Like many in the higher education community, officials at Piedmont Technical College heard the news about Virginia College closing and expressed concern for the students who were impacted. Students affected by the closures are invited to inquire about opportunities to continue their education at Piedmont Technical College. Spring Classes begin at PTC on January 9, and registration is open now.
Piedmont Technical College held its winter graduation on Dec. 13 at the James Medford Family Event Center in Greenwood. One hundred and twenty-three (123) graduates walked across the stage to receive their degrees and shift the tassel hanging from their caps. Two graduation speakers expressed gratitude for their blessings as well as appreciation for the encouragement they received from teachers and fellow students.
Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Ray Brooks honored 15 college associates and community leaders with the Presidential Medallion, the college’s most prestigious award, at PTC’s winter semester commencement exercises. Instituted in 1991 during the college’s silver anniversary celebration, the medallions recognize individuals who have made significant contributions toward excellence in education.
Over the past year, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) invested significantly in health care learning facility upgrades. One of the most visible improvements is a new drive-through-type service window in the pharmacy technology lab. In fact, the college has invested more than $50,000 in the pharmacy technology lab since it was reaccredited in January 2018. Other additions include the installation of a realistic pharmacy store service counter, cash register, and a Fillmaster, an automated water dispenser for medications requiring reconstitution.
When Jonah Gonce signed up for Piedmont Technical College’s free Test Drive program, the last thing he expected was to get intimately acquainted with the Bee Gees’ 1977 disco hit Stayin’ Alive. But he soon learned that the tempo of that fast-paced song is perfect for chest compressions while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Gonce, now in his first semester working on an associate degree in nursing at PTC, chose the health care Test Drive path last fall, completing the two-week program with a CPR certification and a $250 tuition credit.
Fortunate are those who have been inspired by that one teacher whose words and visage stay in their mind for decades, even for a lifetime. Christina Knight is one such teacher. It’s National Engineers Week®, an opportunity to tell the story of one who is leading others. Based on heartfelt accolades from faculty and students alike, the Piedmont Technical College Engineering Design Technology program instructor recently was chosen to receive the college’s exclusive Visionary Award.
The Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, which recognizes the academic achievement of state and community college students, recently honored Piedmont Technical College Admissions Specialist Vernessia Wideman for five-years of service as an advisor to PTC’s Omega Chi Chapter.
A young boy’s indoctrination into the ugliest manifestations of hate came at the tender age of 4. It haunted him throughout his life. “I remember a crowd of white men who rode up on horseback with rifles on their shoulders. I was with my father when they rode up, and I remember starting to cry,” Dr. Benjamin E. Mays wrote in the opening to his 1971 memoir titled Born to Rebel. “They cursed my father, drew their guns and made him salute, made him take off his hat and bow down to them several times.” They were lucky to escape with their lives.