Tri-County Exceeds Performance Standards, Tri-County
President Tells Crowd at Annual Report Luncheon

FOR RELEASE ON NOVEMBER 8

PENDLETON ---- Tri-County Technical College ranked third among South Carolina's 33 public institutions of high education in achievement of performance standards, President Don C. Garrison told a crowd of around 400 at the College's Annual Report to the People luncheon.

The College hosted its annual luncheon for business, industrial, education, government and community leaders Thursday (November 8) and distributed copies of the publication which highlights the major accomplishments of 2000 – 2001.

Tri-County was among the 16 of the state's 33 public institutions that exceeded the performance standards, according to scores released by the State Commission on Higher Education earlier this year.

Overall, Tri-County scored 93 percent, which was the third highest ranking for all 33 public institutions in the state.

On individual performance indicators, scores range from a 1 (low) to a 3 (maximum). The College scored a 3 on the percentage of administrative costs to academic costs, the amount of general overhead cost, and expenditure of funds to achieve the institution's mission. In addition, the College scored a 3 on how students rated the availability of faculty outside the classroom and students' satisfaction with the availability of advisors.

The S.C. General Assembly passed legislation in 1996 mandating performance funding for all of the state's public colleges and universities. The legislation provided three years to phase in the system. The completed system is in its third full year of operation.

"Throughout the year, faculty worked diligently to serve the needs of a radically changing workplace and continued to receive recognition for outstanding accomplishments and services to the community," Dr. Garrison continued.

For example:
The College's Accounting, Business Technology and Office Systems Technology programs received accreditation through the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The Licensed Practical Nursing program has received accreditation through the year 2006 by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Also, the Practical Nursing department reported a 100 percent passing record for taking the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-PN). This is the sixth time in the last decade that Tri-County students have reported a perfect score on this exam.
In addition, recent graduates of the Veterinary Technology department report a 100 percent passing rate on a national credentialing exam. These students were among the 2,065 across the United States and Canada who took the exam in June.
All Medical Laboratory Technology graduates receive passing scores on the National Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathology, the most prestigious credential awarded to a medical laboratory technologist.
Several faculty members were recognized for excellence and received statewide awards. Sue McLane, an Office Systems Technology faculty member, was awarded the S.C. Business Education Post Secondary Teacher of the Year award. Robbye Mauldin, executive vice president, was named Administrator of the Year among the state's 16 technical colleges at the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference. James Williams, dean of students, was presented a Distinguished Service Award for his strong commitment and support of excellence and equity in higher education in the state.

"We believe that strong partnerships with community organizations are the foundation for achieving excellence in programs and services," said Dr. Garrison. "Through spirited collaboration with local businesses and industries, health care facilities, agencies, public schools and four-year senior colleges, the College enhanced existing programs and developed new initiatives to create more choices for the people of the tri-county area," he said.

Two new curriculum programs -- a diploma program in Medical Assisting and an associate degree program in Respiratory Care -- were launched this year. In response to an expressed need from area hospitals, the Continuing Education Division is offering a new program for registered nurses who have no previous experience in the operating room or who desire formal study for this specialized area of nursing. This new 82-hour class, called Perioperative Nursing Certification, trains R.N.'s to take care of the patient through all phases of surgery.

Special Schools, a successful training initiative for the last four decades, changed its named to the Center for Accelerated Technology Training. This year more than 550 people in nine different new and expanding companies in the tri-counties received customized training services.

Tri-County received Workforce Investment Act funds to provide job and placement services to adults in the tri-county area though its One-Stop Center. The Pendleton Workforce Investment Board awarded the grant to support the College-based One-Stop Center, which assists the public with employment and training services. The Center complements the services available at the One-Stop Centers located at Employment Security Commission offices in Anderson, Seneca and Liberty. This year the One Stop provided 3,923 services to 1,536 persons.

"To better serve the need of students, business and industry customers, we offer flexibility in class schedules, location and delivery options," said Dr. Garrison. This year, enrollment in distance learning classes topped 500. To meet the needs of the Anderson area, the Anderson Mall facility was totally renovated and expanded to a larger facility. The Business Training Center, headquartered at the Mall, offered courses in computer training, office skills, criminal justice, photography, and small business management. Three new certificate programs are offered completely on line.

"The College also made great strides in integrating the new technology into instructional areas," said Dr. Garrison. Through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Business and Human Services Division purchased, installed and began using a lab for advanced Internet and multimedia courses. In addition, the ARC provided funds to establish a mold design lab for the Industrial and Engineering Technology and medical equipment for the new Respiratory Care program.

Thanks to the support of the legislative delegations and county councils, Tri-County launched a $4.5 million renovation the three oldest buildings on campus – Anderson, Miller and Pickens halls. Once completed, these building will house classrooms and labs, as well as administrative and student services offices

The Business and Industry Training department offered a series of new workshops for manufacturing concentrating on the major building blocks of lean manufacturing. The department also collaborated with SC ETV and the Polymers Center of Excellence in NC to offer innovative satellite transmission of Injection Molding of Plastics to local plastics companies.

"One of the biggest impacts on instructional quality is the Foundation's support of endowed teaching chairs for the College," said Dr. Garrison. Twenty-five of the 27 curriculum programs received funds from endowed teaching chairs for professional growth and enrichment. Last year contributions to the Foundation totaled $453,496, providing assistance to 387 students.
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