White honored with TCTC’s Presidential Staff Medallion

A willingness to go above and beyond expectations, a role model attitude and a genuine investment in student success are just a few of the attributes that earned Donald White the highest award given to staff at Tri-County Technical College (TCTC). White, who serves as a senior success coach for TCTC’s community campuses, received the Presidential Medallion for Staff Excellence. TCTC President Dr. Ronnie L. Booth presented him the medallion at the fall convocation held Aug. 16. In his role, White provides enrollment counseling and proactive academic advising to prospective and current students to ensure a strong foundation for success. In doing so, he actively supports a large caseload of students to facilitate successful transition to the College, actively connects students with a variety of campus offices and resources, and provides continuing support throughout their enrollment at TCTC. Comments from a written nomination include, “Donald works tirelessly to ensure that students have the tools, perspective and resilience needed to be successful in college, and, quite honestly, in all aspects of life. Donald finds a way to connect with each student and his care and genuine investment in the individual are readily apparent. He happily adjusts his schedule and is on campus early morning and late evenings to meet with students as needed.” Another nomination read, “He never hesitates to meet students where or when it is most convenient for them. It is common for students to address him by name as he crosses campus and he, in turn, knows his students by name.” One commented that he is selfless when it comes to helping students on their path to success. “He feels it is imperative that students start their higher education career on the right foot with intensive one-on-one time spent in initial counseling sessions. The groundwork laid in these sessions begins a relationship that carries through to graduation.” Selection Committee members say his commitment to student success and his staunch support of students in all phases of their lives make him a role model for his colleagues. “A new employee of five days said of Donald, ‘He really cares about his students.’ That statement sums up the essence of Donald and what he means to the College and to the students with whom he works,” another nomination read. In addition to service as a student advocate, he also focuses on strategic initiatives and facilitates change at the institutional level. White spent countless hours ensuring comparable student services were offered at TCTC’s campus at the Hamilton Career Center. That dedication continued as he served on the implementation team for the new Oconee Campus set to open Aug. 20, in Westminster. “Donald has contributed valuable input and advice through volunteering to assist in the campus opening and helping with success coaching duties when it opens.” “Donald has been instrumental in developing the systems and protocols for services at that location and serving as the champion for students who would not otherwise have access to many of our programs and services.” When asked what it takes to be a great student success coach, White’s philosophy is “You have to treat people right and let them know that you genuinely care about them and you’re willing to help them reach their goals. They have to walk away knowing that you are there to help them.” In summation, one staffer said, “Donald is committed to ensuring that our people, our processes and our systems work together to maintain the lens and perspective of the student and evaluate the impact of decisions on the entire student lifecycle. Donald White is a staunch advocate for all students. His work ensures that commitment becomes action and serves as a model for all of us.” White joined the College in 2009 as the new technology programs specialist in the Admissions Office.