What a year! 2025 was packed with milestones that strengthened TTC's community and expanded opportunities for students. Here’s a snapshot of the biggest wins:
Highlights
• Berkeley Campus Renovation
Groundbreaking began on a $37 million renovation and expansion of the Berkeley Campus
t
o create a state-of-the-art training center, increasing student capacity from 1,000
to 3,000. Learn more.
• Dorchester Thompson Campus Renaming
The Summerville campus was renamed Dorchester Thompson Campus to honor Marion Thompson’s
38 years of service and leadership on the Area Commission. Watch here.
• New Website Launch
TTC launched a redesigned, mobile-first website with improved navigation and user
experience to better serve students and stakeholders. Learn more.
Awards and Recognitions
• SACSCOC Torch Award
TTC was recognized for its leadership in college affordability. Learn more.
• Best for Vets Recognition
Trident Tech was named to Military Times’ “Best for Vets 2025” list for its strong
support of military students and veterans through dedicated resources and services.
• Military Friendly School Awards
TTC earned the 2025–26 Military Friendly Schools Silver Award and Military Spouse
Friendly School designation for creating meaningful education paths for the military
community. Learn more.
Grants and Awards
Grants awards in 2025 totaled $4,691,123. Below are a few.
• $350,000 SAEF Grant
TTC received a $350,000 grant to expand youth and adult apprenticeship programs across
high-demand industries, supporting over 375 apprentices annually. Learn more.
• TRIO SSS Grant Renewal--$1,838,705 ($367,741 annually)
The TRIO Student Support Services program secured a five-year federal grant renewal,
continuing vital support for first-generation, low-income students through 2030. Learn more.
• Perkins Grant--$875,031
TTC’s Perkins program provides industry-standard tools, equipment, supplies, and supportive
services that ensure career and technical education students are prepared for success
in their careers.
• Workforce Horizon Grant (Boeing)--$565,000
The TTC Foundation received a $565,000 grant to build the region’s aeronautical workforce
pipeline through critical infrastructure modernization, workforce development initiatives,
and student success.
• SC Film Commission (2025/26)--$350,000
TTC received continued funding to support the South Carolina film industry through
activities including Indie Grant film productions, a Wide Angle project, student internship
opportunities, a young filmmakers competition and industry-specific educational workshops.
• PAYA--$225,000
As one of two National Learning Hubs for youth apprenticeships, TTC has received funding
to support nationwide efforts to expand youth apprenticeships as well as support local
apprentices.
Partnerships
• Expanded Boeing Partnership
TTC signed a five-year contract with Boeing to lead baseline training for production
and maintenance teammates, supporting workforce growth and site expansion. Learn more.
• Business Transfer Pathway
TTC partnered with the College of Charleston to create the EPIC Scholars program,
offering streamlined transfer pathways for business students. Learn more. Watch here.
Programmatic Highlights
• Pharmacy Technician Program Graduation
The Pharmacy Technician program graduated its first class since relaunching, marking
a milestone in TTC’s health sciences offerings. Learn more.
• Outstanding NCLEX Pass Rates
TTC nursing graduates achieved a 99.42% associate degreepass rate and 100% practical
nursing pass rate on the NCLEX, surpassing state and national averages. Learn more.
• Future Ready Certificate Expansion
The Future Ready Certificate program expanded to Charleston and Dorchester counties,
preparing high school students for STEM careers through hands-on training. Watch here. Watch here.
• MUSC Health Science Program Launch
TTC partnered with MUSC and Charleston County Schools to launch a four-year health
science program for high school students, blending academics with clinical experience.
Learn more.
Employee Awards and Achievements
• Pepe Zerda Innovator of the Year
Pepe Zerda received SCTEA’s Innovator of the Year award for creating an academic advising
platform 
that improves transfer student success. Learn more.
• SCTEA Conference Honors
TTC faculty and staff were recognized at the SCTEA conference, with multiple awards
and presentations highlighting excellence in education and leadership. Learn more.
• Data Champion Cohort Selection
Tanisha Seraphin and Richard Liu were selected for the inaugural “Becoming a Data
Champion” program to strengthen data skills and institutional effectiveness. Learn more.
• Forty Under 40 Honoree
Tanisha Seraphin was named one of Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under
40 for her professional achievements and community impact. Learn more.
• Lakin Institute Selection
Dr. Patrice Davis was chosen for the prestigious Lakin Institute leadership program,
preparing future community college executives. Learn more.
• Chef Kevin Mitchell Featured
Chef Kevin Mitchell was featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for his book
Taste the State Georgia, showcasing culinary history and recipes.
• Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship
Dr. Laurie Boeding was selected for the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a national
leadership program for future community college presidents. Learn more.
• Marketing Department Wins National Awards
TTC’s marketing team won a Gold and Bronze Paragon Award from NCMPR for excellence
in design and video content. Learn more.
• Beacon Award for Jean Brooks
Jean Brooks received the Beacon Award for her outstanding service to veterans and
the Charleston community. Learn more.
• PTK Shirley B. Gordon Award
Dr. Darren Felty earned Phi Theta Kappa’s highest honor for his leadership and commitment
to student success.
• Dr. Vicky Wood Named Influential Leader
President Vicky Wood was named one of Charleston’s 50 Most Influential People for
her contributions to education and community development. Learn more. Watch here.
Dr. Wood also was recognized for her innovation and contributions to workforce development
and the community as one of 500 exceptional professionals in South Carolina. Learn more.
Events
• Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day
TTC hosted its 12th annual Signing Day, celebrating 130 youth apprentices joining
52 employers in diverse career pathways. Learn more.
• Career Day Success
Career Day attracted over 1,000 high school students to explore TTC programs, meet
employers and learn about college and career opportunities.
• Awards Day Celebration
TTC honored outstanding students and organizations during its annual Awards Day, recognizing
academic excellence and leadership.
• A Night in the Valley Fundraiser
The TTC Foundation raised over $570,000 at its annual gala to fund scholarships and
student emergency needs. Learn more. Watch here.
• 61st Commencement Ceremony
TTC celebrated 2,267 graduates at its 61st commencement, marking the first ceremony
presided over by President Vicky Wood. Watch here.
Stepping Boldly into 2026
As we look a
head to 2026, I’m proud of the vital role Trident Technical College plays in our region.
Each year, we educate, train, reskill and upskill more than 20,000 students, and we
produce graduates who are ready to meet the needs of our community and workforce.
Thank you to our dedicated faculty, staff and partners for making this impact possible. I look forward to all we will continue to achieve together in the year ahead.
Dr. Vicky Wood
President, Trident Technical College