October 2023: Chris Ingle, '02

 

It was the turn of the millennium and Chris Ingle stood at an important crossroad in his life. 

A deep-rooted passion for landscaping was cultivated in him during his formative years on his grandparents' sprawling 200-acre farm in North Carolina. Here, he helped his grandfather in the meticulous task of clearing rocks from pastures in preparation for the planting season. By the time he reached his senior year in high school, armed with his trusty Jeep Wrangler CJ7 and a capable pull-behind trailer, Chris had seamlessly transformed his fervor for landscaping into a thriving small business, complete with two employees.

After graduation, Chris wanted to go to Clemson University and enter their Horticulture program. However, doing so would mean Chris would have to abandon his business, which by now had ten employees. 

Luckily, Chris learned of another award-winning horticulture program that was closer to home and could be completed on a part-time basis -- allowing him the flexibility of furthering his education while also managing his thriving business. 

“I loved the passion that the instructors had for the horticulture industry (at SCC),” Chris said. “They had real world experience and most of them had run their own business prior to or even during their time at the College. That gave them valuable insights into the industry and allowed them to open my eyes to all the possibilities the degree could provide."

With his degree in hand, Chris was able to take his business to the next level. Today, he continues to serve as CEO of Envirocare Landscape Management, Inc, the very same company he started with a Jeep and a trailer, which now employs more than 50 full-time employees and an additional 15 or more seasonal employees. 

“I always preach to every young person the value a degree from Spartanburg Community College can provide,” Chris stated when asked what he would tell an individual interested in learning more about higher education opportunities. “From my perspective, SCC can provide you all the education and training you need to be successful at a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree.”

When not taking time to still get out and clear rocks from the landscape, Chris can be found serving his community as Vice Chair of the Chamber of Commerce in Fountain Inn, SC, riding mountain bikes, or spending time with his wife and three daughters. 

 

September 2023: James Thomas, '00

 

James Thomas has one simple message for anyone who asks him about his education and career path: “never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something -- no matter where you are from!”

James was born and raised in the old Converse Mill village on the eastside of Spartanburg and graduated from Broome High School. At 18, he was hired into an apprenticeship with MPI Southern Fineblanking and sent to Spartanburg Community College, where he graduated in 2000 with a diploma in Industrial Maintenance. 

After working several years as a maintenance technician, James realized that the workforce was quickly changing, and automation and electronics would be the future driver of industry. With a lot of prayer and support from his wife and family, he decided to return to SCC to pursue a degree in Industrial Electronics & Automation and advance his career. 

“My first time at SCC was fairly straight-forward and not overly difficult,” James said. “I was living at home, had a decent job for an 18-year-old, but from time to time my priorities would get out of line and my instructors would get me back into shape. However, things were dramatically different the second time around when I had a wife, new house, and two little babies!” 

James said there were many times that, after having to work different shifts around the clock to be able to attend classes, he felt like quitting. “It was rough, and I wanted to quit multiple times, but my wife and my instructors supported me every step of the way.”

After graduating, James secured employment working with programmable logic controllers and automation with Draexlmaier, eventually working his way up the ladder to an engineering technician, automation engineer and finally Head of Automation Engineering. 

When asked what he considers to be the greatest accomplishments so far in his life, James stated they were being able to complete his degree at SCC and being able to work his way up through his career. “I was the first person in my family to go to college and I was determined to make something of myself and have a great life and career,” he said. “Between the support of God and my wife, I have been able to graduate -- twice! -- and have been blessed to be in positions in my life and career where I have been able to take the knowledge from my schooling and apply it in too many ways to mention. 

Today, James is passionate about helping young, career-minded individuals find similar success in their own lives. “Being a supervisor, I look for those young men and women who want to know and grow in their careers,” he said. “I have the privilege of helping others learn more about automation and electronics -- it is what gets me out of bed each and every morning! If it were not for individuals pouring their time and love into me early in my career and during my days at SCC, who knows where I would have ended up? The least I can do is pay that same time and love forward.” 

Outside of work, James can be found mentoring the robotics team at his local middle school, chairing the Charity Committee at Draexlmaier, hunting, fishing, glamping, and spending time with his wife, Melanie (also a graduate of SCC), and their two kids. 

 

August 2023: Dawson Jolly, '20

Dawson Jolly is a Spartanburg native and a two-time graduate of Spartanburg Community College. In 2019, he earned his Associate of Arts degree as part of the Spartanburg County Early College High School program, and then his Associate of Science in Pre-Health Science in 2020.

Initially, Dawson considered attending college elsewhere, but SCC’s competent and well-connected faculty, the sense of community, and the College’s overall functionality left a lasting impression on him.

SCC helped Dawson lay a foundation of strong critical thinking and soft skills that prepared him for his career. He noted that the guidance and education he received from the faculty members, advisors, and ancillary staff would have helped him excel in any career path that he chose. During his time at SCC, his path was carefully guided by many faculty members, including Dr. Akash Garg, Dr. Smita Mehta, Ms. Camoosha Bell, and Ms. Allison Suber.

After graduation, Dawson transferred to the University of South Carolina Upstate and received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Mary Black College of Nursing in 2022. He recently started his job in the Surgical-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Spartanburg Medical Center, where he provides optimum, direct patient care to critically ill patients, while collaborating professionally with the healthcare team to devise, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.

SCC helped Dawson discover his passion for education, and he now aspires to be an educator. In August, he will begin his Master of Science in Nursing degree with an emphasis in nursing education at the Mary Black College of Nursing.

If a high school senior were considering attending SCC, Dawson said “SCC is a place where everybody is somebody, everyone is encouraging and supportive, and everyone wants you to succeed. I do not know much more you could ask for in a college.”

His greatest accomplishment as a Chaser was discovering his passion in life, and he encourages others to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It.

July 2023: Reynalda Christopher, '21

Born and raised in upstate South Carolina, Reynalda Christopher graduated from Spartanburg Community College with an Associate Degree from the Office Systems & Technology program in 2001. Since then, she has gone on to have a successful career and become a dedicated member of her community.

Reynalda's journey to SCC began when her daughter started middle school, and she realized she needed to learn more about computers to help her with school assignments. She took a Continuing Ed class at SCC and fell in love with the College, leading her to pursue a full-time degree. She credits SCC with providing her with all the tools needed to be successful in her career as an Administrative Assistant.

While a student at SCC, Reynalda had some exceptional instructors who helped her along the way, with Kathy Locke and Renee Cramer standing out as two of her favorites. She remembers struggling with timed assignments in keyboarding and being grateful for the patience that Mrs. Locke showed her.

Like many students, Reynalda faced obstacles on her path to success. She did not have access to a computer in the beginning and had to come back to campus at night after work to complete assignments in the computer lab.

Despite these challenges, she persevered and received a promotion at the childcare center where she worked after graduation. She then accepted a position at Iron Mountain in the customer service department before ultimately returning to SCC to give back and help other students.

Reynalda's dedication to her community is evident in her passion for cycling. She loves to spend her free time outside, and she has participated in several long-distance cycling events, including a ride from Spartanburg to the top of Mount Mitchell State Park twice.

This summer, she is participating in a three-day cycling event from Simpsonville to Mt. Pleasant, a total of 255 miles. Each cyclist is required to raise $750 for the Alzheimer's Association, a cause that Reynalda is deeply committed to.

Reynalda's story is one of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. She is an inspiration to others, especially those who may feel like they don't have the resources or support to pursue a college degree.

When asked what advice she would give to high school seniors considering attending SCC, she said, "For the next year, tuition is free! The classes are small, and you will know your instructors. They will know you as well." Reynalda's experience at SCC clearly left a lasting impression on her, and she is eager to encourage others to chase their dreams and attend SCC.

Reynalda's accomplishments are significant, both during her time at SCC and in her career. She graduated twice, earning her Associate Degree in Office Systems & Technology at SCC and later receiving a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. This year, she won "Staff of the Year" from SCTEA, a testament to her dedication to her work and her community.

Reynalda's story showcases how she is an outstanding example of what it means to dream big, work hard, and make a difference in the world. As she said, "If I can do it, so can others. Where you came from does not matter. It's where you are going that is important!"

 

2023: Charlene Cheeks, '02

 

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) has a long history of nurturing and empowering students, and Charlene Cheeks is a shining example of the success stories that emerge from this esteemed institution. Charlene, a native of Spartanburg, graduated from SCC in 2002 with an associate degree that paved the way for her remarkable journey. Today, as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate, she leads a team dedicated to creating meaningful mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Charlene's decision to attend SCC was rooted in the flexibility it offered to her as a busy mother. She chose SCC because the classes and sessions were conducive to her schedule, enabling her to be present for her daughter during the day while attending classes at night. She fondly recalls how SCC instilled in her a sense of confidence to succeed and prepared her for the transition into a bachelor’s degree program. Being an older student, SCC felt like the right choice for Charlene at the time.

During her time at SCC, The Rita Allison Learning Center, known as the TLC, left a lasting impression on Charlene. It proved to be a crucial resource for her academic success, providing support and assistance whenever she encountered difficulties. Whether it was during the day or night, Charlene found comfort in knowing that she could turn to the TLC for guidance.

Reflecting on her journey, Charlene considers earning her associate degree while being a full-time mother as a significant accomplishment. However, it is her work in empowering youth and providing them with positive role models that she views as her most significant career achievement. Charlene firmly believes in the power of mentorship to change the trajectory of a young person's life for the better.

When asked what part of her story could inspire others to Dream It, Chase It, Live It, Charlene offers words of wisdom. She encourages individuals to stay the course, persevere, be intentional, and never give up. She believes that the efforts you invest will eventually yield dividends.

If a high school senior were considering attending SCC and sought Charlene's opinion on committing to becoming a Chaser, she would eagerly describe the College as a small, intimate school that fosters an environment of accessible learning and engagement with fellow students. She would further emphasize the concept of free tuition, highlighting the opportunity to walk away with a degree or certification without the burden of student debt. Charlene asserts that SCC is a win-win situation for all who choose to attend.

Charlene's passion for education extends to her own family as well. Her youngest daughter is currently a student at SCC, having graduated early from high school. Recognizing the value of SCC's education, they decided it would be beneficial for her daughter to attend SCC  for the spring semester, providing a head start on her path to becoming a nurse.

Outside of her professional achievements, Charlene is actively involved in various civic organizations. She serves as a member of the BBBSA Steering Committee for the Southeast and is the President of the BBBS State Association.

Her dedication to service has been recognized through prestigious awards, such as the 2021 Calder D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual Award and the 2020 Unsung Hero Award for the Upstate. Charlene is also a member of the Southside Lions Club and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Thomas Hannah YMCA-Spartanburg. Her faith and family hold immense importance in her life, and she finds solace in serving her church, others, and the community.

2023: Kristin Perez, '23

When Kristin Perez first set foot on campus at Spartanburg Community College at the age of 23, she was already married and had a full-time job. Little did she know that her journey as a Chaser would dramatically change her life for the better.

“I was very shy and not very confident in myself or what I would be able to do when I first started at SCC,” Kristen explained. “It was very hard at first and I had so many doubts if I was going to be able to do it.”

