SCC Alumni Spotlight

SCC alumni are living their dreams! From the front lines of the emergency room to commanding a boardroom, you can find successful Spartanburg Community College alums all over the world. The Spartanburg Community College Foundation, which supports SCC students, faculty and staff through scholarships, grants, and more, catches up with former students in the Alumni Spotlight series.

 

Tess Russell

2024: Tess Russell, '2015

 

Tess Russell, a graduate of Spartanburg Community College (SCC), initially faced uncertainty about her career path after high school. Juggling full-time work to make ends meet, she sought a flexible and affordable educational option, leading her to SCC.

"I started at SCC with no clear career path, paying for college on my own," Tess shares. SCC's diverse class offerings allowed her to explore various fields at one of the lowest costs in the state, helping her uncover her passion for American Sign Language (ASL).

SCC laid the foundation for Tess's success as a Sign Language Interpreter. Recognized as SCC's Fine Arts Student of the Year, she graduated in 2015 with an associate of arts in ASL. She then transferred to USC-Upstate, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

During her time at USC-Upstate, Tess coordinated a workshop bridging cultural gaps in health communications for deaf individuals. Her subsequent research earned her the Community Access Advocacy Award and recognition as the top public relations student.

Graduating summa cum laude in 2017, Tess continued her academic journey, completing a Bachelor of Science in Education from Valdosta State University in 2022. Today, she passionately serves as an Educational Sign Language Interpreter in the Cobb County School District, Atlanta, Georgia.

Reflecting on her journey, Tess advises potential SCC students to commit fully: "SCC is a welcoming school with a team that wants to see you succeed. It's the perfect place to start your educational journey, offering flexibility and unique majors to help you discover your passion."