Dear Chasers,

Most of you may be familiar with South Carolina’s primary motto, “Dum Spiro Spero,” which translates to “While I Breathe, I Hope.” The second motto, “Animis Opibusque Parati” or “Prepared in Mind and Resources,” might be lesser known but it is equally important when considering the challenges we face as a state and a nation. 

Prepared in Mind and Resources usually signifies the fact that South Carolina stands ready to defend itself from any attack or threat -- whether that be a foreign invader or a natural disaster such as a hurricane. There exists currently a threat facing our state that is very important to our future growth and prosperity and we at Spartanburg Community College are on the front line of preparation. The opportunity that exists in order to meet the threat at hand is the development of an enhanced and robust skilled labor force. 

We are steadfast in our commitment to equip our students and communities with the skills and knowledge necessary to bolster South Carolina's labor force. Through strategic partnerships with local businesses and proactive engagement with our community, we ensure that our graduates are not only prepared in mind but also armed with the resources needed to invigorate our state's economic landscape.

As we collectively strive for a stronger, more prosperous South Carolina, it is evident that a prepared workforce forms the bedrock of progress. Each student we educate and empower to Dream It, Chase It and Live It at Spartanburg Community College contributes to this vision, and we will continue to prepare for the upcoming chase by further adapting and improving our day-to-day operations while strengthening our accountability to boost success outcomes. We have to accomplish this mission for the betterment of our communities and for our beloved South Carolina.

Together, we breathe hope and stand prepared, fortifying the promise of prosperity for many generations to come.

Go Chasers!

Downtown Spartanburg is home to two significant statues, both of which represent victorious revolutions: the monument to General Daniel Morgan and the statue of Chaser the Border Collie.

General Morgan was the hero of the Battle of Cowpens, the place many argue that victory was secured during the American Revolution. Chaser's statue is symbolic of the ongoing revolution to revitalize the American economy through the combination of American spirit and the competitive nature that exists within those who are not afraid to Dream It, Chase It, and Live it at Spartanburg Community College.

It was great to share this and much more with Senator Tim Scott as he joined us at our Spark Center for a roundtable discussion with local business and industry leaders Friday.

With Spartanburg County continuing to break records with economic investment, it is crucial we have solid partnerships in place to ensure we have curated a secure pipeline of well-trained talent to meet the demand and build upon our success.

Last Friday was an exciting day for Spartanburg Community College as our faculty and staff gathered in our historic Downtown Campus for the 2023 All College Meeting!

Seeing the excitement and spirit of our employees as we discussed the amazing achievements we have experienced together over the last year was inspiring, but we have only just begun to empower our region to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It.

Here are some brief, but important highlights from the All College Meeting that we are proud to showcase:

• SCC's 52% growth in enrollment since 2020 makes us the fastest growing public college in at least the last two decades

• Comprehensive streamlining of operations and reduction in administrative size has led to a savings of at least $1,500 per student

• We have set the standard for excellence and have been recognized as Best Community College in South Carolina for the past three years by Best Colleges and were voted the best college in Spartanburg by readers of the Spartanburg Herald Journal

• The College continues to grow, as evidenced by an 18% increase in new student enrollment on the first day of Fall 2023

• There have been more than 300 improvements and enhancements in our academic programs over the past two years

When I became president of Spartanburg Community College in 2020, at the height of the global pandemic, I realized the College lacked a unifying identity -- something that grasped the essence of the opportunities the College presented to our students.

The story of Chaser the Border Collie fully encapsulates the passion and spirit with which our students embody our motto of "Dream It, Chase It, and Live it.

Click the video below to view the full story of how Spartanburg Community College became the "Home of the Proud Chasers."

The Spark Center is no stranger to new business and innovation, but we are proud to host a new and unique company, Hammer-IMS, as they prepare the official launch of their U.S. operations. 

Hammer-IMS utilizes its own proprietary technology to provide an alternative to nuclear and other radioactive measuring equipment that are currently the industry standard in manufacturing. 

Click here to read more about this exciting new venture taking place out of our Spark Center!

It was a pleasure welcoming the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce’s Executive Director, William Floyd, and Senior Advisor, Charles Appleby to our Giles Campus & Spark Center this past month to learn more about how Spartanburg Community College is empowering the Upstate region through unique higher education opportunities and workforce development.

Mr. Floyd serves as Chair of the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Workforce Development and I am honored to serve alongside him.

Our Chasers attended the “2023 Fall Transfer Fair” hosted by Career Services and the “Post Labor Day Grill & Chill” hosted by Student Life. 

At the Transfer Fair, students were able to compete for door prizes and learn more about the multitude of transfer opportunities available to them from representatives from 20 different schools throughout the state such as the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Winthrop University, USC Upstate, College of Charleston, and more!

On Thursday, September 21, please join the SCC Horticulture Department and the SCC Foundation at the 2023 Arboretum Adventures event!

This year's event, entitled, "Where the Wild Things Are: The Role of Cultivation in Plant Conservation," features Dr. Richard T. Olsen -- Director of the U.S. National Arboretum!

Register today at the link below!

https://www.sccsc.edu/academics/horticulture/arborevents.php

The Milliken Art Gallery at Converse University is currently exhibiting works of art made by SCC Faculty and Staff! The current exhibition will run through September 21, and admission is free of charge. Gallery hours are 9:00 - 5:00 M-F and 2:00 - 5:00 on Sundays. 

Please drop by when you can to view the amazing SCC artistic talent, and many thanks to our friends at Converse for recognizing our faculty and staff this way! 

It's my pleasure to invite you to join me on my Facebook page!

This is where you'll find the latest news and updates from our college community, including exciting events, inspiring stories, and important announcements.

By following my page, you'll stay connected to the heartbeat of our institution and have a front-row seat to all the amazing things happening here.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage with me on social media - hit that 'Follow' button today and join the conversation!

https://www.facebook.com/DrMichaelMikota

Thank you for your support of Spartanburg Community College and our mission to drive prosperity and improved quality of life factors across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties and beyond.

Please click here to visit the website of the SCC Foundation to learn more about the various ways you can empower our communities to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It!

About Spartanburg Community College.

Strategically located across one of the most economically vibrant regions in the United States, Spartanburg Community College (SCC), home of the proud Chasers, is driving the economy forward while empowering thousands of students to Dream it, Chase it, and Live it.

Founded in 1963, SCC is South Carolina’s fastest growing public college and prides itself in providing unrivaled access to transformational experiences. Learn how you can begin to chase your dreams online or at five beautifully manicured campuses, encompassing 245 acres punctuated by over one million square feet of state-of-the-art facilities.

Join the chase at www.sccsc.edu.