Nominations Open for Silver Crescent Award
Posted December 10, 2003, By Nancy Hall

Applications for the third annual South Carolina Silver Crescent for Manufacturing Awards are now being accepted. 

This annual award was established to honor outstanding small, medium and large manufacturers and to promote the importance of manufacturing in improving the standard of living and quality of life in the Palmetto state.  Organized by TEC, Inc., the South Carolina Technical College System and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, awards will be the focal point of the S.C. Salute to Manufacturing program held in conjunction with the Automated Manufacturing and Productivity Exposition.

2004 awards will be presented May 12 at the ninth annual Salute to Manufacturing Luncheon scheduled for the Palmetto Exposition Center in Greenville.  Recipients of the 2003 awards include ISO Poly of Gray Court, United Defense of Aiken and Sonoco of Hartsville.

Manufacturers from across the state are encouraged to participate.  “Any individual or group can nominate a company that has operated in the state for a minimum of three years as of May 1, 2004,” said TEC, Inc. president Tony Smith.  “We also encourage companies to nominate themselves based on the established criteria:

1)   the company’s impact on South Carolina – examples may include, but are not limited to demonstrated growth in new jobs; corporate revenues and capital investments.

2)   the company’s commitment to the work force – examples may include but are not limited to programs that have improved the quality of life for its employees such as educational programs, diversity awareness, employee recognition and assistance.

3)   the company’s involvement/contributions to the community – examples may include but are not limited to community volunteer programs, community environmental programs and educational partnerships.”

Awards will be presented in three categories:  small manufacturer (50 or fewer full-time employees); medium (51 – 499 employees); and large (500 or more full-time employees).

All South Carolina manufacturers will receive award applications by mail.  Applications may also be submitted online at http://www.salutetomanufacturing.com/nominations.htm.  Applications submitted in writing should be forwarded to Silver Crescent for Manufacturing Excellence, 2001 Assembly Street, Suite 204, Columbia, S.C. Applications are due not later than February 2, 2004. 

For additional information on awards, criteria or applications, contact Sharon Halsey at (803)779-7123 or visit online at http://www.salutetomanufacturing.com.

Photo Caption: Area manufacturers are encouraged to apply for the third annual South Carolina Silver Crescent Award to be presented May 12, 2004.  Winners will be chosen from three categories:  small (50 or fewer employees); medium (51 to 499 employees); and large (500 or more employees).  Last year’s winner in the small category was ISO Poly Films, Inc. of Gray Court.  Above, Jon McClure, right, founder and president of the company, is shown at last year’s awards luncheon with Dr. Lex Walters, president of Piedmont Technical College.

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Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration held at PTC
Posted December 10, 2003, By Nancy Hall

Just prior to the holidays at Piedmont Technical College, Access and Equity sponsored a pre-Kwanzaa celebration. Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African culture, which is observed December 26 – January 1. Holiday rituals include candle lighting, recitation of prayers and singing traditional songs, all of which demonstrate the spirit of unity. Alice Hodges, right, counselor/coordinator for Students with Disabilities at Piedmont Tech, begins the celebration with the candle-lighting ceremony. Shown with her is Jacintha Witherspoon of Greenwood, a business major at the college.

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Experience teaches PTC grad a valuable lesson
Posted November 20, 2003, By Sharon Giles

There was a time when Tray Sivell thought making money was more important than education.

In 1997, he was disillusioned with the public education system. “High school classes were converting to the block system. Police were often on campus because of unrest. I was a stubborn teenager and felt restricted. I decided to buck the system and left high school in the tenth grade,” he explained.

Sivell sought alternative routes to earning his high school credentials. He enrolled in night classes for a while and soon earned his GED.

Forced to start with low wage, temporary jobs offering no benefits, Sivell worked in wholesale/retail businesses, local industries and construction companies. With the jobs usually came the promise that Sivell could advance with his employer – if he worked hard and stuck with them. Unfortunately, he rarely got a bite of the proverbial carrot.

