Three Founding Fathers Inducted into Order of the Trilon

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 1506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/17/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON -- Three founding fathers of the technical education system appropriately were honored at Tri-County Technical College's first Founders' Day for their vision and foresight in creating a formalized system of technical education in S.C. in the early 1960's.

Governor Robert McNair, of Columbia, O. Stanley Smith, of Columbia, and Dr. R. C. Edwards, of Clemson, were inducted into the Order of the Trilon which recognizes community and state leaders who have contributed to the development of Tri-County Technical College and the State Tech System.

While serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives, McNair was appointed to the legislative committee that envisioned a landmark new educational system for the State. In response to this committee's recommendations, the South Carolina Legislature passed a bill in 1961 that created the South Carolina Technical College System.

Four decades later, the 16 technical colleges created by McNair and his colleagues are hailed as models both nationally and internationally.

His service as a member of the House of Representatives and as lieutenant governor thrust S.C. into a new era of economic development.

McNair served as Governor from 1965 – 71, and his accomplishments as governor included important advances in education; notable improvement in coordination and cooperation among state agencies, commissions, and bureaus; and continued aggressive industrial recruitment.

"He is an ardent supporter of a strong educational system for the people of South Carolina and he has been an advocate of Tri-County Technical College since its founding in 1962," said Dr. Don C. Garrison, president of Tri-County.

"Governor McNair offered an impressive understanding of the essential role education plays – and will continue to play – in the region's economic growth and well-being, said Dr. Garrison.

Smith served as executive director of the S.C. State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education from 1971 – 73.

As the first chair of State Advisory Committee for Technical Education in 1961, he helped to design the S.C. technical education programs.

"His leadership during the formative years of the technical education system helped to shape the System into a model for economic development," said Dr. Garrison.

Under Smith's leadership, during the four years following the establishment of the technical education system, nearly $1 billion was invested in new and expanding industry in South Carolina. By 1963 the state ranked 11th nationally in the rate of increase in personal income.

Under his guidance, the technical education system received worldwide recognition and has been cited for accomplishments in field of higher education by "U.S. News and World Report" and "Business Week" magazines.

Dr. Edwards was the eighth and longest serving chief executive of Clemson University. His support of technical education was manifested in 1963 with Clemson University's donation of a 22-acre site on a hilltop at the juncture of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties where Tri-County Technical College was created.

"During his presidency, he was the only college or university leader in the state who strongly advocated the creation of the Tech System and fully supported the joining together of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties to establish Tri-County Technical College to serve those three counties, said Dr. Garrison. Clemson University, under his administration, financed the first Special Schools class conducted at Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing at Clemson in 1961, Dr. Garrison added.

Dr. Edwards also pledged his support of the establishment of the University Transfer curriculum at Tri-County in 1973.

"He recognizes how vital Tri-County Technical College is to the economic development and growth of the region and over the years he has maintained an active voice in support of Tri-County Technical College," said Dr. Garrison.
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