Dear Chasers,

As I write this message to you on this beautiful April day, I can feel the excitement building in the air as we approach the 2023 Spring Commencement Ceremony on our Giles Campus Green. In less than 30 days the hard work of our proud Chasers will reach a culminating apex that will both celebrate and showcase each individual’s extraordinary accomplishments in the classroom, in the workplace, and in their personal journey to attain this milestone.

The month of April is a time of growth and renewal, where the world around us "opens" up to new possibilities. It is fitting that this month is

traditionally named after the Latin verb "aperire," meaning "to open."

This lesson in etymology reminds me of how Spartanburg Community College "opens" the doors to success for our Chasers, who are empowered to change their lives and communities through our various programs and services.

My challenge to you this April is to reflect on the doors that have been opened for you, and how you can open up doors for others. Let us embrace the spirit of growth and renewal that this month represents, and continue to help individuals Dream It, Chase It, and Live It at Spartanburg Community College.

Go Chasers!

It was a beautiful day to spend in Columbia at the South Carolina Technical College System Legislative Luncheon and engage with elected officials to showcase our innovative programs, such as the new Diesel Engine and Emerging Technology program and our Networking and Cybersecurity program.

Through conversations with Mr. Mark Smith, our Dean of Technologies, and Mrs. Tasha Marshall, a student in our Networking and Cybersecurity program, lawmakers and other state officials learned about the ways in which Spartanburg Community College is empowering the communities we serve to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It!

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster stands with SCC Student Tasha Marshall and SCC Dean of Technologies, Mark Smith

The Spartanburg Community College team stands with SC Representative Max Hyde of Spartanburg

The Spartanburg Community College team stands with SC Representative Dennis Moss of Gaffney

SCC student Tasha Marshall talks with SC Representative Steven Long of Boiling Springs. Rep. Long is also an alum of SCC!

More than 300 potential students and their family members packed the halls of Spartanburg Community College's Giles Campus on Saturday, March 25th to learn more about the College's 70+ programs of study and how they can be empowered to Dream It, Chase It, and Live It!

Prospective students got to learn about our programs, tour the facilities, meet and engage with faculty and staff and even Chaser!

See more photos from Open House here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/albums/72177720307117902/with/52780929562/

It was an honor hosting Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek and representatives from KV Final— a Czech automotive industry supplier company with production operations in Spartanburg — at Spartanburg Community College to showcase our Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies and how we empower economic and workforce development.

Although I typically abstain from using props, I made an exception recently by showcasing my old Gaffney High School parking pass as a reminder of my deep roots and passion for Cherokee County during my presentation to the Gaffney Rotary Club.

I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with attendees and showcasing the growth and future potential of our Cherokee County Campus.

It was standing-room-only in the orientation room for the Cherokee County Campus Open House Thursday night as potential students and their families came to learn about the exciting new and existing programs, such as Diesel Power and Emerging Technology, that will be launching this fall!

The Gaffney Ledger has a terrific write-up on both our Open House and our new programs that you can read by clicking here.

Check out that cool picture, too!

Pictured: SCC President, Dr. Michael Mikota, stands with Milo's Tea Company CEO and Owner Tricia Wallwork at the groundbreaking ceremony for Milo's new facility.

Spartanburg is excited to welcome two new companies that will bring job opportunities and innovation to the area.

First, Milo’s Tea Company (Milo’s) is establishing its first South Carolina operations in Spartanburg County, with a $130 million investment and the creation of 103 new jobs. Milo’s is a leading beverage company that offers a variety of flavored teas and beverages to customers across the nation. The company will be located at Park 290 on Interstate 26 in Moore, S.C.

Secondly, TIME Bicycles (TIME) is establishing its first South Carolina operations in Spartanburg County to build the nation’s largest carbon fiber bicycle factory. The company’s $6.5 million investment will create 105 new jobs. TIME Bicycles is a leading carbon fiber bicycle manufacturer and will be located at 19810 Asheville Highway in Landrum, S.C.

