Alumni Updates
Trident Technical College alumni are making an impact throughout our community and beyond!
Ed Tilden '08 -
First Assistant Director, Superman
"TTC connected me with awesome likeminded filmmakers in the Charleston and extended SC area. Gave me tools and practical direction to work on film sets, and from there determine what part I was both best able to and most interested in playing on a film crew. Beyond that TTC collaborated with the SC Indie Grants program that I was lucky to be asked to be a part of many times, as both a grantee, and a professional collaborator."
Leilani Mikula '23 -
Event Coordinator, Trident Technical College
"Trident Tech provided the education and real world experiences for a successful career."
Brandon McDaniel '13 -
Owner/Operator, Brandon's Breads
"TTC put everything I was learning on the job and organized it into a package I could take with me down the road. Elective classes like Artisan Breads created a hobby that turned into my own business. Culinary classes helped refine my skills I was picking up on the job and gave them backbone making me the Chef/Baker I am today."
Dr. Cephus Simmons, Sr. '92 -
Founder/CEO at SealCath
"My Associate in Science in Radiologic Technology at TTC was the foundation for my career."
Sharkia Thompson '25 -
Administrative Assistant, Trident Technical College
At Trident Tech, I was more than a student. I was encouraged, supported, and pushed to reach my potential. I earned my Associate in Science in Administrative Office Technology and a certificate in Business Application Solution Specialist, two accomplishments I’m incredibly proud of. Shortly after graduation, I came full circle. I started working at Trident Tech as an Administrative Assistant. 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. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
Tommy Cammer '01 -
Owner, Structured Access, LLC
"TTC was a major stepping stone in my life. The professors, leaders, and mentors gave me the tools and fundamentals I needed to start and run a successful business."
Corey Rouse '17 -
HVAC Service Technician
"TTC gave me the tools and knowledge to set me on my career path."
Dave Perry '07 -
Personal Tour Chef
"I am a Personal Tour Chef, currently on tour with Beyonce, and past clients include Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Daryl Hall, Kelly Clarkson and more. They go on tour, and I got with them and keep them fed. Always grateful for my Charleston beginnings. The food scene of Charleston and staff at the Culinary Institute of Charleston helped shape the chef I am today."
Dr. Phillip Singleton '09 -
Pharmacist in Charge, MUSC Ashley River Tower
"TTC built my education experience! It is where I learned to study and become self reliant. Without the TTC professors and staff supporting me I never would’ve been able to accomplish what I have!"
Radhiyah (Thea) Miller-Smith '04 -
Section Chief and Contracting Officer with the Department of Defense, Adjunct Assistant
Professor at the University of Southern California
"I am so thankful for the invaluable foundation that Trident Technical College (TTC) provided me at the beginning of my academic journey. The instruction, encouragement and support I received there laid a pivotal foundation and ultimately helped pave the way to the successful completion of my doctorate. Through the dedicated faculty, who believed in me, and the welcoming learning environment that fostered growth, curiosity, and perseverance; my experience at TTC was truly transformational. The confidence and skills I gained during my tenure there continues to guide me today. Thank you for being the starting point of a path that has taken me farther than I ever imagined. I am forever proud to be part of your community."
Thomas Pratt '12 -
Lecturer
"Trident Tech helped me understand what was possible. The instructors change my life and made me see the impact one person can have on a community. I cannot imagine where I would be if I did not choose to attend Trident Tech and the Culinary Institute of Charleston."
Jennifer Schensky '23 -
Founder and Director of Operations, Integrity Contracting Solutions, LLC
"In 2021, I founded Integrity Contracting Solutions with the goal of providing services to local, state, and federal government agencies. From the start, I knew that to succeed, I needed a team of skilled professionals — people I could pay well and treat with respect. I also realized I had to quickly learn critical areas like accounting, tax regulations, and human resources to run my business effectively. When Trident offered free tuition during the pandemic, I seized the opportunity. At 38 years old, I started college for the first time in my life. In 2023, I earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship. The education I received at Trident has been instrumental in helping me grow and scale my business. Today, Integrity Contracting Solutions has 12 employees and works with a dozen subcontractors. Thank you for providing an accessible educational system that makes success possible for people like me."
