1 2 4
| S C T E CHN I CA L CO L L E G E S Y S T EM ’ S
F I R S T 5 0 Y EAR S
Ten years before Governor Ernest “Fritz” Hollings envisioned a training system for South Carolina the state’s population stood at 2,117,027.
By the time the system’s 50th anniversary arrived the population had risen to 4,679,230—more than double. Moreover, like the nation, South
Carolina is graying, especially as people retire here.
From the 1880s to the 1940s, textiles comprised the state’s principal industry. Today’s industries include automotive and aerospace. Things
changed, and things will change. New programs will evolve. As will new industries. So, what can we expect of South Carolina’s future technical
college system? Hard to say, but that doesn’t stop us from making educated guesses.
Philosophers who wrestled with the future offer counsel. According to Heraclitus, “The only constant is change.” Danish philosopher Ki-
erkegaard provides a roadmap to guiding the system’s future: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
With fifty years of history behind us let’s quote one more philosopher. Besides, we quoted him in the 1990s chapter. “Study the past if you
would define the future.” Confucius said that. Many of the system’s leaders agree with Heraclitus, Kierkegaard, and Confucius.
Former leaders share their views and concerns on what the years ahead may—and should—bring. Often they agree; sometimes they don’t,
but that’s been a part of the system’s history, and it’s been proven time and again that fertile new ideas arise from dissent.
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES
Dr. James Morris, system president from 1986 to 1994, urges a bit of caution. “Nobody has a system like this. We need to do everything we
can to preserve it. We’re beginning to bring a lot of people in from out-of-state. I don’t know whether they’ll continue to have the appreciation
and perspective on what the system should be to meet South Carolina’s needs. I didn’t know anything about the technical education system
when I came here, but I grew to appreciate it early. I hope new presidents from other states are going to do the same thing. So my hope and
belief is the system will stay true to its mission and do everything it can to meet the employment needs of business and industry and have a
quality transfer program for students who can’t afford to go elsewhere. That’s the key.”
NEW CURRICULA
Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, senior vice president for academic affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, sees new curricula evolving:
“Two programs that have grown significantly are Criminal Justice and Human Services. Criminal Justice is a really exciting field for many
students, and law enforcement needs are expanding. We have emphasized crime scene investigation and forensics. So we are expanding.” Dr.
Epilogue—
TOWARD THE FUTURE :
REAL WORK IN A REAL WORLD
