S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has awarded Phil Homan, a distinguished former State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education member, with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

Homan served on the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education from February 2015 until his retirement in May 2023.

Homan dedicated several years as the Board’s designee to Denmark Technical College’s Local Area Commission, where his efforts were crucial in shaping the college's future and ensuring it remained a vibrant and dynamic part of the community.

He has also served on advisory boards for advanced manufacturing with Northeastern Technical College and Florence-Darlington Technical College. 

A steadfast advocate for registered apprenticeship programs, Homan's commitment has greatly promoted and expanded these programs across South Carolina.

Homan's dedication has created numerous opportunities for individuals to achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life.

Homan’s career is highlighted by his tenure as the retired Director of Human Resources for the Schaeffler Group in Cheraw and his decorated military service.



Homan served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major and serving in the Special Forces (Green Berets) and the 101st Airborne Division.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Homan has contributed significantly to the County of Chesterfield and the town of Cheraw in various leadership roles.

Phil Homan, left, receives the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award South Carolina can bestow.

These include two terms as Chairman of the Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the Chesterfield Economic Development Board, Vice Chairman of the Economic Alliance Board of Chesterfield County, and representing Chesterfield County on the Pee Dee Workforce Development Board.

In retirement, Homan continues to work with Aiken Technical College, Denmark Technical College, and Northeastern Technical College.

Homan earned a business degree from Liberty University while serving in the military and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2008. 

Phil Homan’s dedication to public service, workforce development, and community leadership has made a profound and lasting impact on South Carolina.

Established by Governor John C. West in 1971, the Order of the Palmetto recognizes individuals for their lifetime achievements and contributions that have significantly benefited the state.

Northeastern Technical College’s popular Allied Health program grew this fall by adding Massage Therapy. 

“Expanding allied health offerings with massage therapy at Northeastern Technical College enhances student career opportunities, meets local healthcare demands, and promotes holistic wellness,” said NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner. “A massage therapy tract strengthens the college's healthcare program diversity that will attract more students and addresses community needs for comprehensive health services.”

 

Massage therapy provides pain relief, enhances rehabilitation, reduces stress, improves circulation, boosts immune function, and complements medical treatments, contributing to overall health and wellness in patients. 

Janet Copelle joined NETC to establish the massage therapy curriculum.  

Copelle served as Health and Wellness Director from 2004-2017 at Stautzenberger College, in Maumee, Ohio, and massage program supervisor from 2019-2024 at Intellitec College in Colorado. 

“I love seeing excitement from students who can start a new career or go into business for themselves in a pathway they choose,” Copelle said. 

NETC’s Massage Therapy program delves into Swedish massage techniques along with studying body movement and muscular and structural factors. 

Massage therapy is full-time program with 10 credit hours for two semesters. 

During the fall semester, students will take Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy; Principles of Massage 1, Massage Therapy Seminar, and Kinesiology for Massage Therapy.  

In spring, students in the massage therapy tract will take Pathology for Massage Therapy, Clinical Applications of Massage, Massage Practicum, and Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy 2. 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics a growing demand for licensed massage therapist. Nationwide, the average salary for a massage therapist is approximately $55,000, or about $27 per hour). Massage therapists work in a variety of settings from health practitioners to spas, operating in offices to traveling to client’s homes. 

To become a licensed massage therapist in South Carolina, students must pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) after completing both semesters.  



For more information, call NETC at 800.921.7399 or visit online at netc.edu. 

Due to a sinkhole that developed April 18 at the NETC Cheraw Campus exit point facing Hwy 9, it has been closed to thru traffic.

There is one entry and exit point facing Hwy 9.

Traffic may also utilize the entry and exit facing Tec Road.

College Administration and the Maintenance Department are working diligently to address this issue.