Three faculty and staff members have been honored as Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College’s Educators of the Year and are being recognized during the South Carolina Technical Education Association’s annual conference Feb. 14-16 in Myrtle Beach.
Fran Andrews, Radiologic Technology and Radiologic Technology Online program coordinator, is the outstanding faculty member; Susan Bender-McGuire, an information technology specialist at OCtech, is the outstanding staff honoree; and Laney Cornelius, buildings and grounds supervisor, is the outstanding administrator.
SCTEA is a professional association of technical education personnel and others interested in post-secondary technical education.
Andrews started working at OCtech in June 1992 as a Radiologic Technology clinical instructor. She became the program coordinator in January 1996 and served as dean of health science for a decade.
“My job provides me an opportunity to interact with all areas of the college in various capacities,” she said. “Day-to-day interaction with the students allows me to have an impact on their futures, whether in the classroom as an instructor, advisor or just as a friend willing to listen. I also have the opportunity to work with the community to create a better healthcare environment.”
Most recently, Andrews served as treasurer of the South Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists, state delegate to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Governance Meeting and site visitor for the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, as well as on the SCSRT Annual Meeting Committee and as a presenter at the meeting. She is a past member of The Technology Center Advisory Committee and currently serves on the Cope Area Career Center Advisory Committee.
Andrews is a member of the S.C. Hospital Association Workforce Advisory Committee, S.C. Allied Healthcare Alliance, SCSRT Educators Council in Radiologic Technology, SCTEA, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, SCSRT and Capitol Chapter of Radiologic Technologists. She was nominated for OCtech’s Educator of the Year in 2006 and 2011 and received a WHO Employees Award for her dedication and commitment to the college in 2018.
Bender-McGuire has worked in OCtech’s IT department since 2005. Prior to that, she worked in the STEP lab as a tutor from 2000 to 2005.
“I like the generosity of the people who work here,” she said. “I enjoy the ability to take classes and continue to learn, and the fact that no two days are alike.”
Bender-McGuire is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and received a WHO Employees Award last year for her dedication and commitment to OCtech. She serves on the college’s Staff Council.
Cornelius joined the OCtech staff as a trade specialist in March 2012 and was promoted to his current position within eight months. This is his second Educator of the Year award.
“I enjoy coming to work each and every day,” he said. “This college is a wonderful place to work. Everyone I encounter, from faculty and staff to students, is always nice and easy to work with.”
Cornelius has received numerous certificates in communication, leadership and management from Tooling University and is a certified forklift operator. He serves on the OCtech Foundation Assistance Team, WHO Committee and Staff Council, and is an active member of Embark Church. He is also an avid participant in the Regional Medical Center’s Blood Assurance Program, where he has donated more than six gallons.
