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CONTACT:  LISA GARRETT, 646-1506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            10/24/2019

                                                                                     (By Lisa Garrett)

 

PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College honored recently-retired Commission member and Seneca resident William H. (Ham) Hudson with the highest award given by the College’s nine-member Commission. 

President Galen DeHay presented Mr. Hudson with the Order of Merit at the College's October 24 Annual Report reception.

The Order of Merit is an honorary society that recognizes community and state leaders who have contributed to the development of Tri-County Technical College and the State Technical College System.

Mr. Hudson joined the Commission in 2001 and devoted 18 years of dedicated service as a member representing Oconee County. During his tenure, he served as chair of the Commission (2011 - 2014) and as vice chair (2007 - 2010).

“This is a great honor and probably the biggest surprise ever,” said Mr. Hudson upon accepting the award.  He referenced the College’s vision of Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time.  “That is so important.  Our communities are better off because of Tri-County.  I only wish the best for the College as it continues to move forward.”  

“Ham has been solidly committed to the community college philosophy and in every way has pursued the mission and purpose of the College.  He gave generously of his time and resources to enhance the College’s ability to serve students, faculty, staff and this community,” said Dr. DeHay.

Mr. Hudson made lasting contributions in his service as the Commission’s chair and vice chair of the executive committee, seven years on the finance committee, serving as its chair (2008, 2009 and 2011), on the building committee for five years (2014 – 2018) and as a ex-officio member of the foundation committee.

As a member of the building committee, he was instrumental in moving the Oconee Campus project forward and was a leader in bringing Tri-County Technical College to where the Oconee County community lives and works.

“He always had the students and their access to an affordable education at the forefront of his thoughts, actions, and decisions,” said Dr. DeHay.

In 2018 Mr. Hudson was honored by the S.C. Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) with the Commissioner Award at the SCATCC Academy and was a nominee for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Southern Region Competition. 

His deep commitment to his community and his strong sense of civic responsibility were recognized when he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor when he retired after 32 years of service as chairman and CEO of Oconee Memorial Hospital.  At that time, the Board of Directors of Oconee Memorial Hospital awarded him the title of President and CEO Emeritus.

“Throughout his career of exceptional service and leadership, Mr. Hudson had a profound influence on setting the course for Oconee Memorial Hospital, Tri-County Technical College and the Technical College System and will always be among this area’s most influential leaders,” said Dr. DeHay.

Hudson and his wife Wilma, reside in Seneca.

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