Despite those first jitters and moments of self-doubt, Kristin finally began coming into her own and finding success in her major: Computer Technology-Programming/Database.

“I chose SCC because of its affordability and because I was impressed with the classes that were offered within my major,” she said. “Not only did SCC teach me how to write programs, but I’ve also learned how to problem solve, be confident during interviews and presentations, and how to prepare myself properly for difficult situations. Having teachers that were patient, helpful, and approachable helped break me out of my shell.”

While she began to find success early on, Kristin still had to fight the battle of balancing school and her work/home life. But when SCC launched its initial Free Tuition Initiative in her second semester, everything drastically changed for the better.

“Initially I took advantage of the classes that SCC offered online and at night so that I would be able to continue work, and it also helped me learn how to manage my time,” Kristin said. “Then, when SCC announced free tuition my second semester, it allowed me to free up more time for school and assured me I was meant to be here.”

Free tuition helped eliminate the financial barrier that many individuals struggle with in their pursuit of higher education. On top of that, SCC’s services such as the Rita Allison Learning Center provided Kristin with tutoring help in math classes and the ample office hours held by the faculty helped guide her seamlessly through the classes she thought would be the most challenging.

Kristin has been a star student at SCC, earning Dean's List recognition every semester except for her first. She's not only excelled academically but has also become a tutor, a testament to the support and guidance provided by the College's services. As she looks forward to graduating in May 2024, it's clear that one of the most remarkable parts of her story is how she turned her dream of working at Cisco, a tech industry giant, into a reality, a journey that began in her second semester.

In her "Professional Practices into Information Technology" (CPT-118) class, Kristin was tasked with researching and conducting a mock interview with a company. She was assigned Cisco, and as she delved into her research, she became determined to work there someday. Thanks to her hard work and the preparation given by SCC, Kristin will start her career as a Technical Engineer at Cisco in July 2023.

“SCC has a great computer technology track that includes classes from both programming and networking where you use Cisco equipment and take their online “NetAcad” courses. I was ultimately able to land the job because I was very well versed in Cisco’s specific products and that I received credit and certifications for Cisco’s courses.”

Kristin’s job at Cisco will be a mix of both networking and programming where she will use problem-solving skills learned at SCC to find, investigate, and fix both software bugs and hardware issues.

“Cisco is a large Tech company that has consistently been rated on the Fortune 100 list as the #1 best place to work for. It’s a fully remote position, with a starting salary of $80,000 along with a good sign on bonus,” Kristin explained. “I worked retail and food service before and during my time at SCC, and to go from that to the job at Cisco still has me in disbelief."

Kristin Perez is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when students are empowered to Dream it, Chase it, and Live it. Learn how you can begin chasing your dreams today at www.sccsc.edu.

2023: Crystal Price , '19

 

Crystal Price earned her CNA certification from Spartanburg Community College in 2019. After obtaining her certification, Crystal went back to SCC to take nursing prerequisites and business classes.

When asked about her time at SCC, Crystal fondly remembers her first day at the college: "It gave me a sense of encouragement and pride as I started my new journey," she says. Following graduation, Crystal held positions at First Piedmont Federal Bank, the magistrate's office, and LSC Communications, but her biggest accomplishment, however, has been owning and operating her own business, White Picket Fence Homecare. Her company provides in-home care for seniors and anyone with a disability and has 22 employees. White Picket Fence Homecare provides non-medical services ranging from assistance in grooming, mobility, meal preparation, light housekeeping, to companionship. Crystal takes pride in helping those in need and making a positive impact in her community.

In her free time, Crystal enjoys thrift shopping and family vacations with her husband, Brian, and their children: Saxon, Sevannah, and Seth. Crystal is also involved in the Gaffney Downtown Association and Altrusa, showing her dedication to her community. Crystal Price is a shining example of what an SCC graduate can accomplish with hard work, dedication, and the skills learned from their time at the college.

 

March 2023: Jodi Snyder

Jodi Snyder, '20

Jodi Snyder is a shining example of how a community college education can transform lives. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Snyder has called Spartanburg her home since 2008 and became a graduate of Spartanburg Community College when she earned her Associate in Arts degree in sociology in May 2020.

Snyder excelled as a student and held a position in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also participated in Model Arab League, Ascend magazine, and was a TRIO mentor and tutor. From the confidence gained in her Speech 101 & 202 classes to the sociology courses which have helped her engage with LGBTQ youth more in-depth, Snyder stated that SCC has had a much larger impact on her life than she initially realized.

During her time at SCC, Snyder made lasting connections with her professors and other faculty members. "SCC is a true family," says Snyder. She gives a special shoutout to “Horrell, Morton, Ivey, Washburn, and the whole TRIO team for their support.”

Upon graduation, Snyder worked as a peer tutor at TRIO until she opened her own outdoor explorations business called Baloo Ridge. Currently, Snyder is the program director for Uplift Outreach Center, a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth on the east side of Spartanburg.

Uplift Outreach Center offers fun programming, support/resources, and free mental health services to Spartanburg County youth. Snyder meets with the youth weekly and plans educational speakers and workshops.

Snyder's greatest accomplishment was securing the program director position at Uplift Outreach Center. "I have a unique title with many hats," says Snyder. "I love my job, but most of all I genuinely love the Uplift youth and young adults."

Snyder is passionate about creating an environment where people of color are excited about reconnecting with nature. She seeks to organically improve mental health, foster fitness and mind, body, and soul health. Snyder also collects plants and vintage ash trays and enjoys traveling with her children.

Snyder's daughter also attends SCC and is in the horticulture program. She received her AA along with her high school diploma in the SCECHS program that’s housed on SCC’s campus.

Snyder serves on Upstate Pride SC’s Board of Directors as DEI/advocacy, social media, and festival vendor coordinator. She is also an ambassador for the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and recently joined SIREN and SCC’s Alumni Society.

Jodi Snyder is a true inspiration to SCC students and alumni. She demonstrates the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Her story is a reminder that SCC is not just a place to earn a degree, but a community that supports and encourages its students to achieve their dreams.

February 2023 Alumni Spotlight: Welding

 

The Legacy that Joe Built

SCC Celebrates a Welding Department Fully Taught by Alumni and Highly Sought-After Graduates

After earning his welding credentials in 1977, Joe Richards worked for several years in local industry before answering a call to help share his knowledge of welding – and life – by becoming an instructor at Spartanburg Community College.

In the years since, Joe has left an impact measurable solely by the fact that the entire roster of current welding instructors at SCC count themselves former students of  “The Legend.”

“Joe has always been a role model for students as an instructor. He has always been a steady rock for the program… and has touched the life of countless students with his unique approach of expecting excellence and a kind and gentle nature," said Mark Smith, Dean of Technologies

 “I had Joe as an instructor when I was a student at SCC, but I couldn’t say just one thing he taught me stands out. Everything he taught me was as important then as it is now. I carry on a lot that Joe taught me to our students today,” said Brandon Lefler, a 2008 graduate of the SCC Welding Program and current instructor.

Brandon is one of twelve instructors currently guiding Chasers to their new careers in welding, all of whom have graduated from SCC and gained experience in the industry prior to returning to their alma mater. Some instructors, such as Cody Knighton (c/o 2005), even run their own shops on top of their teaching duties.

“I did travel welding all across the country and worked with a few local companies in between travel jobs before I opened my own fabrication business in 2009,” said Knighton. “Joe was such an inspiration to my career and was the main influence on me becoming an adjunct instructor in 2010 and then coming on full-time in 2012. I have always looked up to him for the way in which he shows what it means to be a welder and the importance of doing things the right way.”

Front - left to right: Jon-Marc Wingo, Hunter Allison, Brandon Lefler, Michael MullinaxBack - left to right: Jason Pack, Nick Turner, Kelby Bond, Teresa Elder, Derek Horne, Nathan Scruggs, Cody Knighton, Joe Richards

While some of SCC’s welding instructors never considered being teachers until well into their careers, Jon-Marc Wingo (c/o 2019) knew where he wanted to end up before even graduating from the program.

“I came into SCC having already taken three years of welding classes at R.D. Anderson, so I was very familiar with the early material unlike my classmates, who were brand new to it,” said Wingo. “While instructors were busy, students would come see me for help and I could show them techniques they could use to improve their welds. I graduated and went out to earn experience, but it was always my goal to come back and teach. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and work alongside such great colleagues.”

The respect garnered by Joe’s former students and colleagues is mirrored by local industry, where graduates of SCC’s welding program are highly sought after. With roughly $5 billion in economic announcements made in 2021 and 2022, there will be no shortage of jobs for welders locally anytime soon, but, as has been displayed by some of SCC’s instructors, a welder can travel the world and never want for work so long as they have a strong work ethic.

“Welders make modern life possible… we send our students out to weld on pipelines that take petroleum to its destination, to weld pipe so we can have power from our power plants. Just think about it. If there was no one to build the structures and run the piping to turn the generator, the generator could not get power to millions of homes and businesses.” – Jason Pace, class of 2000

Joe retired from teaching full time in 2016 but retirement couldn’t keep him away for very long. Since 2020, he has continued to shape the minds and guide the hands of Chasers as an adjunct instructor.

“I just enjoy teaching young people and watching them grow their skills,” said Richards. “If students follow my advice of doing things right the first time and not taking shortcuts, there is no shortage of well-paying opportunities for them.”

“I try to teach students like (Joe) taught me – kindness, humor, respect, (and) forgiveness.” – Teresa Elder, class of 1999

 

Kaylee Pridmore | January 2023

Kaylee Pridmore, '14

If you asked anyone who knows Kaylee Bright Pridmore to describe her, they would all say the same thing: she has an incredible work ethic.  

In 2014, Kaylee made two great leaps of faith that would forever impact her life: she opened her own small clothing boutique and enrolled in Spartanburg Community College’s Radiologic Technology program.  

 “There were so many faculty members that helped throughout the year -- that’s what I loved about SCC. Each faculty member brought their own style of instructing and each of them had something different to offer. Furthermore, not only did they teach me what I needed to know, the clinical experiences were amazing. You get to learn and practice at the hospitals you could potentially work at, so it was not only an opportunity to learn a skill but also a way to network and ‘interview’ while learning.”  

Upon graduation, Kaylee began working in one of the very same facilities in which she conducted her clinicals, Mary Black Hospital, before moving into her current position as a Certified Radiological Technologist and Computed Tomography Technologist at the Spartanburg Medical Center’s Center for Urology.  

 When not working to deliver quality healthcare service, Kaylee can be found managing her small business, Bright Pink Boutique, a store on the Westside offering unique, high-quality items for women that was recently featured in a small business highlight by WSPA 7News.  

 When asked what she considers her greatest achievement to date, Kaylee stated that “being able to learn and graduate with a trade while at the same time getting married, having two children, and running my own business. Getting my degree and being able to use it in a way that best fits my family’s needs has been a blessing.” 

 Having been born and raised in Spartanburg, Kaylee is extremely dedicated to her community and has taken part in numerous community organizations and events such as the Carolina Pregnancy Center, Carolina Miracle League, and many other organizations that support women, people in need, and servicemen/servicewomen.  

 When not working or being involved in her church or community events, Kaylee spends quality time with her husband, Joel, and their two children Amelia and Andrew.  

