Stories

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) alumni Deandre Daniel and Sara Puckett recently graduated from the BMW Fast Track Scholar Program. They are both eager to continue their careers with the automaker. As part of the yearlong BMW Fast Track Scholar Program, recent technical college graduates go through an aggressive training program to develop the knowledge needed to be considered for full-time...

Kristen Chayka’s stethoscope is more than a medical instrument. It is an enduring symbol of her father’s faith in her. Chayka, 28, who lives in Abbeville, fulfilled a lifelong ambition when she graduated in May from the Respiratory Care Program at Piedmont Technical College (PTC). She also was chosen as the program’s distinguished student. “Since I was a child, I always wanted to work in...

Before receiving their diplomas, hundreds of Piedmont Technical College (PTC) graduates heard a series of inspiring speeches during a pair of commencement ceremonies held May 8 at the James Medford Family Event Center on the Greenwood Campus. “As you move forward, remember this: Whether you were starting fresh, starting over or simply daring to dream bigger, your journey mattered to us. And it...

Twenty dedicated employees of Piedmont Technical College (PTC) received certificates, pins and gifts Tuesday for achieving years-of-service milestones. “Thank you for your years of service, your professionalism and your unwavering commitment to our mission,” PTC Human Resources Vice President Alesia Brown told the employees during a luncheon in the James C. Self Conference Center on the Greenwood...

The South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) has selected Piedmont Technical College (PTC) Area Commissioner George Piersol as the winner of the 2025 Commissioner Leadership Award. The award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to promote the technical or community college concept. With 30 years of service, Piersol is the longest-tenured Area...

Thirty-three students at Piedmont Technical College (PTC) were honored Wednesday at the 51st annual Student Awards and Recognition Program. The top honor – the President’s Award – went to Amber Hardin. She also received the distinguished student honors for the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division and the Horticulture Program. “Amber is extremely outgoing, very passionate about everything...

Responding to a reported shooting at a hospital, Greenwood County Sheriff Dennis Kelly switched on the siren and accelerated. Avoiding a bus, a bicyclist, a pedestrian and a fire truck, he arrived at the scene just over 2 minutes later. “I am sweating,” Kelly said. The surge of adrenaline that he felt didn’t come on actual roads. Instead, Kelly was seated in an emergency-driving simulator at the...