Jalen Wright '21 -
Performance Specialist, Accommodations Plus International
"Since graduating from Trident Technical College, I’ve had many opportunities that have shaped my career. My studies in Hospitality and Tourism Management provided a strong foundation in customer service, operations and problem-solving, which have been essential in every role I’ve taken on. I started as a Corporate Travel Agent, where I gained experience managing bookings and handling client needs in a fast-paced environment. Now, as a Performance Specialist at Accommodations Plus International, I analyze customer feedback, resolve operational issues, and maintain supplier relationships. My education at TTC prepared me to navigate complex challenges and communicate effectively in a corporate setting. Beyond my career in hospitality and operations, I’ve also modeled for Matrix Fitness, serving as the forefront model for the Project Culture campaign, which promotes scholarships for HBCU students. I also had the opportunity to promote the Total Body Cycle, a product that went on to win global awards. TTC helped me build the confidence and skills to pursue these opportunities, and I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me."
Addie Ledbetter '20 -
Charge Nurse, Spartanburg Medical Center
"Thanks to TTC, I have been able to provide passionate patient-centered care for almost five years! I am so thankful for the great foundation they gave me in order to be an excellent nurse and leader."
Robin L. Nazon '24 -
Entrepreneur
"Attending TTC's Baking and Pastry program has been a phenomenal experience. Although I have been baking for many years, I have learned so much by attending this program. I graduated with a Baking and Pastry certificate in 2024, then returned to school to pursue an associates degree in baking and pastry."
Michelle Richardson Rambert '13 -
Social Worker, State of South Carolina
"TTC was a springboard for my career as a Social Worker. TTC offered me classes, instructors and friendships that lent itself to my meeting the goals I had set for myself. I went on from TTC to obtain my bachelor's and my Masters degrees in Social Work."
Amy Heid '23 -
Accountant and Bartender
"I started my college journey in 1986. However, sometimes life gets in the way of finishing those things we want most. When I discovered that TTC held online classes in Hospitality and Tourism Management during COVID in 2021, I decided to use the time to get my associates degree and several other certifications. Throughout my journey, CIC Dean, Nathan Rex and Mr. Blake Hallman encouraged me to forge ahead and finish my bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort, which I completed in 2024. Without the encouragement of the TTC leadership and key instruction, I might not have been able to achieve these degrees. I’ve never been more proud of myself and it’s never too late to finish what you start, and it’s never to late to start on your dream."
LaTonya Nyoke '01 -
Vice President, Marketing Leader at Synchrony
"I received my Associate in Arts degree at TTC before going to SCAD for my BFA. TTC nurtured my passion for art and helped me to lean into the skills I would need to brand and communicate design effectively. My 2 years at TTC helped me to afford my SCAD degree by eliminating a year of tuition cost, also. I was able to mature and develop life experience in a smaller community of passionate leaders, teachers and administrators."
Sandra Pierce '89 -
Retired Certified Medical Assistant
"Being a Certified Medical Assistant opened doors for me that I never dreamed of. I ended up in Illinois, working for an OB/GYN physician and she trained me to be her first assistant in surgery. I assisted in hundreds of hysterectomies, C sections, vaginal repairs, laparoscopic surgery and Davinci robotic surgeries. I’m retired now, but I had a very rewarding and exciting 27 years!"
Trever Riney '20 -
Stunt Performer
"The TTC film production program, it's educators and it's direct access to film equipment helped me learn the skills necessary to start a career in my field. Thanks to the program's close involvement with the local film industry, I now work as a stunt performer for television and movies."
John Lindsay '09 -
Retired System Administrator, NASA
"I enrolled in TTC in the fall of 2006, after I had been seriously injured in an accident that ended my career as an industrial mechanic. I remember I was terrified starting school again at 37 years old, but the staff at TTC were patient with me, especially the folks in the Math Lab, which is where I pretty much spent the majority of my time if I was not in class. I graduated from the 2+2 engineering program for electrical engineering in 2009 and in 2011, I earned a bachelor's in electrical engineering from The Citadel. I just retired from Kennedy Space Center after working for NASA as a System administrator. Thank you TTC you took this broke old mechanic and put him in front of launch pads, launching Rockets!"
Anna Webb '02 -
Academic Skills Specialist, Pitt Community College
"Because of TCC and the strong foundation that was established, I elected to continue furthering my education. After receiving my Associate's degree, I completed my bachelor's and a double Master’s degree. I currently work in Education at a Community college. Thank you, TCC, for starting me on my educational journey!"
Melissa Connell '11 -
Financial Aid Coordinator, Trident Technical College
"TTC prepared me to go earn my BA from CofC and my MA from Clemson. I now work at TTC, in the Financial Aid department and am working on a certificate in Leadership Development. I love being able to work at a college I graduated from!"
Kimberly Mills -
Jacksonville Jaguars
"TTC made going back to college years later with two small kids easier than I thought. They accommodated me and my schedule and were always available for guidance or help. I ended up graduating from Kaplan University and am coming back to TTC for an Associates in Legal Studies. Thanks for giving me all of the tools I need to continue my journey!"