 

David Rogers | December 2022

David Rogers, 1975

From growing up in a rented house on a farm to owning his own 16-acre parcel of land, David Rogers (c/o 1975) is deeply familiar with the transformative value of an education from Spartanburg Community College.

A lifelong resident of Reidville, SC, David grew up working on the farm where his family rented a house. David was never under the impression he would be able to afford a college education, that is until Mr. Jimmy Painter visited his Agriculture class during his senior year at Byrnes High School.

“Mr. Painter was a blessing to me because I didn’t think I would be able to afford college until he introduced the Horticulture program at Spartanburg Technical College to me. He was and still is a great man,” David said. “I really appreciated the opportunity to be able to go to college on my $1.10 per hour wages earned on the farm. As a student, I was determined to learn and not waste my time,” he continued.

David fondly remembered the time spent doing hands-on work while a student and the many field trips to local farms and stated that his time at SCC fully prepared him to be able to go to work and succeed in his field.

David secured a job with the Agrico Farm Center in Spartanburg as assistant plant manager upon his graduation from SCC in 1975 and was named plant manager 20 years later. In January of 2022, he semi-retired after 47 years of service.  When asked what he considers to be his greatest accomplishment, David says it has been “being able to be involved in the farming community of the Upstate helping and serving some of the best people of our state.”

In his free time, David is preparing his own 16-acre farm for livestock, fishing, and working on antique farm equipment. Additionally, he has served as a board member, vice president, and president of the Spartanburg County Livestock Producers Association, spent eight years on the Reidville City Council, and has served his church in various capacities.

David and his wife Mayela have three daughters, two son-in-laws, and one prospective son-in-law.

 

Andre Riddlespurger | November 2022

Andre Riddlespurger, '06

In 2006, Andre Riddlespurger graduated Limestone University with a bachelor’s in business administration and began working in what he thought was his dream career: pharmaceutical sales. However, years of dealing with uncertainty and lay-off after lay-off left him needing to make a change.

“I was 40 years old and knew I wanted to do something different after going through lay-offs and corporate restructurings that kept putting me back at square one. I decided it was time to reevaluate my situation and enrolled at Spartanburg Community College.”

Andre had a passion for working with his hands and troubleshooting mechanical issues. This motivated him to enroll in SCC’s innovative BMW Technical Scholars Program – which provides students an opportunity to work part-time at BMW Plant Spartanburg while they earn an Associate Degree.

After two years of study, he graduated the program with honors and was hired full-time at BMW where he worked for several years before he was recruited to return to SCC and serve as a Mechatronics Instructor.

“Throughout my professional career, I have worked in many different fields and worn many hats that really gives me an edge in the classroom as an instructor. This real-world experience is vital to helping the students understand the demands and knowledge they will need to be successful in their careers.”

Andre says he lists working at SCC among his greatest accomplishments and relishes in the fact that it allows him the capacity to spend quality time with his two sons, Dylan and Nolan, and partake in his new favorite pastime: kayak fishing.

 

Adrian Meadows | October 2022

Adrian Meadows '14

Whether it occurred while walking the streets of Downtown Spartanburg, watching television, thumbing through magazines, grabbing a brew at RJ Rockers, or strolling the Campus Green; you might not know it, but you most definitely have been exposed to the art and design work of Spartanburg Community College alum Adrian Meadows.

A 2014 graduate of SCC with an Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, Adrian works as a Jr. Art Director for EP+Co, a full-service advertising agency with locations in Greenville, SC, and New York City.

Originally from Roebuck, Adrian struggled at first with college coursework, but he soon found the secret to his success: “Initially, let’s just say there was room for improvement,” said Meadows with a laugh. “However, after switching majors to something I really wanted to do (design), it was a lot easier to be a better student. I believe finding something I was truly passionate about was essential to my success as a student.”

He also notes that were it not for the help and guidance provided by his parents, he never would have graduated and have the success in life he has found.

Meadows is a firm believer that his time as a student at SCC adequately prepared him for a successful career, too. “SCC prepared me in a lot of ways. From learning the fundamentals of design to juggling different assignments/essays from multiple classes — it really translates to handling multiple clients and hitting deadlines at an ad agency,” he said.

 After graduation, Meadows began his career working as a marketing designer for an automotive agency and then landed in his current role with EP+Co, where he has worked with a wide array of high-level clients such as John Deere, Buzzfeed News, ESPN, and Car & Driver.

Notably, he also collaborated with Vera Wang to create the logo for her new premium Italian prosecco, “PARTY,” which Meadows states he feels is his biggest accomplishment so far: “Professionally, I’d say designing a logo for Vera Wang was pretty dope. It still feels surreal getting pictures from friends who spot it or seeing it in stores.”

Locally, Meadows’ art can be seen in the form of various murals around town, including in the Black Lives Matter mural on West Broad Street. He also worked with another local artist, Frankie Zombie, to create the vibrant and bold mural that serves as the backdrop for the performance stage at RJ Rockers Brewery. The art of the mural now can also be found on the brewery’s to-go Crowlers, with proceeds benefiting small businesses in town.

Meadow’s body of work and status as an SCC alum made tapping him to be on the team of local artists tasked with creating the “Spark of Passion” mural on SCC’s Giles Campus a no-brainer.

When he’s not busy creating new and compelling art and design work for high level clients, Adrian likes to paint, work on freelance projects, and spend time learning how to play guitar. He also serves on the board of the Spartanburg Art Museum, helping to bring the best contemporary art to the Upstate and offering art classes to the community.

 

Jessie Self | September 2022

Spartanburg Community College has the transformative power to change lives in ways never imaginable to some; Jessie Self knows this firsthand.

In 2015, Jessie was a single mother of four seeking a new opportunity.

“I was 27 at the time and, with four kids, I had neither the luxury of time nor the financial ability to take general-ed courses at a four-year institution,’ Jessie said. “Spartanburg Community College provided me the opportunity to quickly get the classes I needed to transfer to USC-Upstate’s School of Education.”

During her time at SCC, Jessie had the honor of serving as president of the Teacher Education Club and led initiatives to collect school supplies and playground balls for local elementary school students. Jessie graduated from USC-Upstate’s School of Education and has worked as an interventionist, and a teacher for both first and second grade.

Currently, she serves the community at Spartanburg Preparatory School as a gifted and talented teacher for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. “At Spartanburg Preparatory School, our focus is on promoting inquiry, productive citizenship, and a desire to be lifelong learners,” Jessie said. “In my role, I ensure our gifted/talented students are given opportunities to experience academic challenges, expand their skill sets, and embrace cognitive rigor.”

Jessie’s dedication to her students has earned her high recognition as she was named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for Spartanburg Preparatory School.

As she is set to wrap up her master’s degree this fall, Jessie notes that while she has studied under many educators during her career as a student, none have compared to SCC’s Sarah Kitts.

“Sarah Kitts was, to this day, the best educator I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was supportive, passionate, encouraging, and personable and has continued to be all of these things outside of my time at SCC.”

Jessie’s experience at SCC has left an indelible mark on her life that she hopes will now pass on to her children as her oldest child is beginning her freshman year at SCC and her second child is taking his first dual enrollment courses at SCC through his high school.

 

Dr. Lichelle Jones-Wilkins | August 2022

Dr. Lichelle Jones-Wilkins '02

A Spartanburg native, Dr. Jones-Wilkins graduated from SCC in 2002 with an Associate of Arts degree and her dedicated work as a student was recognized in the form of multiple scholarships from the Spartanburg County Foundation. 

“My experience at SCC significantly prepared me for my career by allowing me to meet a variety of people and providing many opportunities to work collaboratively on projects as a team,” said Dr. Jones-Wilkins. “The public speaking course at SCC pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me gain confidence as a public speaker, which has contributed to my educational success and served as a crucial tool in my career.”

Following her graduation from Spartanburg Community College, Dr. Jones-Wilkins earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Berea College, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Converse College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. 

Today, Dr. Jones-Wilkins serves as Assistant Principal at Jesse Boyd Elementary in Spartanburg School District 7, but over the years she has served the Spartanburg community in many capacities. 

She was a mentor for Teen Straight Talk, Director of the Dance Ministry at Believers’ Fellowship Church, Mentor for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, Chaplain for Seabury Residence Hall at Berea College, Director of the Dance Team at Mary H. Wright Elementary, Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Hunger Hurts, Instructor for the Charles Lea Center Enrichment at USC-Upstate, Counselor for the Franklin Graham Crusade, Volunteer at Ellen Hines Smith Girls Home, Sunday School Teacher, Certified Fitness Instructor for a variety of community programs including Boys and Girls Club, Youth Leader for T.O.R.C.H Ministry at Believers’ Fellowship Church, Volunteer teacher in Ghana, West Africa, and completed an internship followed by volunteer work at The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind.

Although serving the community is her passion, her most recent priority has been raising her two beautiful daughters (Ryan and Raylee) with her husband, Ryan. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and traveling. 

 

Peter & Candice Bevis | July 2022

Peter & Candice Bevis '22

In 2022, Spartanburg Community College’s Horticulture Program celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, but it also celebrated another significant milestone: graduating its first husband-and-wife student combo, Peter and Candice Bevis. 

Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. and Mrs. Bevis noticed food shortages and empty shelves in the grocery store and began to realize the importance of knowing how to grow their own food. Moreover, the couple were interested in career changes to do something new and positive with their lives, especially after the tragic loss of their son, Connor. 

After exploring their options, they both agreed the Horticulture program at SCC seemed like the perfect fit for their needs.

 “We enjoyed our morning drives to school, listening to the radio and discussing new plants we were learning about and projects going on at school,” said Candice. “We made some lifelong friends, gained new experiences, and loved every minute of our time in the Horticulture program.”

 “The experience we gained at SCC made the transition into our current careers seamless,” Peter said. “We were getting hands-on instruction daily. The type of instruction we received was nothing like the traditional classroom and led to us looking forward to “class” every day. We were always working in various areas on the SCC campus, greenhouses, sustainable agriculture area, or the Arboretum on campus.” 

Peter and Candice could not speak more highly of their Horticulture instructors, specifically Dr. Kevin Parris and Mr. Jay Moore. 

 “Mr. Moore inspired us by helping to grow our confidence,” stated Peter. “Whether it was digging up an irrigation line on campus and repairing it, driving the tractor, or using a concrete saw, he pushed us to get out there and do it, and never doubted us.  His dedication to his students goes above and beyond!”

 “Dr. Kevin Parris inspired us through his love and passion for trees,” Candice said. “It was hard not to get excited when seeing the way he poured his heart into what is very obviously his life’s work.”

The couple attest that it was this passion for trees that inspired Peter to take a position with the Bartlett Tree Experts, where he currently works as a grounds crew member for a new brand in the Upstate. Peter strives to eventually become a plant healthcare specialist with the company. 

 Candice now works at the Spartanburg County District 6 Farm — a farm to school program that is certified organic and supplies fresh produce to schools in District 6, as well as the local community.

Graduating from Spartanburg Community College and entering a fulfilling career is counted as a significant accomplishment by Mr. and Mrs. Bevis but it also represents the opportunity for them to have the opportunity of a new lease on life. 

