

The College received $2,123,242, which was dispersed immediately to eligible students.

Colleges and universities are required to use CARES Act funds to provide grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19, including things like course materials and technology, as well as food, housing, health care and child care.

The College received $4.2 million in federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. $2,123,242 was dispersed to eligible TriCounty students.

She was able to catch up on car insurance and other basic living expenses.

“

You have to remember why you are here and what brought you here. And never give up on who you are and what you are pursuing. Be the person you are called to be, despite your past. | Jackie Jeter

”

“I used to exit the health science building on campus and see students dressed in their gray nursing uniforms and think that should be me. It felt so far away.”

This semester she finally—and proudly—donned that nursing uniform, purchased for her by one of her Second Chance church members. “I felt included when I had felt excluded for so long. It’s been a long time in my life journey since things were going well for me,” she said.

“I’ve overcome so many obstacles,” she said especially during her adolescence, a time when she says she battled feelings of isolation and anger at her mentally ill mother, who verbally and physically abused her, and the sexual abuse she says she endured by a younger brother and strangers, and at being bounced around from group home to group home after being taken from her mother in New York, until she ended up at New Foundations in Anderson.

“There is a purpose for pain. Nothing is accidental,” she said.

“There is life and opportunity on the other side. This is the end of a lot of pain for me.”

She credits her success to her pastor at Second Chance and her instructors like the Irwins and Rachel Campbell, a student success coach at Tri-County. “Mrs. Campbell always said ‘I believe in you.’

There have been so many roads, so many doors closed. I never thought I would get to this point but so many have helped me and it helps me to encourage others. You have to remember why you are here and what brought you here. And never give up on who you are and what you are pursuing. Be the person you are called to be, despite your past.”

“I applied and found out within days that I received CARES funding.

I was so grateful,” she said. | 15

Excellence In Teaching And Learning FACULTY/STAFF AWARDS

Laura McClain, program director for the medical assisting program, was honored with the highest award presented to the faculty. She received the Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence.

The medallion is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College and to the students.

McClain joined the College in 2014 with 25 years of experience working as a certified medical assistant in OB-GYN and family practice, along with eight years as an RN in the medical/surgical unit, labor and delivery, long-term care and in hospitals.

“Laura is a valued faculty member of the College who has been constantly working and improving the medical assisting program since she was hired,” said Donna Palmer, health professions department head. “She works tirelessly to promote her program, ensures her students’ success and represents the College on multiple levels.

She is enthusiastic and passionate about the medical assisting program and profession and her personal and professional growth.”

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Tim Bowen earned the highest award given to staff at an annual fall convocation.

Bowen, who serves as senior director of community campuses, received the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence.

“I am so appreciative of this award, but the recognition really is a team award. I am reminded every day this is not a job, but a calling. We are changing people’s lives every day. I’m proud and privileged to be a part of that,” said Bowen.

TCTC Librarian Mary Orem says she is impressed with Bowen’s “approachable leadership style that grows the kinds of connections that allow individuals to develop their best self.”

Bowen developed and facilitated a professional development framework for student affairs professionals in the Student Support and Engagement Division, where she works. “Tim always ensures that each interaction he has with someone is a positive experience. By understanding that a happy customer is a customer for life, he always works to assist individuals in making good decisions in a manner that reflects positively on the College,” she said. “People trust and appreciate what he has to say.

Tim understands that when you lift up those around you, you all rise together.”

Jonathan Chastain, who teaches mathematics classes for the comprehensive studies department, received the College’s 2020 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award.

This award is given annually at spring convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.

Three faculty/staff members were honored as the College’s Educators of the Year and were recognized at the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) meeting. Tasheka Wright, director of Advising and Academic Support Network and President’s Advisory Council member, was named outstanding administrator; Trent Hulehan, program director for Automotive Technology, was named outstanding instructor; and Lori Morrissette, manager for Student Development & Involvement Programs, was named outstanding staff nominee.

Jimmy Walker, Comprehensive Studies Mathematics instructor, received the Outstanding Service to Students Award at the annual South Carolina Association for Developmental Education (SCADE) conference.

This award is given to a person whose work exemplifies the mission and purpose of SCADE by demonstrating responsiveness to individual students, commitment to professional growth, and excellence in teaching.

“Math is hard for many students so it’s important to have the right person teaching it. Jimmy is patient, he cares about each student, and he is concerned about their successes,” said Jennifer Hulehan, dean of Academic and Career Foundations. Walker’s work as the lead faculty member with the Learning Disabilities pilot team was the focus of her nomination letter.

He worked closely with faculty to develop and pilot learning techniques designed for students who exhibit symptoms of learning disabilities like Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Laneika Musalini, director of grants, was honored by her professional organization, NCURA, with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award for Region III. She also has been selected to participate in the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) Equity Leadership Team. Her team was selected for the NAPE Equity Leadership Academy which consists of two persons from State Tech, two persons from a technical college and a student.

Jonathan Warnock, Comprehensive Studies English instructor and a Tri-County alumnus, was awarded the Cengage Adjunct Developmental Educator Scholarship to the Kellogg Institute. Each year, this prestigious scholarship is awarded to an instructor who demonstrates a commitment to implementing best practices in developmental education.

Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services Division, is the recipient of the Mildred Bulpitt Woman of the Year Award by the Board of Directors of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges.

Dr. Chris McFarlin, Public Services Department Head, has been appointed by the Department of Justice-Office of Justice Programs as a Subject Matter Expert (Law Enforcement and Prosecutorial Initiatives) Peer Reviewer for individuals seeking federal grant funding for their agency’s missions.

Dr. McFarlin is the first and only law enforcement officer and criminal justice educator in South Carolina to earn a national industry certification from the Force Science Institute in Chicago, Illinois.

Stacey Frank, Social Sciences Department Head, has partnered with MUSC faculty to create a new international journal. She is Co-Editorin-Chief of the International Journal of Innovative Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. | 17

Excellence In Teaching And Learning

The Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division team was among 17 colleges honored by the National Council of Continuing Education and Training (NCCET) with a 2019 Exemplary Program Award.

College Commissioner John Powell was recognized nationally for his commitment to advancing the community college movement.

He is the recipient of the Southern Regional Trustee Leadership Award given by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

He also is the recipient of the 2020 South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) Trustee Leadership Award. The award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to promote the technical or community college concept.

The Fiscal Affairs Office was honored for the 20th straight year with the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Advisory Committee was recognized for its achievements at the fall 2019 convocation. Committee members and Program Director Ryan Nix accepted the Advisory Committee of the Year award for 2019. From left are (front row) Carolyn Stewart, health care program director at the College; Donna Palmer, TCTC health professions department head; Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, TCTC dean of the Health Education Division; William Tatum, chair of the advisory committee; and Ryan Nix; and (back row) advisory committee members Dan Cooper, TCTC chief of staff; Randy Bowers, Alex Bowers, Ken Whitten and Scott Stoller.

18 |

The College received notification from the Government Finance Officers Association that once again we earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) Program.

In 2019, the Learning Commons’ tutoring program earned its Level 1 Stage 1 CRLA certification, which is the industry standard for tutor training programs. Certification is based on tutors’ completed hours of CRLAapproved training topics and actual hours spent tutoring.

STUDENT EXCELLENCE Rankings and Recognitions The Associate Degree Nursing program has been granted full, continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) through fall 2026.

The Medical Assisting program has been granted full, continuing accreditation through fall 2028 by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Students in the associate degree nursing and practical nursing programs continue their status of surpassing state and national pass rates on the state certification exam.

The College’s associate degree nursing (ADN) program reports a 93.18% pass rate for first-time candidates taking the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) exam for second quarter reporting (January 1 - June 30).

