The Technical College of the Lowcountry has been awarded gold level status by the S.C. Military Academic Recognition Program, part of the S.C. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA).
SCDVA representatives presented the award at a special event held July 28 at TCL’s Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC) on the college’s Beaufort Mather Campus.
The recognition program aims to highlight colleges and universities that support service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members and their family members as they work toward achieving academic and professional goals. Currently, 19 percent of TCL’s student population is active military, veteran or military-affiliated.
“We are very proud of the team we have here and the work they’re doing to support our veterans,” said TCL President Dr. Richard Gough. “Veterans, their families and dependents, are a significant part of our college and our culture, so it’s important to us that we have these programs in place and that they know they are supported.”
To qualify for gold status, institutions must meet specific standards such as offering a centralized place for students who are veterans to meet or find assistance, information or career counseling. The college has been working toward meeting the SCDVA’s criteria for gold status, since receiving the silver designation in December of 2023.
In addition to renovating and expanding its Military and Veterans Resource Center on the first floor of MacLean Hall, TCL also completed “Green Zone” training, or specialized training that enables staff to better assist military or military-affiliated students.
“Through Green Zone Training, participants gain insight into military culture, the transition from service to civilian life, common barriers to academic success, and strategies for providing meaningful support,” said Topher Byrnes, TCL’s Director of Military and Veterans Programs. “By equipping our campus community with this knowledge, we create a network of informed allies. This proactive approach ensures that support for veterans at TCL extends beyond the MAVRC and is woven throughout the institution, fostering a more inclusive, respectful and responsive learning environment.”
Byrnes went on to say it is an honor to be recognized by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“This recognition reflects the heart of our mission — and the commitment of an incredible team making it happen every day,” he said.
For more information on TCL’s military and veterans’ services, visit www.tcl.edu/military