Alumni Updates

David returned to college as a first-generation student while working full time and taking on the demanding schedule of nursing school and clinicals. After struggling with traditional testing and failing two nursing courses, he changed his approach to learning and refused to give up. The resilience he developed at Trident Tech carried into his career as an emergency department nurse and helped fuel his continued education. Since graduating, David has earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 4.0 GPA and is pursuing a dual MSN/MBA while working as a clinical transition specialist at Option Care Health.

“When I once feared I wouldn’t finish, I never imagined how far this journey would take me. TTC gave me the confidence to keep going and prove to myself what I was capable of.”

While pursuing her second degree at TTC, Addie Ledbetter worked part time while facing the challenge of paying for college on her own. Foundation scholarships helped ease that financial burden, while support from her nursing professors and others at TTC gave her encouragement along the way.

Today, Addie is a Medical ICU registered nurse and is proud to be a leader in the nursing profession with strong clinical knowledge. Her experience at TTC made such a lasting impression that she continues to stay connected and give back to the college.

"The professors, staff and leadership at TTC were encouraging and kind as I pursued my second degree. They left a lasting impression."

After high school and military service, ReZsaun Lewis came to TTC looking for a pathway back into higher education. He found the confidence and academic foundation to keep moving forward, eventually transferring to the College of Charleston, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and later a Master of Public Administration.

That educational journey grew into a career dedicated to serving young people and communities. Today, ReZsaun is a nonprofit leader, author, speaker and advocate whose work centers on service, leadership and creating opportunities for others.

"Trident helped teach me that where you start does not determine where you finish."

As a student parent and career changer, Rallee Balagtas returned to college ready to pursue a path he had chosen for himself. He balanced school, work and raising his children while facing the financial challenges of paying for his education. Scholarships helped ease that burden, while his TTC instructors became mentors who helped him find confidence in his new direction.

Since graduating, Rallee's story has been featured by the South Carolina Education Lottery in an advertising campaign with his children highlighting the importance of education.

"I learned that making a change for myself can be one of the scariest and most rewarding decisions I can make. All that I have to do is be courageous and take a leap of faith to find my purpose."

While serving on active duty in the Air Force, Andrew Silvis continued his education at TTC while working on Boeing's C-17 program. TTC's flexibility helped him complete his Community College of the Air Force degree and prepare to transfer to a four-year university.

After relocating to California for a position with Tesla, Andrew transferred his credits and earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Arts with a music minor from San Jose State University. Today, he combines two very different passions as an engineering technician at 1X Robotics by day and a SAG actor and musical artist by night.

"TTC and its professors gave me the flexibility to keep moving forward, even while traveling globally for work. Charleston will always hold a special place in my heart, and TTC is a big reason why."

Matthew completed the first half of his bachelor's degree at TTC before transferring to the College of Charleston. After graduating, he spent 13 years teaching English in China while continuing his own education. He later returned to TTC for additional science coursework, earned a second bachelor's degree and went on to earn a master's degree in Data Science, with a master's degree in Biology nearing completion.

After returning from China, his TTC journey came full circle when he joined the college as an adjunct biology instructor.

"TTC students work hard, and the in-state tuition, quality and reputation are hard to beat."

After losing his job in 2024, Eugene Colson found himself questioning whether to continue his education. Encouragement from people in TTC’s Networking program and his statistics instructor helped restore his confidence and motivated him to refocus on completing his degree and beginning a new career.

That persistence paid off. Eugene was hired as IT manager at CT Lowndes & Company before he even graduated from TTC.

"I’ll be forever grateful to TTC. No matter how young or old you are, don’t give up!"

After graduating from TTC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program, Ashley Newton began her career in the clinical laboratory field and continued her education, building on the confidence and skills she developed at TTC. She credits instructors Donna Donaldson and Michelle Mantooth with instilling in her a deep respect for quality patient care, and a Foundation scholarship helped support her along the way.

