Three faculty and staff members have been honored as Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College’s Educators of the Year and will be recognized during the South Carolina Technical Education Association’s annual conference Feb. 20-22 in Myrtle Beach.
Nursing and health science coordinator Renee Bussey is the outstanding staff honoree, building and grounds supervisor Laney Cornelius is the outstanding administrator, and assistant dean of engineering and advanced manufacturing Stephanie Phillips is the outstanding faculty member.
SCTEA is a professional association of technical education personnel and others interested in post-secondary technical education.
Bussey has worked at OCtech for six years in various capacities, including as an academic advising success coach, admissions enrollment specialist and student activities coordinator. In addition to her current role, she serves as an academic advisor and counselor at the college.
The St. Matthews native has a bachelor’s degree in health science from Clemson University and a master’s in health promotion and education from East Carolina University.
“I enjoy working at OCtech because I truly believe this is a great place,” Bussey said. “It has proven to be a great place to work, and I believe it is a great place for students to learn, grow and become. Working here helps me to be able to say that I came back home to serve.”
Cornelius joined OCtech as a trade specialist in March 2012 and was quickly promoted to his current position. This is his third Educator of the Year award.
Cornelius has received numerous certificates in communication, leadership and management from Tooling U. He serves on the OCtech Foundation Assistance Team, WHO Committee and Staff Council, and is a member of Cameron Baptist Church. He is also an avid blood donor who has given more than 10 gallons.
“I enjoy my role here at the college because I know the work that I perform is helping prepare students for a promising role in our community,” he said. “I have personally seen this, as my older daughter graduated with an accounting degree from OCtech, which enabled her to obtain a great job, and my youngest daughter is currently enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program. This place is like one big family to me.”
Phillips earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clemson University and a master’s in physics with an emphasis in teaching from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She worked as a site design engineer before joining OCtech in 2010.
Phillips began her tenure at the college teaching Project Lead the Way courses. She served as PLTW coordinator, cultivating partnerships with local schools and mentoring fellow PLTW instructors, before transitioning to teaching physics and engineering courses. Her roles expanded to include leadership as dean of engineering and advanced manufacturing and, more recently, as assistant dean.
Outside of work, Phillips is active in church leadership, local organizations and her children’s school.
“Teaching at OCtech has been incredibly fulfilling. I treasure the moments when students grasp complex concepts and begin to share my enthusiasm for engineering and physics,” Phillips said. “The supportive, growth-oriented environment at OCtech has made it a truly rewarding place to work.”
