More Than a Procedure: How One Educator Faced Amputation With Grit, Grace, and Community
| | |
When Ronnie Stafford was told he had a severe infection in his left foot, the outlook was grim. The doctors at McLeod Hospital in Florence, laid out the options: stay in the hospital for two months with only a 20% chance of saving the leg or move forward with an amputation and be mobile again within weeks.
“I had too much going on,” Stafford said. “For a 20% chance, I didn’t want to take a month in the hospital and then still have to have the amputation.” In July 2024, he made the call. He chose to lose the leg.
But what could have been a life-altering setback became something Stafford calls “a small medical procedure.” It’s the kind of perspective that defines him. “I knew I had two choices. I could treat it like it’s really nothing and keep going or I could dwell on it and let it ruin my life,” he said. “I wasn’t going to let that happen.”
In fact, while recovering, Stafford didn’t slow down. He continued working from home and kept up with his doctoral coursework. “I’ll tell you this,” he said with a smile, “getting a doctorate is more painful than an amputation.”
Stafford received not only medical care during his recovery but emotional support from the very community he serves.
One of the most significant sources of that support came from Mike Thomas, a colleague whose office sits right behind Stafford’s. “Mike took me to a doctor’s appointment, checked in on me. We’re like family here,” he said.
And then there was Natalie, his home health nurse. A 2000 graduate of NETC’s nursing program, Natalie brought more than her skills to Stafford’s recovery. “She had a great personality, a bubbly spirit. She made a huge impact on my recovery. Even now, she sends me text messages saying things like, ‘You’ve got this.’”
Stafford remembers her fondly and still relies on her guidance. “If I get a bump on my leg, I’ll text her a photo and she’ll tell me what to do,” he said. “She was one of the best nurses I’ve ever had.”
His story doesn’t stop with Natalie. A CNA who had completed training through NETC was also assigned to his care while he was in the hospital in Dillon. “That’s why I always say be nice to nursing students. You never know when you’ll need them,” Stafford joked.
| |  | |
The experience reminded him of the power of local education and the value of NETC’s mission. “It makes me feel good about our community and what we’re doing here. We’re not just training nurses. We’re training good people,” he said. “If they’re all like Natalie or even half as good, I know we’re in good hands.”
For Stafford, his support system extended beyond the medical professionals. He credits coworkers like Angelia Nivens, Kat Meyers, Marlowe Harrington, Lisa Johnson, Jessica Howington and Derk Rodgers with helping him through the tough days. “Dirk and I are like brothers,” he said. “He was always checking on me, calling me. That Northeastern support group was really good to get me through this and they’re still doing it.”
When asked what advice he’d offer someone facing a major medical challenge, Stafford was clear. “You have to approach it from the head, not the heart. You need the mindset that this isn’t going to stop you. Surround yourself with good people who care about you and will push you when you want to stop. And never give up.”
To NETC’s nursing students, many of whom say they entered the program to make a difference in just one person’s life, Stafford offers this: “Be vulnerable with your patients. Show them that you’re not just a healthcare provider but a person they can trust. Have a good bedside manner and be a caring, compassionate person. That’s what makes the biggest difference.”
And to Natalie, Stafford summed it up simply: “I’m glad you’re a nurse because that’s what you were born to be.”
| | Hands-On Learning in Precision Measurement at Dillon Campus | | |
Students at the Dillon campus explored the world of precision in IMT-180: Industrial Tools and Precision Measurement. This hands-on course introduces students to a range of measurement tools, from basic rulers and tape measures that read in increments of 1/64th of an inch to English and metric micrometers that measure in thousandths of a millimeter and ten-thousandths of an inch.
During the class, students focused on how to read an English micrometer. This tool is capable of measuring extremely fine increments, making it essential for work that requires high accuracy.
IMT-180 courses are typically offered at the Dillon campus from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays - Thursdays. However, class times can be adjusted based on student schedules. This makes it a great option for those looking to continue their education while balancing other responsibilities, such as a full-time job.
Students interested in enrolling or requesting a specific workforce class can contact the Enrollment Center or reach out to Jamie Thomas, whose office is located in the 100 Building at the Dillon campus. If a particular workforce course is not listed, students are encouraged to request it. New classes can be added based on student interest.
| | | Things are steadily shaping up at the Marlboro Campus. The latest update is the addition of our official logo on the building, and it looks so good. This is just one of many improvements happening as we continue to invest in the future of our students and community. Stay tuned for more exciting changes! | | Academic Success Toolkit Now Available to NETC Students | | |
The Center for Teaching and Innovation, in collaboration with the Online College, has developed a valuable new resource for students at Northeastern Technical College: the Academic Success Toolkit. Designed to support academic achievement, this self-paced toolkit is available as a course within D2L (Desire2Learn), NETC’s online learning platform.
The Academic Success Toolkit offers a wide range of resources focused on study skills and test-taking strategies. Students can explore the content in any order that suits their needs, allowing for a personalized and flexible learning experience.
Accessing the toolkit is easy. Students simply use the Discovery icon within D2L to opt into the course. Once enrolled, they can return to the content at any time for continued support throughout the semester.
This new resource is part of NETC’s ongoing commitment to student success, offering tools that help learners build confidence, improve performance, and reach their academic goals.
| |
Key Features of the Toolkit:
Study Skills Modules:
- Time management and goal setting
- Effective note-taking techniques
- Reading comprehension strategies
- Memory and retention tips
- Creating a productive study environment
Test Taking Module:
- Test preparation techniques
- Managing test anxiety
- Strategies for different types of exams
- Time management during tests
| | Level 3 Machine Tool Students Showcased Precision and Teamwork on Model Cannon Project | | |
In Professor Byrd’s MTT-126 Machine Tool Practical III class, students worked hard to complete their Level 3 manual projects, precision-crafted model cannons designed and built entirely by hand using the school’s machining equipment.