“I did have some positive work experiences,” he recalled. “For three or four months, I took a job as helper, and then moved up to pipe fitter with a plumbing company.

“Next, I got a job installing vinyl siding and doing other types of home improvements. I really enjoyed the work and liked my boss. He was supportive of my efforts to better myself and encouraged me to enroll in college.

“After four years of working every dead-end job imaginable, I had come to realize that education is imperative if you want to get ahead.”

In August of 2001, Sivell started shopping around online to see what Piedmont Technical College had to offer. “I explored several curriculums, including associate’s degree and certificate programs,” he said. “I spoke to the admissions office and took the placement test. I’ve always been interested in art, structure and computers and did well on the placement test. Engineering graphics technology seemed to match my interests, so I decided to go for it.”

Sivell excelled at Piedmont Tech, qualifying for membership in two honor societies: Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Tau Alpha Pi, an honor society open both to engineering technology students and graduates who achieve high academic standards.

Another highlight of Sivell’s Tech experience was representing his college, curriculum and ATE (Advanced Technological Education) at a national conference in Washington, D.C., last October.

“That was an interesting experience in several ways,” he said. “It was stressful because I had never flown commercially and was in Washington during the Beltway Sniper shooting spree. However, the conference was very informative, and I enjoyed meeting other students from all over the United States.”

Because of Sivell’s proficiency in engineering graphics technology, his instructors asked him to tutor classmates in descriptive geometry and other related subjects. “I never would have thought I’d enjoy teaching and tutoring, but I do. I want to continue helping others by sharing what I know and understand.”

In January, Sivell seized the chance to work with Cutler-Hammer. “Representatives from the industry came to Tech to recruit students for three internships in drafting. Interested students, including myself, compiled resumes, cover letters and portfolios and went through the entire interviewing process.

“I also scheduled a presentation at the industry built around strategies for cost savings.  The engineer, quality and warranty managers as well as my mentor attended. Fortunately, they felt that my knowledge was sufficient to qualify me for a position. We negotiated a contract for a 16-hour work week.

“Working at Cutler-Hammer has meant a great deal to me. Piedmont Tech gave me the foundation that has enabled me to adapt to the industrial environment and grow from there with my industry.”

In February, Sivell suffered serious physical injuries in an automobile accident. He broke his neck and a knee and shattered his ankle. “After two and one-half weeks in the hospital, I went from wearing a halo for three months and portable traction to a wheelchair, then to crutches and finally to an air cast.

“But I refused to let my grades drop as I recuperated. Debra Tiller, a close friend who was in class with me, took it upon herself to help me get through that tough time. She brought notes and other materials that I needed to the house. This was spring semester, when I was taking several really hard courses, like statics and strength of materials, engineering materials and visual basic programming.”

In spite of his injuries and absences from class, Sivell earned A’s in every class, qualifying for the Dean’s List and graduating in July with high honors.

With his two-year degree under his belt, Sivell returns regularly to the Tech campus for two reasons. “I teach AutoCAD on Saturdays as an adjunct faculty member in engineering graphics technology.

“I’m also taking general education course work toward transfer to Clemson University next fall.” His goal centers on a bachelor’s degree either in architecture or civil/structural engineering.

Filling the roles of student, teacher and drafter can be demanding for Sivell, who often shows up on campus before 8 a.m. to get in a little extra study time before class.

“As long as I can squeeze in 18 holes on the golf course over the weekend, I’m good to go,” he said.

Goal-oriented, Sivell first focuses on his four-year degree. “Then I want to get a position in one of the two fields I’m considering – one that includes good benefits. I want a few of life’s small luxuries, such as a decent vehicle. I want to start a family and to be prosperous and successful at whatever I do.”

Sivell believes he has chosen the best route to future academic and career success. “If you plan to go on for a four-year degree, I recommend getting the first two years behind you at a technical college. The environment is much more supportive than in larger four-year institutions, giving you a stronger foundation for future learning. Smaller classes allow for more one-on-one with instructors so you gain better understanding and knowledge. And instructors make themselves accessible to students after class and through e-mails.

