Three Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College agriculture students received scholarships during the Orangeburg Area Cattlemen’s Association dinner meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Tri-County Electric Co-op in St. Matthews. This is the fifth year that the group has awarded scholarships to area students studying agriculture. The OACA is comprised of members from Orangeburg, Calhoun, Bamberg, Lexington, Dorchester and other surrounding counties. Membership is open to cattle producers and those interested in the industry. For more information or to join, call Elmore at 803-874-3316.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College’s Electronics Engineering Technology program has been reaccredited through 2022 by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET – the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology – is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs-old-old-old-old in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. OCtech’s EET program was initially accredited in 2003. “We strive to maintain the voluntary ABET accreditation for our EET program because of its reputation among employers and other colleges and universities,” said Richard Murphy, Dean of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. “When students complete OCtech’s EET program, employers can be assured they have …

It’s now easier and more convenient than ever for busy individuals to become an elementary school teacher. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and Palmetto College, the University of South Carolina’s online bachelor’s degree completion program, have entered into an agreement allowing for the seamless transfer of credits earned through OCtech’s Teacher Education Transfer program in Elementary Education to the online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program at USC. “This is just one more opportunity for individuals in all stages of life to start their journey to becoming a teacher at OCtech and complete their degrees without leaving their communities,” said Donna …

The Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Practical Nursing Class of 2016 was honored during a pinning and awards ceremony on July 26 at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg. Fifty-three graduates were pinned during the ceremony. Cerrissa Hugie, a 2014 graduate of OCtech’s Practical Nursing program who is now enrolled in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, was the guest speaker. Hugie, who previously earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina, talked about her journey to becoming a nurse and how OCtech’s Practical Nursing program was the perfect way for …

Treat your taste buds for an excellent cause during Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Foundation’s An Evening of Fine Wines and Foods, set for 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at The Cinema in Orangeburg. Co-chairs for this year’s signature fundraising event are Dallas and Debbie Lovelace and Mickey and Catherine Hay. Funds raised at the event go to support OCtech student scholarships, faculty and staff professional development, and special projects requested by the college. “OCtech is an excellent educational addition to our community and we are very fortunate to have it,” Debbie Lovelace said. “This event exemplifies our faith and …

It was standing-room only in Roquemore Auditorium as Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College welcomed new students during its Fall Assembly on Aug. 16. After participating in small group meetings with program coordinators and faculty, students gathered in the auditorium to hear from keynote speaker Gregg Robinson, executive director of the Orangeburg County Development Commission, and school officials. Robinson talked about the growth of advanced manufacturing in South Carolina and how the state is working to meet the workforce needs of existing and future employers. “You guys have an exciting future in front of you, but you have to chart a path to …

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College will help new students get college-ready during its annual Fall Assembly, set for Tuesday, Aug. 16. Students will benefit from small group meetings with coordinators and faculty from their program of choice and learn about the type of training they will need to get the job they want. Program orientations will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. in locations across campus. Students will then gather in Roquemore Auditorium for remarks from OCtech administrators and a keynote address by Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson. Information booths will be set up for students in the atrium of …

Volunteer firefighters and public safety officers can now use their fire academy training toward a degree from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. New for fall 2016, OCtech is offering an Associate Degree in Applied Science in General Technology with a primary specialty in Fire Science/Emergency Medical Technician and secondary specialty in Criminal Justice. “This degree combines three vital public service areas into one,” said Donna Elmore, vice president for academic affairs. “It is the perfect opportunity for individuals who have trained with the South Carolina Fire Academy – especially those serving in area volunteer departments – or the National Fire Academy to …

Nearly $180,000 is available to Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College students through the Workforce Pathways Scholarship. Part of $5 million in funds the general assembly set aside for the S.C. Technical College System, the Workforce Pathways Scholarship pays for course fees and books for approved training in credit and non-credit continuing education programs-old-old-old-old in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and other STEM areas. “The Workforce Pathways Scholarship was first available to our students earlier this year, and we’re so glad to have it again,” said Donna Elmore, vice president for academic affairs. “We need a well-qualified workforce to meet the growing needs …

Students and community members are invited to learn about Boeing when representatives from the aerospace giant visit St. Matthews on Thursday, Aug. 18. The Soar to Success with Boeing event will begin with morning presentations and Q&A sessions for eighth- through 12th-grade Calhoun County students. The presentations for students will be held at Calhoun County High School and will be followed by a luncheon for local legislators and county and school officials featuring a Boeing presentation and student exhibits. Boeing representatives will then tour the advanced manufacturing program areas at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. The event will end with a community …