Speech and Drama team members brought home top awards at the 2020 South Carolina Speech and Theater Association’s Annual College Festival Competition. Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Rew placed first in Informative Speaking; Gracie Stockman placed first in Persuasive Speaking; and Annabelle Matthews placed second in Persuasive Speaking.

CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY

According to the National Council State Board of Nursing, the state pass rate is 91.34% and the national average is 88.93%.

The second quarter score for TriCounty students taking the NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing) is 100%.

The state average is 96.25% and the national average is 84.52%.

Tri-County Technical College won The SC Thrive Community Partner of the Year for 2019.

Associate Degree Nursing students received the Community Health Project Award at the 68th Annual Student Nurses Association (SNA-SC) Convention in Columbia. This award goes to the SNASC constituent school with the greatest number of donations to the Lowcountry Orphan Relief Fund. | 19

Excellence In Teaching And Learning Michael Crouch Is First in SC to Receive Martha Maxwell Scholarship for Students in Student Success Programs Michael Crouch admits he has struggled both personally and academically over the past years with challenges that sidelined his academic and professional journey. Today, substance-free since 2013, he proudly talks about the road to achieving a lifelong goal of earning a college degree.

He says he couldn’t have done it without Tri-County Technical College, its support services and most important, its instructors.

“It really helps when you have people—specifically instructors—who are also mentors, in your corner,” said the 41-year-old Seneca resident who balances his time with college classes and working as a certified peer support specialist for Pickens County Behavioral Health.

biggest life accomplishment, but facing and overcoming challenges in academia comes in at a close second. With this in mind, my involvement in developmental education has been the key to my ability to achieve at a high level in for-credit courses and in my professional career. I have used principles found in recovery and developmental education to achieve my goals inside and outside the classroom,” he said.

He told his story to a group of peers and educators at the March 4–7 National Organization of Student Success (NOSS) conference where he received the Martha Maxwell Scholarship for Students in Student Success Programs.

He is the first student from South Carolina to receive this prestigious scholarship and award from this national organization. The purpose of the award is to support completers of programs related to student success as they continue their college degree aspirations.

Crouch earned A’s in his Comprehensive Studies English and math courses and continued in the associate of arts (university transfer) program, earning A’s across the board and participating in the Learning Beyond Campus program. Last October Michael received the 2019 South Carolina Association of Developmental Education (SCADE) Scholar Award, which was awarded to a developmental education student who demonstrates exemplary academic performance.

His goal is to transfer to Anderson University to study human services and eventually work as a peer support coach in a collegiate recovery program.

After several unsuccessful attempts at college while struggling with substance abuse, as well as ADHD and social anxiety, today Crouch is in long-term recovery and earning grades that landed him on the President’s List (all A’s). “Tri-County is helping me to redevelop my mind to believe I can achieve,” he said.

Crouch says he initially thought developmental education courses “would just help me become a more productive student.” He quickly found instructors like Jonathan Warnock, Developmental English instructor, and Developmental Education Mathematics instructor Jimmy Walker, who helped him build a foundation for college transfer math and English classes.

He says both people and resources at the College have contributed to his academic and personal success.

“Jonathan and Jimmy have a compassion for the people they work with,” said Crouch.

“I wouldn’t be here without any of them,” said Crouch, a 1997 Seneca High graduate, who began his studies by enrolling in the College’s Developmental Education math and English classes in preparation to enter the university transfer curriculum.

“They are engaged and help students. I feel very lucky to have found so many mentors here at Tri-County. They are helping me to fulfill a lifetime goal.”

“My journey through life has been similar to my experience in college.

I am not only a college student, but I am also a person in long-term recovery. I have been substance-free since January 2013, and excelling at Tri-County Technical College for well over two years,” he said.

“Finding and sustaining recovery from substance use disorder has been very much like discovering developmental education and achieving success in college,” said Crouch. “Recovery from addiction is by far my 20 |

After graduating from Tri-County, Crouch’s goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree. “I want to use my life experiences to help others overcome obstacles and develop a pathway of recovery that works best for them.

My experience in developmental education taught me that I never stop learning. For this reason, employing educational and life skills I discovered in my developmental courses will be an ongoing process throughout my college career and my professional life.”

Students Benefit from SC WINS Kaelyn Minick, a 2020 medical assisting graduate, attended college tuition-free thanks to Lottery Tuition Assistance and the new South Carolina Workforce and Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) funding. SC Wins is a statewide technical college scholarship program designed to address workforce shortages by providing tuition for students in critical workforce areas: Engineering Technology, Health Care, Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Early Care Education.

“

My tuition was fully covered for spring semester—thanks to Lottery Tuition Assistance and SC WINS. That zero balance made my father really happy! | Kaelyn Minick

”

Articulation Agreements Tri-County and Anderson University entered into a bridge program agreement that will allow graduates interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, criminal justice, or nursing to transfer without loss of time, credits or money.

Tri-County also signed an articulation agreement with South University, giving associate degree nursing graduates yet another avenue to earn a BSN degree.

Tri-County is one of five community colleges that finalized agreements with The Citadel that will allow transfer students to complete business degrees from their hometowns, online. University transfer students now have the opportunity to earn a full bachelor of science in business administration degree from The Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business (BSB) at The Citadel.

Dr. DeHay, right, and Anderson University President Dr. Evans Whitaker sign the articulation agreement.

| 21

Figures, Charts and Graphs TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE 2019-2020 BUDGET Operations Budget

$50,302,202

Restricted (Federal/State/Other)

$38,583,000

Total Budget

$88,885,202

OPERATIONS REVENUE BY SOURCE n n n n n n

6.2%

Credit Tuition and Fees 53.3% State Appropriations 21.3% Auxiliary Enterprises 8.6% Corporate and Community Education 6.7% County Appropriations 6.2% Miscellaneous 3.9%

8.6%

53.3% 21.3%

OPERATIONS EXPENDITURE

BY FUNCTION n n n n n n

3.9%

6.7%

6.3% 7.3%

Instruction 46.0% Academic and Student Support 21.2% Administrative and General 9.9% Operations and Plant Maintenance 9.3% Auxiliary Enterprises 7.3% Corporate and Community Education 6.3%

9.3% 46.0% 9.9%

21.2%

OPERATIONS BUDGET BY CATEGORY n n n n n n

Salaries and Benefits Contractual Services Purchases for Resale (Bookstore) Fixed Charges Supplies and Materials Faculty/Staff Development & Travel

70.1% 13.9% 6.6% 4.9% 3.6% 0.9%

4.9%

.9% 3.6%

6.6%

13.9%

70.1%

JOBS FROM NEW AND/OR EXPANDING INDUSTRIES 452 persons trained for new jobs in the 2019-2020 fiscal year

22 |

Arthrex Manufacturing, Inc. 140 E+I Engineering USA Corp 59 era-contact USA, LLC 7 Horton, Inc. 27 Industrial Plastics Group, LLC (TaylorMade) 21 Ipsum Technologies, LLC 11 Itron, Inc. 33 Michelin - US10 22

Nutra Manufacturing, Inc. Patriot Automation RBC AeroStructures Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Robert Bosch Corporation Anderson Plant SMF Inc.

10 5 28 10 57 22

TOTAL 452 Source: readySCTM Office, July 2020

Figures, Charts and Graphs STUDENTS RECEIVED OVER $28 MILLION IN FINANCIAL AID STUDENTS AMOUNT 2019-2020 PROGRAM DISBURSED 136 34 50

Tuition Waivers Private Scholarships Tuition Grants to Children of Certain Veterans

6 389 9 6 8 106 3 9 11 216 2561 1888

SC Vocational Rehabilitation Foundation Scholarships (Endowed and Restricted) Employment & Training Services SC Academic Endowment Veterans Administration Post 911 GI Bill GoArmyed TEACH Early Childhood Development National Guard Cap Career Pathway PELL Life

2428

Lottery

3,513,771.73

642

SCNBG

707,988.00

182

SEOG

188,509.00

81

CWS

129,852.18

1098 698

SCWINS

$202,298.42 87,194.75 172,806.19 8,947.69 438,402.64 61,163.39 2,553.00 28,936.13 378,882.69 15,818.87 6,647.89 31,500.00 185,920.77 10,067,589.22 8,544,011.50

1,036,739.74

MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN GRANTS AWARDED TO TCTC FUNDING AGENCY

TITLE

AWARDED

State Tech

EVOLVED 2.0

$150,000

SC Dept. of Ed.

