Piedmont Technical College Awards 617 Academic Credentials to 460 Graduates During Fall Commencement Ceremonies

January 20, 2025

A total of 617 academic credentials were awarded to 460 Piedmont Technical College (PTC) graduates during two commencement ceremonies held in the James Medford Family Event Center in Greenwood on Dec. 12. Those credentials included associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments.

“You have not only completed your degree, but you have embraced our motto of ‘expecting more’ – more from your education, yourselves and the opportunities that await you,” she said.

Rivers also highlighted PTC’s role as a key economic driver within the region.

“Piedmont Technical College generates an economic impact of $240.8 million annually – a level equivalent to hosting the World Series 31 times in one year,” she said. “This incredible achievement is possible through the contributions of graduates like you, college faculty and staff, and individuals throughout our community working together to shape a brighter future for our region.”

PTC alumna Nadia Sanders spoke at both commencement ceremonies.

“The world is waiting for what you have to offer,” Sanders told the graduates. “As you move into the next stage of your life, never underestimate your own strength. Keep showing up. Keep striving. Keep learning.”

In her address during the morning commencement ceremony, graduate Heather Strickland said she enrolled in PTC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program after seeing how a therapist helped her youngest son following his autism diagnosis. Strickland’s oldest son was diagnosed with the same condition shortly after she began taking classes.

“I chose to pursue a career in occupational therapy not only to support my own children, but also to make a difference for other families facing similar challenges,” Strickland said. “I’m grateful to now be in a position to help others find the support that made such a difference in our lives.”

Graduate Derrick Goodman spoke during the afternoon commencement ceremony about spending decades in the workforce before he sought a Business Administration degree at PTC. He said he was encouraged to go back to school by his mother, who also had waited many years to get her college diploma.

“To anyone in the audience who may be thinking that it’s too late to go back to school, let me be the first to tell you – it’s never too late,” Goodman said. “Piedmont Technical College is a fantastic place to start or restart that journey. If I can do it, so can you.”

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S DECEMBER 2024 GRADUATES FROM LAURENS COUNTY AND THEIR AREAS OF STUDY ARE LISTED BELOW.

Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments. Due to semester and course delivery changes during the 2024 fall semester, some courses and grades are still being finalized. For that reason, names of students who may not meet graduation requirements may be included. Conversely, names of students who will later meet those requirements after publication may be omitted. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these ongoing course completions may cause. An official list of all 2024 fall graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.

LAURENS COUNTY

CLINTON – *Alyssa M. Abercrombie, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Amber Marie Hardin, associate in applied science, major in horticulture technology; James C. Hughes, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Riley Louise Templeton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; and Kellie Rena Tucker, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

ENOREE – Taylor F. Hudson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

GRAY COURT – Carolina Almanza, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Kayleigh Beeks, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; Amy Chappell, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and *Amanda Lee Crowder, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

JOANNA – Rebecca L. Bennett, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; and Tamara S. Lee, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

LAURENS – *Nanciuna Garlington, associate in applied science, major in business administration; **Kyle Gary, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; *Jacob Lee Godfrey, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration; Jessica Brianna Jenkins, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Brandi Malachi, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Tabitha Parnofillo, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Kimberly Danielle Simmons, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; and Zoey A. Sward, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing. 

WARE SHOALS – **Kimberly A. Greene, associate in arts.

WATERLOO – Ernest Calvin Rice II, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; and *Sharnice Anteria Rice, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration.

 

***Summa Cum Laude-4.0   **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99   *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74