Ashley’s journey eventually brought her back to TTC, first as an adjunct instructor and later as a full-time biology faculty member. Today, she shares her knowledge and experiences with future health professionals while continuing her own education toward a Ph.D. In 2025, she received the MUSC Alumni Association’s Emerging Leadership Award for the College of Health Professions.

"Trident Technical College was my springboard to success. It is such an incredible honor to represent the institution that helped change my life."

Danielle McNaughton began building the skills that would shape her career in communications and storytelling at TTC. The hands-on education she received prepared her to transfer to the University of South Carolina, where she earned a degree in Public Relations.

Today, Danielle serves as director of communications and special events for the Town of Irmo, where she continues to draw on the communication, relationship-building, marketing and storytelling skills she first developed at TTC to serve the community.

"TTC didn’t just teach me the basics; it gave me the tools to build a career dedicated to serving the public and sharing the stories of our community."

At Trident Tech, Ed gained practical experience that helped him understand how film sets operate and determine where his skills and interests best fit on a production crew. Just as importantly, TTC connected him with other filmmakers throughout Charleston and South Carolina and provided opportunities to become involved with the SC Indie Grants program as both a grantee and professional collaborator.

“TTC gave me the tools and practical direction to work on film sets and connected me with an awesome community of filmmakers.”

Brandon McDaniel came to TTC with skills he was already developing on the job, but his culinary education helped him refine those skills and build a stronger foundation for his career. Along the way, an elective Artisan Breads class sparked a new interest that grew from a hobby into a business.

Today, Brandon credits the combination of his professional experience and TTC education with helping shape the chef and baker he has become.

"TTC put everything I was learning on the job and organized it into a package I could take with me down the road. Culinary classes helped refine my skills and gave them backbone, making me the chef and baker I am today."

After serving in the U.S. Navy as an X-ray technician, Dr. Cephus E. Simmons Sr. came to TTC to study Radiologic Technology. He credits his time at the college with strengthening both his clinical knowledge and leadership skills, creating a foundation for a 30-year career in radiology.

That career ultimately led Simmons to become an inventor and entrepreneur. As founder and CEO of SealCath, he developed the Cephus Catheter, a medical device inspired by a challenge he encountered while caring for a patient. Today, he continues to give back through mentoring, speaking and educating the next generation of health care professionals.

"TTC has my heart. It's where it all started. I want to help the next generation of students find their path, just like I did."

At TTC, Sharkia Thompson found more than an education. She found the encouragement, support and confidence to reach her potential. After earning her Associate in Science in Administrative Office Technology and a certificate in Business Application Solution Specialist, her TTC journey quickly came full circle.

Shortly after graduating, Sharkia joined TTC as an administrative assistant. Today, she has the opportunity to support others at the same college that helped her grow.

"The college that helped me grow became the place where I now help others do the same. Trident Tech didn’t just give me an education, it gave me purpose, confidence and a new beginning."

From Charleston’s culinary scene to life on the road, Dave Perry has built a career cooking for some of music’s biggest names. As a personal tour chef, his clients have included Beyoncé, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Daryl Hall and Kelly Clarkson.

Dave credits his Charleston beginnings and the Culinary Institute of Charleston with helping shape the chef he is today, providing a foundation that has taken his career far beyond the Lowcountry.

"I’m always grateful for my Charleston beginnings. The food scene of Charleston and the staff at the Culinary Institute of Charleston helped shape the chef I am today."

Phillip Singleton credits TTC with helping him build the academic foundation and independence he needed to continue his education and pursue his career. Just as importantly, the encouragement he received from TTC faculty and staff gave him the support to keep moving forward.

"TTC is where I learned to study and become self-reliant. Without the professors and staff supporting me, I never would have been able to accomplish what I have."

Thomas Pratt credits his experience at TTC and the Culinary Institute of Charleston with changing the way he saw his future. His instructors helped him recognize what was possible and showed him the difference one person can make in a community, lessons that continued to shape the path he took after TTC.