Perkins FY20

$312,345

SC Dept. of Ed.

Youth Force

SCDHEC

Advanced Life Support Paramedic

State Tech

Apprenticeship Carolina Healthcare & Manufacturing Program

$41,667

SC Dept. of Ed.

Perkins Reserve Funding

$84,281

AARP

Continuation of BTW50+

$21,000

State Tech

MSSC Scholarships

$57,310

State Tech

MSSC Scholarships (increased # of scholarships)

$84,040

State Tech

ACE Grant

$11,660

State Tech

EVOLVED 2.0, additional funding

$50,000

State Tech

Duke Energy Line Worker, Rd. 2

$138,028

US Dept of Ed.

CARES Act Funding/Student Financial Aid Grants

US Dept of Ed.

CARES Act Funding/Institutional Support $2,123,241

US Dept of Ed.

CARES Act Funding/SIP Eligible

$60,000

High School EFA Funding

182,832.63

75

SC Promise

128,805.65

25

Workforce Scholarships - EMT

34,841.48

SC Dept. of Ed.

Perkins CLNA Funding

72

Misc Institutional Aid

40,349.00

State Tech

EVOLVED 1.0, Additional Funding

2452 13185

CARES Act Total Amount of Aid

2,123,750.00 $28,320,112.56

Note: Some students received more than one form of financial aid and are counted each time.

Source: Business Office, July 2020

2019-20 CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION STUDENTS

Source: Corporate and Community Education Division, July 2020

$2,123,242

$207,860 $3,000

TOTAL

$87,600 $5,556,744

Source: Grants Office, July 2020

OTHER STATES & INTERNATIONAL

527 1,874

Enrollment by County

Note: The majority of the registrations outside the three-county area participated in state-wide training programs taught at TCTC or were involved in an international conference that was delivered by TCTC during the year.

$1,470

ANDERSON

3,506

OTHER SC COUNTIES

1,168 OCONEE

897

PICKENS

| 23

Student Characteristics Fall 2020 FALL 2020 ENROLLMENT STATUS FULL-TIME

PART-TIME

56%

44%

ENROLLMENT TYPE 1% 4%

Transient 1% Re-admit 4% First-time Transfer 4% Dual Enrollment 13% First-time Freshmen 35% Continuing 41%

4% 13% 35% 41%

RACE AGE

2+ Races 4.0% African American 9.0% American Indian/Alaskan 0.2% Asian/Pacific 1.3% Hispanic 5.3% Unknown 1.3% White 79.0%

24 and under

84%

FEMALE

FEMALE

25 - 34 35 - 49

10%

50+

5%

1%

Dependent Independent

GENDER

55%52.6%

STUDENT STATUS

67% 33%

FALL SEMESTER HEADCOUNT 2020

45%

687

47.4% MALE

MALE

611 7,705

n n n n n

Arts and Sciences Business and Public Services Career Development Engineering and Industrial Health Education

2,705 774 803 611 687

803

TOTAL 5,580

FINANCIAL AID

774

Pell Grant 37% Loan 11% Any Aid 85%

29%

WORKING STATUS Not working Part-time Full-time7

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT

Yes

71% No

34% 49% 17% Source: Institutional Research Office, July 2020

24 |

DIPLOMA OR GED

Received Diploma Received GED

96% 4%

Tri-County Technical College Foundation Dear Friends and Colleagues, This past fiscal year was a challenging one for colleges across our nation, including TriCounty Technical College. The coronavirus pandemic made it necessary for us to close our campuses during the spring semester; however, we quickly transitioned courses online, and our students remained on track to meet their educational goals. In an effort to assist our students and address the unprecedented financial needs caused by the pandemic, the Tri-County Technical College Foundation established the Workforce Completion Fund. This fund is providing much-needed resources to students who are facing financial obstacles while at the same time persisting in their studies.

Regardless of the pandemic, you and hundreds of other donors continue to support us in a big way. I am pleased to report that during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the Tri-County Technical College Foundation received contributions totaling $1,336,524, making this the fourth consecutive year that we have raised more than $1 million. The donations we receive every year are critical to the College’s success and our ability to meet the diverse needs of the tri-county community. Thank you to all of our donors for choosing to invest in Tri-County and our students during this challenging year.

As much as I am proud of the contributions we receive each year, I am equally proud of how your gifts and the earnings from endowments have supported College needs.

Approximately 400 students received scholarships totaling $449,004 during the 20192020 fiscal year, and many of these students would have lacked the financial resources needed to attend if it were not for your support. In addition, the Foundation provided more than $607,000 to the College for the professional development of employees, the purchase of equipment, and other needs of our academic programs.

A few Foundation highlights for 2019-2020: •

A total of 563 donors gave $1,336,524.

•

The Tri-County Technical College Foundation received $92,767 from 212 donors who had never given before.

•

The number of employees who gave increased by 37.65% over the previous fiscal year.

•

The Foundation expended a total of $1,056,559 to support students and educational programs.

•

The Foundation experienced a 3.37% return on its investments, which compared favorably to the balanced index return of 3.81%.

•

97% of the donations received during the fiscal year were designated for scholarships, professional development, technology, special projects, and other priority College needs.

Kathy Calvin, former CEO of the United Nations Foundation, once said, “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” This holds true for the gifts we receive through the Tri-County Technical College Foundation. Your donations are making a difference in the lives of our students and creating positive change in our community. Thank you for all that you are doing to help us transform lives and build strong communities one student at a time.

Sincerely,

Grayson A. Kelly Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Business Relations Executive Director of the TCTC Foundation, Inc.

| 25

Memorial Scholarship Honors Dr. C. Lynn Lewis

“E

ducation was her driving force; she dedicated her life to it,” Lucas Durham proudly says when remembering his mother, Dr. C. Lynn Lewis, former dean of our Health Education Division, who passed away March 14, 2020, just 10 months after retirement in 2019.

“We miss her every day,” Durham said, adding that the best way to honor their mother is for him and his sister, Lindsay Porter, to establish an endowed scholarship in her memory.

“It’s important to us and she would have loved it. This would have made her day,” he said.

The family established an endowed scholarship, the Dr. C. Lynn Lewis Memorial Scholarship, that will benefit Health Education Division students from Pickens County. The scholarship will be endowed at $25,000.

Dr. Lewis participated in her final graduation ceremony May 6, 2019— the same day she retired as dean of the Health Education Division.

“I’ve worked every summer since I was 16 years old,” Dr. Lewis said at a retirement celebration held April 25. “So this is the first summer I have no commitments.” She spent her days enjoying her five grandchildren and traveling to Scotland.

Dr. Lewis joined Tri-County in 2002 as chair of the Health Education Division. In 2005 she was named dean of the division.

She was appointed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to its Disciplinary Resources Committee in 2009. She also served as president, vice president and secretary of the SC State Board of Nursing.

Jackie Rutledge, department head for nursing, treasures the time she and Dr. Lewis spent traveling to Columbia for state deans’ and directors’ meetings.

“Lynn was my mentor, as well as a friend,” said Rutledge. “She was always there for me for guidance and direction. Lynn would encourage me to excel in new opportunities to increase my knowledge base as a department head. She is truly missed and her insight will always be with me as I continue the journey in my role

26 |

as a department head. Lynn was definitely a blessing in my life and I will always cherish the times we had together.”