“I learned the hard way – through experience – that I needed a higher education,” Sivell said. That is a lesson he is not likely to forget.

Photo Caption: As student and instructor, Tray Sivell of Greenwood is often seen around campus at Piedmont Tech. The July honor graduate in engineering graphics technology teaches AutoCAD and takes transfer courses toward a four-year degree at Clemson University.

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Presidential Ambassadors Selected at PTC
Posted November 13, 2003, By Nancy Hall

Their stories carry common threads, but the students who proudly wear “Presidential Ambassador” nametags at Piedmont Technical College are literally as different as day and night.

Becky McIntosh, now vice president for student development at the college, introduced the ambassadors’ program in 1990.  First, there were three students designated ambassadors.  As their roles grew, so did their numbers; this year, 15 ambassadors will convey the college’s message to current and potential students, as well as to the community at large.

With institutional officers in attendance, ambassadors revealed their goals and the impact the college has had on the drive to meet their marks.  The newest group of ambassadors represents curricula, backgrounds, hometowns and aspirations that cut across all demographics.

Pamela Birchfield of Greenwood, for example, has been a Greenwood resident for nine years.  Before enrolling at PTC, she had earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Clemson University.  Now she’s about to realize her dream to become a registered nurse and work in pediatrics.

Brooklyn, N.Y. native Shaniece Foggie likes to be in charge.  After earning an associate’s degree in business management, she wants to continue her education at a four-year institution.  Ultimately, she’d like to put that education to use in a business of her own.

In just four weeks, Amy Charles of Prosperity will graduate from the practical nursing program.  Her passion is helping people, and after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she plans to return to Piedmont Tech as a teacher.

Jacintha Witherspoon of Greenwood is a business major, and she plans to transfer to the University of South Carolina or Lander University after earning her associate’s degree.  She hopes those degrees will give her an entrée into the tourism management business and one day wants to own her own hotel chain and open a school of culinary arts.

As the sixth of 10 children growing up in the Bronx, Christina Pope transferred to PTC from a four-year institution to earn an associate’s degree in criminal justice.  Her dream:  to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, then her law degree at New York University.  After practicing law, she’s aiming for a judicial seat and then an appointment to the Supreme Court.

A father of two, (one daughter and one son) who are currently in college, Warren Mundy of Greenwood experienced something that has become all too common in our area.  After 23 years in the textile industry, he was caught in a cutback.  Even with two kids in college, he continues to pursue his goal to become a respiratory therapist so that he can help others who can’t help themselves.

Janet Moss of Honea Path graduated from Piedmont’s early childhood development program.  The Abbeville County resident tells a story that is painfully familiar, but it also serves to offer positive encouragement to all those who want to succeed.  She was the first in her immediate family to graduate from high school or attend college, and now she has set her sights on becoming a pharmacist.  She sees PTC as an important steppingstone on the way to meeting that goal.

Lauren Bell, who graduated from Belton-Honea Path High School, knew all about PTC long before she made a decision about what she wanted to study in college.  Not only did she earn high school and college credits simultaneously, she also received great encouragement from her parents Nancy and Dave Bell, both of whom are former members of the faculty at the college.  Lauren is a commercial art major who wants to enter the advertising career field.

Saluda resident Denise Gregory has three teen-aged daughters, so she views the need for continuing her education on an up-close and personal basis.  She, too, lost her job in a cutback, but now she sees that as a blessing.  She’s enrolled in the criminal justice program, and one of her daughters is taking advantage of courses available at the college’s Saluda County Center.

A Clinton native, Lauren Crowell is a radiologic technology major and is interested in continuing her education so that she will be able to work directly with children, either in Rad Tech or in nursing.  She applauds faculty and staff for the individual attention each student receives and is reluctant to “leave the fold.”

When Tammy Hallman of Ninety Six was caught in a cutback, she faced a number of hurdles.  She didn’t finish high school but recognized the need for additional education to position herself for today’s job market.  Her choice of majors was horticulture landscape management, and in just a short period of time, she also earned her G.E.D.  Hallman sees herself in dual roles after she completes her bachelor’s degree; she wants to teach and own her own landscape business.

