Connection May/June 2025
In this Issue …
Learning Beyond Campus Receives CCA’s Instructional Program Award.......................................3
Nick Eason Delivers Keynote at Spring Graduation..................................4
Linda and Ralph Elliott Endow Presidential Medallion Awards at TCTC...........................10–11
TCTC and Clemson University Announce Dual Enrollment Academy Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University officials announced April 30 a first-of-its-kind dual enrollment academy that provides qualified high school students a guaranteed path to earn their Clemson degree. The TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy is targeted to high school students in the Anderson, Oconee and Pickens school districts whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. Students will be recruited in their sophomore year of high school and Dr. Bob Jones and Dr. Galen DeHay sign TCTC Dual those admitted to the academy will take dual Enrollment Academy agreement. enrollment courses through TCTC at little to no cost. To be offered a guaranteed path to Clemson, participating students must meet all academic requirements and achieve a 3.0 or higher GPA in all college coursework and a 4.0 or higher GPA in all high school coursework. The academy is expected to launch in spring 2026 with 25 students in the first cohort and increase incrementally each academic year to a maximum of 150 students per year. Students in the first cohort are expected to matriculate to Clemson in fall 2028. “As a land-grant institution, Clemson is committed to providing access to education and ensuring that high-achieving students in our state have a clear, supported pathway to earning their degrees,” said Clemson University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones. “The TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy aligns with the Clemson Elevate strategic plan by enhancing the student experience and transforming lives within South Carolina while building a skilled local workforce that attracts innovative job creators.” In addition to rigorous college courses taught by TCTC’s credentialed college faculty and guaranteed admission to Clemson, the academy will provide a college admission and orientation session that prepares the student for dual enrollment and their future college experience. TCTC and Clemson will also provide future-focused advising and career counseling centered on the student’s career goals and field of study, as well as support services to aid the student’s learning and success. In addition, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to participate in community-building activities and attend workshops on financial literacy and FAFSA, navigating higher education, and understanding the unique needs of first-generation college students. (continued on page 12)