 “Having the courage to change careers in my 30’s and pursue something I love is something I am proud of,” Candice said. “Truly, my biggest accomplishment was finding a way to make a life worth living after my son, Connor, passed away four years ago.”

Peter is a veteran of the United States Air Force with 13 years of service and two deployments. Peter and Candice live in Moore, SC and spend their leisure time making memories with their three children, Chloe, Caleb, and Molly Mae and enjoy taking care of plants in their yard, growing new things, and visiting botanical gardens. 

 

Samuel Hronesz | June 2022

Samuel Hronesz ’18

Samuel Hronesz ’18 was a non-traditional student at Spartanburg Community College.

After graduating from USC Upstate in 2013, he decided to shift his focus to a career he was passionate about. He found that passion in the Horticulture program at SCC, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Horticulture in 2018.

“In my classes, we got our hands dirty while learning about trees and how to maintain turf grass,” Samuel said. “There was no sugar-coating information to us. We just went out there and did it.”

Samuel credits Horticulture Program Director Jason Bagwell with developing his interest and passion for the field.

“From day one of not even being a student, sitting in his office and talking to him about joining the program, I realized there is a lot more in the horticulture field then just mowing lawns and growing plants,” Samuel said. “He is the one that made me understand what my real passion in this field really is.”

Samuel landed a job with Central Garden and Pet in Charlotte before his graduation from SCC. He presently lives in Charlotte and is a merchandiser responsible for setting up and maintaining product displays in Lowes and Home Depot stores. A national company, Central Garden and Pet owns Pennington Grass, Amdro and Ferry-Morse Seed Company.

Samuel says his biggest accomplishment is his graduation from SCC.

“During my time there I maintained a full-time job as well as my job as a soldier in the US Army National Guard,” Samuel said. “There were several times I had to miss class because a hurricane was coming in and my unit got called out to help at the coast. My instructors always worked with me to get caught up and helped me learn the material that I missed.”

When he’s not working, Samuel enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, building furniture in his woodworking shop, or working on an art piece.

 

Janet Rosman | May 2022

Janet Rosman ' 91

Janet Rosman has blazed a path towards success, and her story serves as the embodiment of Spartanburg Community College’s motto of “dream it, chase it, live it." 

Upon graduating from SCC in 1991 with an associate’s degree in accounting, Janet worked in a host of positions ranging from accounting, customer service, sales, and marketing and branding. In her time as a student at SCC, Janet worked diligently to maintain her grades while working to pay her way through school. When asked how SCC prepared her for her career, Janet states that the College “gave me a great educational background while being around other students that were working to put themselves through college.”

In early 2019, Janet and her husband Lawrence dreamed of starting something new after twenty years of working in their respective careers: Janet in marketing and development for Grace Management and Lawrence in the body shop at BMW. After visiting the headquarters for Floor Coverings International, a mobile floor covering business in Norcross, Georgia that has been ranked as an industry leader by Entrepreneur Magazine, Janet and her husband realized this was the perfect opportunity to strike it out on their own as entrepreneurs and set the wheels in motion to secure a franchise.

Tragedy struck the Rosman family soon after, however, when Lawrence was fell from a tree outside the Rosman home. Barely more than a month later, he had succumbed to injuries sustained as a result of the fall. 

In the true spirit of an SCC Chaser, Janet did not let the death of her husband prevent her from seeing their dreams come to fruition. A year following the tragic incident that claimed the life of her husband, their dreams came to fruition as Janet officially became the owner of Floor Coverings International of the Upstate, based in Wellford. 

In her role, Janet is “responsible for sales, marketing, installations and follow up. We have a mobile showroom full of samples where we go to our customers to help them pick out the best floor for their family and handle all the details of installation.”

Outside of her role in her business, Janet lists being a wife and mother as her greatest accomplishments and counts spending time doing yard work, relaxing, and cooking with her family as her most cherished hobbies and her fondest memory of her time at Spartanburg Community College is being crowned Miss Spartanburg Tech in 1991. Janet is a proud supporter of The Sonshine Club, a non-profit for special needs adults and their caregivers and lives in Campobello with her son Lawson and daughter Olivia. 

 

Joshua Swafford | April 2022

Joshua Swafford '13

Following his graduation from Spartanburg Community College in 2013 with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Joshua Swafford has proven to be an invaluable asset to in his field. As a Controls Engineer at ITW Hartness in Greenville, Swafford is in charge of planning complex engineering programs from scratch for integrated systems. 

While he has found success in his career, he says that it would never have been possible without the high-quality education he received at SCC. “The experience and expertise shared by my knowledgeable instructors prepared me to be successful in my career,” Swafford said. “I have a passion for learning how things work and my studies at SC have helped me apply that passion.”

While a student at SCC, Swafford worked as an Electrical Engineer for A&E Auto Electric in Cowpens, SC. In his schoolwork, he states he was “the type of student that caught on to things quickly.” His favorite memories from SCC centered around two things: meeting and making lifelong friends and labs. “I always looked forward to my labs because I appreciated every opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom in a hands-on way.” 

The greatest lasting impression from his time at SCC his experiences with Joe Santaniello, the Program Director for the Computer and Engineering Technology program at the College. “Joe Santaniello left a lasting impression on me because of his passion for teaching. Joe truly cares about his students.”

In his free time, Josh is working to accomplish his life-long goal of becoming a private pilot and works on his hobbies: 3D Design and 3D printing. He and his wife, Paige — who is pursuing her Master of Science from Northeastern University — live in Boiling Springs, SC. 

 

Marcus Smith | March 2022

Marcus Smith ‘ 21

Marcus Smith and his sister Ashley, both of Jonesville, SC, were extremely competitive with each other and set a goal of going back to college and earning a degree in Computer Technology. Unfortunately, Ashley passed away due to cancer in 2019 and was never able to pursue her degree, but that only served as motivation for Marcus to succeed. 

“I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could for the both of us,” said Marcus. “For every achievement I accomplished, I credited both of us. Through me, Ashley got to see her dreams come true.” 

Marcus worked hard, earning his way onto the Dean’s List each semester and graduated from Spartanburg Community College in May of 2021 with an Associates in Applied Science (AAS) for Computer Technology, Networking/Cybersecurity and a GPA of 3.6, which he says is his biggest accomplishment. 

Prior to his graduation, Marcus secured a job as an IT Specialist with the Charles Lea Center, a Spartanburg non-profit that supports individuals with disabilities and special needs. He is also furthering his education by pursuing a BS in Cybersecurity at Middle Georgia State University, where he is currently a junior. 

“SCC prepared me extraordinarily well for my career,” continued Marcus. “It gave me the knowledge to perform various tasks dealing with computers and technology. Additionally, it also strengthened my confidence to believe in my ability to accomplish anything I set my mind to.” 

In his free time, Marcus enjoys going to the lake, cooking, riding bikes, playing video games, and volunteering with the youth at his church. 

 

LaKesa Whitner | February 2022

LaKesa Whitner ' 00

In 1993, LaKesa Whitner earned her first diploma from Spartanburg Community College in System Support Technology. She then went on to earn her Associate of Arts Degree in 2000.

Since then, LaKesa has served as a Case Manager for the Spartanburg Housing Authority and as a Dispatch Manager for UPS.  She currently serves as the Supportive Services Manager for The Northside Developmental Group, where she manages the daily operations for an initiative supporting roughly 1,800 families in the Northside community.

Though she has accomplished much throughout her esteemed career, her proudest accomplishment was becoming the first woman of color to run for Mayor of Spartanburg in 2017 and forcing a runoff election.

 "Spartanburg Community College laid the groundwork for the work I currently do by providing me with a lived experience of working, going to college, and earning a degree without incurring additional debt," said LaKesa.

LaKesa's fondest memories from her time at SCC center around the friendships she made with classmates and the voice given to her by her public speaking instructor.

"My public speaking teacher gave me a place to speak my truth and have a voice. I was so impressed with how he allowed me a safe space to share."

In her free time, LaKesa enjoys supporting local small businesses, working with Vision of Faith Christian Ministry—a church she has been a member for more than ten years--volunteering with numerous local organizations, and roller-skating with her husband Ray Whitner, a retired Marine.

 

Ryan Thomas | January 2022

Ryan Thomas '05

Ryan Thomas’ fondest memory of his time at Spartanburg Community College was his first public speech.

“At the time, I had no idea that I would be giving speeches for a career. I was very nervous,” Ryan said. “I can remember standing in front of a class of about 30 students and my speech turned out to be really good. I actually felt comfortable, and my nervousness immediately went away as I started to talk. Today, I give speeches to crowds that sometimes number in the hundreds.”

Ryan, who graduated from SCC in 2005 with an Associate degree in Small Business Management and Marketing, went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Limestone University. In 2020, he ran for public office and was elected Treasurer of Cherokee County. In 2021, he was appointed Cherokee County Auditor by SC Gov. Henry McMaster, and at 37 years old, is the state’s youngest auditor.

“People see me and are amazed at how far I have gone in my career at such an early age,” Ryan said. “I am very grateful for my job; however, my biggest accomplishment was continuing my education after graduating from SCC.”

Ryan credits SCC Marketing Professor Peter Stone with teaching “outside the textbook,” sharing real-world advice that he received from his boss, former Carolina Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson.

“I learned the basics at SCC that would lay the foundation for the successful career that I have today by being heavily involved with campus activities and gaining all of the knowledge that I possibly could in the classroom,” Ryan said. “The way I approach every situation with my job stems from my SCC experience.”

When he’s not working, Ryan plays sports in various leagues around the Upstate and enjoys his passion for gardening. He also is a published poet and presently is writing a children’s book in his spare time.

Ryan also volunteers with Ambition in Motion, a mentorship program through Delta Mu Delta and serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Piedmont’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

Kris Bridgeforth | December 2021

Kris Bridgeforth ’20 considers making the decision to go to college and landing a job that he loves as his biggest accomplishment.

Kris started working with Arrowhead Design Company while he was earning his Associate degree in Digital Design at Spartanburg Community College. Today, he serves as a graphic designer and Urban Development Coordinator at the Spartanburg-based company where he just celebrated his one-year anniversary.

“My experience at SCC prepared me for what it would be like to deal with a real client doing real work, Kris said. “I was exposed to the opportunity of handling such tasks during my time at SCC.”

Kris designs everything from logos to brochures to social media posts and works on branding projects for cities and towns. At Arrowhead, he’s considered the “Photoshop Wizard.”

He credits SCC Art Instructor John Hill for encouraging him and his fellow students to be more socially interactive and expressive, traits that he incorporates into his work.

“I say it all the time, but this is the best job I've ever had,” Kris said. “It really is like a family. It's close-knit and fun; we also have six of the coolest creatives you could imagine in one office.”

Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Kris now resides in Gaffney. A self-described homebody, he likes to relax and listen to music when he’s not working.

 

Scott McMahan | November 2021

Scott McMahan ' 96

After graduating from Wofford College in 1991, Scott McMahan ’96 still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do for a living. He heard about the Horticulture program at Spartanburg Community College, enrolling in the fall after his graduation from Wofford.

