Piedmont Technical College 2025 Year in Review
Here is a look back at highlights from 2025 at Piedmont Technical College (PTC).
First Quarter January-March 2025
Faculty and Staff Awards
2025 began with an array of well-earned awards for Piedmont Technical College faculty and staff members. These awards included:
South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Educators of the Year
• Social Sciences Department Chair Brittany Aga
• Grants Administrator Jennifer Fleming
• Engineering and Industrial Technology Dean Christina Knight
National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards
• Surgical Technology Program Director Lenette Thompson
PTC Innovation Awards
• Career Coordinator Trae Cary received the Innovator of the Year Award for significantly advancing work-based learning initiatives at PTC.
• The Hope Pantry received the Innovation Team of the Year Award for addressing the growing challenge of food insecurity among PTC students.
Ribbon-cutting for mobile advanced-manufacturing labs
Three mobile advanced-manufacturing labs that will bring critical workforce training resources to rural areas of the state were unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the William H. "Billy" O'Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence in Greenwood.
The labs were the result of a unique collaboration between PTC, Aiken Technical College and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College that was made possible by a U.S. Department of Labor grant.
“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships across education, industry and community stakeholders to address workforce gaps and uplift our rural communities,” said PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers.
Health sciences building groundbreaking
PTC broke ground on a $16.1 million health sciences building on the college’s Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood.
The two-story, 27,000 square-foot building will feature 10 simulation rooms, six skills labs with collaborative teaching spaces, a catheterization and echocardiography lab as well as classrooms and computer labs.
Self Regional Healthcare is purchasing and donating $1.3 million worth of equipment for the new facility. Given the size of this donation, PTC officials are naming the new building as the Self Regional Healthcare Center for Health Sciences.
“We are thrilled to partner with Piedmont Technical College on this vital initiative,” said Dr. Matt Logan, president and CEO of Self Regional Healthcare.
Second Quarter April-June 2025
Transfer agreement with Lander University
PTC and Lander University signed a transfer agreement forming the Lander University Bearcat Bound Bridge Program. The agreement makes it easier for PTC students to transfer to Lander by providing advising and academic support during their transition.
“By streamlining transfer pathways with Lander, we are enhancing opportunities for students in our region to continue advancing academically and professionally,” said Dr. Keli Fewox, PTC’s vice president for academic affairs.
Alumni recognized for noteworthy accomplishments
Four PTC alumni received recognition for noteworthy accomplishments.
Juan De Leon Gonzalez was chosen to serve as an intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.
Kenderrius Hackett was selected to take part in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program in Charleston.
Deandre Daniel and Sara Puckett graduated from the BMW Fast Track Scholar Program.
Third Quarter July-September 2025
PTC and Kia America announce partnership
PTC and Kia America announced an exciting and innovative partnership highlighted by the donation of a Kia EV6 crossover that will enable Automotive Technology students to take advantage of hands-on training opportunities.
In addition to the donated electric vehicle, Automotive Technology students will be able to access and complete training modules in Kia America’s learning management system. As a result, graduates who begin their careers with Kia will start out with a competitive edge over other prospective employees who have not received similar brand-specific training. PTC is only the second college to form this type of partnership with Kia.
This is the second major automaker that has forged a partnership with PTC. In fall 2024, Hyundai Motor Company announced a similar collaboration with the college.
Donation from InSource Solutions
InSource Solutions donated a Festo Mechatronics Learning System, valued at $250,000, to PTC’s Laurens Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
The Learning System features a scaled-down yet fully functional automated production line designed to replicate real-world manufacturing systems.
“The donation from Insource Solutions provides a tremendous opportunity for our Mechatronics students and Workforce Innovation training program,” said PTC Engineering and Industrial Technology Dean Christina Knight.
PTC agriculture program wins state and national acclaim
The PTC School of Agriculture received state and national recognition for the outstanding quality of its educational program.
The school was recognized as the 2025 South Carolina Outstanding Postsecondary Program of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators (SCAAE). It also was chosen by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) to receive the Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Award for Region V.
“It is a true honor to have the Piedmont Technical College School of Agriculture recognized by the National Association of Agricultural Educators as an Outstanding Postsecondary Program. It is particularly special to us to be nominated for such an award by our peers within the state of South Carolina,” said Jeremy Brooks, PTC’s horticulture and agriculture department head.
Groundbreaking for expansion of Family Life and Conference Center
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a $23 million expansion of the Family Life and Conference Center on the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood.
The project will result in creation of a gleaming 41,000 square-foot multipurpose facility to serve PTC students and the campus community while also acting as a vital hub for business and industry conferences and a venue for other types of public gatherings.
PTC Area Commissioner George Piersol honored
PTC Area Commissioner George Piersol received the 2025 Commissioner Leadership Award from the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC). 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 Commissioner in PTC history. The Newberry County resident also has been a member of the SCATCC board and served as its treasurer for more than 20 years.
Fourth Quarter October-December 2025
Groundbreaking for Saluda County Center for Manufacturing Excellence
PTC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Saluda County Center for Manufacturing Excellence. The $14.3 million facility will serve as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing education and workforce training.
“Today, we break ground on a future that expands opportunity and strengthens this community's role in South Carolina’s manufacturing economy,” said Dr. Dennis Lambries, a Saluda County resident who is chairman of the PTC Area Commission.
Veterans Lounge opens
PTC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of its Veterans Lounge, which is intended to offer a safe and welcoming environment for students who have served their country.
Located beside the Hope Pantry on PTC’s Lex Waters Campus-Greenwood, the Veterans Lounge features comfortable furniture, a large TV monitor and a whiteboard, as well as a coffee maker, a microwave oven and a refrigerator. The walls are adorned with the American flag, flags from each service branch and military artwork.
The lounge is available to more than 100 PTC students who are veterans, as well as their families. Staff and faculty members who are veterans also are welcome to use the lounge.
“This space is really all about creating a sense of belonging,” said Dr. Joshua Black, PTC’s vice president for student affairs. “Whether you're here to study, hang out or to grab a quiet moment, we hope this Veterans Lounge feels like home base to you.”