Northeastern Technical College (NETC) received exciting news following the recent National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. Interim President Erin Fann and NETC Area Commission Vice-Chair Shaquite Pegues met with staff of Sen. Graham’s office, where they were informed that Senator Graham had successfully secured $1.5 million in federal funding for NETC’s Marlboro County Campus. The funding, provided through the Department of Education, will support the purchase of equipment, technology, and supplies, enhancing resources and opportunities for students.

This milestone follows the Senate’s passage of the LHHS bill on January 30, 2026, which was subsequently signed into law by President Trump on February 3, 2026. The investment highlights a strong commitment to rural workforce development and student success in the region.

NETC is coordinating with Senator Graham’s office on an official press release and will provide additional details as they become available. This funding represents a significant opportunity to strengthen programs and resources at the Marlboro County Campus.

Erin Fann, interim president, and NETC Area Commission Vice-Chair Shaquite Pegues, represented the college at the 2026 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) National Legislative Summit (NLS) in Washington, D.C., held February 8–11, 2026. The summit is the premier advocacy event for community colleges, bringing together more than 1,000 college leaders to engage with federal policymakers and highlight the essential role of community colleges in student success and workforce development.

During the summit, Fann and Pegues participated in meetings with members of the United States Congress, administration officials, and other policymakers to advocate for the needs of NETC students and the broader South Carolina Technical College System. While in Washington, D.C., they had the opportunity to meet with Representative Russell Fry and staff of Senator Lindsey Graham’s office, as well as attend the ACCT Advocacy Leadership Academy. Fann and Pegues also joined college leaders from across the nation in discussions about federal policies, funding priorities, and legislative initiatives that directly impact postsecondary institutions and their students.

The event provided opportunities for Fann, Pegues, and other participants to network with peers, exchange best practices, and gain insights from leading political analysts about the current legislative and political climate in Washington, D.C. A new feature at this year’s gathering encouraged the inclusion of employer partners, emphasizing the connection between federal investment in programs such as Pell Grants, Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) and the regional workforce.

By attending the event, Fann and Pegues represented NETC’s commitment to student success, workforce development, and the critical role technical colleges play in supporting communities and regional economies.



Fann and Pegues’ participation in the ACCT National Legislative Summit highlights NETC’s ongoing efforts to engage with national policymakers and advocate for resources that strengthen students, faculty, and the future workforce of South Carolina.

NETC recently participated in the 2025-2026 South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Conference, themed “TECH the World Over, Advancing Innovation through South Carolina Technical Colleges.” The event highlighted how technical education prepares students for long-term success in an era of rapid technological innovation, global connectivity, and evolving workforce demands.

Conference sessions emphasized the integration of advanced technology, authentic assessment, community partnerships, and global perspectives. Participants explored strategies to drive student success beyond the classroom and ensure graduates are equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt in any professional environment.

NETC was represented by Interim President Erin Fann, Director of HR & SCTEA Board Member Krysten Hyduke, Director of Online College Nakia Holloway-Hailey, SCC3 & curriculum coordinator Margaret Julian, curriculum coordinator Sonya Burns, Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Melisa Johnson, English instructor Dailihana Alfonseca, Nursing instructor Lori Rivers, and accounts payable coordinator Jennifer Raisor.

The conference served as a platform to share best practices in teaching, learning, and leadership while fostering accountability and innovation in career preparation. Attendees left inspired to continue advancing technical education in South Carolina and help students thrive while making a lasting impact in their industries and communities.

Three outstanding employees from Northeastern Technical College (NETC) were recognized with top honors at the annual conference hosted by the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA). The Educator of the Year awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success across the South Carolina Technical College System.

Each year, faculty and staff at technical colleges across the state nominate and vote for peers who exemplify excellence in their roles. These awards honor employees who make meaningful contributions to their institutions and help advance the mission of technical education in South Carolina.

Nursing Instructor, Lori Rivers was named Faculty Educator of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment to teaching and student achievement. Her dedication to the classroom and her passion for helping students succeed reflect the core values of NETC. Rivers works closely with students to ensure they gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue careers and continue their education with confidence.

Accounts Payable Coordinator, Jennifer Raisor was honored as Staff Educator of the Year for her exceptional service and continued support of the college community. Her work plays an important role in creating a positive and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Raisor’s dedication helps ensure that students have access to the resources and support systems that contribute to their academic and personal success.

Dean of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Melisa Johnson was recognized as Administrator of the Year for her leadership and commitment to advancing the college’s mission. Her efforts have helped strengthen programs, support student success initiatives, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the college. Dr. Johnson’s leadership reflects a strong commitment to serving students and supporting the continued growth of Northeastern Technical College.

