Sherry Welle has now served on the CCTC Foundation Board of Trustees for two years representing Clarendon County.
Welle is a Central Carolina alumna, class of 1978, with an Associate Degree in Business. Welle has extensive experience in government, politics, broadcasting, interior design and sales. She is a former recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women in Industry and a member of Women of Excellence.
“I am excited to be a part of the CCTC Foundation Board or Trustees where I can help accentuate all that Central Carolina offers,” says Welle. “Having had my career start right here at CCTC, I know firsthand all that CCTC has to offer. It’s always been my desire to give back to the communities I serve, for all they have allowed me to be. It is my sincere desire to make a difference and to positively capitalize on my expertise in marketing, to enhance existing initiatives and to offer the students of CCTC increased opportunities that make our communities even more vibrant.”
Welle is currently employed with Community Broadcasters of Sumter. She has served on the Manning City Council Since 2004 and was recently re-elected with her term ending in 2024. She also served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2018-2021.
Sherry Tolson works for the town of Cheraw in the water and sewer industry, obtaining A-level licenses in both. She earned an associate degree from Central Carolina Technical College in Environmental Engineering Technology (EVT).
“Participating in the EVT program has been one of the highlights of my career,” Tolson said. “The passion that the instructors have, particularly, Josh Castleberry, is unparalleled.”
Tolson learned to write Best Management Practice Plans for equipment and processes, and also learned how to prepare written arguments either for or against treatment processes.
Tolson says the online nature of the EVT program makes it obtainable for anyone. She feels this program set her up for success by specifically dealing with environmental aspects of water and wastewater treatment and laboratory analysis. Her degree allowed her to have an immediate impact on the town of Cheraw.
“This saved our town money by not having to hire professional engineers to write these programs,” Tolson said. “The added bonuses of chemistry and ecology were very helpful in my development of standard operating procedures.”
We are proud of each and every one of our alumni! For more information on the CCTC Alumni Partnership or to share your story, contact Mary Copeland Heath at 803-774-6707 or alumni@cctech.edu.
In the 1970s, Butch Presson decided to take advantage of the GI Bill based on his service in the United States Navy. Presson decided to enroll in the Environmental Engineering Technology program at what was then Sumter Area Technical College – now Central Carolina Technical College.
After graduating in 1981, he worked in environmental operations for 40 years, becoming a part-time adjunct instructor at the Environmental Training Center (ETC) in 1995. In 2008, he retired from field operations and became a full-time Program Manager and Instructor at the Environmental Training Center.
He now works with environmental operators to help them prepare for the various levels of water and wastewater operator exams within the State Certification Program, and to obtain the required continuing education hours needed to maintain their certifications.
“My goal is to continue working for the ETC as long as I can still make a difference to the operators. All of these treatment plant operators have a tremendous responsibility in maintaining the quality of our lakes and streams as well as the water we drink. The treatment plant operator is the last link to a healthier and safe environment.” He has been teaching online courses now for around six years.
Because of his experiences, Presson believes that everyone should work to pursue an education, and especially one at Central Carolina.
“Education is always valuable, perhaps more than ever right now. Career opportunities are opening up as the business world is changing and adapting. Do some investigating, then work with an advisor and CCTC Career Services to figure out the best path for you.
Anne Goodson has always felt called to serve. During her three years at Central Carolina, she served as the Phi Theta Kappa secretary and tutored students outside of class.
In 2009, Anne was working as a book keeper and decided to take an accounting course to brush up her skills. She enjoyed it so much that her advisor, Mr. Hinkle, convinced her to complete her degree.
“I loved my experience at CCTC!” she said. “Since I was an accounting major, Mr. Hinkle was my advisor and the professor for most of my classes. He was a great encourager and mentor.”
Anne graduated Summa Cum Laude from CCTC in 2011 with an Associate Degree of Business in Accounting. She now works for 2Tax Law, a CPA firm that specializes in tax. She works closely with clients to not only teach them the ins and outs of QuickBooks, but also the setup and payments of payroll, taxes and returns.
Anne took advantage of every resource at CCTC and hopes current and potential students do the same.
“Central Carolina offers a great service to our community. Take advantage of all that it has to offer to better yourself and our community,” she said.
Anne and her husband have two children and two grandchildren. They are active at First Presbyterian Church in Sumter, where he teaches Sunday school and she is the class secretary.
Between finding out she was pregnant with her second child shortly after signing up for classes in 2018, to her husband being sent overseas for the military, to a seizure leading to a car wreck which totaled her car and a global pandemic, it has not been an easy ride for Kyra Van Anda to earn her Early Childhood Development Certificate.
Not only did Kyra graduate, but she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
“There were a lot of times I had the odds stacked against me,” she said. “If you feel the odds are stacked against you, remember YOU control your life, not these obstacles.” While attending Central Carolina Technical College, Kyra received the Ruth and David Martin Scholarship from the CCTC Foundation.
This scholarship was established in 2003 by Ruth and David Martin and is given annually to second year Early Childhood students through the Foundation. This helped alleviate her burden since her military spouse scholarship did not fully cover tuition.