Dr. Lewis began college at Tri-County in the medical assisting program and later she earned a BSN degree from Clemson University, a master’s degree in health sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina and a doctorate degree in vocational and technical education from Clemson.

Prior to joining Tri-County, she was with the Parke-Davis and UCB Pharmaceutical Companies for a decade. In addition she served on the nursing faculty at Clemson University as director of continuing education and on the staff of Baptist Easley Hospital as its in-service educator and director of staff development and public relations. She began her career in 1978 as a staff nurse at that hospital.

“During her career, Mom served as a floor nurse, clinical educator coordinator and pharmaceutical company rep, and worked at Clemson’s college of nursing, but for sure, Tri-County meant the most to her.

The College was her second family,” said Durham.

Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, and Educator. Those are the words etched on her graveside marker. “That was her life,” said Durham.

Dr. Lewis received the SC League for Nursing Award of Excellence in 2006 and the Palmetto Gold Award from the SC Nurses Foundation in 2007. She was selected as an “extraordinary woman in healthcare” panelist by AnMed Health and was a National League of Nursing Ambassador in 2007. Dr. Lewis was named Pickens County Career Woman of the Year in 2004 and Tri-County Technical College’s Administrator of the Year in 2005.

Memorials may be made to the Dr. C. Lynn Lewis Health Science Scholarship Fund by contacting Courtney White at cwhite12@ tctc.edu or by mail at Tri-County Technical College Foundation, P.O. Box 587, Pendleton, SC 29670.

2020 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Kellie Smith Boone

T

he Distinguished Alumni Award is given each year at commencement and highlights a graduate’s dedication to their alma mater. 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.

Nineteen years ago Kellie Smith Boone walked across the stage at the Anderson Civic Center and received her associate in arts degree at Tri-County Technical College’s spring commencement.

Since that day, she has worked in manufacturing facilities in Oconee County, beginning her career at Koyo Bearings in Walhalla, where she started as an operator in production and quickly moved up the ladder into human resources. She says her Tri-County degree paved the way.

Boone spent 16 years at Koyo—most recently as a human resources generalist until joining Horton’s team as human resources manager late last year. (Horton is Oconee County’s newest manufacturing facility.)

She always is pleased when she sees Tri-County on an applicant’s resume—whether it’s an associate degree or the South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC). “Tri-County graduates will play a vital role in Horton’s success,” she said.

Horton’s proximity to the College’s Oconee Campus is a real plus, she said. “Tri-County will serve as a feeder for us. Tri-County and the Hamilton Career and Technology Center are our partners in supplying future employees. It makes me smile that we are located so close to the campus.”

Horton and other industries are located in the Oconee Industry and Technology Park, located on Highway 11 in Westminster. It colocates the Oconee Campus of Tri-County Technical College, the career center for high school students and industry.

“We are excited about having a potential skilled workforce nearby,” she said.

As human resources manager, Boone is responsible for recruiting and hiring for all hourly and salaried positions, payroll and benefits, training and development and employee/public relations.

When seeking candidates for job openings, she says she looks for Tri-County Technical College when reviewing resumes. “I know what Tri-County graduates can do,” said Boone. “I’m proud I started at Tri-County.”

Staying close to home was one of the reasons she chose Tri-County as an 18-year-old graduate of Walhalla High School.

An honor student in the top 10% of her class, Boone was awarded a full scholarship to the college of her choice. She and her mother began to visit colleges. “But when it was all said and done, I’m a small town girl. I was a little shy and Tri-County was down the road.

It was perfect for me. They offered a university transfer curriculum and small class size. I enrolled at Tri-County and stayed close to home. I don’t regret it at all,” she said.

She graduated from Tri-County debt-free—even back in 2000. She attended Tri-County on a Life scholarship and received an Abney Foundation scholarship. “I didn’t even pay for books,” she said.

“I made the right decision. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t take the steps I did years ago,” she added.

Koyo’s tuition reimbursement program paid for her bachelor’s degree in business administration which she earned at Limestone College (online) in 2012.

“I was hired at age 20 because of my Tri-County degree,” she said.

“I got my foot in the door and worked my way up.”

She encourages her associates to further their education at TriCounty.

“I want to invest in others and to pay it forward. If I make a difference in one life, then I have done my job.”

Boone and her husband, Greg, live in Seneca.

| 27

US Engine Valve Named Philanthropist of the Year

T

he Tri-County Technical College Foundation named US Engine Valve the recipient of its 2019 Philanthropist of the Year award.

This is the Foundation’s highest and most prestigious honor reserved for individuals, foundations, companies, trusts, organizations or other entities that have made a significant financial contribution, either cash or non-cash, to the Foundation to support the work of the College.

US Engine Valve Plant Manager Bobby Dover accepted the award at the College’s Annual Report reception. Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation and vice president for institutional advancement and business relations, presented the award.

“Thank you to Tri-County for your partnership and the longstanding relationship we have had over the years,” said Dover. He acknowledged his appreciation for the technical talent—TriCounty graduates—who are now working at the facility. The plant recently had celebrated its 30-year anniversary and Dover said these alumni are “doing great things to make our plant successful. We look forward to another 30 years.”

US Engine Valve, located in Westminster, has been a loyal donor to the Tri-County Technical College Foundation since 1989. To date, US Engine Valve (a Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. – Eaton Corp., JF) has given more than $245,000.

In 1989, Tri-County’s Foundation set a goal to raise $500,000 for endowments that would support the financial needs of students.

US Engine Valve was one of the first to establish an endowed scholarship, which benefits students enrolled in industrial electronics and mechatronics, said Kelly.

“Recognizing the importance of providing relevant, up-to-date classroom instruction, US Engine Valve created a professional development endowment in 1991. The earnings from this endowment are used to award mini-grants to employees who apply for funds to attend conferences, enroll in advanced course work, or participate in other development opportunities that allow them to stay current in their field,” said Kelly.

To date, US Engine Valve has donated a total of $220,000 to upgrade and purchase training equipment for the College’s Corporate and Community Education Division’s industrial programs.

28 |

The Tri-County Technical College Foundation named US Engine Valve the recipient of its 2019 Philanthropist of the Year award.

US Engine Valve Plant Manager Bobby Dover, left, accepted the award at the College’s Annual Report reception held October 24. Grayson Kelly, executive director of the Foundation and vice president for institutional advancement and business relations, presented the award. Dover is now manufacturing services manager for Eaton.

Kelly added that company employees also demonstrate involvement and leadership through their service on academic program advisory committees.

“The relationships and partnerships that we are fortunate to have with so many businesses and industries in the tri-county community have made it possible for the College to excel in many ways. US Engine Valve’s gifts and other support of the College clearly demonstrates that the company is one of our most valued partners,” said Kelly.

Foundation Highlights The late Marge and Larry Miller were committed to seeing that Tri-County Technical College students have access to an affordable education.

Longtime supporters of the College, the Millers made their first contribution to the College’s Foundation in 1987—two years after the couple moved to the Anderson area and he became manager of the Robert Bosch Corporation’s Anderson plant until his retirement in the early 1990s.

In his leadership role at Bosch, he worked with the College to develop new programs, such as the apprentice program, which offers three years of academic study in machine tool technology and associated work experience at Bosch.

Mr. Miller represented Anderson County on the College’s Commission from 1987 to 2008 and served as secretary of the Commission from 1999 to 2006. He was a former chair of the Finance Committee and a former ex-officio member of the College’s Foundation Board.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller are represented on the College’s prestigious Wall of Honor, a distinction reserved for individuals, companies and foundations who have contributed $50,000 – $99,000 to the College.

In 2008 the College honored Mr. Miller with the Order of Merit, the highest award given by the College’s nine-member Commission. The Order of Merit is an honorary society which recognizes community and state leaders who have contributed to the development of Tri-County Technical College and the S. C. Technical College System.

