Dr. Mark Dougherty Receives Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence
Press Release
Date: August 15, 2024
Contact: Lisa Garrett, lgarrett@tctc.edu
Dr. Mark Dougherty Receives Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence
PENDLETON --- Dr. Mark Dougherty’s commitment to the well-being of the Tri-County Technical College community, through student engagement and proactive leadership, earned him the College’s top staff award.
Dr. Dougherty, who serves as dean of students, was honored today (August 15) with the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence, the highest award given for staff excellence at the College.
TCTC President Galen DeHay presented Dr. Dougherty with the award at the College’s fall convocation. The medallion, along with a cash award made possible by the Tri-County Technical College Foundation, goes to a person who best exemplifies the College philosophy and has contributed the most during the academic year to the development of the College and its students.
Dr. Dougherty joined the College in 2016 as Dean of Student Development.
“I am proud to have Mark Dougherty as a colleague, a thought partner and friend,” said Linda Jameison, vice president for student support and engagement at TCTC. “He is well deserving of this award for many reasons. He is well respected across the College, provides a voice of reason, is trusted to maintain discretion and is the subject matter expert for student growth and development. His participation on several cross-campus teams resulted in him bringing people together for shared purpose in serving our TCTC community. Mark is a person we count on as an advocate for students, as a person who creates genuine relationships with faculty and staff, and as a servant leader.”
“Dr. Mark Dougherty exemplifies the true spirit of dedication and compassion in education. His unwavering commitment to uplifting students, engaging with them on a personal level, and ensuring that no student faces challenges alone set him apart as a beacon of support and encouragement,” Stacey Schiff, a faculty member in the Media Arts Production program and president of Faculty Senate, wrote in her nomination letter.
“Time and again, Dr. Dougherty has been a pillar of patience and kindness, always ready to address questions and concerns with genuine care. As one of our deans, he uses his position not for power, but to perform acts of profound goodness, making a lasting positive impact on our academic community. Dr. Dougherty's selfless leadership and heartfelt dedication truly deserve this highest recognition,” she wrote.
“Dr. Dougherty continually hones his skills through a multifaceted approach. Not only does he share his expertise by teaching sessions at conferences, but he also actively seeks out opportunities to learn and grow,” Schiff said. “By attending various sessions and conferences, he remains at the forefront of educational advancements, engages with fellow professionals, and discovers innovative strategies to further support student success. Dr. Dougherty's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development exemplifies his dedication to creating an enriching and supportive college experience for all students,” Schiff said.
Last year he was a presenter at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference. Dr. Dougherty’s session was titled “Deescalating Critical Situations: Working with Individuals in Crisis.”
“Dr. Dougherty exemplifies the philosophy and goals of Tri-County Technical College through his unwavering dedication, compassionate engagement, and proactive leadership. His behavior, performance, and actions align seamlessly with the College’s vision of transforming lives and building strong communities, one student at a time. His quick responsiveness to student concerns and his visible presence and approachability on campus reflect his deep commitment to the well-being and success of each individual student,” said Schiff.
In his nomination letter, TCTC Easley Campus Director Daniel Adams wrote that Dr. Dougherty embodies the College's values in every aspect of his work:
“He is solutions oriented, he listens to understand and seeks to find the shared ground to move forward productively. He actively seeks to engage key stakeholders throughout projects, policy development and implementations. He sets the example for not only his team but the College in supporting students, upholding the standards, and meeting them where they are in their development,” said Adams.
“He and the Student Development team provide many of the resources and support that help our students persist through life's difficulties,” said Adams. “They actively create environments that help our students develop leadership skills, organizational skills, communication skills, and other key skills that set them up for success and future leadership in their careers.”
Prior to joining TCTC, Dougherty was executive director of housing and residence life at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown from 2006 to 2016. While there, he received the 2014 President’s Staff Award for Excellence in Service.
Prior to that he was assistant director of residence life for Gardner Webb University for six years. He began his career as a seventh grade math teacher at Kings Mountain Middle School. He earned a B.S. in Mathematics Education from Gardner-Webb University and an M.A. in Higher Education from Appalachian State University. He received an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh in 2019.
Dr. Dougherty is vice chair of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 2022 he received the Paul P. Fidler Bridge Builder Award from the South Carolina College Personnel Association (SCCPA) for his contributions to the field of student affairs. The award recognizes the contributions of a student affairs professional and/or faculty member who is building a stronger alliance between students and academic affairs. He also was honored as Tri-County Technical College’s Outstanding Administrator of the Year in 2022 and was recognized at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference.
He and his wife, Amanda, have two children. They live in Seneca.
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.
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