Jason Garrett of Waterloo has a degree in welding, and he’s now enrolled in the general studies certificate program.  His plans include transferring to Texas A & M and the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.  His interest in a wide range of activities on campus gives some insight into his career goals.

In a recent visit to an Emerald High School career fair, Maricor Gollayan was overwhelmed by the response from students attending.  “You could see their faces light up when we talked about the success they could achieve by making smart choices for post-secondary education,” she explained.  This Greenwood resident will be graduating from the practical nursing program in a few weeks and plans to become a registered nurse after additional study.

An ex-Marine who’s traveled the world identifies his experience at Piedmont the best one yet.  After spending many years in the construction industry, an injury called for a career change.  Now a nursing student, Dale Garnett wants to give back.  “The doors are wide open,’’ he said.  “This community, like all others, needs role models; that’s where I want to leave my footprints.”  Garnett is a Greenwood resident.

Allen Brown of Greenwood sees himself in the same kind of role as Garnett; he’s just taking a different route.  A business management major from Greenwood, Brown plans to earn his associate’s degree, transfer to Limestone to earn his bachelor’s and eventually, he’ll work toward a master’s in theology.  At PTC, he said, faculty and staff will help you to identify your strengths so that you can plan your future realistically.

College president Dr. Lex Walters challenged the new ambassadors to share their experiences with others.  “Your impact will be amazing,” he concluded.  “At Piedmont Technical College, we take great pride in helping those who want to help themselves.”

Photo Caption: PTC president Dr. Lex Walters, far left, introduced ambassadors to faculty and staff at a recent luncheon meeting.  2003 – 04 Presidential Ambassadors shown with him are, first row, from left, Amy Charles, Pamela Birchfield, Lauren Crowell and Christina Pope.  On the second row are Jacintha Witherspoon and Maricor Gollayan.  Shown on the third row are Shaniece Foggie, Lauren Bell, Denise Gregory and Janet Moss.  On the fourth row are Allen Brown, Jason Garrett, Tammy Hallman, Dale Garnett and Warren Mundy.

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Halloween celebration at PTC
Posted November 6, 2003, By Nancy Hall

Things became a bit “ghoulish” at Piedmont Technical College as campus organizations had a little fun with Halloween celebrations.  Psi Beta Honor Society sponsored a pumpkin-carving competition, and Alpha Delta Omega Honor Society sponsored the costume contest.  Above, Warren Snow, an associate in science major of Abbeville, is a convincing mummy.

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No-nonsense approach works for PTC welding head
Posted November 6, 2003, By Sharon Giles

A slogan in Jim Fleming’s office reads: “My tastes are simple: I like the very best.” The welding coordinator/instructor at Piedmont Technical College doesn’t leave it at that: he also expects the best from his students.

Fleming’s high expectations continue to impact the success of students enrolled in his curriculum. Under his guidance, PTC’s welding grads have achieved nearly 100 percent job placement for more than 20 years.

Describing himself as a “blue jean kind of guy,” Fleming believes in doing his job quietly behind the scenes. His associates, however, refuse to let him shun the limelight indefinitely. They recently nominated Fleming for the prestigious Governor’s Professor of the Year Award.

“I have no idea how that came about,” he joked. “I guess they talked it over and said, ‘He’s been here a long time; let’s put him in!’”

On a more serious note, Fleming added, “I don’t feel that I’ve done anything special. I certainly don’t consider myself the smartest or most capable educator at Piedmont Tech. There are a lot of good people here – smart people, hard-working people – among the faculty. There surely are others who are more deserving than I.”

A product of the program that he now heads, Fleming models his high standards after his former instructor, Basco Elledge, now deceased. It was Elledge who first offered Fleming the chance to teach, but Uncle Sam had other plans for him. After serving two years in the Army during the Vietnam War, Fleming returned to Due West, his hometown.

