USC Upstate To Honor Henry Giles At May Commencement

SPARTANBURG, SC – The University of South Carolina Upstate will present an honorary degree to Henry C. Giles, Jr., president of Spartanburg Community College, at its May Commencement on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. when more than 800 students are awarded degrees.

Giles will received the honorary degree of Doctor of Education in recognition of his 46 years of distinguished service at SCC where he has touched the lives of thousands of residents in South Carolina and for his role in changing the lives and building the futures of students while acting as a catalyst for economic development through innovation, collaboration, and excellence in educational programs and services.Giles is also being recognized for his dedication to higher education by serving as a tremendous partner with USC Upstate in development and continuation of the “Direct Connect” program that provides seamless transfer of technical college students in pursuit of baccalaureate degree completion.

In his nearly half-century of service at Spartanburg Community College, he has worked tirelessly to prepare students for the regional workforce while collaborating closely with business and industry to ensure the college has offered appropriate programs, certificates and training. Under his leadership, the college opened the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technology on the Cherokee Campus and a campus in downtown Spartanburg in the renovated Evans Building.

At various times, he has served the college as chief financial officer, program manager to the vice president for development, vice president for academic affairs and vice president and executive vice president for business affairs. Mr. Giles received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wofford College and a master’s of arts in teaching mathematics from Converse College.

For more information regarding the May Commencement, please contact Cindy Evans at (864) 503-5985 or visit www.uscupstate.edu/graduation.