Tri-County Technical College Alumni

Bethany Bishop enrolled in college at age 19, initially as a biology major, but soon realized after working part-time at a church nursery that early childhood education was a perfect fit for her. “At TCTC, I developed a passion for early childcare,” she said. It was solidified through her experiences at internships and jobs. “My degree really prepared me for what was next,” said Bethany, who graduated from TCTC in 2024.
That year she moved to British Columbia Canada on a temporary visa to gain international experience in teaching. She applied to a private school and was hired as a second-grade teaching assistant and later advanced to a curriculum teacher (2024 – 2025).
In 2026, she decided to move to England and enrolled as a full-time student at the University of the West of England.
“My TCTC courses and my work experience enabled me to only have to take eight months of classes to earn my bachelor’s degree,” said Bethany.
She has submitted all of her coursework and will graduate July 13 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She plans to stay in England and has the option to apply for a visa for a two-year work experience. “I’m excited about my potential prospects,” she said.
“I’m so grateful for the foundation I received at TCTC and especially the practical real-world experiences in classrooms,” she said. She’s also grateful to have graduated from TCTC debt free, thanks to lottery funds and an SC LIFE scholarship.
“It’s so incredible to graduate and not be burdened with debt. It has allowed me to do what I have done,” she said.
She also will graduate with nominal debt with her bachelor’s degree.
At age 24, she will continue her career in education and plans to work as an adjunct teacher at a local college in the UK.
“I continue to be grateful for the lasting connections I have with my former TCTC instructors, like Meredith Dickens, who serves as a valuable friend and resource for me,” said Bethany.

Congratulations to Shenika Tate, who graduated from North Greenville University on May 8 with a bachelor's degree in applied arts early childhood educational studies. Prior to that, she graduated from TCTC’s Early Care and Education program in August 2024.
Shenika currently is employed by West Market School of Early Education (Anderson District Five) where she was recently recognized as Employee of the Year.

Congratulations to the newest graduates of Tri-County Technical College! Welcome to the Alumni Association! Enjoy these photos from the May 11 commencement and feel free to post your own photos: bit.ly/3RBNpq4

TCTC is celebrating National Nurses Week (May 6–12). It’s an opportunity to recognize the incredible impact nurses make — for patients, for each other and for the communities they serve.
TCTC’s Foundation staff (Beth Brown, pictured far left, and Heidi Reeves, pictured far right) are visiting various health care facilities to honor nurses’ vital role in health care and to present them with a token of appreciation. Pictured with Beth and Heidi are members of Prisma’s ICU Leadership Team, Jennifer Boykin, a 2014 TCTC alumna, second from left, and Kris Imbody, a 2012 alumnus.

TCTC’s Board of Visitors (BOV) met this morning on the Pendleton Campus for its quarterly meeting. The BOV is a group of community leaders who serves as an extension of the College through the President’s Office and works as advocates and ambassadors for Tri-County.
Among the Board of Visitors members are TCTC alumnae Akeitha Thompson Brown, left, and Shelia Owens, right. Akeitha is a two-time TCTC graduate. She received a Medical Laboratory Technology degree in 2001 and an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2008. She also earned BSN and MSN degrees and works as a risk manager for AnMed. Shelia is a 2016 graduate of the Administrative Office Technology program and is the administrative assistant for Clemson Downs.

Matt Woodall, department head for Industrial Technology at Tri-County Technical College, was presented the highest award given to faculty at today's spring convocation.

Matt was honored with the Linda C. and Dr. Ralph D. Elliott Presidential Medallion for Instructional Excellence. The medallion is named for Linda and Ralph Elliott in recognition of their commitment to higher education and their generous contributions to the College and is presented each year to the instructor who has contributed the most during the academic year to the profession of teaching, to the development of the College and to the students.

Matt is a 2007 graduate of TCTC’s Welding program. He holds a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) designation, an internationally recognized certification of proficiency in weld inspection as well as Certified Welding Educators (CWE) credentials.
Read about Matt Woodall: bit.ly/4d6fltw

We are saddened by the loss of TCTC alumna Tracy Whitten Bowie. After Tracy graduated in 2003 as the outstanding Accounting senior with a 4.0 GPA, she maintained close ties to the College by serving on its Alumni Association Board of Directors for six years. “I like being a part of the College. Tri-County has a special place in my heart. It’s where I started,” Tracy said in 2012 when she was honored as one of the College’s Faces of the Decades. As part of the College’s 50th anniversary celebration, an alumnus from each decade (1960s – 2000s) was recognized by President Booth at spring 2012 commencement.

Veterinary Technology program's Pet Adoption is today (April 24) until 3 p.m. in Halbert Hall on the Pendleton Campus. Terrica Mayes stopped by and adopted Mitch, the cat, and Joseph and Valerie Stephens adopted Fig. Stop by and find a furry friend!

SPECIAL HOME ALERT!!!!
Toffee is the cutest guy! He has had a severe injury to his lip that has healed and does not cause him any trouble. He is 2 years old and looking for his forever home!