“The practical, hands-on knowledge I received while studying at SCC is what was most important to me,” Scott said. “Horticulture is not something you can learn just by reading about it. Jimmy Painter and Doug McAbee were passionate, experienced teachers who did an excellent job of preparing and placing their students in fulfilling careers.”

Speaking of a fulfilling career, the Decatur, GA native is again living in Decatur where is working his dream job as manager of the International Plant Exploration Program at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a private non-profit garden which focuses on conservation, education and the ornamental display of plants.

Scott works with NGOs and governmental scientific academies on plant conservation and collection projects primarily in China, Vietnam and India. He also manages the program’s visiting scholar program which allows for personnel exchange between ABG and other international institutions.

Scott’s first stop after completing SCC’s Horticulture program was an internship at Gilbert’s Nursery in Chesnee that turned into a full-time job. From there, he went to work at the Atlanta Botanical Garden as the nursery manager, then opened a wholesale nursery in north Georgia and a retail nursery in downtown Atlanta. After nearly 16 years in the nursery business, Scott returned to Atlanta Botanical Garden to assume his current role. 

“If it were not for Jimmy Painter placing me in an internship at Gilbert’s Nursery after I graduated, I would not have the position I have today,” Scott said. “I am very grateful that he saw the passion I was developing for plants and for putting me on just the right path. I should also credit Dr. Kevin Parris who was my boss at Gilbert’s Nursery and the person who really showed me the world of plant propagation and plant diversity. Kevin was the first real plant geek I ever met, and he and I still communicate and trade plants regularly.”

When he’s not working, Scott still has his hands in the dirt, tending his vegetable garden and spending time in his ornamental garden. He and his wife, Kristie, have two daughters, Lily, 15, and Olivia, 10.

 

Leron Rahynes | October 2021

Leron Rahynes '04

Leron M. Rahynes ’04 is a proud husband, father, educator, business owner and mentor in the Spartanburg community.

An assistant principal at Gaffney Middle School, Leron previously was an elementary school assistant principal and spent nine years in the classroom as a middle school social studies teacher.

Leron followed an atypical path into education. Prior to attending college, he could have been identified as an at-risk youth due to many of his early years being spent in the principal’s office. Although bright, he constantly insisted on being the class clown and having the last word.

While in high school, Leron was sent to the South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School campus in West Columbia. While there, Leron was introduced to community service and camaraderie and earned his GED.

After attending Spartanburg Community College, Leron transferred and graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill with a B.A. in Psychology. He earned an M. Ed. in Administration and Leadership from Southern Wesleyan University.

In 2015, noticing a need for greater technology skills among educators, Leron founded the Ed-Tech based consulting group What the Tech?!? Consulting (WTT Consulting) to effectively share ideas with educators, businesspeople and clergy.

Leron also has taken on challenges outside of education. Upon his return to work in 2018 after the birth of his third child, a conversation about an increased use of on-demand services sparked the idea for an on-demand fuel delivery service. After nearly two years of planning, development and immersion into the world of everything gas, VuL Inc. was created and had its first truck on the road in October 2019. Since then, VuL has sold well over 100,000 gallons of fuel in the Spartanburg area.

Leron presently serves as President of the Xi Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. seated in Spartanburg, leading the chapter in community- based initiatives such as the Annual MLK Candlelight Vigil, Annual 5K Gold Rush Fun Run benefiting March of Dimes, Little Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant, voter registration and school supplies drives, and mentoring at Miracle Hill Boys Shelter. He also serves as a representative of the Spartanburg Divine 9 Council. 

Leron has been married for 13 years. He and his wife have two sons and a daughter.

 

Cody Wheeler | September 2021

Cody Wheeler  '15

Going to college was important to Cody Wheeler ’15, but staying close to home was, as well. So, Spartanburg Community College was the perfect fit for the Spartanburg native.

Cody earned an Associate degree in Automotive Technology and a Ford ASSET certification and upon graduation went to work for an independent diesel truck shop where he became foreman.

Today, Cody is the lead mechanic for Morgan Corp., a large contract company based in Spartanburg where he is responsible for diagnosing and repairing a wide variety of equipment from paving equipment to semi-trucks. With more than 800 employees and offices in Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, NC and Savannah, GA, Morgan Corp.’s earth moving, concrete paving and industrial divisions have more than 300 pieces of equipment.

Cody credits his SCC instructors for preparing him for the world of work and showing him the importance of industry relationships.

“My instructors were constantly in touch with key people within the automotive industry,” Cody said. “Having those relationships helped them be effective in focusing on the real life needs of the industry.  I was able to start my first job with few surprises. The SCC program allowed me to do several weeks of on-the-job training each semester. This helped me ease into the workforce instead of being thrown in all at once.”

When he’s not working, Cody enjoys spending time with his wife and 16-month-old daughter. He also tries to get to the lake for some fishing. He stepped down as a volunteer fireman and medical first responder after eight years when his daughter was born but continues to assist are fire departments with equipment service and repair plans.

 

Alison Phelps | August 2021

Alison Phelps '19

Alison Phelps ’19 entered college at the age of 30. Married with a six-year-old, Alison was a hardworking and organized student in SCC’s Culinary program and was one of six students statewide to receive the South Carolina Tourism Student Award sponsored by the South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition.

Today, the mother of two boys, ages 10 and 3, owns Big Tasty Bakery, a cottage kitchen that offers an array of cupcake flavors, stuffed cookies and other baked goods. She sells her products at The Red Shed Market in Chesnee and Mama Sue’s in Spartanburg and hopes to open a brick-and-mortar bakery next year.

“The culinary experience at SCC taught me everything I need to know about food and pastries,” Alison said. “It taught me about kitchen communication, how to manage food costs, time management, how to run a kitchen, make menus, product purchasing, prep and execution.”

Alison also credits Chef Amy Byers with being an encouraging, kind and helpful, but tough mentor.

“She believes in her students and strives for them to do the same,” she said.

When asked about her biggest accomplishment, Alison points to her SCC experience.

“The whole experience was amazing, but I was proud to walk across the stage and graduate and to show my kids that anything is possible at any age and hold that degree at the end of it all,” she said.

When not baking, Alison enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, going to the park and putt-putt with her husband, Andy, and two sons.

 

Neal Smith | July 2021

Neal Smith '75

It was 1975 and Paul Neal Smith had earned an Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology that June from Spartanburg Community College. Unable to find a job in his field in the Spartanburg area, the stars began to align.

SCC, then known as Spartanburg Tech, had just received accreditation from the Engineers Council for Professional Development. Orville T. Boone, head of the school’s civil engineering technology department and Smith’s professor, communicated that key piece of information to his former colleagues at NASA. The rest, as they say, is history.

Smith and fellow SCC graduate, Freddy Willis, drove 600 miles to Cape Kennedy, FL for job interviews with NASA’s supervisor of Interface Control Drawings. Both were hired to start work the following Monday. Smith’s job included translating schematic drawings into plans for the Space Shuttle orbiter and other projects.

“We went down (for interviews) on a Wednesday, came home on Thursday, packed on Friday, arrived in Florida on Saturday and went to work on Monday,” Smith recalled. “I was very excited about working with the space program.”

During his time at NASA, Smith received awards for his work on the first International Co-operative Space Flight and the Apollo Soyuz Test Project, the first crewed international space mission carried out jointly by the United States and the Soviet Union in July 1975.

After leaving NASA in 1977, Smith went on to a longtime career at the Savannah River Site from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. He was an award winner there, as well, receiving the Westinghouse Signature Award of Excellence in 1989 and an award for Outstanding Contribution to Quality Improvement in 1990.

In his retirement, Smith is a member of the Savannah River Site Retiree Association Board and the Quadrigenta Investment Club. He also is active in the Bible Beaters Bible Study at Augusta Country Club and the Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians. And he continues work on his model train layout, an ongoing project of the past 40 years.

Smith is married to Spartanburg native Barbara Lamm Smith. They have a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly Smith Day and David L. Day. Grandson Davidson L. Day is a rising senior at USC-Aiken majoring in Business and Finance and granddaughter Katy Neal Day is a rising sophomore at Clemson University majoring in Philosophy.

 

Ame Camille Sandoval | June 2021

Ame Camille Sandoval '16

Horticulture field trips are what Ame Camille Sandoval ’16 remembers most about her time at Spartanburg Community College.

“We would all pile into a van or a bus like a big, wild family and take a long ride out to some place to meet people and look at plants. And we always stopped to eat somewhere really good,” recalled Sandoval, who earned an Associates degree in Horticulture from SCC.

It was that hands-on experience that gave Sandoval the practical knowledge she uses every day as a project manager and landscape designer for Roebuck Wholesale Nursery and Landscaping in Roebuck where her duties include: Meeting with clients; planning, design and pricing of projects; leading crews; and overseeing projects to completion.

Her most memorable SCC experience was a trip to Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC.

“(Horticulturist and author) Tony Avent gave us a tour of his nursery and his trial gardens. When speaking about putting plants in conditions where they shouldn’t grow, he said, ‘plants don’t read books’ and I find myself repeating that quote to my clients, often.”

Sandoval adds that SCC’s Jay Moore, Jason Bagwell and Kevin Parris not only taught the technical side of horticulture, but also offered practical life and career advice. She also credits her public speaking teacher Allison Horrell with making her feel at home in a room full of strangers.

Sandoval said her biggest accomplish is building a life of financial independence as she continues to acquire valuable skills that broaden her horizons.

“My parents are very inspirational to me,” Sandoval said. “Neither of them graduated from college, but both built lucrative careers through continuing education in their respective fields. I get so much valuable career advice from my dad that he threatens to send me a bill for his time.”

When not working, Sandoval enjoys gardening – mostly ornamental and a few herbs. She also enjoys building origami models, taking her dog for walks, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling to the beach or in the mountains. When she doesn’t have the energy for all that, she enjoys binge-watching Netflix and eating ice cream.

 

Kerry Bowden | May 2021

Kerry Bowden '19

It appears that his instructors were right when they voted Kerry Bowden SCC’s Most Outstanding Culinary Student of 2019.

The owner and chef of Engine 41 BBQ Catering LLC, Bowen says his biggest accomplishment is taking his BBQ company from concept to a food truck and catering business in less than 45 days.

Based at 1800 Drayton in Spartanburg, Bowden handles cooking, scheduling, booking, purchasing – everything necessary to keep the doors to his business open. And he credits Spartanburg Community College with preparing him to be a chef and a business owner.

“I was known as a whole animal cook, but I knew I had gaps in my knowledge and that would affect my end product,” said Bowden, who worked full-time at Blue Moon Specialty Foods in Spartanburg while earning his degree in Applied Associate in Culinary Arts. “I can say those gaps did not exist when I graduated. I was properly trained by Chef Byers and Chef Bez for anything that will be thrown at me in the culinary world.”

Byers said she taught a pitmaster how to bake and he taught her about BBQ – something Bowden knows a thing or two about. Engine 41 BBQ Catering LLC focuses on BBQ cuisine, offering everything from traditional BBQ to live-fire events, and even taco bars, low country boils and oyster roasts.

“Our philosophy is that we have to give our customers an experience that they cannot get elsewhere else, or what I call the ‘Soiree effect,’” Bowden said.

