Dear Chasers,

Spartanburg Community College is the fastest growing college in one of the fastest growing regions of the fastest growing state in the country!  South Carolina has recently been recognized as the number one state for manufacturing, one of the best places to do business, and our Chasers are proud to be delivering the fuel for this engine of success. 

As our region continues to grow in terms of investment we understand that the limits to growth depend on our unique capacity to build upon and further enhance our workforce development initiatives. 

Spartanburg Community College is proud to spearhead workforce development efforts in our region, and we have built, and continue to perfect, a robust infrastructure to launch new innovative workforce development initiatives that will continue to propel our College to the forefront during this time of shifting economic supply and demand. 

At the heart of our role as the single greatest contributor to the local workforce in the communities we serve is our focus on student success and continual improvement at all levels of the College. Each individual Chaser that we educate and train has an unprecedented opportunity to improve their economic mobility and enhance future opportunities for their families. 

As labor markets remain tight throughout the United States, and even globally, many employers are working harder to recruit and retain workers. This reality means that accomplishing our mission has never been more important.  

We are ready for the competition and challenges ahead, and we are purposely driving forward with new workforce development programs and strategies that will ignite the enthusiasm to fuel future economic development opportunities and empower our students, our proud Chasers, to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It! 

Go Chasers! 

Spartanburg Community College is taking innovative steps to boost enrollment in higher education and workforce training as part of Movement 2030, an unprecedented community-led initiative in Spartanburg County to promote economic mobility. 

One of the initiative’s goals is that 70% of Spartanburg County’s high school graduates attain a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030. As the county’s largest higher education institution, SCC is uniquely positioned to help achieve this goal.

Through an initial strategic investment of $1.3 million, SCC will double the capacity of its dual enrollment program, establish new pilot programs to encourage degree completion, and re-engage Spartanburg County’s large population of adults with unfinished degrees.

Learn more about this initiative here:

https://www.sccsc.edu/news/2024/scc%20unveils%20bold%20initiative%20to%20drive%20degree%20attainment.php

I recently participated in the Union County Industrial Partners Forum at the Union County Career and Technology Center.

It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the collaboration between Spartanburg Community College, Union County, Union County School District (UCSD), and industry leaders as we work together to provide an educated, motivated workforce for current and future industries in Union County. 

Some exciting developments for Spartanburg Community College and Union County: 

• In the fall of 2023, SCC provided access to eight comprehensive workforce training opportunities -- each specifically tailored to Union County’s industry, two healthcare pathways (Certified Nurse Assistant & Phlebotomy), a welding certificate program, general education courses, and customized training for CSL Plasma

• SCC served as a member of a new joint committee of Union County leaders to develop innovative workforce development strategies
• The College and the UCSD have partnered to create new specialized welding courses and a new manufacturing pathway for students at Union County High School
• SCC is exploring the expansion of new healthcare advanced manufacturing pathways to the county
• SCC is seeking to hire a Workforce Training & Industry Liaison, a full-time position in Union County to further enhance coordination and partnership between the College, the UCSD, and industry partners

SCC is proud to announce our new Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, an innovative offering that prepares students to enter the workforce in several productive and fulfilling settings such as hospitals, OB/GYN offices, vascular clinics, and many more.

Sonographers aid doctors in the diagnosis of many different diseases and abnormalities and this career field has a tremendously bright outlook.

Due to overwhelming demand from regional healthcare partners, the DMS program will also be the only such program in the state to offer instruction in vascular sonography.

Learn more about this exiting new program at the link below: www.sccsc.edu/academics/health/sonography.php

It was wonderful to join South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Greer Mayor Rick Danner, and Spartanburg County Council Vice-Chairman David Britt at our Spark Center to officially welcome Omron Automation to Spartanburg County.

Omron's $9 million investment represents the county's first major economic announcement of the year and we are proud to host them at our Spark Center while they finalize the construction of their permanent facility.

SCC is proud to announce that two of its esteemed faculty and staff members, Dr. Jenny Williams and Mr. Warren “Tim” Arnold, have been recognized by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honor society for two-year colleges, for their outstanding contributions to student success. 

In a mark of major recognition for her dedicated work in support of student success, Dr. Jenny Williams – SCC’s Dean of Arts & Sciences – has been selected as a recipient of PTK’s Distinguished College Administrator Award.

According to the honor society, college administrators who earn this award stand out for working directly with student leaders to solve problems on campus and in their communities. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders.

SCC instructor Warren "Tim" Arnold was also recognized for his completion of PTK’s Five Star Advisor Plan, a self-guided curriculum developed to better support PTK chapters, and his outstanding service to Beta Sigma Psi.

Under his guidance, Beta Sigma Psi has grown in membership, won numerous awards and accolades, and continued to attain the highest level of achievement PTK chapters work towards each year -- “Five Star Chapter” status – the last six years in a row. 

SCC's Beta Sigma Psi Chapter is one of the eighty-one chapters in the Carolinas Region (NC, SC, Bermuda) of PTK. Of those eighty-one chapters, nineteen earned five-star status for the 2023 calendar year. Only four of those nineteen chapters are in SC, and Beta Sigma Psi is one of those four chapters.

SCC Model NATO Students Stand with Representatives from the Embassy of North Macedonia

SCC’s Model NATO team participated in the 39th Annual International Model NATO Conference earlier this month at Howard University in Washington, D.C. alongside students from colleges and universities from across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

The conference is a week-long event that provides students with a unique opportunity to study and understand the role and activities of NATO as well as the military, political-security, and economic issues facing the Alliance.