Both companies will be utilizing Spartanburg Community College's innovative Spark Center while they establish their local operations!

SCC is thrilled to welcome these new companies and looks forward to working with them as they continue to grow and innovate in Spartanburg.

Spring is a natural time for new beginnings, and I was energized by the great happenings occurring at the BGEN Business Generator, an innovative workspace for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the heart of Gaffney’s booming downtown.

BGEN aims to support and empower business owners by offering mentorship, education, and start-up space for retail and client-based businesses. The organization is committed to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach their full potential by providing a collaborative and innovative environment where they can work, network, and learn from other professionals.

I was proud to join our friends at BMW for the announcement of a study highlighting their $26.7 billion annual economic impact to the state of South Carolina.

SCC contributes the most students to the innovative BMW Technical Scholars apprenticeship program and I look forward to our continued close partnership and collaboration.

I was proud to make a trip to Cherokee County and tour the new Palmetto Patriots Home, a state-of-the-art facility serving our nation's proud veterans.

Spartanburg Community College will be announcing a close partnership with the Palmetto Patriots Home in the coming days, so stay tuned!

Last week, the SCC TRiO Talent Search program hosted an etiquette luncheon at the Piedmont Club for Cherokee County 8th graders as part of their initiative to help students plan for and achieve their goals in higher education.

The event was a huge success, with students learning the intricacies of fine dining etiquette while enjoying a three-course meal. This was a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their future academic and professional endeavors.

The TRiO Talent Search Program is a federally funded program that provides outreach to middle school, high school, and alternative school students in Cherokee County. The program is designed to help students plan for and achieve their goals in higher education, and the recent etiquette luncheon is a prime example of the unique and valuable experiences the program offers.

We are proud of the efforts of the TRiO Talent Search Program at SCC and the dedication they show to the students they serve!

Model Arab League is a diplomatic debate forum where students not only develop leadership skills but also learn about present day issues in the Middle East and the historical backdrop. This is a model of the actual Arab League, which is an international organization made up of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Our students debated many other colleges and high schools, each representing one of the 22 countries in each of the eight councils. Many of the issues the students debated were issues that the Arab League is dealing with presently like joint defense, Palestinian affairs, environmental, and economic concerns.

Our students' country this year was Mauritania, which is in the North African region.

The Southeast Regional Model took place at Converse University from March 17-19th and this is SCC’s 13th year participating in the Southeast Regional Model.

Our delegation took home awards for Distinguished Delegation for the Joint Defense Council and the Special Council on Medicine and Health, Outstanding Delegation for Council on Political Affairs and Heads of State, and a Chair Superior Award for Council on Environmental Affairs.

The delegation also brought home the Distinguished Delegation Award overall! Go Chasers!

It's my pleasure to invite you to join me on my new 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

Jodi Snyder is a shining example of how a community college education can transform lives. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Snyder has called Spartanburg her home since 2008 and became a graduate of Spartanburg Community College (SCC) when she earned her Associate in Arts degree in Sociology in May 2020.

Snyder excelled as a student and held a position in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also participated in Model Arab League, Ascend magazine, and was a TRIO mentor and tutor.

Upon graduation, Snyder worked as a peer tutor at TRIO until she opened her own outdoor explorations business called Baloo Ridge. Currently, Snyder is the Program Director for Uplift Outreach Center, a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth on the east side of Spartanburg.

They offer fun programming, support/resources, and free mental health services to Spartanburg County youth. Snyder meets with the youth weekly and plans educational speakers and workshops.

Snyder is passionate about creating an environment where people of color are excited about reconnecting with nature. She seeks to organically improve mental health, foster fitness and mind, body, & soul health. Snyder also collects plants and vintage ash trays and enjoys traveling with her children.

Speaking on children, Snyder's daughter also attends SCC and is in the Horticulture program. She received her AA along with her high school diploma in the SCECHS program that’s housed on SCC’s campus.

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!