When Bowden has free time, he enjoys spending it with loved ones and getting together with his chef friends to cook.

“One thing I learned from taking care of my parents before they died is to cherish the time you have and the people in your life,” Bowden said. “Too many people fret about what they should have done instead of living their life and learning from past mistakes.”

 

Dustin Guyton | April 2021

Dustin Guyton '10

Dustin Guyton ’10 credits the technical training he received at Spartanburg Community College and the hands-on instruction from the college’s Ford ASSET program for giving him the skills to succeed as an automotive technician.

Dustin holds an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology-Ford ASSET and presently serves as the Quick Lane Manager at D&D Motors in Greer where he oversees daily operations to ensure quality repairs and effective customer communication.

“SCC’s partnership with Ford Motor Company was extremely important because I was able to receive industry recognized credentials that are required of all Ford dealership technicians,” Dustin said. “Not only does the automotive program provide technical training, but I also I learned many soft skills such as effective communications, ethics, and professionalism. SCC gave me a well-rounded education that today’s automotive technicians need and allowed me to grow into a management position.”

Dustin presently serves on the SCC Ford ASSET/Automotive Advisory Committee and the J. Harley Bonds Career Center Automotive Advisory Committee.  He also participates in the Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program through Greenville County Schools. He says he is grateful for his mentor, and the opportunity to now serve as a mentor himself.

“(SCC Automotive Technologies Program Director) Mark Smith was a major influence while I was a student at SCC,” Dustin said. “He always encouraged me to work hard, stay focused and do my very best. He is still a mentor for me today. Now, I have the opportunity to give back to the industry as a mentor, and help young men and women have a successful career.”

When he’s not working, Dustin enjoys spending time with his eight-year-old daughter, Kadence, and his fiancé, Bailey.

 

Edward & Ysante McDowell | March 2021

Edward & Ysante, '09

Edward and Ysante McDowell walked down graduation commencement aisle together in May 2009, earning HVAC and Administrative Specialist certificates, respectively, from Spartanburg Community College.

Ed worked as a driver for the City of Spartanburg, while Ysante was employed in the auto finance industry. Ed’s passion for cooking led him to create his own line of seasonings and rubs, and to establish Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub LLC in 2015.

The Chesnee residents say their greatest accomplishment is opening and owning their own business. And they credit SCC with giving them the tools to become entrepreneurs, especially the skills to interact with the public. They were able to hone their business skills as members of the inaugural Amplify African American Business Accelerator organization sponsored by the City of Spartanburg.

The creator and inventor of the first seasoning and rub in one jar, Ed produces a line of flavorings with special blends to enhance the taste of food and to replace salt and pepper as condiments. His products are low in sodium and contains no MSG.

Ed’s All Purpose Seasonings can be purchased at Bellew’s Produce and Garner’s Natural Foods in Spartanburg, New York Butcher Shoppe in Greenville, IGA in Pacolet and several other locations in South Carolina and North Carolina. They also can be found online at Amazon and Walmart.com.

When able to find leisure time, the McDowells enjoy traveling and writing. The couple have two children, a son, Shyheim, 23, and a daughter, Danielle, 20.

 

Heather Inman Sealy | February 2021

A non-traditional student, Heather Inman Sealy ’20 struggled in some areas and excelled in others. But the hands-on training she received at Spartanburg Community College most prepared her for what she would experience in the workplace.
“You can sit in class and listen to lectures and read chapters but being able to get in there and do things, that helped prepare me for what I would see and deal with as a nurse,” Sealy says.

Sealy also credits one of her instructors, Jennifer Hood, with giving her the tools she needs to succeed as a nurse.

“She was always there to listen when we had trouble understanding and could explain it to us so we could understand,” Sealy says of Hood. “You could tell that she genuinely wanted us to succeed and that she honestly cared for every one of us. How you treat someone leaves a lasting impression, and the care and compassion she showed will never be forgotten.”

 After graduating from SCC with an Associate degree in Applied Science in Nursing, Sealy passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first try and landed a job as a Registered Nurse at Union Medical Center, part of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. She has returned to school to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at USC Upstate.

Sealy and her husband, Steven, have two children, Drake, 13 and Audrey, 11  

 

Tamara Cook | January 2021

Tamara Cook ‘08

The classroom and hands-on instruction Tamara Cook ’08 received at Spartanburg Community College prepared her for the real-world experiences she would encounter as a registered nurse.

Now, Cook uses the passion for the profession and the work ethic she developed at SCC to teach others as an assistant professor at USC Upstate.

 “The standards were set high at SCC in the nursing program and it has created such a passion for me to function at those standards throughout my career,” Cook said.

Since graduating from SCC with an Associate degree in Nursing, Cook has worked as a registered nurse, nursing instructor and nurse practitioner. As a faculty member in the Mary Black School of Nursing at USC Upstate, Cook teaches child health nursing and a freshman course, University 101. She credits SCC faculty members Angie Hall and Jayne Case for influencing her path to become a pediatric nurse and nursing instructor.

 In 2013, Cook received the Palmetto Gold Award, a statewide nursing recognition award that showcases the valuable contributions nurses make to patient care in South Carolina.

 “My biggest accomplishment has been growing in my nursing profession and education while balancing family and work,” Cook said. “I was awarded the Palmetto Gold award in 2013. That was a big deal to me.”

 When not at work, Cook enjoys gardening, running, attending USC football games, and hanging with friends and family. She also serves on the board of First Steps Spartanburg and volunteers at Carolina Pregnancy Center providing education classes to new and expectant mothers.

 Cook and her husband, Tim, have been married for 17 years and have a daughter, Marisa, who is in graduate school.

Grigoriy Klimovich | December 2020

Dr. Grigoriy “Greg” Klimovich ’08 spoke little English when he entered Spartanburg Community College. But hard work and professors willing to go the extra mile helped the Ukraine native earn an Associate of Sciences Degree and gain acceptance to a four-year university.

After 15 years of higher education, Dr. Kilmovich says SCC’s Dr. Chipley Bennett remains his favorite professor and role model.

“Dr. Chipley Bennett is an excellent professor and he is such a wonderful human being.” Kilmovich said. “I was privileged to learn under him.  He always had the best interest of his students in mind.”

Today, Dr. Klimovich is a board-certified bariatric surgeon at Middlesex Health in Connecticut where he is a specialist in robotic and open abdominal wall reconstruction for complex hernias.  He also performs gallbladder, colon and foregut surgeries.

Dr. Kilmovich earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina. He completed his Minimally Invasive and Bariatric surgery fellowship at the Yale University after performing his General Surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of Miami in Florida.

Before joining Middlesex Health, Dr. Klimovich served as clinical instructor at Yale University School of Medicine and was an attending surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital.

For all his professional achievements, Dr. Kilmovich says his greatest accomplishment is his family. His wife is an assistant professor at Yale University. The couple have two boys, ages three and one.

When not in the operating room, Dr. Klimovich enjoys spending time with his family, running, biking, playing tennis and bird watching.

 

Lauren Honeycutt | November 2020

Lauren Honeycutt ’15 never made straight A’s in school, until she got to Spartanburg Community College where she made the Dean’s List every semester.

“I arrived at the school every morning at around 6:30 a.m., even though class didn’t start until 8 am.,” said Honeycutt, who graduated in 2015 with a certification in Surgical Technology. “I studied before class every morning and for about two hours when I got home from school. I also took advantage of the lab we had opened on Fridays and would stay in the lab for about five hours. All the hard work put me on the Dean’s List every semester.”

Since graduating from SCC, Honeycutt has worked as a Certified Surgical Technologist on the cardiovascular team at WakeMed in Raleigh, NC.  It was the hands-on training during lab time at SCC that Honeycutt says most prepared her for work in the operating room, where her duties include setting up a sterile table with instruments needed for surgery, handing instruments to the surgeon, and sometimes assisting the surgeon by cutting sutures or holding the heart.

“The labs were all hands-on skills that I would be using in the operating room,” Honeycutt said. “Another experience that helped prepare me was having such amazing teachers. The way they taught the curriculum definitely helped me pass the surgical technologist certification exam that is required to get a job.”

When not in the OR, Honeycutt enjoys going to the beach, hiking and traveling. She also enters 5K fundraisers for various health organizations.

 

Meredith Gillette | October 2020

Meredith Gillette ’19 says her biggest accomplishment is saying “yes” to something new and going back to school.

 That decision brought her to Spartanburg Community College where she earned an Associate degree in Massage Therapy and the skills to prepare her for the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination following graduation. 

 Today, Gillette is a licensed massage therapist at Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness on Southport Road in Spartanburg where she does clinical/deep tissue massage. A native of Watertown, SD, Gillette lives in Spartanburg while her husband completes medical school at VCOM.

Gillette says her SCC experience helped her hone her clinical skills and increased her confidence as a massage therapist. 

 “My fondest memory is getting to practice techniques on each other during lab. Who wouldn’t love going to class and getting a massage,” Gillette says.

 When not at work, Gillette enjoys spending time with her husband, Ben, and their dog, Piper. A favorite activity is hiking, especially to the waterfalls in the Upstate. She also loves to cook, bake and garden.

 

Jeff Gibson | September 2020

Jeff Gibson ’92 learned skills at Spartanburg Community College that led to a successful career in the automotive industry. Now, Gibson is passing that knowledge along as an automotive instructor at Daniel Morgan Technology Center, a vocational center in Spartanburg.

The Pacolet, SC native and resident earned his automotive technology degree from SCC’s Ford ASSET program, then worked for 23 years as a service technician at Vic Bailey Ford in Spartanburg. For the past seven years, Gibson has been a high school automotive instructor.

“Both of my Ford ASSET instructors, Robbie Kinion and Jeff Hunt, took extra time during breaks and after class to keep me up to pace in the classroom,” Gibson said. “Now, I teach young students a skill they can take anywhere in the world and be successful.”

When not teaching, Gibson enjoys spending time with his wife of 24 years and his 16-year-old daughter. He also spends his leisure time fishing, hunting, and not surprisingly, attending cars shows and auto racing.

Gibson is also a fishing coach at Broome High School and a member of the SCC Automotive Advisory Committee.

 

Reyes Gutierrez | August 2020

2017 Assoc. Automotive Technology

Reyes is originally from Chicago but moved to Spartanburg with his family at a young age. Not a fan of attending high school, he earned his GED early to enter the work force. With a passion for automobiles, he attended SCC and graduated with an associate degree in Automotive Technology in 2017.

While in school he started his career in the automotive industry at Vic Bailey Volkswagen on Reidville Road.  He really enjoys the team work environment and ability to learn something new everyday. He prides himself as being able to diagnose a problem in any vehicle no matter the make or model.  He enjoys working on cars so much he also works part-time at Auto Zone.

William Gardner was his favorite instructor at SCC. Mr. Gardner took the time to make sure you understood the material and the course of action to fix the car was correct. He really cared about each and every student in the program. Reyes has been at Vic Bailey for five years and has a goal of one day being the head technician. “I don’t see myself working anywhere but here”

 

James Self | July 2020

James Self ’19 says his instructors would describe him as a dedicated, dependable student. You’d have to be to maintain a 4.0 GPA and win a Trio Director’s Award. But James describes himself as an anxious student who developed the confidence to succeed while attending Spartanburg Community College.

