Matthew Woodall Receives Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence
PRESS RELEASE
Date: May 4, 2026
Contact: Lisa Garrett, lgarrett@tctc.edu
Matthew Woodall Receives Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence
PENDLETON, SC – Matthew Woodall, department head for Industrial Technology at Tri-County Technical College, was presented the highest award given to faculty today (May 4).
Woodall was honored with the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence at the College's spring convocation. The medallion is named for Linda and Ralph Elliott in recognition of their commitment to higher education and their generous contributions to the College and is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College and to the students.
TCTC President Galen DeHay made the presentation.
Woodall joined the College in 2010 as a Welding instructor in the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division and was promoted to department head in June 2023.
“Matt Woodall consistently demonstrates excellence in instruction through his ability to combine technical rigor with practical, real-world application,” Kimberly Connor, TCTC Mechatronics instructor, wrote in her nomination letter. “Welding requires precision, discipline, and strong technical understanding, and Matt creates an environment where students are expected to meet industry-level standards while receiving the guidance needed to reach those expectations. His instructional approach emphasizes hands-on learning, clear demonstrations, and constructive feedback that allows students to continually improve their technique and understanding of welding processes,” she said.
“Matt creates deeply engaging, hands-on learning environments that simulate industry conditions,” said Paul Phelps, dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division and former TCTC Welding department head. “Matt integrates current American Welding Society (AWS) standards, real-world fabrication challenges, and individualized coaching that meets students where they are. His students consistently describe his instruction as ‘clear, realistic, and life changing.’ In every setting, he balances challenge and encouragement, holding high expectations while guiding students to meet them. One student best captured his impact: ‘He prepares you for the real world and wants you to succeed the best you can with your abilities.’ Matt’s teaching consistently results in high student outcomes and strong certification pass rates,” said Phelps.
Phelps added that Woodall demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement. “He actively engages in virtual training sessions and reviews technical materials provided by the AWS to ensure his instruction reflects current industry standards and emerging practices. His leadership has fostered a culture of continuous learning within the department, motivating faculty to expand their credentials and technical expertise. As a direct result, the department has added two Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and expanded its collective knowledge in robotic welding applications. Through his example, Matt illustrates how individual dedication to learning can elevate instructional quality, departmental excellence, and student achievement,” wrote Phelps.
Connor said Woodall is committed to meeting the diverse needs of his students. “Students frequently recognize his ability to explain complex concepts in ways that are approachable and meaningful. By maintaining high expectations and reinforcing industry standards, Matt ensures that students leave his classroom with the technical skills and confidence needed to pursue certifications and employment in the welding field,” she said.
Connor added that Woodall’s dedication to professional development “models the mindset we hope to instill in our students: that technical professionals must continuously refine their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.”
“Matt embodies what a great instructor should be, firm, fair, and respectfully honest,” said Dakota Phillips, TCTC Welding instructor and a graduate of TCTC’s Welding program. “His expertise in welding is second to none, and he ensures that every student earns their grade through hard work and accountability. Those standards build not only skill, but respect- respect for the trade, the commitment and for him as an instructor. Behind that discipline is a kind and committed mentor who genuinely cares about his students’ successes.”
Larry Hembree, a professional welder for 18 years and recipient of TCTC’s 2025 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award, said he admires Woodall’s collaborative mindset. “Matt builds strong relationships with both students and colleagues through open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. He works closely with students during hands-on projects, offering guidance and adapting instruction to meet individual progress. Additionally, Matt collaborates with fellow Welding instructors to ensure consistency across courses, coordinate lab usage, and support overall program success. He actively participates in meetings, professional development, and industry partnerships to enhance the program.”
Ingryd Masters, coordinator of Student Support for dual enrollment and career pathways at TCTC, said Woodall brings an impressive depth of knowledge and real-world industry experience to the classroom. “Students consistently respond to his teaching style, often sharing kind words and genuine admiration for him. They respect Matt and the entire Welding team, which speaks volumes about the way he connects with them both inside and outside the classroom. He engages students with practical stories and real-life scenarios, showing them not only how the work is done but how to avoid the kinds of mistakes that can lead to injuries. His ability to translate experience into meaningful lessons makes a lasting impact on the students he teaches.”
Jennifer Darlak, work-based learning coordinator with Career and Employability Resources at TCTC, worked last summer with Woodall and a Welding/CNC work-study student who was preparing to enter the workforce as a machinist. “The 20-year-old was nervous about never having an interview before, but we walked through the STAR Method to come up with stories from their work-study experience at TCTC’s Industrial Technology Center. He even mentioned that he started very shy, not knowing much, but Matt and his team helped him feel comfortable. He talked about how much he learned from working at the ITC. By working on these STAR stories, this student became the top candidate and landed a job with GE Aerospace immediately after graduating. The student immediately emailed Matt and the team to share the good news. This student is proof of the leadership and learning that Matt provides in his department and classroom, helping each person grow and succeed,” said Darlak.
Woodall is a 2007 graduate of TCTC’s Welding program. He holds a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) designation, an internationally recognized certification of proficiency in weld inspection as well as Certified Welding Educators (CWE) credentials.
Prior to joining TCTC full time, Woodall spent three years as an adjunct instructor while working as a fabricator and shift coordinator at GE Gas Turbines in Greenville. He began his career as a journeyman pipe welder for Becon Construction and Greenwood Inc. He represented Becon Construction in the 2001 ABC National Craft Olympics in San Antonio, Texas, and is a three-time winner of the project of the month award at GE.
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About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, business administration, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
