This year’s Piedmont Technical College Presidential Ambassadors are, front from left, Karen Martin of Abbeville; Melissa Green of Waterloo; Ashley Owens of Saluda; Leslie Sargent of Greenwood; and Abigail Hershberger of Due West. Back row are Morris Campbell of McCormick; Jimmy Sweezy of Greenwood; Carl Ouzts of North Augusta; Jerri Smith of Abbeville; Dr. Ray Brooks, PTC president; Logan Wooten of Joanna; and Tyler Grubbs of Prosperity. Not pictured are Michala Barnum of Greenwood and Joel Boley of McCormick.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_PresidentialAmbassadors-10-15.jpgThis year’s Piedmont Technical College Presidential Ambassadors are, front from left, Karen Martin of Abbeville; Melissa Green of Waterloo; Ashley Owens of Saluda; Leslie Sargent of Greenwood; and Abigail Hershberger of Due West. Back row are Morris Campbell of McCormick; Jimmy Sweezy of Greenwood; Carl Ouzts of North Augusta; Jerri Smith of Abbeville; Dr. Ray Brooks, PTC president; Logan Wooten of Joanna; and Tyler Grubbs of Prosperity. Not pictured are Michala Barnum of Greenwood and Joel Boley of McCormick. Courtesy photo

NEWBERRY — Each year, Piedmont Technical College chooses some of its best and brightest to serve as Presidential Ambassadors. These students represent the college at campus functions, provide tours and speak about their experiences to potential students.

This year’s select 13 are from a variety of backgrounds, representing many program areas and hometowns, but they all have one thing in common. They all echo a common message of gratitude for the impact Piedmont Tech has had on their lives, both personally and academically.

Tyler Grubbs — Prosperity

Tyler Grubbs was familiar with Piedmont Tech before enrolling in the occupational therapy program in Newberry. The Prosperity native took several dual enrollment classes while he was a student at Mid-Carolina High School, then took those credits to a four-year university. But a knee injury while playing baseball brought him back to his roots.

“In the end, it all worked out because the occupational therapy assistant program was just beginning here in Newberry,” Grubbs said. “My family has always given me the encouragement I need.”

Melissa Green — Waterloo

Melissa Green tried college, but decided she was happier in the workforce. After 17 years in manufacturing, though, her company closed its Laurens location. She thought she could find a new job. What she found was that the job market was very different.

At a job fair, the Waterloo native found the South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) program through Piedmont Tech’s Continuing Education and Economic Development division. When she completed the SCMC program, she was encouraged to continue her education and earn an associate degree.

“I wanted a career with better hours, but I wanted to stay in manufacturing,” said Green. “I looked into the engineering graphics technology program and it turned out to be a perfect fit for me.”

Logan Wooten — Joanna

Logan Wooten knew in high school that he wanted to go into engineering. Upon graduation from Clinton High School, he enrolled at a four-year university. But he found it wasn’t the right fit for him. So he came to Piedmont Tech where he entered the mechanical engineering technology program.

“Once I graduate, rather than going straight into engineering, I want to get a job as a maintenance technician,” said Wooten. “I want to get a better understanding of the machines and how they work. That’s something you can only learn with hands-on experience.”

Presidential Ambassadors share their stories one-on-one, in small groups, and as part of panel discussions. Ambassadors also answer questions related to academics and campus life.

The Presidential Ambassadors are a select group of second year students who are chosen to represent the president, the college and their program of study. These students are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, college and community involvement, leadership skills and potential and a willingness to give service to the college. Students are selected to provide a broad picture of the “typical” PTC student.

This release was provided by Piedmont Technical College.