These honors reflect the impact of NETC employees who work every day to support students and strengthen their communities. Their dedication contributes to the college’s role in preparing a skilled workforce and providing opportunities for individuals to build meaningful careers.

The recognition of Rivers, Raisor, and Dr. Johnson highlights the culture of excellence at Northeastern Technical College and the important role faculty and staff play in shaping the future of students and the region.

NETC faculty and staff showcased innovative approaches to technical education at the 2025-2026 South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Conference. The event focused on advancing innovation through South Carolina technical colleges and highlighted strategies to strengthen student engagement and learning outcomes.

Director of Online College Nakia Holloway-Hailey presented on enhancing assessment in technical education using H5P interactive tools. Her session explored how these tools can increase student engagement and improve assessment practices by providing dynamic, interactive learning experiences.

SCC3 & curriculum coordinator Margaret Julian and curriculum coordinator Sonya Burns led a session on skills-based rubrics for competency-based assessment. Attendees learned how to design and implement effective rubrics aligned with competency-based instructional models to better evaluate student mastery of technical skills.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Melisa Johnson and English instructor Dailihana Alfonseca presented on developmental English as a building block for academic success. Their session emphasized the importance of strong foundational skills in supporting students’ long-term achievement in technical programs.

Through these presentations, NETC highlighted practical strategies for improving instruction, assessment, and student outcomes in technical education. Faculty and staff engaged with conference participants to share best practices and solutions for preparing students to thrive in their careers and communities.

Pictured Above: Director of Online College Nakia Holloway-Hailey

Pictured Above: SCC3 & curriculum coordinator Margaret Julian and curriculum coordinator Sonya Burns

Pictured Above: Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Melisa Johnson and English instructor Dalilihana Alfonseca

NETC leadership and staff recently visited the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Horry Georgetown Technical College to explore ways to better support local welding needs and strengthen partnerships with area industries. This visit follows conversations with local employers, including PWS and AWS, to align NETC’s programs with workforce demands and ensure students are equipped with the skills today’s manufacturers need.

During the tour, the team spent time in the welding department, focusing on classroom and lab setup, equipment layout, and instructional approaches. Emphasis was placed on creating a visible, well-organized space that fosters learning and safety, reflecting the needs of both students and industry partners. The group also toured the machine tool lab, quality lab, and CNC lab, gaining valuable insight into how advanced training environments operate and how they can best respond to the evolving needs of manufacturing employers.

This hands-on experience provided NETC with meaningful ideas and best practices to guide the planning and development of workforce programs. By learning from a neighboring institution with established advanced manufacturing facilities, NETC leadership and staff can make informed decisions to enhance curriculum, optimize equipment usage, and create learning environments that prepare students for high-demand careers.

The visit highlights NETC’s commitment to supporting the growth of the regional manufacturing workforce. By tailoring programs to meet industry standards and incorporating feedback from local employers, NETC continues to ensure that students graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in welding, manufacturing, and other technical careers.

NETC recently held its annual Professional Development Week, providing faculty and staff with a variety of sessions designed to enhance teaching practices, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen workforce readiness initiatives.

The week kicked off with an overview session, giving participants a clear understanding of the week’s schedule, expectations, and resources available. This set the stage for a series of engaging and informative workshops focused on both instructional and operational development.

Highlights of the week included:

Enhancing Assessment in Technical Education with H5P Interactive Tools

Participants explored innovative ways to use H5P interactive tools to strengthen student engagement and improve assessment practices in technical education. The session provided hands-on strategies for incorporating interactive content into lessons, helping instructors create more dynamic and effective learning experiences.

Skills-Based Rubrics for Competency-Based Assessment

Faculty learned how to design and implement effective skills-based rubrics aligned with competency-based instructional models. This approach provides a clearer path for evaluating student performance and ensures assessments accurately reflect the skills and knowledge students are expected to master.

Paycom Supervisor Training

Supervisors attended a dedicated session to gain practical knowledge on Paycom, focusing on efficient management and payroll processes within their teams. The training equipped participants with tools to streamline administrative tasks and maintain compliance in supervisory roles.

NETC Spring In-Service

The week concluded with a comprehensive in-service, offering additional opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across departments. This final session encouraged sharing best practices and fostering connections among faculty and staff to strengthen teaching and operational support throughout the college.

Professional Development Week at NETC continues to demonstrate the college’s commitment to equipping faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to provide high-quality education and support for students and industry partners alike.

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