Anderson Oconee Pickens

Alumna Valerie Ramsey Appointed to Tri-County Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/7/2005
CONTACT: DR. VALERIE RAMSEY, 656-2073
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Nearly 30 years have passed since Dr. Valerie Ramsey made her first trek from Easley to the Tri-County Technical College campus.

Back in 1975, a 21-year-old Ramsey entered Tri-County's secretarial classes through the federally-funded Comprehensive Manpower Program. She was a single parent who was looking for a chance at a better life that would one day enable her to support herself and her five-year-old daughter.

"Today I can still recall that same feeling I had when I rode up Highway 76 on my way to my first college classes. Every time I visit the campus it takes me back to that day when my life turned around," said Dr. Ramsey, who credits the College as the vehicle that propelled her to rise above her circumstances. "Tri-County is more than an institution of higher learning. It is a place where life-changing seeds are planted and nurtured."

This afternoon (February 7) she will drive to the campus to attend her first board meeting as the College's newest commission member representing Pickens County. Dr. Ramsey is the first alumna in the history of the College to serve on its governing board. Governor Mark Sanford appointed Dr. Ramsey to the Commission effective January 24 (her birthday) upon the recommendation of the Pickens County Legislative Delegation. She takes the seat occupied by the late Wilmon McClellan, of Liberty.

There have been other firsts along the way at her alma mater and at Clemson University, where she serves as chief business officer for the College of Health, Education and Human Development (HEHD). Dr. Ramsey was the first alumna to deliver a commencement speech for Tri-County (at its 1997 summer graduation). And she is the first person in her family to earn a master's degree.

It's not always how you start out, but how you finish, said Dr. Ramsey, a 1988 alumna of Tri-County's Arts and Sciences Division. "My family's track record in higher education at the time that I came to Tri-County (1975) was almost non-existent. Going to college was never considered an option and really wasn't even discussed," said Dr. Ramsey, who began in an entry-level clerical position at Clemson and over the years has progressed to the highest classified staff position in the College of HEHD at Clemson. "I feel so blessed. It’s not just about me. I know it's the good Lord. I take no credit," she said.

"Looking back, I realized there were some barriers, real or imagined, that needed to be reckoned with," she said. She dropped out of school at age 16 to become a teenage mother. She did return, repeating the 10th grade and earning her diploma. "I consider that one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do in my life," she said. "Repeating the 10th grade was a pivotal moment in my life."

College became an unexpected reality when friends told her about Tri-County's Comprehensive Manpower program that provided financial assistance to eligible students. "Tri-County was adult friendly, and faculty members were always willing to help in whatever ways they could to ensure that the set standards were met. They never expected less of me," remembered Dr. Ramsey.

"It was a beautiful experience. Everyone wanted me to succeed," she added.

She worked as a secretary at Clemson University for the next 10 years, and then began taking university transfer classes at Tri-County during her lunch hours and evenings.

"I knew I needed to further my education to advance in my career. I made it my goal to eliminate every excuse there was to not get promoted," she said. She graduated in 1988 -- just one week prior to her daughter's graduation from D.W. Daniel High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from Southern Wesleyan University (Central Wesleyan College at the time) in 1990 and later earned a master's in Human Resource Development in 1995 from Clemson University. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from Clemson in 2003.

It still leaves her speechless when someone addresses her as Dr. Valerie Ramsey. "Look at how I grew up. In my environment, who would have ever thought that I could achieve this?

"Unlike me, my daughter already knew that college wasn't an option for her, but it was mandatory. A generational curse has been broken with her -- she did it right," said Dr. Ramsey, referring to 34-year-old, Erika, who is an award-winning teacher in Irmo. Erika was named teacher of the year, is a literacy coach and recently passed the national board certification. She and her husband, have two children. "She's what I wanted to be when I grew up. We literally grew up together," said Dr. Ramsey, who resides in Easley.

After taking a short educational hiatus, Dr. Ramsey is back in the classroom again, this time pursuing a master of ministry degree at SWU. She's also hard at work chairing the President's Commission on the Status of Women at Clemson University. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a February 25 health fair. "I channel my energy into positive things. That's why I'm thrilled to join the Tri-County Commission. I'm ready to serve the College, and I look forward to learning about the technical college system and how to make it better."

She continued: "I can personally identify with the average, non-traditional Tri-County student. I have a special love of Tri-County. The Ph. D. is wonderful and is special as well, but I wouldn’t have the Ph. D. if I didn't have the associate degree. It opened up a whole new world for me."

"Education is powerful. I believe in Tri-County. And I believe it is an awesome vehicle to transform lives. I'm a living example that anything can happen," she said.