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| 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
spective on the college transfer issue. His perspective on the sys-
tem’s identity crisis is rooted in a deep personal history.
“After an all-expense-paid sabbatical to Southeast Asia in the
late sixties, courtesy of the US Army, I returned to my job as a
pipe-fitter/welder for Bowater, a local paper mill, in 1970,” said
Merrell. Hopeful that a different and possibly more rewarding
career path might open up with some additional education and
funding from the GI Bill, he looked for a school where he could
both work and study. “York Tech, with day and evening classes,”
said Merrell, “seemed to offer a good fit, and they served lots of
older students who had jobs and families.”
Thus, it was this pragmatic option that would propel a Viet-
nam veteran to a college presidency. His experience was firmly
planted in the heart of the transfer controversy, and it made a
compelling advocacy.
THE TECHNICAL VERSUS
COMMUNITY NAME GAME
Dr. Dennis Merrell’s work experience had focused on main-
tenance and mechanical skills; he decided to move in a different
career direction. “Accounting was my first major, and it was a
good choice for things to come. After a year and great academic
success, my advisor said it might be smart to investigate the po-
The 1990s
A H I G H E R R O L E I N E D U C A T I O N
Pictured from left to right
–
Governor David Beasley, Executive Director Michael B. McCall,
(1994–1999)
and Cathy Novinger
(Board Member 1990-2004)
