Aiken Technical College

The Commission discussed recent college achievements, including recognition from the State of the College Legislative Delegation Dinner, and acknowledged Dr. Forest Mahan for being named the Aiken Standard's 2025 Person of the Year.

The event was the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, themed from Dr. King's 1963 letter from the Birmingham jail, emphasizing that human progress requires tireless effort. Key segments included recognizing distinguished platform party members, acknowledgements from the USCA Chancellor, recognizing event sponsors (Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories), and highlighting community partners. The program featured the singing of the black national anthem and remarks from representatives of Savannah River Mission Completion and SRP Federal Credit Union. A major focus was the recognition of poster and essay contest winners across K-2, 3rd-5th grade, middle school, and high school categories, and the presentation of the 2026 Human and Civil Rights Champion Awards to students from Aken Tech and USC Aken for their service and advocacy.

Aiken Technical College's 2025 Community Benefit Report highlights the institution's commitment to growth, student success, and community impact, guided by core values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, commitment, innovation, and respect. The report details efforts to be the first choice for higher education in the region by providing educational and workforce development opportunities. Key initiatives include significant capital projects like the renovation of Building A and the construction of a new Nursing Education Center, comprehensive student support systems such as the Armor Up first-year experience program and the Knights Corner Food Pantry, and the expansion of workforce training programs like CDL and dual enrollment to address regional economic vitality and meet industry needs.

The meeting included discussions on capital projects, such as the renovation of Building A and the demolition of Buildings 100, 200, and 300. Updates were provided on the construction of the Aiken County Career and Technology Center and the new Nursing Education Center. The President's report covered attendance at the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative ribbon cutting, participation in the Presidential Search Committee for Denmark Technical College, and positive fall enrollment numbers. The FY25 Annual Plan achievements and goals for FY26 were presented. The commission also discussed travel procedure changes due to the elimination of corporate cards and held an executive session to discuss the Agency Head Performance Appraisal for FY25.

Aiken Technical College's 2022-2027 strategic plan aims to be the first choice for higher education in the region by aligning with workforce and student needs, enhancing academic and extracurricular experiences, diversifying revenue streams, investing in infrastructure and technology, strengthening partnerships, and cultivating an inclusive college environment.