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����ʦapp (PTC) President Dr. Hope E. Rivers was recognized Tuesday for 30 years of service as a state employee.

Before becoming PTC’s third president in January 2021, Rivers was executive vice president of the SC Technical College System.

“She's excellent as the president - that all of you here know because you've had an opportunity to work with her,” said SC Technical College System President Tim Hardee. “What I'm more impressed with is actually she's even better as a person.”

Rivers was among 11 PTC employees with a combined 160 years of state service who were honored during a luncheon in the James C. Self Conference Center on the Greenwood Campus. Four recent PTC retirees also were recognized.

The other employees included: 

20 years of service – 
•    Kim Chalmers
•    Tara Gonce
•    Dr. Carol “Nita” Staley-Abney

10 years of service – 
•    Tyler Coker
•    Jeromy Crocker
•    Chevalier Duncan
•    Dale Proctor
•    Gerald Sartin
•    Allison Scott
•    Tameika Wideman

“The real story of the college is written by the people who stay and help us grow. You are the ones who welcome new employees, support new leaders, mentor new faculty and staff and model what it is like to put students first,” said PTC Vice President for Human Resources Alesia Brown at the start of Tuesday’s event. “Your work changes lives in ways you may never fully see, but it matters deeply. This college is stronger because of you.”

PTC Area Commissioner Richard Cain of Laurens County also praised the employees honored Tuesday.

“You've done a great job, and we recognize you today and honor you,” he said. “Your contribution and service have benefited many people, not only the students, but their families and our whole community. And you are making a difference.”

Speaking at the conclusion of the event that was hosted by the PTC Human Resources staff, Rivers spoke about PTC’s recent academic accomplishments, including the highest course success rates in the college’s history. She also discussed an array of projects on multiple county campuses that are part of an ambitious building campaign.

“My heart is just full with all of the things that we have been able to accomplish in the five years that I have been here,” she said. “I could not do this work without you all, every last one of you.”