"Trident Tech helped me understand what was possible. The instructors changed my life and made me see the impact one person can have on a community."

Tami found the support she needed throughout her nursing education at Trident Tech, from prerequisite courses through the nursing program. Faculty took the time to answer her questions, meet with her individually and help deepen her understanding of challenging concepts. That experience made such an impression that she eventually returned to TTC, this time as a nursing instructor helping prepare the next generation of students.

“The faculty was so wonderful that I chose to come back to TTC and join this amazing team!”

After earning her associate degree at Trident Tech, Kathaleen continued her education at MUSC, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing summa cum laude while working overtime during the pandemic. A growing passion for mentoring and supporting other nurses inspired her to pursue graduate study in nursing education at the University of South Carolina, where she graduated magna cum laude. Along the way, she earned her Clinical Nurse 4 designation and presented a project at a national conference.

“Trident Tech started an educational journey that helped me discover my passion for enhancing the field of nursing through mentorship and preceptorship.”

Mary returned to college at age 32 after being away from the classroom since high school. Starting with basic algebra, she relied on office hours, the learning center, study groups and the encouragement of professors and classmates to build her confidence and skills. After Trident Tech, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Data Science from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in Analytics from Georgia Tech. She is now pursuing a Doctorate of Engineering from Penn State while working as a senior data scientist at RTX Corporation.

“When I started at TTC, I couldn’t have imagined where I’d be 10 years later. I truly attribute my success to TTC. Without it, I never would have taken that first step.”

At 38, Jennifer Schensky started college for the first time while also building the company she had founded in 2021. She came to TTC to strengthen her knowledge of the business fundamentals she needed as an entrepreneur, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship in 2023.

Jennifer credits her TTC education with helping her grow and scale Integrity Contracting Solutions. Today, the company has 12 employees and works with a dozen subcontractors serving local, state and federal government agencies.

"The education I received at Trident has been instrumental in helping me grow and scale my business. Thank you for providing an accessible educational system that makes success possible for people like me."

Jalen Wright credits TTC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program with building a strong foundation in customer service, operations, problem-solving and communication. After beginning his career as a corporate travel agent, he advanced to his current role as a performance specialist with Accommodations Plus International, where he analyzes customer feedback, resolves operational issues and maintains supplier relationships.

Beyond his career, Jalen has also pursued opportunities in modeling, including work with Matrix Fitness on its Project Culture campaign supporting scholarships for HBCU students.

"TTC helped me build the confidence and skills to pursue these opportunities, and I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me."

Michelle credits Trident Tech with providing the foundation she needed to continue her education and build a career in social work.

“TTC was a springboard for my career as a social worker. The classes, instructors and friendships I found there helped me reach the goals I had set for myself. I went on to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.”

Amy began her college journey in 1986, but life took her in a different direction before she could finish. Decades later, she discovered Trident Tech’s online Hospitality and Tourism Management classes and decided it was time to return. With encouragement from CIC Dean Nathan Rex and Blake Hallman, Amy earned her associate degree and several certifications before continuing her education at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in 2024.

“I’ve never been more proud of myself. It’s never too late to finish what you start, and it’s never too late to start pursuing your dream.”

LaTonya earned her Associate in Arts degree at Trident Tech before continuing her education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her two years at TTC gave her the opportunity to develop her artistic talents, strengthen the skills she would later use in branding and design and make her bachelor’s degree more affordable by reducing the time she needed to spend at SCAD.

“TTC nurtured my passion for art and helped me develop the skills I needed to brand and communicate design effectively.”

Sandra’s education at Trident Tech launched a 27-year career as a certified medical assistant that took her to Illinois and into the operating room. While working for an OB/GYN physician, she was trained as a first assistant and went on to assist with hundreds of procedures, including C-sections, hysterectomies, laparoscopic procedures and robotic surgeries.

“Being a certified medical assistant opened doors for me that I never dreamed of. I had a very rewarding and exciting 27 years!”

