Tri-County Technical College

Background

Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) is a public, two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties in South Carolina. Established in 1962, TCTC has grown from a single technical education center to a comprehensive institution with four campuses and two learning centers. The college offers over 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, industrial electronics, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. TCTC is recognized for its high student success rates, boasting the highest student success, transfer, and graduation rates among two-year colleges in South Carolina, and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year institutions.

Key Strategic Focus

TCTC's strategic focus centers on providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce development to meet the needs of its service area. The college emphasizes:

• Technical and Career Training: Offering programs in engineering technology, industrial technology, business, computer and information technology, public service, human services, and healthcare.

• University Transfer Programs: Facilitating seamless transfers to four-year institutions through comprehensive associate degree programs.

• Continuing Education: Providing personal and professional development courses, including contract training for local industries and workforce training.

• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local businesses and organizations to address regional workforce needs and economic development.

Financials and Funding

As of the end of the 2022 fiscal year, TCTC's endowment was valued at approximately $30.9 million, reflecting a 14.1% decline from the previous year. The college's total salary expenditure for 2022 was $72.4 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $7.2 million across 139 instructional staff members.

In recent years, TCTC has secured significant funding to enhance its programs and facilities:

• $500,000 Donation: In February 2024, the Gene Haas Foundation awarded TCTC a $500,000 donation to support manufacturing training programs.

• $57,310 Grant: In 2023, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, through the SC Technical College System, awarded TCTC a $57,310 grant to provide scholarships for industry-based training, specifically the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) classes.

Pipeline Development

TCTC continually develops and enhances its educational offerings to align with industry demands and student needs. Key initiatives include:

• Early Childhood Education Partnership: In March 2023, TCTC partnered with North Greenville University to create a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing early childhood education degrees. This agreement allows TCTC graduates to transfer all course credits to NGU's online bachelor's degree program, with a 10% tuition discount.

• Industrial Technology Center: The college opened a state-of-the-art Industrial Technology Center in Sandy Springs to provide advanced training in manufacturing and industrial technologies.

Technological Platform and Innovation

TCTC leverages various technological platforms and methodologies to enhance educational delivery and operational efficiency:

• Learning Management Systems: Utilizes platforms like Blackboard to facilitate online and hybrid course offerings.

• Industry-Standard Software: Incorporates tools such as AutoCAD and CATIA in engineering and design programs to provide hands-on experience with industry-standard software.

• Data Analytics: Employs Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel to monitor and improve digital engagement and outreach efforts.

Leadership Team

• Dr. Galen DeHay: President of TCTC, leading the institution's strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts.

• Rhonda Deaton Gibby: Appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President of Human Resources in August 2024, bringing extensive experience in human resources management.

• Luke VanWingerden: Chief Information Officer, overseeing the college's information technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives.

Leadership Changes

In August 2024, TCTC appointed Rhonda Deaton Gibby as Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President of Human Resources, succeeding the previous HR leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community college sector in South Carolina is characterized by a diverse range of institutions offering technical, vocational, and transfer programs. Key market dynamics include:

• Enrollment Trends: Community colleges in the region serve a significant portion of the post-secondary student population, with institutions like Greenville Technical College enrolling over 15,000 students.

• Program Diversification: Colleges are expanding program offerings to include emerging fields such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing to meet evolving workforce demands.

Competitor Analysis

• Greenville Technical College: Located approximately 27 miles from TCTC, Greenville Technical College offers a wide array of programs and serves a larger student body, positioning it as a significant competitor in the region.

• Piedmont Technical College: Serving a similar demographic, Piedmont Technical College offers comparable programs and has a strong focus on technical education and workforce development.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TCTC actively engages in partnerships to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development:

• North Greenville University: Established a transfer agreement for early childhood education programs, facilitating seamless progression from associate to bachelor's degrees.

• Honor Health Career Programs and HMR Veterans Services, Inc.: Collaborated to train certified nursing assistants to become licensed practical nurses, addressing critical shortages in healthcare staffing.

Operational Insights

TCTC's strategic initiatives focus on:

• Program Expansion: Continuously developing new programs aligned with industry needs, such as the MSSC training to support local manufacturing sectors.

• Facility Enhancements: Investing in infrastructure, including the $22 million renovation of the Pendleton campus, to provide state-of-the-art learning environments.

• Community Engagement: Hosting events like the State of Pendleton to strengthen ties with local communities and stakeholders.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, TCTC aims to:

• Expand Online Learning: Increase the availability of online and hybrid courses to accommodate diverse student needs and schedules.

• Strengthen Industry Partnerships: Forge new collaborations with local and regional industries to develop tailored training programs and initiatives.