Oct. 5, 2026 – Trident Technical College Area Commissioner Dr. Yvonne Barnes was recognized Sept. 23 for 20 years of service to Trident Technical College (TTC) and its students during the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) recognition ceremony in Columbia.
The annual ceremony honors commissioners from across South Carolina for milestone years of service, recognizing individuals whose leadership and commitment help advance technical education throughout the state.
"Dr. Barnes has dedicated 20 years to supporting Trident Technical College's mission of transforming lives through higher education," said TTC President Dr. Vicky Wood. "Her leadership, commitment to student success and advocacy for technical education have helped strengthen opportunities for students, employers and communities throughout the Lowcountry, South Carolina and nation."
Area commissioners are appointed by the governor upon the recommendation of the respective appointing body in each county. TTC’s Area Commission is comprised of three members from the college’s three service counties--Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester. As the college's governing board, members provide oversight and strategic direction for the college.
Dr. Barnes’ role in technical education extends beyond her position as one of TTC’s commissioners in the Tricounty region. She chairs SCATCC, the statewide commission that promotes and advocates for the state’s 16 technical colleges. Through that role, she works with commissioners from across the state to support workforce development, educational access and economic growth. Dr. Barnes’ engagement in supporting technical colleges extends nationally as an elected member of the Association of Technical College Trustees (ACCT) and chair of ACCT’s Southern Region.
"Serving Trident Technical College has been both an honor and a privilege," Dr. Barnes said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to support an institution that changes lives and strengthens our region through education and workforce training."
Dr. Barnes brings more than 40 years of public education experience to her role with the TTC Area Commission, SCATCC and ACCT. Her career has included positions as an advanced biology and special education teacher, principal, curriculum and program administrator, community college instructor, assistant superintendent, interim superintendent of Sumter School District Seventeen and superintendent of the Williamsburg County School District. She earned a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in advanced biology and psychology from South Carolina State University, a master’s degree in special education from Atlanta University and a doctorate in special education administration from George Washington University. Her professional experience also includes curriculum development, strategic planning, program evaluation, school improvement and educational consulting.