Travis Durham Receives Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence
Press Release
Date: August 14, 2025
Contact: lgarrett@tctc.edu
Travis Durham Receives Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence
PENDLETON --- Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability at Tri-County Technical College, was honored today (August 14) with the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence, the highest award given for staff excellence at the College.
TCTC President Galen DeHay presented Durham 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.
Durham joined the College in 2019. In his role, he is responsible for the oversight and management of student development programs and services supporting student engagement that include student accountability and advocacy.
Colleagues say Durham is committed to TCTC’s vision of transforming lives and building strong communities, one student at a time.
Knowing that not all students come to TCTC college ready, Durham believes it’s important to meet them where they are in life and help them find the tools and resources to meet all of their needs – which can be educational, social, emotional and/or financial.
Durham approaches every student as an individual, always advocating for them in the context of their different identities by creating and refining student organizations as safe spaces that focus on individual and group growth and development. His work is never centered on himself but about using his skills to maximize the potential for others, whether in training sessions with faculty and staff learning more about underrepresented and under-resourced students or advocating for students as an advisor for various club organizations which represent Men of Purpose, Women of Purpose, veterans and LGBTQ+ students.
“In my role at the College, we are front-facing, working with students directly,” said Timothy Branyon, student services program coordinator at TCTC. “During my meetings with students, I hear at least on a weekly basis how Travis has supported them through recent troubles, connected them with campus resources, or helped them be aware of their capacity and ability to be successful at Tri-County. Each time, these moments remind me of our College’s vision, ‘Passionate people transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.’ Travis is a star example of someone who not only follows but exemplifies Tri-County’s vision, mission, and values.”
“Travis consistently demonstrates a willingness to support anyone in need - whether student, staff, or faculty - with a caring, approachable, and uplifting demeanor,” said Tracey Hotham, an instructor for the Comprehensive Studies department. “During my first semester of teaching, I experienced a challenging behavioral incident in the classroom and was uncertain about how to proceed. I stopped by Travis’s office without an appointment, and he immediately made time to speak with me. He not only provided clear guidance and relevant policy documentation but also walked me through the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. I entered his office feeling overwhelmed and anxious, but I left with a renewed sense of confidence in both my ability to manage the situation and to navigate similar ones in the future. Travis exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and support - his door is truly always open.”
“During my internship within the office of Student Engagement, I saw that not only students but also staff and faculty would reach out to Travis for guidance,” said Branyon. “Whenever they would stop by, Travis would ensure he set aside time to hear them out and offer his support. Seeing how openly and willing people on campus were to connect and talk with Travis, it is clear how well-respected and admired he is at the College.”
Raeneeva Davis, program coordinator in TCTC’s Learning Commons, works with Durham in supporting the Men of Purpose and Women of Purpose student organizations. The student organizations aim to empower students through mentoring, coaching, education and training and to create a supportive community that addresses the needs of students relative to the challenges they face in their educational pursuits and subsequent lives after their academic careers.
Davis said, “Travis plays a key role in organizing an annual College event that brings together area high school students to hear powerful, motivational stories from adults who have overcome significant challenges to build successful and meaningful lives. This event not only inspires students but also fosters a sense of purpose and possibility within the broader community.”
As the first in his immediate family to finish college, Durham also has been instrumental in mentoring many first-generation college students to help them to see that success is achievable and has guided them through to a degree.
Davis said one student, in particular, comes to mind. “He's an older student who works full time and has carried a large courseload each semester with hopes of transferring to a four-year institution. This student has had to deal with financial and family struggles, in addition to navigating the college environment with online platforms and various setbacks. He credits Travis for checking on and encouraging him on a regular basis to persist and reminding him of what's possible.”
“Travis consistently demonstrates genuine kindness and respect toward every individual he encounters,” said Hotham. “He is widely recognized for his warm demeanor, patience, and encouraging words, often offering the right support at just the right time. His approachable and welcoming nature creates a sense of comfort; colleagues know they can stop by with a question or concern without ever feeling like an inconvenience. Travis is also deeply attuned to the importance of inclusion, making a conscious effort to ensure that everyone feels heard, valued, and part of the community. His positive influence and thoughtfulness have made and continue to make a lasting impact among fellow employees.”
"Passionate people transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time – that’s not just words on paper at TCTC. I see it manifested every day in the interactions that faculty and staff have with each other, our students and our community partners,” said Durham. “I feel blessed and fortunate to work with a group of people who are truly passionate about transforming the lives of others and building a strong community."
With 20 years of experience as an education administrator, Durham has extensive knowledge in developing, managing and evaluating programs and initiatives that promote student achievement. He is skilled in facilitating training workshops to educate faculty and staff to improve academic achievement for students.
Durham serves as a facilitator in a professional development venture called the Rural Educator Academy, which is designed to cultivate the competencies and skills required for Appalachian community college faculty, student services staff, and leaders to improve rural student outcomes, particularly for lower income students and students of color.
Durham holds an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies from South College; a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Mars Hill University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of South Carolina; and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University.
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, industrial electronics, 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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