“I was working for Rainbow Signs and teaching welding part-time at night for Basco when a job opening for a full-time instructor came up at the Irmo/Chapin Career Center,” Fleming recalls.

“I started the Monday after Thanksgiving, and the kids balked at my expectations. I was determined to have discipline and organization in my classroom. The students staged a sit-down strike between the high school and the career center. I told them, ‘Come to class and do the work or fail.’ Eventually, they accepted what I stand for.”

Fleming knew that if the second year of teaching wasn’t better than the first, there would be no third! He stayed at Irmo for eight years.

Coming to Tech as full-time instructor in 1982, Fleming counts twenty-nine years in education.

An added bonus of his affiliation with the college is the complementary working relationship with full-time instructor Larry McCombs. Attending evening classes, McCombs graduated from the welding program in 1968 with Fleming, who enrolled in day classes. (Fleming later earned an associate’s degree in business management at Midlands Tech.)

The two first got acquainted at a Technical Education Welding Competition at Midlands Tech. 

“A year after Basco retired, I received a call asking if I was interested in heading the welding program. I first checked with Larry to see if he wanted the job.”

As things turned out, McCombs preferred to instruct. “Larry and I get along well. We know each other’s capabilities,” Fleming said. “He does his job, I do mine and everything runs smoothly in the welding department.”

Although Fleming has contributed in numerous capacities during his career at Tech, one achievement makes him especially proud.

“Everyone who knew Basco Elledge thought very highly of him,” Fleming said. (The first instructor and department head of the welding curriculum at what was Piedmont Technical Education Center in 1966, Elledge instructed more than 300 students who graduated in welding.)

“About the time Basco retired, he was having serious health problems. He served on our welding advisory committee after retirement, but his health often prevented him from coming to meetings,” he said. “I felt that we needed to do something to honor Basco. After I contacted former graduates, the welding department and advisory committee agreed to honor his contributions by establishing a scholarship in his name.         

“I talked to Basco’s son and daughter, and we had a plaque made up. Then we called together the business and industry advisory committees and wheeled Basco into the meeting.

“In November, 1998, President Walters presented the plaque to him and announced the G.B. Elledge Scholarship, which allots partial funding every year to an eligible welding student.

“It was the right time for Basco to know that his efforts on behalf of others for so many years were much appreciated.” Fleming said. Sadly, the educator passed away just months after the night of special recognition.

Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Fleming reluctantly finds himself in a position to receive special recognition. Leaders in education, business and industry confirm that he is more than worthy of nomination to the Governor’s Professor of the Year Award.

Tom Clegg, district manager of National Welders said, “I have worked hand in hand with Jim for 20 years. During this period, I have found him to be totally dedicated to the promotion of the welding curriculum and attaining the best possible employment for those who will allow him to help them.

“Jim could be characterized as a hero who is willing to give of himself to help others.”

“Tom and Karl Clegg are a story in themselves,” Fleming observed of the Erskine business graduates. “The brothers opened Palmetto Welders after attending welding classes at Tech to get a feel for their business.”

Pickens Polatty, manufacturing engineer at Actaris said of Fleming: “I have had the opportunity to observe Jim in a classroom environment and found him to be patient with his students while emphasizing the strict quality demands of industry. Presently, all of our welders are graduates of the welding program at Piedmont Technical College and are a vital part of our stainless steel and hastelloy mass flow meter assembly team.”

Friend and associate for more than 25 years, Jack Wilson, welding department head at Greenville Tech, wrote: “Coming into teaching after 28 years in industry, the educational system was a whole new ballgame. It didn’t take me long to realize I needed to tap into my circle of technical college associates and peers. I remember Jim’s voicemail stating: ‘Well, Jack, come on down, and plan to spend the day; I’ll teach you what I know.’ This is typical of Jim’s demeanor, not only with his colleagues, but even more so with his students.”

Photo Caption: After 29 years in education, welding coordinator/instructor Jim Fleming steps reluctantly into the limelight. He was recently nominated by his associates and endorsed by educational, business and industrial leaders for the Governor’s Professor of the Year Award. 

