Northeastern Technical College proudly celebrates Antwan Lee Drawhorn, Jr., a dual enrollment student from Dillon High School, for his induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (ΦΘΚ or PTK), the internationally recognized honor society for students enrolled in associate degree programs.

Membership in Phi Theta Kappa represents one of the highest academic honors a student at a two-year institution can achieve. It is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship and a strong commitment to their educational goals. Colleges and universities across the country recognize PTK members for their dedication, leadership potential, and academic success.

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is to recognize and encourage scholarship while also providing opportunities for leadership, service, and personal development. Through this organization, students engage in meaningful service projects, develop leadership skills, and become part of a dynamic community of scholars who are committed to making a difference both on campus and beyond.

Antwan’s achievement reflects his hard work, determination, and commitment to academic excellence. His induction into Phi Theta Kappa highlights the caliber of students at NETC and reinforces the college’s dedication to fostering student success.

The recognition ceremony was held on Thursday, April 9 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center as part of the PTK All-State Academic Team Recognition Ceremony, where students from all sixteen of South Carolina’s technical colleges were honored for their outstanding academic achievements.

Representing NETC at this special recognition were Interim President Erin Fann and Vice President of Student Affairs David Volpe, whose leadership continues to support and celebrate student achievement.

Please join us in congratulating Antwan Lee Drawhorn, Jr. on this well-deserved honor. His accomplishment is a proud moment for the entire NETC community, and we look forward to all he will achieve in the future.

Northeastern Technical College is proud to celebrate the success of former prison education student Chris Owens, whose journey is a powerful example of determination, growth, and the impact of opportunity.

Since completing his program, Chris has made remarkable strides both personally and professionally. He began his career as a forklift operator with DHI, earning $22.50 per hour. Through hard work and initiative, he quickly advanced, receiving a promotion to Inventory Manager by December. Most recently, Chris achieved another major milestone and now serves as Shipping and Receiving Manager with DHL, where he is earning close to $30 per hour, with opportunities to move into a salaried position.

In addition to his full-time career, Chris has also been building his own side income by welding roll cages for race cars, using skills he has developed along the way. His entrepreneurial drive and willingness to learn have opened even more doors for his future.

Chris credits his success to persistence and taking initiative, and he has an important message for current students, especially those in the forklift certification program. He encourages them to stay motivated and recognize that entry-level opportunities can lead to long-term career growth. With the right mindset and effort, starting as an operator can turn into leadership roles and financial stability.

Reflecting on his journey, Chris shared his gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing how meaningful it has been in helping him move forward and build a new path.

Chris Owens’ story is a testament to the power of second chances and the life-changing impact of education and workforce training. We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing his continued success.

Marlboro County Council met Tuesday night to address a wide range of issues affecting the community, with discussions focused on educational partnerships, infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, and resident concerns related to growth and development.

A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation from Erin Fann, interim president of Northeastern Technical College, who provided an update on the college’s construction projects and workforce development efforts.

Fann shared that the college currently serves 1,386 students, with 572 residing in Marlboro County. This represents approximately 41 percent of the institution’s total enrollment.

“Of those 572 students, 199 are traditional students and 373 are dual enrollment,” Fann said. “This is an important partnership we are actively working on with the Marlboro County School District.”

She emphasized the college’s role in preparing students for high-demand careers across Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties.

“Every day, the college is committed to training the workforce for our region,” Fann said. “We are preparing students for in-demand careers and creating opportunities for individuals and families in our communities.”

NETC Area Commission Chairman Herbert H. Gould also made remarks and stressed that “Education is the key to success in Marlboro County”. Other members of the NETC leadership team were present in support of the college at the meeting.

Transportation and environmental initiatives were also discussed. Don Strickland of the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority reported a 28 percent increase in ridership over the past year.

“This past year we have seen a 28 percent growth over last year. It is both good and bad,” Strickland said. “As the need increases, it shows that more people are becoming dependent on these services.”

Strickland added that the agency recently conducted two week-long customer surveys to better understand rider needs and improve service delivery.

Council members also discussed infrastructure improvements and ongoing development throughout the county. Leaders noted the importance of balancing growth with environmental responsibility while maintaining quality of life for residents.

As Marlboro County continues to grow, officials emphasized the need for collaboration among educational institutions, public agencies, and local government to support long-term progress and opportunity for the community.

Representatives from Northeastern Technical College (NETC) were on site at Cheraw High School recently to take part in the school’s Career Day, connecting with students and sharing opportunities for education and career pathways.

NETC staff engaged with students throughout the event, providing information about academic programs, workforce training, and dual enrollment options. The visit gave students a closer look at how the college prepares individuals for in-demand careers across the region.

A strong emphasis was placed on dual enrollment, which allows high school students to earn college credits while still in school. Representatives explained how the program can help students get a head start on their education while saving time and money.

Students had the opportunity to ask questions, explore different fields of study, and learn about career options available through NETC programs. From technical trades to healthcare and business, the college highlighted a range of pathways designed to meet local workforce needs.

Events like Career Day play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about their futures. By participating, NETC continues to strengthen its partnership with local schools and support students as they plan for life after graduation.

NETC officials said they remain committed to being present in the community and providing resources that help students succeed both in the classroom and in their future careers.

Northeastern Technical College recognizes the importance of strong partnerships between education systems and the communities they serve. Recently, the Marlboro County School District demonstrated that commitment by hosting a Community Meet and Greet for superintendent finalists at Marlboro County High School.

Area Commission Chairman Herbert Gould, along with other members of the Northeastern Technical College leadership team, was in attendance on behalf of NETC and asked questions regarding workforce pipelines and dual enrollment opportunities.

Held on April 13, the event welcomed community members, parents, staff, and local stakeholders to engage directly with the three finalists for the district’s superintendent position: Dr. Carla G. Mathis, Dr. Elizabeth McDonald, and Mr. Sterling Mosby.

The evening provided attendees with the opportunity to meet each candidate in scheduled sessions, learn about their leadership experience, and hear their vision for the future of Marlboro County School District.

Community members were also encouraged to share feedback, reinforcing the district’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in its selection process. The Board of Education emphasized that community input plays a vital role in selecting the next superintendent, highlighting the value of shared leadership in shaping the future of education in Marlboro County.

Events like this reflect a broader commitment to educational excellence and collaboration across institutions. As a regional partner, Northeastern Technical College supports initiatives that strengthen pathways for students and enhance opportunities for academic and career success.

By engaging the community in meaningful dialogue, Marlboro County School District continues to build a foundation for strong leadership and a bright future for its students.

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