“My instructors gave me an excellent foundation and toolkit to solve most of the problems I face,” said Self. “But where SCC prepared me most was teaching me how to be an adult. SCC taught me how to handle the stress of deadlines, how organization is my friend and not a chore, how to communicate in a professional manner, and most important of all, how to learn.”

A native of Charlotte, NC and a resident of Blacksburg, SC since that age of 12, Self-earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and a Kuka Robotics Kore technician certification. After graduating, he went to work for Par Terra Packaging, a food packaging company in White Stone, SC, where he serves as a maintenance technician for the company’s electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment.

He also is responsible for maintaining packaging machines leased by his company.

“About every other month I travel around America to work on our machines,” Self explains. “I have machines in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, and I just built a machine for a new customer in Texas. Since the company I work for is small, I’m involved with the business side of it as well. I never thought I would be in meetings with presidents of large companies.”

When he’s not working, Self enjoys reading, studying philosophy and history, and working on his property.

“Our yard is pretty much a small farm. We have plants everywhere and a whole lot of animals that need to be taken care of,” he says.

He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Casey, and their children, Olivia, Noah and Ben.

 

Roy McBee Smith | June 2020

Roy M. Smith ’94 returned to college after working 10 years in various industries. A nontraditional student, the Spartanburg native took classes at Spartanburg Community College that opened his eyes to different professions.

“Spartanburg Community College has a program through the Learning Center that helped people like me, that have been away from the classroom for a while, catch up,” Smith said.  “Their assistance in tutoring mathematics, language arts and other academic skills, was most helpful in my return to college.”

Smith graduated from SCC with an Associates of Arts Degree in 1994, then transferred to Wofford College to complete his BA, earning a four-year degree in three years. He landed a job as Information Technologies Services Manager for Converse College, served as Systems Administrator for Spartanburg School District 4 and Network Administrator for USC Upstate, and even owning his own IT services business before joining SCC. 

Today, Smith is the IT Operations Manager of SCC’s Information Technologies Department where he supervises 12 immediate employees and manages client services support for all five SCC campuses.  As second in line to the Director of IT, he is responsible for the daily and long-term successes of the department.

Additionally, Smith chairs several committees that focus on the continuous development of quality end user support services, and manages major projects related to technology life cycles. As a member of the Technology Committee for the Spartanburg County Foundation, for example, Smith oversees the direction of the organization’s web presence and the selection of a technical services provider. 

Smith sees his biggest impact is the knowledge and experience he brings to the College, in the development of quality focused teams, the management of multi-campus projects involving many different players, or the cultivation of end user knowledge of new technology through personalized training techniques. 

“I have developed, and continue to redevelop, my departmental processes and procedures, goals, and directions.  I continue to maximize the availability of the most affordable and up-to-date technologies, maximize the awareness and use of these technologies through training, all while maintaining a minimum of under-utilized technologies throughout multiple campuses.”

With all of that, you wouldn’t think Smith has much time for leisure activities, but that’s when he shows off his creative side. He is an emerging musician/songwriter and an exhibiting artist of two and three-dimensional works in the Upstate area.

Smith is married to Bea Walters Smith, Executive Director of the SCC Foundation. Their son, Hunter, is a rising junior at Spartanburg High School.

 

Erin Edwards | May 2020

Every workday offers a new challenge for Erin Edwards ‘17, some of them lifesaving. As an E Shift paramedic at Spartanburg EMS, Edwards believes that managing advanced life support care in a dynamic field is her biggest accomplishment.

“I was involved with a patient who had gone into cardiac arrest at work with two other employees,” Edwards recalls. “We worked on scene for a few minutes, each of us doing our jobs perfectly, and we got a pulse back. One week later, I got to watch the patient walk across the floor in the hospital and give me a hug. That one moment made every day in school worth it.”

A native of Inman SC, Edwards graduated from Spartanburg Community College in 2017 with an Associate in Emergency Medicine and a Paramedic Certificate. Most of her internship experience while at SCC involved Spartanburg EMS, which prepared her for the world of work and specifically the world of Spartanburg EMS. She now works full-time as a paramedic for Spartanburg EMS and as a paramedic on an as-needed basis for Spartanburg Regional Transport.

“When I got my paramedic and went to work for Spartanburg EMS, I knew exactly what was expected of me and was very comfortable in my surroundings,” Edwards said. “SCC prepares people to enter the work force directly into the Spartanburg area. They are educating people and preparing them for specialized jobs that are needed in this community.”

When she’s not working, Edwards enjoys hiking with her husband. She also rides horses and occasionally goes barrel racing. But now that she’s back in school at SCC, most of her leisure time is study time.

 

Rev George Sims, Sr. | April 2020

Union resident George Sims Sr. '14 moved to New York City in 1963 for an accounting job. He returned to Union in the 1970s and made a career working for companies like Sonoco and Paragon holding such positions as extruder operator and quality control supervisor. 

In 1984, Sims added pastor to his resume, serving Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pauline, Lockhart Baptist and now Mt. Prospect Baptist Church in Chester. During his 30 years as a pastor, Sims has seen first-hand the needs of senior citizens in the community. 

Encouraged by his daughter, an admissions counselor at Spartanburg Community College, Sims enrolled at SCC to learn HVAC repair so he could help older homeowners who could not afford to get their units fixed.

 In 2014, at the age of 69, Sims earned his certificate in HVAC repair and the distinction of being SCC's oldest graduate.

 Sims says he wants to be an example to young people in his church and in the community.

 "My motto is if a 70-year-old man can do it, you can too."

Pastor Michael N. Freyta | March 2020

Michael Freyta ’10 hadn’t been in a classroom for more than 25 years, so he was astounded when he achieved a 100 percent average in his prerequisite math classes at Spartanburg Community College’s Cherokee County Campus.“My math teacher told me that because of my life experiences and the fact that I had grown up learning to solve life problems, that helped me understand the basics principals of mathematics.” Freyta said. “That experience was probably the foundational moment that helped me realize my true potential.”Freyta went on to earn an Associate degree in Business Management and found the Mission of Grace Training Center in Gaffney SC, a church with an emphasis on disciple leadership training for community involvement. Freyta, who serves as the pastor at Mission of Grace, is using his education to help others achieve theirs.   “We have a transportation ministry that helps Gaffney residents get back to school and get their education,” says the Colorado native who moved to Gaffney in 2002. “We transport students to and from adult education classes to get their GED. We also help transport student to and from SCC’s Cherokee Campus and to the Spartanburg Campus when funds are available.”Mission of Grace exists with an Apostolic mandate to use Kingdom principles to help change lifestyles, and to heal, equip and change the culture, according to Freyta. “We are here to repair the breach and restore the streets.”

Freyta’s ministry extends to his nonprofit work in the Gaffney community, including membership in Cherokee County United Lions and a board member of the United Way of the Piedmont. When not working or volunteering, he spends time with his wife, Lois, his co-pastor at Mission of Grace, and their seven children and 10 grandchildren.

 

Miranda Sanders | February 2020

Miranda Sanders ’15 knew at a young age that she wanted to work in the healthcare field.

“My Dad was a paramedic turned nurse when I was growing up, so this is all I’ve ever known,” Sanders explains.

After earning a certificate for Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic from Spartanburg Community College, the Rutherford County, NC native and resident began her career as an EMT and Paramedic at Wellford, SC Rescue 21. She also served with Rutherford County EMS and Spartanburg Regional Ambulance Service, and today is a Senior Paramedic for Spartanburg EMS.

“Not only did my time at Spartanburg Community College teach me how to help people and how to use what I was being taught, but I also was able to make networking connections and do my clinical hours with different services and find the EMS service I wanted to work for.”

As a Senior Paramedic, Sanders is responsible for her ambulance each shift, ensuring that all equipment is working properly and that necessary medications are on board. A busy system with more than 200 employees, Spartanburg EMS averages 150-175 calls each day. Sanders also is part of the Community Relations Team that educates children and adults about EMS and its role in the community.

“Who doesn’t love to watch an ambulance or fire truck going down the road with the flashing lights and sirens,” Sanders said. “I have an amazing job that allows me to share my passion with others and inspire someone else to do what I love.”

Sanders continues to do what she loves with her volunteer hours, running first response calls for the Cherokee Creek Fire Department in Gaffney. But when its time for leisure time and hobbies, she’s all in.

“I love to go fishing, spend time with my dogs, and go on adventures with my family and friends,” Sanders explains. “Doing this job makes you realize how precious life is and how fast things can change, so I live life to the fullest and spend time with those I love most.” 

 

Glenn Gann Jr. | January 2020

Glenn Gann Jr. ’16 was destined to be a first responder. His father was a police officer with the New York Police Department who became a nurse after moving to South Carolina – a career move that helped steer the younger Gann into healthcare. Working as an EMT at Spartanburg EMS while in school at Spartanburg Community College, Gann went to work as a paramedic with Spartanburg EMS after earning his certification in Emergency Medical Services. Now a senior paramedic, Gann is responsible for an advanced life support ambulance that handles everything from a single patient to multiple patients with medical or trauma-related issues. And he often has students on board doing their clinical rotations or new hires in field training.“There are so many different variables that go into being in EMS – many patient conditions and just the ever-changing dynamic of the job,” Gann said. “SCC gave me a very good foundation of knowledge and the skills to start a career as a paramedic. I’m able to pass that on to the new hires I get to work with.”Gann credits EMS Program Director Doug Paris with the solid foundation of skills and knowledge he acquired while at Spartanburg Community College.“Doug Paris was a uniquely dedicated instructor,” Gann said. “He knew exactly how much effort was possible from you as a student without pushing so far as to make you feel unmotivated or overwhelmed. He has a wealth of knowledge that he shares with you as a student, and even after graduation he is always available to you for questions.”When not working, Gann said he spends time trying to be a good husband and father. “I have a wonderful wife at home who supports me even though I’m working for 24-48 hours at a time,” Gann said. “My kids don’t know exactly what I do but they know I work on an ambulance and that I help people, so when I’m home I really try to live up to their expectations of a super-hero dad.”

Karen Willis | December 2019
 

Karen Willis’ great grandfather was the town physician in Landrum, SC and her grandmother was a nurse. But it wasn’t until she took a medical terminology class at Spartanburg Community College that Karen fell in love with the healthcare profession. 

A member of the 2006 inaugural class of SCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, Karen went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Texas, Arlington in 2014 and became a certified Nurse Executive (NE-BC) in 2018. She now serves as Nurse Manager for the Rapid Treatment Unit at Spartanburg Medical Center where she hires and manages more than 60 RNs, cardiac care associates and unit ambassadors that are medically trained and prepared for all types of acutely ill patients.

“As a nurse manager, I have hired multiple nursing graduates from SCC, and they all are well prepared for the ever-changing world of healthcare,” Karen says. “SCC is one of the greatest treasures for undergraduate students in the entire state of South Carolina.”

Karen counts among her greatest achievements the accomplishments of those she has had the opportunity to lead. Her passion for helping others attain their goals and preparing them to lead with a servant’s heart was born from the strong bonds that developed between classmates and instructors during that inaugural ADN class at Spartanburg Community College.