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Fall Guidance Advisory Committee meets
Posted October 24, 2003, By Nancy Hall

Counselors from schools across Piedmont Technical College’s seven-county service area met on the Greenwood campus to exchange ideas and get updates on the institution’s educational initiatives. Welcoming Guidance Advisory Committee members Erica Carter of Westview Middle School, second left; Dale Adair, center, of Greenwood High School; and Jill Leinbach of Greenwood Christian Home Education Association; are PTC admissions director Steve Coleman, left, and recruiter Amber Blair.

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Campus stand-out plants her dreams through Piedmont Tech
Posted October 24, 2003, By Sharon Giles

Perhaps it’s her Indian heritage that instills a love for Nature in Tammy Hallman. When her daughter was born, she didn’t hesitate to draw on her Cherokee and Apache heritage. She chose the name “Chenoa,” a Lakota Indian word meaning “White Dove.”

Whatever the inspiration, Hallman knows where to find her peace. When everyday stresses nag at her, she escapes to her garden.

“As long as I can remember, I have worked in flower and vegetable gardens. I find yard work totally therapeutic,” she said. “I thank my father for that. He’s one of those people who can just throw something out and it takes root!”

Hallman agrees with the adage that love is meant to be shared. Consequently, the Ninety Six resident often recruits relatives with whom to share her affection for growing things. “I see little kids as little gardeners. Every spring, I buy flowers for my nieces. Then my brother brings them to my house to plant their flower gardens. I don’t care if their plantings look like patchwork quilts as long as they are learning and enjoying themselves.”

Hallman’s love for Nature extends to animals. A hunter for several years, she recently had an enormous gobbler in her sights. “He was so proud and so beautiful that I just couldn’t pull the trigger,” she said.

Among her animal menagerie, Hallman coddles a huge, black, seven month-old Newfoundland puppy named “Hooah” and three neutered Tomcats.

Until a year ago, her love for Nature was strictly recreational. Today, Hallman channels it into preparation for a new career. Enrolled in horticulture landscape management at Piedmont Technical College, she said, “At last, I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Taking on adult responsibilities as a teen, Hallman left Greenwood High in the 11^th grade. She married and started a family, then confronted tragedy. “My first husband was killed in an automobile accident, and I raised my daughter and son Keith alone.”

To support her family, she worked in fast food restaurants until 1991, when she was hired as a weaver at Greenwood Mills.  She remained for 11 years until she was caught in layoffs.

“Then I stayed at home for six months and worked our huge vegetable garden. I lacked direction, so I needed time to think about what I wanted to do. I knew I would have to further my education to be successful in today’s job market.

“My children had always wanted me to go back to school,” Hallman said. “I’d promised them that I would when they were old enough to take care of themselves. They are very supportive of my efforts and even help me with my homework from time to time.” (With her mom, Chenoa is a student at Piedmont Tech, majoring in computer technology.)

“In 2001, I renewed a relationship with a former friend, Ronnie Hallman, Jr. We began dating and eventually married. My husband is my backbone. As soon as I told him that I wanted to go back to school, he was with me 110 percent. He agrees that education is more important to me right now than a job.”

The decision made to attend college, the placement test aced and the financial aid applications processed, Hallman toured the Tech campus with Orientation Leader Gerald Littleton. “Knowing my interest in horticulture, he especially wanted me to see the courtyard between the administration and continuing education buildings. Gerald was fascinated with the plants and was curious to find out how many I could name!”

Although Hallman knew what she wanted to study, she’s still debating what to do with her major. Teaching is one possibility.  “Once I started Piedmont Tech, I fell in love with the college and with learning,” she said.

To prepare graduates with versatile career skills, the horticulture curriculum includes cooperative work experience, greenhouse technologies, landscape design, pesticides, soil science, plant identification, power equipment, pruning, small business and turf grass management.

