Northeastern Technical College (NETC) faculty and staff gathered for an in-service session led by President Dr. Kyle Wagner, on October 9, who shared updates on enrollment, new initiatives, and the college’s ongoing focus on modernization and student success.

Dr. Wagner began by highlighting enrollment trends across the college’s campuses. The Dillon Campus is experiencing robust activity, reflecting strong community engagement and demand for NETC programs. The Pageland Campus, however, has room to grow, and Dr. Wagner noted that upcoming changes and new initiatives are expected to drive that growth in the near future.

A key focus of the discussion centered on modernization and longevity through programming and infrastructure improvements. Dr. Wagner emphasized that the college’s current actions are being taken “with the future in mind,” ensuring that decisions made today will support long-term sustainability and innovation.

Another major topic was the college’s shift toward cohort-based learning, which supports timely completion and stronger student outcomes. Cohorts are designed to help students “get in, get their education, and get out to start earning.” Several programs are already using this model, and the college plans for all cohort programs to be fully implemented within the next few years.

Dr. Wagner also shared updates on NETC’s efforts to strengthen advising and recruitment processes through data-driven strategies and automation. The college recently received a grant to support the integration of new technology that enhances data collection, processing, and overall student enrollment management. These updates are part of the college’s broader goal of achieving controlled and sustainable growth.

One of the most encouraging updates was the report that student persistence is at its highest level in five years. In higher education, persistence refers to a student’s continued effort and engagement in the face of challenges as they work toward completing their educational goals. Dr. Wagner noted that this milestone reflects the determination of both students and the faculty and staff who support them.

“This increase in persistence speaks to the dedication not only of our students but also of our faculty and staff who go above and beyond to ensure their success,” said Dr. Wagner.

The in-service session underscored NETC’s commitment to progress, innovation, and student achievement. With a clear vision focused on modernization, growth, and long-term success, the college continues to strengthen its role as a leader in accessible, high-quality education across the region.

Northeastern Technical College (NETC) proudly recognized outstanding members of its community with the Faculty, Staff, and Administrator of the Semester awards. These honors celebrate individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve students, support colleagues, and exemplify the college’s core values.

This semester’s honorees, all nominated by their peers, include Administrator of the Semester: Dr. Melisa Johnson, Staff Member of the Semester: Sheryll Marshall, and Faculty Member of the Semester: Cory Botelho. Each recipient was selected for demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a positive impact on the college community.

The recognition highlights NETC’s continued commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, appreciation, and service. The Faculty, Staff, and Administrator of the Semester awards acknowledge the vital role each group plays in advancing the college’s mission and creating an environment where students can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who participated in recognizing excellence across the college, and congratulations to this semester’s honorees for their outstanding contributions.

President Dr. Kyle Wagner Presents Dr. Melisa Johnson with Administrator of the Semester Recognition.

President Dr. Kyle Wagner Presents Marlboro Campus Coordinator Sheryll Marshall.

In celebration of the upcoming South Carolina Jazz Festival, staff and faculty members gathered for the Jazzy Tree Ornament Painting Event, a creative activity that brought together art, music, and community spirit.

Participants painted wooden music note ornaments, each one reflecting individual creativity and appreciation for the arts. The event provided a relaxed and engaging environment where staff and faculty could connect and enjoy a shared artistic experience.

The finished ornaments will be displayed during the South Carolina Jazz Festival, adding a colorful and personal touch to the celebration. The project showcases the creativity and community involvement of staff and faculty as they contribute to one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.

Northeastern Technical College (NETC) faculty and staff recently participated in a Customer Service Training session presented by Raven Freeman-Sims of the South Carolina Department of Administration. The interactive session focused on developing a service-minded approach to daily interactions and strengthening the college’s commitment to excellence in serving students, colleagues, and the community.

The training emphasized that customer service extends beyond traditional definitions and includes every individual who interacts with the college. Participants learned how to define customer service, identify both internal and external customers, and approach their work with a positive service mentality.

Throughout the session, Freeman-Sims guided participants through the objectives and outcomes of effective customer service, which include understanding the diverse needs of customers, tailoring service to meet expectations, and communicating with professionalism and empathy. The class explored the universal expectations all customers share: friendliness, empathy, fairness, control, flexibility, and accurate information. Participants also discussed methods to gather customer feedback through surveys, interviews, and direct communication.

A major focus of the training was emotional intelligence, which Freeman-Sims described as the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions while understanding and responding appropriately to the emotions of others. Attendees examined key components of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. These skills are essential for maintaining positive interactions, resolving conflict, and fostering trust and respect in professional settings.

Freeman-Sims also introduced participants to the 7-38-55 Rule of Communication, developed by psychologist Dr. Albert Mehrabian. The rule highlights that 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is tone of voice, and only 7 percent comes from the actual words spoken. The discussion emphasized how body language, tone, and facial expressions significantly impact both face-to-face and phone interactions, influencing how customers perceive attitudes and intentions.

Through engaging discussions and practical examples, participants gained a deeper understanding of how emotional intelligence, communication, and customer awareness work together to create positive experiences.

NETC’s participation in the training reflects the college’s ongoing dedication to professional growth and continuous improvement. By equipping faculty and staff with tools to communicate effectively and serve compassionately, NETC continues to strengthen its culture of service and student success.

“Our faculty and staff are often the first connection our students and community have with the college,” said Director of Human Resources Krysten Hyduke. “Investing in training like this helps ensure that every interaction reflects the care, professionalism, and respect that define who we are at NETC.”

Open Enrollment is here! While the official dates are October 1–31, employees can begin making coverage changes today for the upcoming year.

Any updates made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.

To ensure everything is in order, employees are encouraged to log into their MyBenefits account at mybenefits.sc.gov to:

• Verify that all personal information (address, phone numbers, email, etc.) is accurate and current.
• Make any necessary coverage changes for next year.
• Review existing coverage.
• Update life insurance beneficiaries.
• Provide up-to-date contact information for beneficiaries.

If employees are satisfied with their current choices, the only step needed is to re-enroll in the MoneyPlus flexible spending account if they participate.

Dental changes can only be made during odd years. This means 2025 is a dental year!

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