The Robert Bosch Corporation established a $25,000 scholarship at the College in memory of Mr. Miller, who passed away August 7, 2015. He was 89 years old. Mrs. Miller passed away August 7, 2019. The estate bequeathed the College $20,919 in December 2019.

Cannon Charitable Trust contributed $120,000 towards the construction cost of an 8,500-square-foot training facility located next to Tri-County’s existing Industrial Training Center.

New developments in the economic development outlook of the tri-county area supported the need for this new Workforce Training Center. Arthrex, Inc., a global orthopedic medical device company, was the first to use this facility to train its incoming workforce through the CNC program for its highly-specialized process/production. The Workforce Training Center includes a “clean room” that helps simulate on-the-job experience for Arthrex’s new hires.

| 29

Foundation Highlights AT&T is funding a hot meals program to help Tri-County Technical College students who are struggling with food insecurity.

A $15,000 donation from AT&T will help under-resourced students meet their nutritional needs by providing meal plan vouchers worth $240 each for use at the TCTC Café for one semester.

“Our Believe SC initiative is focused on helping address the problem of hunger in South Carolina,” said Amanda Taylor, regional director of external affairs for AT&T South Carolina. “We’re excited to be able to support the Tri-County Technical College Foundation as they work to help students avoid having to choose between food and continuing their education to prepare for the future.”

Pictured from left are Emma Robinson, coordinator of resource programs at Tri-County; Croslena Broadwater-Johnson, director of student support at Tri-County; Amanda Taylor, regional director of external affairs for AT&T South Carolina; Dr. Galen DeHay, president of Tri-County; Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations at Tri-County and executive director of the TCTC Foundation; and Laura Kozlarek, manager of donor relations at Tri-County.

Last fall Vulcan Materials Company spearheaded efforts to raise more than $66,000 to support the College’s Heavy Equipment Operator training program.

President DeHay, front row, fourth from left, and Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager for Vulcan Materials SC, front row, fifth from left, gathered with industry partners and College officials to celebrate the $66,561 raised at Vulcan’s second annual South Carolina Clay Shoot.

Pictured from left are (front row) Julia Lee, training coordinator, CCE Division; Jessica Palmer, director of business development and education, Carolinas Ready-Mix Concrete Association; Mary Corley, program manager, highway construction, CCE Division; Carol Landrum, manager of government and community relations, southeast division, Vulcan Materials SC; and Beverly Estes, sales coordinator for Vulcan Materials SC; and (back row) Grayson Kelly, the College’s vice president for Institutional Advancement and Business Relations; Henry Martin, vice president and general manager for Thomas Concrete SC; Dan Cooper, the College’s chief of staff; Jesse McClam, McClam and Associates; Mike Sanders, transportation program manager, CCE Division; Neal Barber, SC quality manager for LeHigh Hanson; and Dr. Rick Cothran, dean of the College’s CCE Division.

30 |

TCTC Foundation, Inc. FINANCIAL STATEMENT

THE FOUNDATION’S NUMBERS Total Assets – June 30, 2020 $30,186,110 2019-2020 Contributions $1,336,524 Number of Donors 563 Number of Contributors Who Had Never Given Before 212 Contributions from Faculty and Staff $36,844 Average Gift from Faculty and Staff $165 Contributions from Individuals $751,285 Average Gift from Individuals $3,719 Contributions from Companies $259,845 Average Gift from Companies $2,096 Contributions from Foundations $288,550 Average Gift from Foundations $20,611 Funding Provided to Students and Educational Programs $1,056,559

FAMILY AND FRIENDS REMEMBERED The Tri-County Technical College Foundation received 82 honor/memorial gifts totaling $9,060 between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020.

Gifts in Memory Ellen E. Bowen C. W. Brown Betty Caldwell Bill Caldwell David C. Campbell Jerrell Campbell Frances Christmas Charles T. King Mollie B. King C. Lynn Lewis, Ph.D. Audra L. McPeak Jackye Kiser Murphy Brenda B. Nix Ray Ridgeway Gene Segars Keith C. Shuler Sally M. Wakefield Kathryn T. White Anna P. Williams

Gifts in Honor Ronnie L. Booth, Ph.D. Tim Bowen Jennifer E. Creamer Mark Dougherty, Ph.D. Scott Harvey Glenn Hellenga Cohen R. McClain Mary Orem Richard C. Smith Laura Sosebee Brian D. Swords, Ph.D.

June 30, 2020

ASSETS Cash $2,328,779 Net Pledge Receivables $139,082 Vanguard Ultra Short-Term Bond Fund $1,904,968 Raymond James Money Market Fund $66,568 Total Cash Assets

$4,439,397

Long-Term Investments Large Cap Equities Mid Cap Equities Small Cap Equities International Equities Inflation Hedging Fixed Income Private Equities

$9,288,606 $1,224,048 $2,691,995 $4,503,421 $637,690 $6,971,766 $429,187

Total Long-Term Investments

$25,746,713

Total Assets

$30,186,110

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE Accounts Payable Unearned Revenue

$109,459 $19,470

Total Liabilities

$128,929

Fund Balance Unrealized Gain on Investments

$25,779,613 $4,277,568

Total Fund Balance

$30,057,181

Total Liabilities and Fund Balance

$30,186,110

| 31

TCTC Foundation, Inc. INVESTMENTS n n n n n n n

Large Cap Equities Mid Cap Equities Small Cap Equities Fixed Income Private Equities International Developed Equities Inflation Hedging

2.47%

36.08% 4.75% 10.46% 27.08% 1.67% 17.49% 2.47%

17.49% 36.08%

1.67%

27.08% 4.75% 10.46%

FUNDING SOURCES n n n n

Companies 19% Faculty/Staff 3% Individuals 56% Foundations 22%

19%

22%

3%

56%

EXPENSE ALLOCATION

3.44% 3.62%

n n n n n n n

Scholarships 36.2% Professional Development 10.9% Educational Support 30.62% Technology 7.46% Management/General 7.76% Fundraising 3.62% Investment Fees 3.44%

7.76% 36.2%

7.46%

30.62%

10.9%

DONOR GIFT DESIGNATIONS 3%

n n n n n

Unrestricted 3% Technology 1% Professional Development 6% Scholarships 50% Priority Needs/Special Projects/ Other Initiatives 40%

1% 6%

40%

50%

32 |

FOUNDATION DONORS

T

he Tri-County Technical College Foundation Board and staff are grateful to you, our donors, for the support you have given us. This list recognizes donors who made gifts to the Tri-County Technical College Foundation between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020.

Every effort has been made to correctly list each donor. If you find an omission or incorrect listing, please call the Foundation Office at (864) 646-1809 or 1-866-269-5677 (within the 864 area code), Ext. 1809. You also can send an e-mail to dnelms@tctc.edu.