Completing horticulture coursework, Hallman currently focuses on general academic classes. “I applied for a Pell Grant, lottery funding and the Life Scholarship. When I found out I couldn’t qualify for the scholarship because I lacked a high school diploma or GED, Marion (Marion Bledsoe, instructor/coordinator for horticulture landscape management) urged me to prepare for the GED test. Four weeks later, I received the good news that I had passed!”

Having already earned certification in horticulture landscape management and licensed in pesticides, Hallman is working toward certification in interior design. Her goal: to graduate December 2004 with an associate’s degree in Occupational Technology with a major in general technology and double minors in horticulture and interior design.  

Excelling in campus life as well as academics, Hallman serves as a Presidential Ambassador. She is president of the Horticulture Club and represents her organization on the Inter-Club Council. “These extracurricular activities have been a learning experience for me. Through them, I’ve gained a greater respect for my fellow classmates. I’ve learned to consider differing opinions with an open mind.”

Recently returning from the annual Fall Leadership Retreat, Hallman learned more about herself, her classmates and college faculty and staff. “At the retreat, we participated in activities that teach teamwork. One of our first challenges was to form a circle of 30-plus people. Then we interlocked hands and passed a hula hoop around the circle and back to its original point – in two minutes!

“Other retreat activities focused on communication. One involved building a floatable cardboard boat without any verbal or written communication between team members.”

David Rosenbaum, director of counseling and career services, pleasantly surprised Hallman at the Leadership Retreat. “On campus, he appears quiet and reserved,” Hallman said, “but he really opened up at camp! He was like a cheerleader, constantly encouraging students, and I admire him.”

Acknowledging people as Piedmont Tech’s strongest resource, Hallman cites another worthy example. “Admissions counselor Matteel King: she doesn’t see color, gender or age, but treats everyone with equal value and respect. Her boundless energy and supportive attitude are amazing!

“If I could be to others what she has been to me, I would be very proud,” Hallman observes.

A spontaneous spokesperson for her college, Hallman says, “Piedmont Tech works with you to reach your goals. No matter what your schedule or responsibilities, you can attend classes, whether it’s during the day, in the evenings, on weekends or through distance learning. If you have personal, financial or academic concerns, there are numerous resources to help resolve them. There’s nothing to stop you from getting an education, unless you allow your own self-doubt to stand in the way.”

Photo Caption: The courtyard at Piedmont Tech was one of the first places Tammy Hallman visited when she decided to enroll in horticulture landscape management. The site serves as a learning lab for several curriculums while providing a beautiful park-like setting for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

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PTC foursome share career skills with Newberry students
Posted October 9, 2003, By Sharon Giles

In the business of education, Newberry County Career Center and Piedmont Technical College nurture a very special relationship. One significant example is in the center’s welding program, where four generations of instructors are products of Tech’s welding curriculum.

The first, Charles Huggin, instructed welding at Tech for three years and taught at the center for 18 years. Shannon Caudill, Barry Pressley and Mike Jaeger have since followed in Huggin’s competent footsteps.   

Newberry born and raised, Jaeger returned to his high school alma mater this fall to teach. After graduating from Piedmont Tech with honors in 1996, he spent several years in industry, starting at B.F. Shaw in Laurens.

“For two and one-half years, I drove one hour one-way to Greenville where I worked for GE. I had to pass several different welding tests as well as tests in math, reading and mechanics to qualify for work there. My job was to weld exotic metals used to manufacture turbines. These metals possess high tolerance to heat,” Jaeger said.

The pay was good, but the hours were long. Marriage and the birth of his daughter Mallorie prompted Jaeger to teach. “I wanted more time with my family,” he said.

Jaeger’s knack for getting along with others and for welding led to his initial exposure to teaching. His industrial employers chose him to help train new hires.

To instruct at the career center, Jaeger was required to have a minimum of a welding certificate and at least two years’ related work experience.

This past August, he took part in an eight-day training program at Clemson University. Called “Career and Technology Education,” the course focuses on helping other first-year teachers in such areas as preparing lesson plans.

“So far, so good,” Jaeger says of his first year in public school teaching. “I have a lot of good kids who are serious about learning to weld. When they come in to class, they get right to work!”