Mechatronics at PTC: 'Knowledge to Last a Lifetime'

Using a hand-held controller, known as a “teach pendant” that somewhat resembles an artist’s palette, Andrew Tokarev deftly manipulates the robotic arm to execute his vision. The 20-year-old Piedmont Technical College (PTC) mechatronics technology student is developing skills that will transport him into a career spanning multiple mediums ― though not painting or sculpture ― that comprise electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and other engineering systems to maximize manufacturing quality and productivity.

PTC Graduate Exemplifies the ‘Human’ in Human Services

Shandra Aiken Martin was the kind of school bus driver most parents would want their children to ride with. If they sneezed, she said “bless you” and offered a tissue. If they hung their head, she asked what was wrong and took the time to really listen. That kind and intuitive nature suited her well for work in the human services profession, so she took the plunge.

PTC and Laurens School Districts Partner for GEAR UP Initiative

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) tutor Ian Levine understands the students who seek academic help from him. He has been there. “I was a special education student from 4th grade up to college,” he said, having been diagnosed with dyscalculia, a condition likened to math dyslexia in which sufferers have difficulty with a variety of math-related tasks such as counting backwards and performing calculations. Thanks to a federal GEAR UP grant and partnership with Laurens School Districts 55 and 56, Levine is giving back through tutoring and mentorship.

‘Boundless Curiosity and Enthusiasm’ Garner Accolades for PTC Instructor

Because she embraces technologies that are friendly and familiar to college-age students, Meredith Brown might be the Piedmont Technical College (PTC) instructor most likely to teach a lesson using an application like TikTok. And if outstanding course evaluations are any indicator, the psychology instructor’s students clearly adore her. You might say she speaks their language, and the engagement that results is just one reason Brown was selected to receive the top Faculty Member Award for 2020 from the SC Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC). The announcement was made during a virtual awards ceremony on Jan. 26, 2021.

Former Pro Athlete Chris Singleton Turns Charleston Tragedy into Mission for Unity

When the unthinkable happens, we struggle to find words, to make sense of the senseless. Following the brutal, racially motivated killing of his mother and eight other parishioners at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015, Chris Singleton tried hard to make peace with it and looked to some prominent thinkers for insight. While the tragedy will never make sense, Singleton eventually found inspiration in the words of Texas Pastor Charles Swindoll, whom he paraphrased in a powerful and inspiring presentation at Piedmont Technical College’s annual Black History Month Unity Feast, which convened virtually on Feb. 4.

Piedmont Tech Adds Contact Tracing to QuickSkills Course Options

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) has added one of the latest tools to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the rapidly emerging workforce needs related to it. “We have a brand-new course that we are offering called Contact Tracing. It’s the first of its kind for South Carolina,” said Steve McDade, health care program manager in Continuing Education. “We worked very closely with DHEC (the state Department of Health and Environmental Control) in developing it.”

Piedmont Tech Planning for In-Person Semester this Fall

Piedmont Technical College is planning for a return to in-person classes for the upcoming Fall 2021 semester. While the college will continue to offer hybrid and online classes for those who prefer the flexibility these options provide, students will have a wide variety of face-to-face options across all programs. Fall registration will open on April 1.

Piedmont Tech Announces Upcoming Topics for PTC Live Broadcast

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) announces the next three installments of its PTC Live program, which is broadcast over the college’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Hosted by PTC Director of Genesis Initiatives Steve Coleman, each program focuses conversation around a timely topic of interest to the PTC community.

Outstanding Educators from Piedmont Tech Honored

Three Piedmont Technical College (PTC) employees were honored recently as Outstanding Educators for the 2019-2020 academic year by the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) at its annual conference last month (Feb. 18-19). Recognized along with colleagues from sister technical colleges in the state, PTC’s honorees are: Amelia Shill Jackson, student life coordinator, in the Staff category; Meredith Brown, psychology instructor, in the Faculty category; and Dr. L. Ray Brooks, outgoing president, in the Administrator category.

Partnership with Self Continues to Benefit Piedmont Tech Workforce

When it comes to weighty issues of personal health, it’s important to consult the experts. Fortunately for faculty and staff at Piedmont Technical College (PTC), Self Regional Healthcare is a longtime partner that has devoted resources especially to address all questions about the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available. On March 10, Self hosted the first “Lunch and Learn” Zoom meeting with PTC personnel to provide information about the benefits of receiving the vaccination and to answer any related questions.

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