Connection July/August 2025
In this Issue …
Media Arts Production Named Advisory Committee of the Year........................................................4
Naomi Lett Addresses TCTC Graduates...................................................5
Celebrating Faculty/Staff Retirements......................................... 8–9
College Celebrates Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony for Pickens Hall Expansion Tri-County Technical College faculty and staff, Harper Construction and DP3 celebrated a milestone in the ongoing expansion and renovation project for Pickens Hall with a topping out ceremony on August 14 to commemorate the last piece of structural steel being put into place. Pickens Hall was the first building on site when Tri-County Technical Education Center opened its doors September 10, 1963. Since then, it has been the predominant home for the Business and Public Services Division, its classrooms and labs. As the oldest facility on campus, Pickens Hall topping out ceremony commemorates the last piece of structural steel being put into place. the 42,000-square-foot structure was identified for substantial upgrades. However, its block masonry walls, low ceiling heights, and narrow corridors presented significant limitations. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t cost effectively gut and remodel this building like the recent Oconee Hall renovation. Instead, the plan became to demolish it and construct a 52,000-square-foot, twostory building in its place. It is a good use of the resources we have. Going vertical optimizes land use, accommodates programmatic needs within a reduced footprint, and offers cost efficiencies. It also enables us to create an outdoor green space. It will be energy efficient and meet accessibility standards,” said Richard Macbeth, director of project management at TCTC. The Pickens Hall replacement, which began in January 2025 and will conclude November 2026, is part of a multi-year facility improvement plan that includes investments in buildings and exterior elements on TCTC’s main campus. “This investment will help us continue to deliver on our mission of providing students an exceptional and affordable learning experience that improves their quality of life while advancing economic development in the region by preparing a highly skilled workforce,” said TCTC President Galen DeHay. (continued on page 10)