Benefactor’s Club ($100,000 and Over)

Abney Foundation Christ Community Church/ELM The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust

Partner’s Club ($50,000 - $99,999.99) David and Claudia Boles Duke Energy Foundation

Ambassador’s Club ($25,000 - $49,999.99)

Anonymous Bosch Community Fund on Behalf of Local Bosch Partners Estate of Ellis E. Bradford Michelin Danny and Lynn Youngblood

Pacesetter’s Club ($10,000 - $24,999.99)

AARP Foundation Anne J. Gambrill Foundation Bank of America Charitable Foundation BASF Catalysts, LLC Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative Judy M. Darby Fee Family at Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Gene Haas Foundation HMR Veterans Services Kathie O. Jones Lawrence B. and Margaret B. Miller Trust Webbcraft Family Foundation, Inc. Wells Fargo Foundation

Honors Club ($5,000 - $9,999.99)

AnMed Health Jon and Bonnie Bachman First Citizens Bank Nancy Hedrick Grant and Brenda Mattison Oconee Federal Charitable Foundation Robert Bosch LLC Sandvik SC First Lego League and Robotics Education Schneider Electric Schneider Electric North America Foundation Sealevel Systems, Inc. Jim and Marjorie Smith South Carolina Broadcasters Association SunTrust Foundation

Merit Club ($2,500 - $4,999.99)

Blanchard Machinery Company

Blythe City of Easley Dell EMC David Eisenberg Itron Electricity Metering, Inc. J. C. Wilkie Construction, LLC King Asphalt, Inc. Kozlarek Law LLC Lehigh Hanson Dr. Timothy R. Marshall Mellott Company Dr. and Mrs. Jim Mullikin Nelson Brothers Norx, Inc. Sloan Construction TD Bank Thomas Concrete Vulcan Materials Company

President’s Club ($1,000 - $2,499.99)

Anderson County Woman’s Club Archer United JV AT&T Atlanta Consulting Group Austin Powder Company Baptist Easley Hospital Bridgestone Carolina Beer Company Billy J. Carson Century Contractors, Inc. Clemson Area Retirement Center, Inc. Community First Bank Concrete Supply Company Contour Mining & Construction Cromer Food Services, Inc. D. L. Scurry Foundation David Taylor Heating and Air Conditioning Dr. Galen DeHay Emily DeRoberts Dave and Margaret Eldridge FIRST FLSmidth, Inc. – Pekin Operations Grainger Nissan of Anderson, LLC Herbert Anderson Jr. Construction, Inc. Holder Padgett Littlejohn + Prickett, LLC Robert and Melinda Hoover Grayson and Andrea Kelly James Kenyon Kerns Trucking, Inc. Mr. Charles T. and Dr. Janet King, Jr. Ron King L.A. Barrier & Son, Inc. Linder Industrial Machinery Lindler’s Construction of SC, LLC Liquid Properties, LLC LS3P Macemore, Inc. MAU Workforce Solutions McCarthy Tire McClam & Associates

McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects Mr. and Mrs. Richard McRae Metromont Corporation Morgan Corporation Motion Industries, Inc. Ralph E. Nix NW White & Company Oconee Economic Alliance Oconee Family Community Leaders Oconee Machine & Tool Co., Inc. John and Joyce Powell Dr. Valerie R. Ramsey Emma J. Robinson Robinson Funeral Homes Rogers Group, Inc. Rotary Club of Anderson SeamonWhiteside Greg and Jane Sosebee South State Bank Southway Crane & Rigging Gray Suggs Superior Cranes, Inc. Thrift Brothers Upstate Federal Credit Union Upstate Vet David C. Wakefield, III

Cornerstone Club ($500 - $999.99)

Colonel and Mrs. James W. Alexander American Materials Company Applied Industrial Technologies Auto Lube Services BB&T Julie M. Beard Bonitz Brad Pace Construction, LLC David W. Bucy C.R. Jackson & Satterfield Cabela’s Capital Concrete Company Keri Catalfomo CBI Interior Construction Chappelear & Associates Cherokee, Inc. Cathy C. Cole Dan and Missy Cooper Jennifer Evans Creamer Crowe’s Corporate Promotions Michael Cunningham Edward and Barbara Donnelly G. Dial Dubose Elite Trucking of SC, LLC Mandy Elmore James E. Findley, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Henry A. Fleishman James and Janet Fuller Reene Gambrell Ben and Sally Hagood Cara Hamilton Bill and Becky Harley

Butch and Beth Harris Thomas E. Hayden Dr. and Mrs. Dwight Hotchkiss, Jr. J. Davis Construction, Inc. JC Griffin Construction, LLC Jim Belt, Inc. Marcia R. Leake Lorraine Harding Real Estate Dr. and Mrs. Theodore H. Martin Metso Paschal Associates, LLC Phillips Staffing Ray Walker Trucking Company, Inc. Senator and Mrs. Rex Rice Rinker Materials Helen Rosemond-Saunders S. C. Association of Veterinarians SC Asphalt Pavement Association SGA Architecture/NarmourWright Site Design, Inc. Larry and Judy Smith Southern Educational Systems Ted and Michelle Spitz Alexandria Stathakis Strange Brothers Stutts & Williams, LLC The Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association Tindall Corporation Trehel Corporation Dr. Della M. Vanhuss Vibra-Tech Walhalla Woman’s Club Walmart #6463 Brian and Courtney White Xylem Dewatering

Century Club ($100 - $499.99)

Adventurers Sunday School Class Amazon American Welding & Gas Alan and Barbara Armstrong L. Curtis and Maranda Arnold Denise Bailey Wilson and Linda Blackburn Dr. Jacquelyn Blakley Timothy Bowen Deborah A. Brock Dr. Elizabeth Bryan Dr. and Mrs. Philip G. Buckhiester Carol E. Burdette Cathy Burdette Margaret C. Burdette Richard and Tina Burton Dr. Kenneth S. Campbell Mike and Brenda Cannon Stan and Susan Compton Gregg Corley (deceased) Richard and Denise Cothran James and Jane Current | 33

TCTC Foundation, Inc. Emma Sue Dacus Kandice Dacus Wayne and Betty Davis Allison R. Deming Meredith Dickens Dr. Mark Dougherty Susan Duckworth Jimmy and Betty Edmonds Rebecca Eidson Robert Ellenberg Julie A. Ellington ERIKS Dr. and Mrs. Wayman A. Estes Tracy L. Ethridge George Fiori Tammy Stout Fiske Ford Steel Stacey D. Frank Future Laboratory Professionals Student Organization Jim and Betty Garrison Chatt Gilmore Graham Kimak Landscape Design Grand Oaks Dental, LLC Deanna Hays Jennifer A. Hays Glenn and Nancy Hellenga Hills Machinery Company, LLC Ken Hitchcock Shannan Holland Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond Keith and Jennie Hudgins Lillian Hunter Hytech Machining Linda Jameison Suzanne Konieczny Ken and Lisa Kopera Laura Kozlarek Christy S. Lawless Dr. Thomas O. Lawrence Somervell Linthicum Tammy Lollis Angel S. Luper Dr. Chris Marino Heidi Mathis Taylor Matthews Laura McClain Tonia B. McClain Hubert McClure Ruthie Millar Dr. Sharon Miller Cynthia Mobley Dr. Darryl J. Morris, Jr. H. Steve and Quinnette Morrison Lori Morrissette Laneika K. Musalini Music Program Debbie Nelms Dr. Amoena B. Norcross Jeanne Otey Donna S. Palmer Park National Bank Henry and Lil Parr Jenell Peoples Polydeck Screen Corporation Jennifer Porter Rada Manufacturing Company Durell and Nancy Rochester Sanitary Plumbing Contractors, Inc. Lisa B. Saxon Kimberly S. Sharp Norman C. Sharp 34 |

Sarah J. Shumpert Lynn Smith Phil S. Smith St. Matthias Lutheran Quilters Roland and Sally Stebbins John P. Stewart Cathy Strasser Dr. and Mrs. Russell K. Street Dr. Beatrice R. Thompson Tri-County Association of Political Scientists Debbie Vance Joan Venet Venture Drilling East, LLC Julie Vernon Jerry and Beverly Vickery Joseph and Jennifer Vuknic Diana M. Walter Glenda K. Waters Donald C. White Robert and Nancy White Gene E. Williams Shallin Suber Williams Matthew Woodall John W. Woodson, II Tasheka Wright

Loyalty Club ($.01 - $99.99)

