A Little Perspective
While it’s clear from watching this video that Tripp has a future in table tennis, and I may need a little more practice, it reminded me of something important.
Connection and laughter can be just as important as the serious work we do each day.
That's especially true when one of our students gets the opportunity to shine.
The match (and my many missed returns) captured something special about who we are as a campus and community. It was reflective of the energy, camaraderie, and sense of joy that brings us together as Mavericks, even beyond the classrooms and the office spaces.
This video is more than a highlight reel of Tripp’s impressive serves and rallies. It showcases the Maverick spirit: a willingness to show up, seize the moment, and celebrate one another, even after a little bit of friendly competition.
I hope you enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed making it. Who knows ... perhaps, there’s a rematch in our future!
News Headlines
President's Posts
- Maverick Market
The Maverick Market represents something deeply important about who we are as a college.
It is a place built on the belief that every Maverick matters. The opening of the Maverick Market is the result of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners coming together with a shared purpose: to ensure that no Maverick has to choose between their education and their well-being.
This space is more than shelves and supplies. It is a reflection of our commitment to care for one another and to remove barriers that stand in the way of student success.
I hope you enjoy this video highlighting the grand opening of the Maverick Market and the Maverick spirit that made it possible.
- December Graduation
At Fall Commencement in December, I told graduates that some will run towards danger as paramedics; some will comfort a child before they take an X-ray; some will weld the framework of our future. Some will go to be Gamecocks, or Tigers or some other fierce mascot.
But, I reminded them that no matter where they end up -- they are first and foremost Mavericks.
Hope you enjoy this recap video from graduation.
- Happy Holidays ❄️
I hope this holiday season finds you full of joy and inspiration for the future.
Please take the time you have earned to prepare for another great year, creating all the good things to come for you professionally and personally.- Open House at Cornerstone
The first week of November, Midlands Tech hosted dignitaries and the community to the newest edition to our Northeast Campus. The Cornerstone building is home to an Economic Development and Workforce Training Center.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster visited for a special tour of the facility, where ReadySC is providing pre-hiring training and support for Scout Motors and the production center that the company is constructing in Blythewood.
Cornerstone represents MTC's ongoing commitment to economic and workforce development and it is made possible thanks to partners Richland County, the S.C. Department of Commerce, ReadySC, and S.C. Technical College System, as well as Scout Motors.
- Midlands Regional Talent Summit
In early October, it was my pleasure to host an event that promoted collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations to address regional talent challenges.
About 150 people joined me at the Midlands Regional Talent Summit at the Columbia Convention Center. It was an insightful conversation that will continue to guide MTC leadership as we meet the workforce needs facing communities in Fairfield, Lexington, and Richland Counties.
- Apprenticeships for Richland Two
This summer, a group of students from Richland District Two became the newest cohort of a Prisma Health/Midlands Youth Apprenticeship Program. The goal is for these students to go to work at Prisma Health as Nursing Support Assistants.
The initiative was reported by The Carolina Panorama in an article entitled "Richland Two students sign as new Midlands Youth Apprentices."
- The Confidence Obstacle Course at Fort Jackson
Midlands Tech is honored to be a Purple Heart College and support our nation’s heroes. In celebration of that, I recently took on the Confidence Obstacle Course at Fort Jackson. My brother, Phillip, joined me. He graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson in 1988 and served in the U.S. Army and N.C. National Guard as a medic before becoming a public school principal.
- Celebrating Mavericks
Every spring and fall semester, I have the privilege of presiding over graduation. This May, I was able to shake hundreds of Maverick hands as they crossed the stage to begin the next chapter of their life.
- Filling the Gap in Automotive Technicians
A partnership between MTC and the South Carolina Automotive Dealers Association aims to help close the gap in skilled automotive technicians. The next time you take your car into the dealership, check under the hood, the tech may be a Maverick.
- SkillsUSA State Championship
Twenty-six Mavericks competed and won 16 awards in the South Carolina SkillsUSA state competition this year. Their next stop: Atlanta, Georgia for the national SkillsUSA competition in late June.
- Prisma Partnership
MTC works with our hospital systems to generate talent to keep our community healthy. One way we do this is through apprenticeships. Check out the partnership MTC has with Prisma Health through our nursing apprenticeship program.
Contact the President
Has a Maverick made an impact in the community? Need to share something with Dr. Little? Let us know!