“Several of my nursing instructors and classmates are now my colleagues and I am so grateful for the foundations that were laid when we met at SCC,” Karen said. “We struggled and survived the journey of designing and creating a new undergraduate program and that experience created strong bonds that still exist between many of us to this day.”

Karen’s own servant’s heart extends beyond her work life into the leisure activities she enjoys. She serves in the children’s ministry at her church, assists the Greater Spartanburg Ministries foodbank several times each year and works with the disaster relief team at Church at The Mill. Karen is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and a past member of the Young Leaders division for the United Way of the Piedmont.

A resident of Roebuck, Karen is married to Barrett Willis. The couple have two children, Austin, 11, and Lauren, 9.

Clysta Clark | November 2019

As the owner of ANEW Massage, LLC, Clysta Clark, LMBT, class of 2011 does much more than therapeutic massage. And it was her time at Spartanburg Community College earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science Management with Marketing that gave her the skills to run her own business.

“My experience at SCC prepared me for my career in instrumental ways,” Clark said. “It gave me the skills that I utilize in my business today and prepared me for setting goals, planning, implementing and achieving success.”

Clark credits SCC and especially faculty member Peter Stone for the instruction, motivation and support that has helped her run a small business, handling everything from marketing and promotion to accounting and scheduling.

A native of Swanton, Vermont, Clark moved to the Upstate 28 years ago, settling in Inman, SC, a community similar in size and character to her hometown.

“My company is a local small business and I live in the community I serve, which is very important to me,” Clark said. “I have several clients that have referred every member of their family to me for treatment. It’s so very rewarding.”

Clark specializes in therapeutic massage services from goal-orientated sessions to relaxation therapy and Oncology massage. Sessions are customized, integrating various modalities designed to increase range of motion, remove trigger points, reduce stress or achieve other goals.

Clark not only serves her community professionally, but also as a volunteer with organizations such as the Greater Inman Area Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity and Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, Society of Oncology Massage and Oncology of the Carolinas.

When not working, Clark enjoys photography and being in nature. But her favorite job is being Mimi to grandchildren Gavin, Liam and Emma.

Ray Gilpin | October 2019

After a 28-year stint in the wastewater management industry, Ray Gilpin 09 was looking for a second career.

Gilpin barely survived a companywide layoff after 20 years on the job when his employer was acquired by another company. While relieved he was able to keep his job under the new management, the near miss made Gilpin think about finding a more secure future in another field.

I entered college at the age of 49 and graduated at 51 with honors, Gilpin said. I was given a full grant by my employer to obtain my Bachelor s in Respiratory Care Advanced Clinical Practice, and at the age of 56, I graduated Summa Cum Laude. During this journey, a business was created and is continuing to grow into its ninth year.

Recalling his time at Spartanburg Community College, Gilpin said that everything he learned was put to practical use when he entered the field.

Sometimes you think a program is too hard or strenuous, until it s your time in real life, Gilpin said. But the time you save someone s life, that s when it all becomes very real.

As a respiratory therapist, Gilpin knows about saving lives. He earned his Associates of Science in Respiratory Care at SCC, and before graduating was offered a job at one of the college s clinical rotation sites. Today, Gilpin is Chief Executive Officer of Specialized Respiratory Services, LLC in Wellford, SC handling everything from patient assessments and oxygenation setups to contractor recruitment and new business development

Established in 2011, Specialized Respiratory Services (SRS) began as a trach care and changing service at a single facility in Shelby, NC. Today, the company has 24 respiratory therapists serving more than 30 skilled nursing facilities in nine states, with four new facilities in four additional states soon to follow.

In 2013, SRS became the Respiratory Service provider for Mountain Medical Supply (MMS), a Durable Medical Equipment supplier based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Solely a government provider for the U.S. Departments of Labor and Energy, MMS primarily serves patients who are nuclear power plant employees.

The association with MMS allowed SRS to expand throughout SC and into Kentucky, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho

A hands-on executive, Gilpin handles day-to-day respiratory services for the facilities in and around the Charlotte, NC area that are under contract with SRS. He also provides back-up for the three registered respiratory therapists that cover those areas.

When not working, Glipin enjoys kayak fishing and being outdoors. His two classic Porsches also get a good bit of pampering and time on the road. Ray Gilpin is class of 2009, BSRT, RRT, RCP

Gilpin is married to Geannie Gilpin, a 29-year employee of Spartanburg School District 5. Their daughter, Jessica Yath, is a graduate of SCC s nursing program.

James Fortner | September 2019

The real-world experience of his instructors prepared James Fortner 88 to immediately begin his career after earning an Associates in Industrial Electronics Technology at Spartanburg Community College.

The experienced instructors who had worked in the field prepared me to go straight to work, Fortner said. Ron Towery, who was an instructor at the time then became the head of the industrial department, really cared for his students and ended up getting me my first job.

That first job was a 16-year stint with McNaughton-McKay Electrical Company in Greenville, SC where Fortner began as a trainee then moved into account management. Since that time, he has served as business development manager for Tegron Southeast in Greenville and as vice president of sales and engineering for Cynergi Systems, a multi-million-dollar technology company based in Spartanburg.

Currently, Fortner is director of business development for Renfrow Industrial Inc. in Spartanburg where he works to bridge the gap between sales and operations, enhancing the customer experience to increase revenue.

When he s not working, Fortner enjoys spending time with family, running, mountain biking and being outside. He s also involved in the community, serving as a board member of Urban Hope, an advisory board member at Daniel Morgan Technology Center and a member of the SC Christian Chamber of Commerce.

 

Sam Arrowood | August 2019

We ve heard the saying, Do what you love, and you ll never work another day in your life. For Sam Arrowood 08, turning his passion into a profession is still hard work but also his greatest accomplishment.

After earning an associate degree in technology at Spartanburg Community College, the Rutherford County, NC native worked as a diesel technician with Ford, then opened his own business almost five years ago. Arrowood believes that the hands-on training he received at SCC gave him a leg up in his field of study coming out of college

There is no substitute for hands on experience through the automotive industry, Arrowood said. SCC allowed me to start the journey of my hobby leading to a job, which led to a career, which led to business ownership.

As owner of SMA Diesel Service, LLC, a Power Stroke specific diesel repair facility in Chesnee, SC, Arrowood has duties that range from technician and customer service to janitor and everything else involved in owning your own business. And while being a business owner doesn't allow a lot of down time, Arrowood still enjoy a few hobbies like spending time with wife, Paige, hiking and being outdoors. And, of course, drag racing. 

 

Nicole T. Baker | July 2019

Opportunity comes to mind when Nicole T. Baker, CPA, recalls her time at Spartanburg Community College. Not only an opportunity to make up for a not-so-impressive start to her college career, but an opportunity to grow and to succeed

I was actually an excellent student (at SCC), Baker said. This was probably more due to the fact that I was paying for school because of a less-than-stellar freshman year.

At SCC, Baker s path became clear and she went on to earn Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy degrees. She joined Elliott & Painter LLP in 2003, and today is a Certified Public Accountant and a Partner at the Spartanburg, SC-based accounting firm.

Baker is a member of the South Carolina Association of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs and serves on the board of First Citizens Bank. And this fall, she will have the chance to be on the giving end of opportunity by promoting the mission and vision of the Spartanburg Community College Foundation as a member of the board.

 

Kathryn Lawson | June 2019

From manufacturing and banking to corporations and nonprofits, Kathryn Lawson 84 has applied her Associate Degree in Accounting in a variety of industries. And it was her time at Spartanburg Community College that prepared her for the wide range of real-life situations she has encountered throughout her career.

As we grow and change jobs or careers, we are faced with different business needs and companies that are very different, Lawson explains. My SCC training was extremely valuable in my preparation for some of these situations. One thing that comes to my mind on a frequent basis is the different approaches we were taught on how to turn challenges into opportunities.

A self-described extrovert focused on grades and academic achievement, Lawson recalls her involvement in several clubs and organizations while at SCC. But it was the classroom of Professor Russell Hardin that made a lasting impression on her.

Mr. Hardin was great at motivating his students and had developed just the right methods for teaching, leading, coaching and making Accounting and Tax interesting, Lawson said. Not once was I ever bored in his classroom.

As staff accountant at The Spartanburg County Foundation, Lawson is again a student focused on achievement this time in the Grass Roots Leadership Development Institute. The seven-month program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skillset and resources to be effective in leading positive change throughout Spartanburg County.

 

Rhonda Anderson | May 2019

My fondest memory of Spartanburg Community College is going on an overnight field trip to Athens, Georgia and meeting Dr. Michael Dirr and playing checkers with him, Anderson said. Recognized as the number one academic contributor to the landscape industry by Landscape Management magazine, Dr. Dirr s lifelong passion for horticulture has influenced a generation of students, gardeners and professional horticulturists. But it was SCC s Doug McAbee that made a lasting impression on Anderson.

Doug was so passionate about all aspects of landscaping, Anderson explains. I took a homeowner interest course that was not a graded course with Doug, and that really sparked my interest in pursuing the landscape management certificate courses.

Anderson s Landscape Management Certificate from SCC took her from a management position at an area hospital to owner of Motlow Creek Gardens in Campobello, SC. A small retail business when Anderson and her mother purchased it 20 years ago, Motlow Creek Gardens today includes landscape maintenance, design and installation, multiple greenhouses and a gift shop.

The classes I took at SCC gave me confidence to talk with clients with ease, and the plant material courses definitely helped me make interesting plant choices for customers looking for something unique to set their landscape apart from their neighbors.

 

Trang Thu Pitts | April 2019

Lab days filled with cooking and creating were Trang Thu Pitts favorite while at Spartanburg Community College. Now every day is lab day for the Boston, MA native who serves as Executive Sous Chef at the Spartanburg Marriott and as owner/operator of BAK D, a baking company specializing in cakes, cookies and confectioners.

A 2015 SCC graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree with a Culinary Certificate, Trang Thu found both the training and the support network she needed to be successful in the Upstate culinary scene.

I m so grateful to Chef Byers and the other chef instructors who were so patient and understanding, Trang Thu said. They truly supported me and my aspirations.
When not at work, Trang Thu spends time in her own kitchen teaching daughters Sokthea and Sokthi how to prepare some of the Vietnamese foods she grew up eating. She also spends time with future chefs judging culinary competitions at area high schools and at SCC s Restaurant Capstone.

 

Ryan Collins | March 2019

Ryan (SC native) graduated in July 2017 with honors, obtaining his Associates in Applied Science in Mechatronics. He was an SCC Technical Scholar at AWL Automation and is now employed there as a Documentation Engineer.

As a non-traditional student, finding a work/life/school balance was difficult at times. "My advisors and instructors offered, in addition to an excellent education, plenty of practical advice for how to adjust myself to the expectations of the industry into which I was attempting to enter. The courses that offered a good balance of classroom lectures and hands-on labs were particularly useful."

Jeannette Bull Robison | January 2019

Jeannette Bull Robison earned her Certificate in Landscape Management and AS in Horticulture Technology here at SCC. She now owns her own Landscaping consulting business, The Yardisan.