Rallee Balagtas '19 -
Administrator, Midland Park Residential Home Care
"I was already a seasoned restaurant worker and former owner of a failed fast-casual concept when I applied to culinary school. I wanted to understand why my business failed and how to succeed in the future. Culinary school reopened my eyes to the industry I had fallen out of love with, and toward the end of my studies, I won the People’s Choice Award in a cooking competition—a full-circle moment after nearly walking away from the field. Balancing school, a job, and raising a toddler was no small feat. Fortunately, I worked at a facility that let me earn income, gain experience, and complete my degree simultaneously. That same facility is where I now serve as head administrator, leading efforts to feed, house, and rehabilitate people in need. I’m proud of this work and grateful for the grit, creativity, and skills I gained at Trident Tech. I’m incredibly proud to be a Trident Tech CIC alum. In fact, I mention it before my Nuclear Engineering degree from the University of Tennessee in professional settings."
Daniel Isgett '87 -
Inspector, Berkeley County Sheriff's Office
"I paid my way through school, finishing my degree as a police officer at the City of North Charleston. The information I obtained served me my entire career, serving in a management position for over 30 years. This is my 40th year in Law Enforcement. I currently serve as a senior commander at the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, after serving 27 years at the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. I have been honored to serve on the Law Enforcement Advisory Board at Trident Tech. My time at Trident Tech assisted me through the years as a national law enforcement assessor."
Tonya Misuraca '88 -
Associate Dean, Humanities and Social Sciences
"During my studies at Trident, I gained several mentors who taught me to use my studies as a foundation for whatever I wanted to do in the future. Being the first college graduate in my family, my parents stressed the importance of education. My mentors here at Trident believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. I didn't give my studies my best at first, but my mentors didn't give up on me. They encouraged me to research the various scholarship and work-study programs available so that I can apply myself and my skills and learn what is necessary in the real world. I thank you, Trident Technical College for having compassionate professionals who took the time to talk with me, listen to me, and guide me toward my future. Thank you Mr. Chip Jackson and Mrs. Gail Redford-Fielding. May you rest in peace. Thank you, Dr. Louester Robinson, for showing me what strong women of color look like. I now have the confidence that TTC has provided me."
Brad Binko '13 -
Owner and Winemaker, Eternal Wine
"As my third college and first degree, Trident Tech helped me get my life on track. It felt good to be a college graduate and it gave me confidence to pursue my dream of winemaking."
Kyle Finer '14 -
Avionics Technician
"Trident Technical College was a great start and I now clear $100K a year! Never Give Up!"
Chelsey Campagnari '19 -
Welder, SeaFox
"I started my welding journey very young and it always kind of stuck with me. After taking a long hiatus, I came to TTC and had the privilege of learning under some of the greats! Shout out to Jim, Patrick, Dawson and Mike for sharing their knowledge and giving me the fundamentals to hone my skill. I now have a skill set that I love that I can take with me and share with others on my journey. Thank you TTC for making a place for me to better myself."
Levi Weltin '19 -
HVAC Service Technician, Total Comfort Solutions
"I wanted a career where I could solve problems and work with my hands. Trident Technical College was a great learning experience, kick starting a great journey in my life. The first year in HVAC was hard because of the brutal summers here in South Carolina, but you eventually get used to working in the heat. I have been working at Total Comfort Solutions for six years and can't see myself leaving anytime soon!"
Leigh Randall '22 -
Medical Laboratory Technician, Roper St. Francis Healthcare
"I began my journey at TTC in May of 2020 at the beginning of Covid protocols. Despite the daily challenges, going to TTC was the best thing I ever did for myself. I completed approximately 400 clinical hours in my last semester and was the Merit Award recipient and TTC Scholarship recipient for my program of study. Graduating opened up so many possibilities for myself and my family. I was able to obtain a job two months before I graduated as a Medical Laboratory Technician for Roper St. Francis Healthcare. I also sat for my Board of Certification Exam through the American Society of Clinical Pathology and obtained my certification immediately following graduation. After graduating from TTC I was accepted into the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Cincinnati. I will be starting my final semester in the program in January 2025 and will graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science in May of 2025. I plan to sit for my Medical Laboratory Scientist Board Exam shortly after graduation! I now work as a generalist at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley and will say that I have a very rewarding and fulfilling career!"
Morgan Bruns '25 -
IV Sedation Coordinator, Coastal Family Oral Surgery and Sedation
"Trident Tech has helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. It has helped me reach my goals in ways I thought I couldn’t. It hasn’t always been easy but you have to keep pushing through. It will definitely be worth it in the end."