Davanis Bowen had already finished his model cannon and was assembling the final components when the photos were taken. His project featured a spring powered mechanism capable of launching a small wooden ball about a foot in front of it. The cannon also included a basic aiming system that allowed the user to rotate the barrel. Impressively, every part of the cannon except for the fastening screws was individually machined by the students.
Meanwhile, other students focused on fabricating the individual parts that came together to form the complete cannon. Jacob O’Neal applied a cosmetic angled finish to the cannon base using a milling machine. Next to him, Jacob Railey milled flat sections on the cannon bracket, the crucial piece that connected the barrel to the base. At the same time, Cody Kidd prepared the lathe by installing a cutting tool to assist with the production process.
This hands-on project highlighted the technical skills and collaboration the students brought to the classroom. It emphasized the real-world machining experience they gained as they prepared for careers in the skilled trades.
| | | If only it happened this fast in real life! ⏱️🚜 | | Watch as demolition and dirt work transform a site located at our Cheraw campus in seconds. Real progress takes time, but every step moves us forward. | | Microbiology Lab Puts Germ Killers to the Test | | |
The results are in from Professor Scott Schanz’s Microbiology class. Students tested various disinfectants to see which ones could stop bacteria in their tracks. Some showed strong zones of inhibition while others let the germs run wild. Pine Sol and D-256 came out on top, earning high praise from students including Blaze, who says he is officially switching to those cleaners for good.
Just another day of science in action at NETC!
| | Exploring Anatomy in Depth with the Anatomage Table | | |
In Professor Bailey’s Anatomy and Physiology II class, students are currently studying the locations of skeletal muscles, along with their actions, origins, and insertions. While traditional anatomical models provide a strong foundation for understanding surface muscles, they often limit the ability to explore deeper structures. The Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table offers a powerful solution to this challenge.
The Anatomage Table allows students to virtually "peel away" layers of the human body, revealing underlying muscles and structures without losing the context of their relationship to surface anatomy. This advanced technology enables a more comprehensive and interactive study of human anatomy than is possible with standard models.
NETC is especially fortunate to have access to this cutting-edge tool. It is the smallest institution in South Carolina to own an Anatomage Table, a resource more commonly found at larger universities. As of January 2025, the only other schools in the state with an Anatomage Table are:
- The Citadel
- Clemson University
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
- Winthrop University
- North Greenville University
- Anderson University
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College
This unique opportunity provides students in Professor Bailey’s class with a significant advantage in learning both the structural and physiological aspects of human anatomy in a dynamic and engaging way.
| | | |
Medical Assistant Information Session
📅 Date: July 31
🕕 Time: 10AM or 4PM
📍 Location: NETC Dillon Campus 2204 Hwy. 301 South, Dillon SC
Industry Credentials Ceremony
📅 Date: August 6
🕕 Time: 6:00PM
📍 Location: Dillon School District 1730 US-301, Dillon, SC 29536. Auditorium 4
| | | |
Summer Commencement
📅 Date: August 7
🕕 Time: 6:00PM
📍 Location: Dillon School District 1730 US-301, Dillon, SC 29536. Auditorium 4
Start of the Fall Semester
📅 Date: August 11
🕕 Time: NA
📍 Location: All NETC Campuses
| | | A Strong Start: Massage Therapy Orientation Sets Tone for Student Success | | The Massage Therapy orientation held at the Cheraw campus was a huge success! Students had the chance to meet and greet with faculty and staff, tour the Massage Therapy lab, and get a firsthand look at what’s ahead in the program. Financial assistance information was also available to help students start strong. It was an inspiring start to the journey for these future wellness professionals! | |
NETC Leadership Attends Final SACSCOC Conference Under Dr. Wheeler’s Presidency | | |
NETC Vice President of Academics Derk Riechers, HR Director Krysten Hyduke, Chief of Staff Lauren Odoms, and Director of IE and Innovation Karen English attended the 2025 SACSCOC Summer Institute at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. While there, they participated in breakout sessions focused on compliance, student achievement, institutional effectiveness, and QEP development, gaining valuable insights to support NETC’s ongoing accreditation efforts.
This year’s event was especially significant as it marked Dr. Belle S. Wheelan’s final conference as SACSCOC President. The team joined fellow attendees in recognizing her impactful leadership and years of service to higher education across the region.
| | Hands-On Learning in IMT-131: Hydraulics & Pneumatics | | Students in IMT-131 Hydraulics & Pneumatics, taught by Professor Seth Johnson, recently dove into a hands-on lab where they connected key components of a pneumatic system. The project focused on assembling a double-acting cylinder and a directional control valve, giving students real-world experience with the tools and systems used in industrial settings. This type of applied learning helps reinforce classroom concepts and prepares students for in-demand technical careers. | | Wondr is a weight-loss program clinically proven to help participants lose weight, sleep better, stress less and much more. With Wondr, you will learn simple skills based on behavioral science, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and feel better than ever at no cost. | | |
There are multiple classes throughout the year where participants can join with a group, or you can select a start date that best fits your schedule. Join the next class during the enrollment window, which is open until Monday, August 12.
State Health Plan members, including spouses and dependent children ages 18 and older, are eligible to apply. Medicare-primary members are also eligible. Some medical conditions or body mass indexes (BMIs) might prevent people from participating.
| | Returning to the Booth Playhouse | | | Northeastern Technical College | 1201 Chesterfield Highway | Cheraw, SC 29520 US | | | | |