Luckily, our students weren’t kept locked into debates and resolution drafts all week; in their free time, they were able to explore and enjoy some of the unique attractions our Nation’s capital has to offer. Students visited the National Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and a participated in a tour of the National Mall. Many also ventured out to explore D.C.’s renowned international food scene.

At the conclusion of the week, the SCC delegation -- who represented the United States and North Macedonia -- was able to bring home the Superior Delegate Award in the Military Committee for the United States as a result of their dedicated hard work!

Congratulations to our great students for representing the College well in such a forum and to SCC Instructor of History and Political Science, Jennifer Mashburn, for her work giving these students such an amazing experience they will surely never forget!

In January, I had the privilege of discussing “Workforce in SC Textile Industry” with Dr. Galen DeHay, President of Tri-County Technical College, at the South Carolina Textile Summit.

Historically, the Carolinas have been home to our nation’s largest textile industries, and SCC’s service area alone features textile companies such as Carolina Cotton Works, Inman Mills, and Milliken & Company, just to name a few. While our regional economy has evolved over the years, the textile industry remains an important facet of South Carolina’s workforce.

I am grateful to the South Carolina Textile Council and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance for hosting this event allowing us to delve into industry trends, exchange ideas, and connect with other leaders.

On January 11th I joined Governor Henry McMaster and fellow presidents from South Carolina’s higher education institutions to announce our new Statewide Transfer Agreement.

This new initiative will exponentially enhance pathways to prosperity through higher educational access in South Carolina, ensuring 30 hours of smooth transition from a local community/technical college directly to Clemson or USC. 

I am excited for our shared partnership and bright educational future ahead!

January 17th marked the 243rd anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens, a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War.

My family and I recently enjoyed a visit to Cowpens National Battlefield and, despite the cold weather, our kids really enjoyed the lantern walk!

If you have never visited this historic landmark -- just 10 miles from our Cherokee County Campus -- schedule a visit today and learn more about how the War for American Independence was won here in South Carolina.

In today's digital world, proficiency in Microsoft Office is an essential skill for college students. Earning a specialist credential in Microsoft Office validates a student's ability to use the software at an advanced level, and can help students stand out from the competition in the job market.

During the recent Fall semester, SCC’s School of Business offered students Microsoft Office Specialist exams in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook for select courses and a total of 57 students earned one or more specialist credentials!

Certiport, the nation’s leading credential provider, holds an annual U.S Championship for Microsoft Office Specialists, and two SCC students placed in the top ten for South Carolina in the Fall Qualifier Event!

Three talented SCC Digital Design students have been awarded a combined $6,000 in scholarships from the Printing Industry of the Carolinas (PICA).

This prestigious recognition places SCC students at the forefront of graphic design talent in both North and South Carolina, surpassing competitors from esteemed institutions like Clemson and Appalachian State University.

Second-year student Austin Stines secured a back-to-back win with the PICA/Treadaway scholarship, while newcomers Sunflower Her and Sofia Vykhovanets were awarded the same scholarship and the PICA/Weese scholarship, respectively.

PICA's investment in these rising stars reflects their exceptional talent and SCC's commitment to developing future design leaders. Congratulations to all the winners!

Any day we can showcase the large variety of support services, clubs, and organizations SCC offers our students is an amazing event.

At the SCC Spring Org Fair, students had the opportunity to learn more about support services, such as the SCC Library and The Learning Center, clubs such as our Phi Theta Kappa chapter (Beta Sigma Psi), and many more clubs and organizations that offer fun and exciting ways for students to engage with each other on campus. 

Visit our website (www.sccsc.edu/students/clubs.php) to learn more about the various student clubs and activities we have at SCC. 

I enjoyed meeting with Brand van’t Hof and Martin Loose from AWL to discuss the future of advanced manufacturing training and technology.

Their generosity in donating a new robot will undoubtedly enrich our students’ learning experiences. Thank you, AWL for your commitment to education and innovation!

At the end of January, our Downtown Campus hosted the Boy Scouts of America Palmetto Council’s 2024 Daniel Morgan Merit Badge College.

Chaser and I had a blast sharing insights and making lasting memories with these incredible scouts. Here's to inspiring the next generation of leaders!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Second Annual Chaser’s Cup golf tournament on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg!

Hosted by the Spartanburg Community College Foundation, this event aims to raise vital funds to support our mission of empowering students and boosting our local economy. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special.

Secure your spot or find out more details at the link below.

myscc.info/golf

Thank you for your support of Spartanburg Community College and our mission to drive prosperity and improved quality of life factors across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties and beyond.

Please click here to visit the website of the SCC Foundation to learn more about the various ways you can empower our communities to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It!

About Spartanburg Community College.

Strategically located across one of the most economically vibrant regions in the United States, Spartanburg Community College (SCC), home of the proud Chasers, is driving the economy forward while empowering thousands of students to Dream it, Chase it, and Live it.

Founded in 1963, SCC is South Carolina’s fastest growing public college and prides itself in providing unrivaled access to transformational experiences. Learn how you can begin to chase your dreams online or at five beautifully manicured campuses, encompassing 245 acres punctuated by over one million square feet of state-of-the-art facilities.

Join the chase at www.sccsc.edu.