History

Technical College, a two-year postsecondary institution located at the southern tip of the Pee Dee area, began its educational function in 1969 as " Regional Manpower Training Center" largely through endeavors made by local leaders and officials within County.

It was stated at the inception of the institution that the greatest single need in County during the late 1960's was a comprehensive manpower training center to provide job training, attract industry and, as a result, attack the poverty, out-migration, and unemployment which plagued the county.  Technical College opened its doors to students during late 1969 and represented a new concept in comprehensive education coupled with various supportive services. For the first time in South Carolina, all the following capabilities and services were available in one concentrated area: technical education, adult education, vocational education for high school students, continuing education for personal enrichment, offices of state Job Service, and state Vocational Rehabilitation. Technical College, on January 31, 1975, by Act of the South Carolina Legislature, changed the name of the institution from the " Regional Manpower Center" to the " Technical, Vocational, and Adult Education Center", a name which at that time more accurately reflected its purpose. In February 1979, following full accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and with approval of the South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, the institution changed its name to Technical College. The uniqueness of the College and the contributions it has made to the community were recognized during 1976 when it was selected as one of 200 projects in the United States by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration for its "Horizons on Display Program" in recognition of the "problem solving capacity in American communities." To maximize the potential for each Technical College student for successful completion of educational programs, specific steps have been taken to create a positive and helping learning enviroment. During 1977 and 1978, the curricula were expanded by adding associate degrees in the areas of General Technology, General Business and Secretarial Science. In Spring 1981, the College further expanded its curricula to include the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degree college transfer programs. Existing curricula are periodically revised and updated in an attempt to stay abreast of current teaching techniques and industrial trends. Technical College is committed to the statewide technical education philosophy to maintain an open admissions policy. Technical College is committed to vigorous efforts to eliminate geographic, economic, academic, and any other barriers which would delay entry into a postsecondary educational setting. The College is committed to helping students discover their abilities and interests and develop them to the fullest extent, consistent with their own goals and capabilities and the needs of society.