Interim Director hired at Science Center

Bob Pettis, a science teacher with 43 years of experience, has been hired as the interim Executive Director for The John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center. Pettis follows in the footsteps of John “Mr. Green,” who recently retired from the Science Center after 36 years of service.

“I look forward to working with the John F. Green Science Center Board to continue the legacy that Mr. Green has established,” Pettis said.  “My immediate plans include working with the Science Center Board to develop a strategic plan that will guide the Center into the next decade and to secure permanent funding to guarantee that the Science Center will continue to provide quality educational science programs for the children and adults of our community.” Pettis’s first day on the job will be June 1.

“The Board of Directors is excited to have Bob Pettis as our new Executive Director. He brings a proven record of educational excellence and grantsmanship that will help keep The John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center going strong for years to come,” said Jon Storm, President of the Board of Directors.

Pettis is currently a STEM Exploratory Teacher and Science Olympiad and Bridge Team Coach at Polk County Middle School in North Carolina. He was awarded the Polk County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2015. Previously, he spent 27 years in teaching and administration for Spartanburg School District 6, where he was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award.

The Science Center is located within Chapman Cultural Center at 200 East Saint John Street in Spartanburg. The nonprofit agency is open Thursday–Saturday, 10-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, please visit SpartanburgScienceCenter.org or call 864.583-2777.