Lynn J. Addis Teresa Adkins Cheryl Aguero Elaine H. Alexander Constance Ansel Isabella Antehnor Joseph S. Arbena Jennifer Arnett Amanda Baker Ann Marie Baker Martha Baker Baptist Easley Foundation Dr. Karen Baracskay Andrea W. Barnett Nancy Baxter Mary Cox Berry Tiffany Blackwell Amanda D. Blanton Blossman Gas, Inc. Amy Borders Craig and Betty Boyles Ashley M. Brady Kathy Brand Carolyn A. Brice Amanda Briles Beth Brown Ivy Brown Jenice Brown Kaylyn Brown Stephanie K. Brown Anne M. Bryan Karen C. Bryson Lindsey Burns April Buyer Beth Byars William C. Caldwell Coni Campbell Rachel Campbell James T. Cape Linda Carson Jimmie Cash Valbona Cela Kayla Chapman

Stephanie Chappell Marla Y. Cobb W. Paschal Cochran Nathaniel Conner Libby Cope Mary Corley Teresa Craine Amy Cromer Ragan Croom Brady C. Cross Karen Culp-Linscott Susan Curtis Sandra E. Dacus Kathleen S. Daniel Amanda Darby Denise Day Jimmy and Betty Dean Jaime Deremo Nancy DeVol Roger Dickaro Shannon D’Nifong Paul and Mary Dolan Amanda Donald Melissa Dover Kristen Draheim Melissa M. Dubuque Shelby Duffy Dr. Kultida Dunagin Mary G. Dunkel Kathryn D. Durham Allyn and Rita Dusek Carol Dyar Penny S. Edwards Scott Edwards Laurie Ann Epps Christopher Esposito Heather Esposito Fairbanks Scales Betty Fant Jo Ann Fant August Farmer Jerry Fields Carol R. Findley Floride A. Findley Mr. and Mrs. John Fowler Kim and Ann Furr Elizabeth Y. Gambrell Emilyann Gambrell Cynthia H. Gantt Michael Garcia Lisa T. Garrett Becky Garrigan Roddey E. Gettys, III Adam A. Ghiloni Veronica Glanton Marshall Golick Sophia Gomez Daniel Graybeal Stella Grove Kelli Gunnells Ann L. Hall Denise Hall Jessica Haning Mandy G. Hanks Jason Hart Hartwell Plastics Scott Harvey Lynell Hecht Vickie Henderson Bruce Herczogh Spencer Heringa Justin Holbrooks

Shelley Holbrooks Holley’s Convenience Store, LLC Jessica N. Hollifield John G. Hollingsworth Amanda Holt David and Marsha Hopkins Rosemary T. Howlin Ross Hughes Trent and Jenn Hulehan Timia Hunter Laura Hupp Glenn Idell Stephan and Heather Irwin RockyAnn Jablonski Scott Jaeschke Tim and Amy Jared Briana Johnson Chaundar Johnson Croslena Broadwater Johnson Jessica Johnson Pitsa Johnson Mary K. Johnston Wilma D. Johnston Sharon Jones Jim and Julee Kaplan Kathy T. Stone DBA The Gray House Ashley Kaylor Tessa Kell Donna Khosrowjerdi MaryAnn Klaiber Dalton Knight Mr. and Mrs. Robin Kumm Savannah Ledford Chira Lee Bill Leverette Darlene Levy Liberty First Baptist Church David Little Amy Littleton Robin Long Bill and Elizabeth Lowrance Alexander and Maria Macaulay Bryan and Tracy Manuel Sara Marbert Ruth Masters Eddie McCall Josh McFadden Dr. Chris McFarlin Robert McKelvey Butch Merritt Martha Moir Jane C. Montjoy Lou Moritz Lori Mulzer Michael D. Nemchek Robert L. Newton Gia Nix Debbie Norris Rachel Octavo Barry and Mary Orem Meredith Padgett Lee Perkins Paul R. Phelps Joy Phillips Shana Pierra Tori Plante Kyle Powell Beverly Pruitt Chelsea Ray Heidi Reeves Suzanne Reid Jennifer Rice

Frances Richmond Amy Roberts Alfred and Sarah Robinson James and Melissa Robinson Sandra Nichols Roddey Mary Roldan Ron Haskell Insurance Agency, Inc. Brittany Ruth Jacqueline L. Rutledge Amber Rycroft Catherine Saidat Paula Whitmire Scales Julia B. Seligson Wilma B. Shealy Krista A. Shockley Sisireia Simmons Matthew Simon Brian Smith Erin Smith Dr. Kathryn Sparace Tonya A. Stevenson

Carolyn Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Stewart Morgan Stewart Thomas and Debra Strange Sandra P. Strickland Brennen Studenc Teresa W. Summers Beverly Thompson Mike and Julie Thompson Daniel Thorpe Debbie L. Thrasher June R. Todd Town of Starr Luke VanWingerden Jeremiah W. Vissage Tracy Wactor Steve Walker Tanya Walker James and Kimberly Wanner Deborah Wardlaw Crystal L. Watson

Bobby R. Watt Carol Watts Cyndy Watts Robin Weaver West Carolina Tel David F. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Alex Willis Hayden Wilson Joseph Wilson Donny and Stephanie Winkler Christopher Wood Tracy Wood Nora Gail Woods Josh and Lara Wrightson Marianne A. Yohannan Al and Judith Young

In-Kind Donors

Arthrex, Inc. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative Carolina Beer Company Duke Energy Jim and Julee Kaplan Laneika K. Musalini Oceanagold, Haile Operation Rogers Group, Inc. Tucker’s Restaurant Sandvik Vulcan Materials Company

Matching Gift Donors Duke Energy GE Foundation Johnson & Johnson

Giving Back to the Community

C

harity Martin is a self-described extrovert who loves interacting with and helping people in her job at Chastain Road Elementary School and in her community.

That’s why in April she was one of the first to sign up when the Pickens County School District began offering a new food service option of delivering meals to students who needed food while they were homebound at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.

“I didn’t think twice about it,” said Martin, who is a 2019 graduate of TriCounty Technical College’s early care and education program and is the 3K Kindercare director at Chastain Road Elementary School in Liberty.

Dr. Lisa McWherter, executive director of the Abney Foundation, left, and Charity Martin

She served as a member of one of the bus delivery teams who, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, disseminated breakfasts and lunches at schools and churches in Pickens County.

The School District of Pickens County offered breakfast and lunch for anyone under the age of 18 (and special needs adults up to age 21) on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. They served more than 1,000 – 1,200 meals a day with the five bus routes.

The delivery service continued through the end of the school year in June.

“It’s very fulfilling. It’s a safe way to serve my community and work as a team,” Martin said.

She enrolled at Tri-County right out of high school and received an associate in arts degree in 2008 and returned nearly a decade later to earn her early care and education degree. She says both times she attended basically debt-free thanks to the LIFE scholarship (the first time) and most recently the generosity of the Abney Foundation and Smith Family scholarships through the College’s Foundation. | 35

TCTC Foundation, Inc. TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC., BOARD MEMBERS

Ben Hagood (Chair) Senior Vice President, South State Bank

Randy Blackston VP of Operations, Glen Raven Hugh Burgess Retired President, Consolidated Southern Industries Craig Chappelear Realtor, Chappelear & Associates, Inc. Peggy Deane Retired Senior VP, AnMed Health Galen DeHay, Ph.D. (ex officio) President, Tri-County Technical College Emily DeRoberts Government and Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy Corporation Dial DuBose Managing Partner, Nalley Commercial Properties Lucas Durham President, Landscape Perceptions Dave Eldridge Chief Executive Officer, Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corporation

Kym Cleveland (Vice Chair) President/Owner, Liquid Properties, LLC

Bill Harley (Treasurer) Senior Vice President, First Citizens Bank

Curtis T. Evatt (Secretary) President, Oconee Federal Savings and Loan Association

Cara Hamilton (ex officio) Vice President for Business Affairs, Tri-County Technical College

Chris Robinson President, Robinson Funeral Homes and Memorial Gardens

Lorraine Harding Owner, Lorraine Harding Real Estate

Lee Garrison Smith Co-Owner and Manager, Denver Downs

Zach Hinton Vice President of Economic Development and Support Services, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative

Ted Spitz Attorney at Law, Jones Law Firm, PA

Emily Ballenger Holland President and CEO, Martin Holland Advertising

Alisa Suddeth Senior Vice President, Chief Talent and Marketing Officer, Community First Bank

Marcia Hydrick President, Thrift Brothers, Inc.

