Connection May/June 2024
In this Issue …
Carol Burdette Urges Graduates to Serve, Give, Accomplish and Show Kindness.........................................6
Horton Establishes Scholarship................................................9
BASF, TCTC Celebrate Completion of Fourth Cohort in Apprenticeship Program............14
Melanie McLane Appointed to TCTC Commission Melanie H. McLane of Central has been appointed to TriCounty Technical College’s (TCTC) Commission, the ninemember governing board of the College. Governor Henry McMaster appointed McLane to a three-year term on the Commission effective June 3. She represents Pickens County. McLane was selected as part of the Arthrex startup team for the Pendleton manufacturing facility in 2019, an expansion of their manufacturing operations in southwest Florida. She currently serves as the director of human resources. Arthrex is a global Melanie H. McLane medical device company and leader in multi-specialty, minimallyinvasive surgical technology innovation, scientific research, manufacturing, and medical education. McLane has spent her entire career in manufacturing in both engineering and human resources roles for various companies in the Upstate. “I am pleased to welcome Melanie to the TCTC Commission,” said President Galen DeHay. “Her extensive experience in manufacturing and her firsthand knowledge of Tri-County Technical College’s manufacturing programs will provide great insight to our board. Her two decades of working in engineering and human resources bring to us a diverse perspective that will help us ensure our graduates are prepared for the needs of our business and industry partners today and in the future.” In 2020, McLane was instrumental in Arthrex establishing the S.C. Upstate Regional Youth Apprenticeship with TCTC. This youth apprenticeship is designed to assist Arthrex and other Upstate manufacturers with building a skilled workforce. For employers these apprenticeships have the potential to create a crucial recruitment pipeline, expand community partnerships, and help influence, mold and shape future employees. Work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeships—for high school and college students—are the key to producing work-ready graduates, said McLane. “It’s an opportunity to immerse a talented student into your culture and workforce and a way to attract and develop the best employee.” A first-generation college student, McLane said she understands the unique challenges many of TriCounty’s students face as they embark on their educational journey. McLane holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Clemson University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. She maintains her certification as a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Following graduation from Clemson University, she began her career in supply chain at West Point Stevens and later as a manufacturing engineer at Sauer Danfoss where she learned to program and run CNC machines. (continued on page 14)