When David Hill walked into Northeastern Technical College in 2022, he carried more than just books. At 42 years old, he carried questions, doubts, and the weight of years spent working 56 to 70 hours a week, seven days straight.

“I wasn’t a quitter,” David recalled. “But after 10 years of working that much, I asked myself, why am I still doing this? When someone told me, ‘If you don’t like it, go back to school,’ I decided to take that challenge.”

What David found at NETC was more than an education. It was a family. Faculty and staff welcomed him with compassion and encouragement, never questioning his age or his ability. One moment in particular stood out: “I’ll never forget the conversation with Miss Van, (Van Evans, Enrollment Specialist)” he said. “I told her I was embarrassed because I hadn’t finished my financial aid paperwork. She just smiled and said, ‘Don’t let that bother you. We’re here for you.’ From that moment, I knew I was in the right place.”

David went on to earn not one, but two degrees:

• Associate of Science in General Technology, Pre-Engineering Electrical (2024)
• Associate of Science in Business Administration and Management (2025)

The path wasn’t easy. Balancing a full-time job, six classes a semester, and family responsibilities meant sacrifice. “I had to put hobbies and free time aside,” David admitted. “But I kept telling myself it was only temporary. The harder I worked, the sooner I could graduate.”

That determination paid off. Today, David has doubled his salary, reduced his workload from seven days a week to just 15 days a month, and gained more time with his family. And he’s not stopping there—his next goal is earning a bachelor’s degree in business.

For students considering going back to school, David offers this advice:

“Don’t be ashamed. Don’t let anyone get in your head and tell you that you can’t do it. Every day you look in the mirror, remember—you’re the one in control. It won’t be easy, but if you put in the work, you can change your life.”

Northeastern Technical College (NETC) bids a heartfelt farewell to Danielle Pace, who will retire on October 1, 2025, after an impressive 31-year career with the college. Pace’s journey at NETC began as a student and evolved through a series of roles, including work-study, Grants Facilitator, Admissions Coordinator, Director of Enrollment, and ultimately, Dean of Students.

Reflecting on her career, Pace shared, “My goal was always to leave a position better than I found it. I stayed true to my values and led with integrity. I know I have made a difference in the lives of so many students, and I hope I have impacted every employee I had the opportunity to work with.”

Pace’s commitment to education continues beyond NETC, as she will be returning to her first passion of working directly with students at the Scotland County School District in North Carolina.

Pace invites colleagues and friends to stop by before her departure to share memories or access any resources they may need.



“I carry forward a heart full of great memories and deep appreciation for the people who made this journey so meaningful,” Pace said. “Northeastern Technical College will always hold a very special place in my life.”

We asked employees to share their first thoughts about fall and the answers were as colorful as the season itself. From Clemson football and Halloween to pumpkins, hoodies, bonfires, and cooler weather, it is clear that everyone has their favorite part of autumn. Other highlights included soup, fall leaves, less humidity, boot weather, and even a few laughs about buying a lot of pumpkins.

Fall truly brings something for everyone. What comes to your mind first?

Clemson Football – Griffin Specht, Analyst, Institutional Research

Pumpkins – Brittany Johnson, Enrollment Specialist

Soup – Kat Langley, Administrative Assistant, Presidents Office

Change Of Leaves – Mary Bostic, VA Coordinator

Hoodies, Bonfires & Roasting Marshmallows – Beth Pearce, Administrative Assistant Nursing

Halloween – Tracey Patrick, Nursing Instructor

Fall Colors And Decorating For Fall – Lisa Mormon-Patterson, Public Speaking And Theater Instructor

Cooler Weather – Jessica Howington, Psychology Instructor

Less Humidity – Janet Copelle, Massage Instructor

Fall Leaves – Angelia Nivens, Administrative Coordinator, VP Academic Affairs

Halloween – Ming Chan, Math Instructor

Boot Weather – Dahliana Alfonseca, English Instructor

My Wife Buying A Lot Of Pumpkins – Lewis Adams, Business Instructor

Fresh Air, Cooler Weather – Ann Lowery, Custodial Services

Leave Changing Colors And Cool Weather – Robert McLain, Security

Bonfire Parties – Vern Chavis, CDL Instructor

Leaves Changing Colors – Chris Bracey, Administrative Assistant, Workforce And Continuing Education

The ECD 132 Creative Experiences class at the Cheraw Campus recently explored the world of modern art by recreating Jackson Pollock’s iconic drip painting technique. Known as action painting, Pollock’s method of dripping, flinging, or pouring paint onto a horizontal canvas changed mid-20th-century art.

Using watered-down paint and a variety of tools, students created their own drip paintings, gaining hands-on experience they can later use in early childhood classrooms. The activity is part of the class’s focus on teaching quality, developmentally appropriate creative experiences for young children.

Participating students included Tamela Alexander, Mary Lee, and Billy McDonald. This creative exercise gave future educators valuable insight into how art can inspire exploration and learning in young students.

Students in CUL-105 Kitchen Fundamentals recently prepared and served a brunch at 1:30 PM. The menu included fluffy Red Velvet Waffles with cream cheese glaze, golden French Toast dusted with powdered sugar, savory Beef Sausage, crispy Turkey Bacon, juicy Breakfast Links, and light, creamy Scrambled Eggs.

The event was a hit, and everyone enjoyed the delicious and beautifully prepared creations, highlighting the students’ culinary skills and hands-on learning in the kitchen.