Piedmont Technical College President Joins Esteemed Aspen Fellowship Program
Greenwood, SC — Exciting news has just rolled in for our local community, as Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is making waves on the national stage! Dr. Hope Rivers, president of PTC, has been tapped as one of only 25 leaders nationwide to participate in the prestigious Aspen Presidents Fellowship. This honor is part of a program designed by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, giving leaders a unique opportunity for growth and innovation in education.
An Opportunity for Change
The Aspen Presidents Fellowship is all about helping college leaders refine their strategies to ensure success for their students both in college and beyond. Community colleges, like PTC, play a crucial role in educating millions of students every year, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed for rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. The chance for Dr. Rivers to engage with other thought leaders in this year-long program is truly something to celebrate.
Josh Wyner, the executive director of the College Excellence Program, expressed his enthusiasm about the fellowship, emphasizing how community colleges are vital for so many diverse students. “Community colleges educate millions of diverse students every year who are relying on them to deliver the education and credentials they need for a fulfilling life and career,” Wyner noted. He also pointed out that the selected fellows, including Dr. Rivers, are committed to improving strategic outcomes for their students.
Diverse and Passionate Cohort
This second cohort of the fellowship is a true melting pot of talent, with 52 percent of its members being women and 44 percent representing people of color. This kind of diversity not only enriches the fellowship experience but ensures a broad range of perspectives in the pursuit of educational excellence. These fellows are set to work with seasoned experts, Aspen leaders, and one another, analyzing current outcomes and developing plans inspired by successful practices from the field.
Joining this inspiring group of leaders, President Rivers is excited about the possibilities this fellowship presents. “I’m truly honored to join the new cohort of the Aspen Presidents Fellowship,” Dr. Rivers stated. “This program provides an incredible opportunity to work alongside 24 incredible leaders from across the country. I look forward to discovering new strategies that will make a real difference in advancing student success here at PTC.”
Driving an Inclusive Future
The Presidents Fellowship is backed by the generous philanthropic support of JPMorgan Chase, through their New Skills at Work initiative. This initiative is focused on preparing young people for future careers and meeting the high demand for skilled workers, in addition to JPMorgan Chase’s commendable $30 billion commitment to fostering racial equity and nurturing an inclusive economy.
Such efforts not only aim to improve educational outcomes but also ensure that our colleges keep pace with rapidly changing workforce needs, thereby contributing meaningfully to local and national economic development.
About Piedmont Technical College
Piedmont Technical College is leading the charge locally by offering hands-on training in the latest technologies and skills. Each year, more than 8,000 students benefit from the college’s programming, which supports the economic growth across South Carolina’s largest and most diverse regions, including Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, and Laurens counties.
This selection of Dr. Hope Rivers for such a prominent fellowship underscores the dedication of PTC to advancing student achievements and highlights its potential to serve as a model institution on educational reform and innovation.
Sitting at the heart of all these efforts is a clear mission: to uplift students and communities by providing the utmost in educational excellence and opportunity. As Dr. Rivers embarks on this exciting journey with Aspen, we can rest assured that only good things are on the horizon for PTC and its students.