Trever turned his interest in film into a career through Trident Tech’s Film Production program. Hands-on access to film equipment and instruction helped him build practical production skills, while the program’s connection to the local film industry helped provide a pathway into the field. Today, he works as a stunt performer for television and movies.

“TTC helped me learn the skills necessary to start a career in my field.”

After an accident ended his career as an industrial mechanic, John enrolled at Trident Tech at age 37 to begin a new chapter. With support from TTC faculty and staff, including countless hours spent in the Math Lab, he graduated from the 2+2 Electrical Engineering program in 2009. John went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The Citadel in 2011 and ultimately built a career with NASA at Kennedy Space Center, where he worked as a system administrator before retiring.

“TTC took this broke old mechanic and put him in front of launch pads, launching rockets!”

Anna’s time at Trident Tech provided the foundation for an educational journey that ultimately led her to a career in higher education. After earning her associate degree, she continued her studies, completing a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. Today, she works at Pitt Community College, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed.

“Trident Tech started me on my educational journey and gave me the foundation to keep going.”

Melissa’s time at Trident Tech prepared her to continue her education, earning a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree from Clemson University. Her journey ultimately brought her back to TTC, where she now works in Financial Aid and is continuing her professional growth through a certificate in Leadership Development.

“I love being able to work at a college I graduated from!”

Returning to college years later while raising two young children, Kimberly found the flexibility and support she needed at Trident Tech to keep moving forward. She later graduated from Kaplan University and has returned to TTC to pursue an associate degree in Legal Studies, continuing an educational journey that began with taking that first step back into the classroom.

“TTC gave me the tools, guidance and support I needed to continue my journey.”

Daniel paid his way through Trident Tech while beginning his career as a police officer with the City of North Charleston. His education at TTC helped prepare him for a law enforcement career spanning 40 years, including more than 30 years in management. After 27 years with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, he now serves as a senior commander with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. He has also remained connected to TTC by serving on the college’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

“The information I obtained at Trident Tech served me throughout my entire career.”

As the first college graduate in her family, Tonya found more than an education at Trident Tech. She found mentors who believed in her, encouraged her when she struggled and helped her see what she could accomplish. Their guidance connected her with scholarship and work-study opportunities and helped her build confidence in herself and her future. She especially remembers Chip Jackson, Gail Redford-Fielding and Dr. Louester Robinson, whose support and example left a lasting impression.

“My mentors at Trident Tech believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I now have the confidence that TTC provided me.”

Chelsey discovered welding at a young age, and although she stepped away from it for a time, her interest in the craft never left her. At Trident Tech, she returned to welding and learned from instructors who helped her build the fundamentals and strengthen her skills. Today, she works as a welder at SeaFox and has a skill set she can continue to develop and share with others.

“TTC gave me the fundamentals to hone my skill and a place to better myself.”

Levi wanted a career where he could solve problems and work with his hands, and he found that path through Trident Tech’s HVAC program. After graduating, he began working at Total Comfort Solutions, where he has built a career over the past six years. Even South Carolina’s summer heat couldn’t deter him from finding work he enjoys.

“Trident Tech was a great learning experience that kick-started a great journey in my life.”

Leigh began her Trident Tech journey in May 2020, navigating college and clinical training during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She completed approximately 400 clinical hours, received a Merit Award and a TTC scholarship and secured a job as a medical laboratory technician before she even graduated. After earning her professional certification, Leigh continued her education in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Cincinnati while building a career she describes as both rewarding and fulfilling.

“Going to TTC was the best thing I ever did for myself. Graduating opened up so many possibilities for me and my family.”

Morgan credits Trident Tech with helping her pursue goals she once thought were out of reach. Although her journey wasn’t always easy, she learned the importance of persevering through challenges and continuing to work toward the future she wanted. Today, she works as an IV sedation coordinator at Coastal Family Oral Surgery and Sedation.

“Trident Tech helped me reach my goals in ways I thought I couldn’t. You have to keep pushing through. It will definitely be worth it in the end.”