Gray Suggs Partner, SuggsJohnson, LLC

Chris Johansen Director of Operations, Arthrex, Inc.

Amanda Taylor Regional Director, AT&T South Carolina

James Kaplan (ex officio) President, Cornell Dubilier

Todd Walker Chief Operating Officer, Easley Medical Campus of Prisma Health

Teddy Martin, DMD Dentist, Hare & Martin, PA Hamid Mohsseni (ex officio) President and CEO, Anderson Restaurant Group

Michael Fee Co-Owner, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.

Tom O’Hanlan CEO, Sealevel Systems, Inc.

James Galyean Managing Member, MSE Group, LLC

Leesa Owens Facility Personnel Manager, Michelin North America

Scott Webber Retired Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Mike Worley Senior R&D Manager, Itron Al Young (ex officio) Retired President and CEO, The Commercial Bank Danny Youngblood President, Youngblood Development Corporation

TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC. The Foundation works to create awareness within the community of the financial needs of the College not met by state or federal support and to implement a plan by which these financial needs can be met through private gifts. To fulfill these purposes, the Foundation institutes an organized program for obtaining support from alumni, friends, faculty and staff, corporations, organizations, and private foundations. In addition to soliciting major gifts for the College, the Foundation accepts, holds, invests, reinvests, and administers any gifts, bequests, and grants in money or property given to the Foundation.

36 |

ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRS 2019 – 2020 ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS ISSUES Croslena Broadwater-Johnson, Director, Student Support Programs, Tri-County Technical College ARTS & SCIENCES Mary Von Kaenel, Ph.D., Director, Bridge to Clemson and Transfer Academic Programs AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY Bill Leverette, Instructor, Automotive Technology, Tri-County Technical College BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY Denise Bailey, Director of Accounting Systems Consulting Group, Elliott Davis, LLC CNC PROGRAMMING AND OPERATIONS Truman Nicholson, Engineering Associate, Machining and Technical Services, Clemson University COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC Carolyn Stewart, MSN, RN, Healthcare Program Director, Tri-County Technical College COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Karen Carter, Executive Director, Clemson Community Care (Interim Chair) COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Susan Goudie, Senior Database Administrator, Clemson University

ENGINEERING DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Bryan Batten, Owner, Palmetto Precision Machining, Inc. EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY William Tatum, NRP, Prisma Health Oconee Medical Campus EMS EXPANDED DUTY DENTAL ASSISTING Dr. Collin Bryant, Southern Pediatric Dentistry GENERAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Matt Varney, Cornell Dubilier HEATING, VENTILATION, & AIR CONDITIONING Charlie Dickerson, Executive Director of Facilities and Campus Safety, Anderson University HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION Mary Corley, Program Manager, Tri-County Technical College, CCE Highway Construction Department (Interim Chair) INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY Franklin “Frank” Rackley, Senior Application Engineer, Schneider Electric INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE Dr. Mark Moore, Seneca Animal Clinic

CRIMINAL JUSTICE Drew Sisco, Captain, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office

MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Mike Webber, Milliken Certified Performance Solutions Practitioner, Milliken & Company, Gerrish Mill (Retired)

EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION Shannon Vaughn, Director, Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE) Greenville

MECHATRONICS Alan Johnson, Senior Associate Development Specialist, Robert Bosch Anderson

MEDIA ARTS PRODUCTION Michael “Pork Chop” Branch, Morning Show Host/Operations Manager, 92.1 WLHR Georgia Carolina Radiocasting MEDICAL ASSISTING Mrs. Jan Haguewood Gibbs CMA (AAMA), ST, Lecturer, Tri-County Technical College, Medical Assisting Program MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY Amanda Locotosh, Blood Bank Supervisor, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System NURSING Jackie Rutledge, Nursing Department Head, Tri-County Technical College PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Genda Zareei, Pharm. D, Adjunct Instructor, Tri-County Technical College PRE-PHARMACY Jim Hammett, RPh., Assistant Director, Department of Pharmacy Services, AnMed Health SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY Sandra Williams, AS, CST, Lecturer, Surgical Technology Program, Tri-County Technical College VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY Dr. James Mullikin (Retired) WELDING Gary Jones, Quality Manager, Greenwood Inc.

Board of Visitors Holds First Meeting TCTC’s new Board of Visitors held its first meeting September 11, 2019. This group of community leaders will serve as an extension of the College through the Institutional Advancement Division and work as advocates and ambassadors for Tri-County.

“You were nominated for your advocacy,” said Laneika Musalini, the College’s director of grants who manages the board’s activities, communications and meetings.

“The Board is important because it is a way to get our community engaged with the College. That’s our goal—to have interactive and engaged meetings and to obtain feedback that will help in our decision making. It’s also a way to connect and align with our vision and mission for the College,” she said.

Members were selected from nominations the College accepted from Commission members, the Foundation Board chair, College deans, Executive Staff members, County Council chairs and Legislative Delegation chairs.

Currently there are 32 members who serve a two-year term, meet two times a year and make a financial commitment to the College.

“We got the best of the best in our Board of Visitors—our group is diverse in terms of race, gender, background, age and occupations. We have representatives from all three counties and some are alumni. Many are already in tune with Tri-County and are hiring our graduates,” said Musalini. | 37

TCTC COMMISSION

J. Allard “Al” Young

Chair, Anderson County

Hamid R. Mohsseni Anderson County

Thomas F. Strange

Vice Chair, Pickens County

John M. Powell Oconee County

James P. “Jim” Kaplan Secretary/Treasurer, Pickens County

Larry A. Smith Oconee County

Leon “Butch” Harris Anderson County

Helen P. Rosemond-Saunders Oconee County

James D. “Jim” Wanner Pickens County

TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE EXECUTIVE STAFF

Members of the Executive Staff (standing, from left) Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, interim vice president of academic affairs and dean of the Health Education Division; Cara Hamilton vice president of business affairs; Dan Cooper, chief of staff; Dr. Galen DeHay, president; Jenni Creamer, assistant vice president of College Transitions; Marcia Leake, associate vice president of human resources; and Grayson Kelly, vice president of institutional advancement and business relations; and (seated, from left) Dr. Chris Marino, director of institutional effectiveness; Linda Jameison, vice president of student support and engagement; and Karen Potter, senior director of strategic communications and engagement.

38 |

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Tri-County

1 77%

Tri-County has the HIGHEST STUDENT SUCCESS RATE

Tri-County has the

2 TOP 1%

HIGHEST TRANSFER RATE and ranks in the

among the 16 colleges in the SC Technical College System.

3

70%

of Tri-County’s operating budget is spent on STUDENTS.

4

Tri-County’s tuition is the

SECOND LOWEST

in the SC Technical College System.

5

Nearly

nationally for successful student transfer.

80%

of Students Receive

FREE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS.

Mailing Address Tri-County Technical College P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670

Main Number: 864-646-TCTC (8282) Toll-Free Number Within 864 Area Code: 1-866-269-5677 TDD/Voice: 1-800-735-2905 www.tctc.edu

Pendleton Campus 7900 SC Highway 76 Pendleton, SC 29670 864-646-TCTC (8282)

Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Boulevard Anderson, SC 29625 864-260-6700

Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Road Easley, SC 29642 864-220-8888

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 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 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, age, or national origin.

FOLLOW US

@tctcedu

Oconee Campus 552 Education Way Westminster, SC 29693 864-613-1900