Inspiring the next generation, accessing health care and investing in the community were the primary themes of the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s annual State of the College program held recently at the Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton.
The event, held on April 24, drew about 130 guests including many from the business and economic development communities.
Jason Bernd, Senior Vice President & President of the South Carolina Region for Novant Health, served as keynote speaker for the event, which also included highlights from the State of the College’s annual report.
“Part of what I challenge this group (to think about) is how to inspire our next generation of students,” Bernd said.
A North Carolina-based, not-for-profit healthcare company, Novant Health recently broke ground on two healthcare facilities including an emergency department, in Bluffton, near TCL’s culinary campus.
The company is excited to be “making investments” in the Lowcountry, Bernd said, and is also helping to address the challenges of accessing healthcare and creating workforce housing.
“We see our role as a corporate citizen as really providing some of those opportunities,” he said. “We (also) recognize the need for people to live and work and to live and thrive in their communities.”
John O’Toole, Executive Director for the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, also spoke at the event which was attended by TCL commission members, Foundation board members, college faculty and staff as well.
In addition, TCL President Dr. Richard Gough detailed recent increases in the college’s fall enrollment, provided a closer look at demographics and touched on plans for the building of the Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center planned for the New River Campus.
“TCL continues to be a first choice for many students seeking value and results,” he said.
In closing, Dr. Gough said TCL is not on the sidelines. “We are leading. We are building the workforce of tomorrow. We are creating opportunities. We are transforming lives and together, we are unwavering.”
Scenes from TCL’s 2025 State of the College. More photos can be viewed on TCL’s Facebook page.
