HGTC honors three long-serving area commissioners with dedications

February 12, 2026

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) honored three long-serving members of its Area Commission on Tuesday, February 10, celebrating decades of leadership, service, and lasting contributions through a series of on-campus dedication ceremonies.

The College dedicated the Orrie E. West Conference Room in Building 200 on the Grand Strand Campus, Joe Thomas Branyon, Jr. Street on the Grand Strand Campus, and the Y. Melvin Nobles Conference Room in Building 600 on the Grand Strand Campus. Together, the dedications recognize more than 100 combined years of service to the College and the communities it serves.

Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, joins Orrie E. West, HGTC Area Commission members, former HGTC President Neyle Wilson, and former Area Commissioner Melvin Nobles during the dedication of the Orrie E. West Conference Room in Building 200.

“These individuals helped shape the direction, stability, and success of this institution over multiple generations,” said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore. “Their leadership, stewardship, and commitment to public service leave a legacy that will continue to guide this College well into the future.”

Orrie E. West was appointed to the HGTC Area Commission on July 1, 1986, serving 39 years. She served as vice chair beginning in 2011 and as secretary since 2022. West retired in July 2020 after a distinguished career as a public defender. The Orrie E. West Conference Room was dedicated in recognition of her thoughtful leadership and longstanding commitment to public service.

Joe Thomas Branyon, Jr., was appointed to the Area Commission on July 1, 1991, serving 34 years. He has served as vice chair beginning in 2002 and as chair since 2011. Branyon has built a career in finance, accounting and business ownership. The dedication of Joe Thomas Branyon, Jr. Street recognizes his steady leadership, fiscal stewardship, and unwavering dedication to the College.

Y. Melvin Nobles was appointed to the Area Commission in July 1979 and served through 2023, totaling 44 years of service. He served as secretary from 2015 to 2022 and retired from Grady Hardwick Construction Company following a career in construction. The Y. Melvin Nobles Conference Room honors his extraordinary commitment, institutional knowledge, and decades of service to HGTC.

Joe Thomas Branyon, Jr. Street Dedication – Group Photo

Following the dedication ceremonies, the College hosted a luncheon honoring the commissioners and their families, prior to the Area Commission Board meeting.

The Area Commission serves as the governing body of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, providing oversight, leadership and guidance to advance the College’s mission of delivering accessible, high-quality education, and workforce training.

For more information about applying, enrolling, or registering at HGTC, call 843-347-3186 or visit www.hgtc.edu. Registration remains open for classes beginning March 5.