New Greenville Technical College President Says Student Success, Workforce Strategies Will Be Priorities

(Photo by David Dykes)

By David Dykes

Greenville Technical College's new president, Larry Miller, pledges to keep his talented team in place, help more students succeed and be a key partner in local economic development strategies.

"I'm honored, really, to be selected, and very excited to be named the third president of Greenville Technical College," Miller told reporters after his selection was announced March 14, 2025. 

Miller, 51, has been vice president of learning and workforce development at Greenville Tech, serving as the public community college’s chief academic and continuing education officer.

He succeeds Keith Miller (no relation).

College officials say he is a respected leader known for innovative thinking, investigative research, and forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders to drive student outcomes.

 "For our employees, I think we have a really talented team in place, and I'm excited about the opportunity to continue to grow and improve and help more students succeed in our community," Miller said. "And I'm anxious to get that work underway."

For students, he said, "our vision is really to change their economic lives. That's our mission. We want to make sure that we are preparing them for high-demand, high-wage, high-benefit job opportunities and that they can trust that we will not only continue to do that but continue to get better at that as the years go on."  

For the economic development community, "I see us as a really key partner and linchpin in all of our development strategies," especially workforce, Miller said.   

Earlier this month, The Greenville Technical College Area Commission announced the selection of four finalists for the position of college president, including Miller.

The announcement followed a search that yielded 61 applicants from across the community, state, and nation and a review and interview process that narrowed the field to 11 semi-finalists.

The other candidates were Sarah Barlow, provost and vice chancellor for workforce and student development at Baton Rouge Community College in Louisiana; Amy Bosley, president of Northwest Vista College (NVC) in San Antonio, Texas; and Quentin R. Johnson, president of Southside Virginia Community College in Virginia.

“With the interest and support of the entire college community, the Area Commission has conducted a thorough national search resulting in a decision that ensures the future success of the college and its students,” said Ray Lattimore, chair of the Greenville Technical College Area Commission. 

Lattimore added, “Under its first two presidents, Greenville Technical College has built a reputation as a national pacesetter, and I feel confident that with Dr. Larry Miller as the institution’s next leader, we can achieve the ambitious goals that will only accelerate our strong momentum.”

SOPAKCO Expanding Marlboro County Operation

SOPAKCO, a leader in processed foods, announced it is expanding its operations in Marlboro County.

The company is investing $22.8 million to grow its Bennettsville manufacturing operation, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Founded in 1943 and headquartered in Mullins, South Carolina, SOPAKCO specializes in the design, processing and packaging of ready-to-eat meals and is a leading supplier of combat rations to the U.S. military.

The company’s customers include federal, state and local agencies, as well as commercial retailers.

Commerce officials said SOPAKCO’s investment will include the renovation of an existing facility and construction of an additional facility to expand the company’s food products manufacturing operation located at 320 Broad Street in Bennettsville.

Operations are expected to be online in October 2025.

“SOPAKCO has experienced great success in South Carolina. The value that Marlboro County brings through its business-friendly climate and quality workforce has allowed us to thrive here, and we look forward to continuing our partnership,” said SOPAKCO President Lonnie Thompson.

Regional Management Corp. Appoints Julie Booth to Board of Directors

Regional Management Corp. (NYSE: RM), a Greer, South Carolina-based diversified consumer finance company, announced the appointment of Julie Booth to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Booth most recently served as chief financial officer and treasurer of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), the Detroit-based fintech platform company with mortgage, real estate, and personal finance businesses.

Booth’s appointment increases the size of Regional Management’s Board of Directors from eight directors to nine directors.

Booth will serve as a member of the Audit Committee of Regional Management’s Board of Directors.

She currently serves as interim CFO of a pharmaceutical startup company based in Michigan.

Previously, Booth spent two decades at Rocket, including 14 years as CFO, where she successfully led the company through its IPO in 2020, and prior to that as VP of Finance and director of Internal Audit.

Before joining Rocket, Booth spent 13 years in the audit group of Ernst & Young, working with a range of private and public clients.

Additionally, she has served on a number of boards in the nonprofit sector, including serving as board chair for Make-A-Wish Michigan and chair for the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Financial Management Committee.

Goodwill Adds New Information Sessions for Tech Academy

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) announced the continuation of its NEW Tech Academy, a training program designed to equip learners with the expertise and proficiency needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of information technology.

Officials said the Tech Academy will provide participants with hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and the skills necessary to safeguard digital assets and combat cyber threats.

Mandatory information sessions for interested participants will be held on March 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Columbia: 111 Highland Center Drive

Greenville: 2550 N. Pleasantburg Drive.

Classes begin March 31, 2025, and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Officials said that through Goodwill’s Tech Academy, participants will gain:

Expertise: In-depth knowledge and proficiency in IT fundamentals.

Empowerment: The tools to safeguard digital landscapes.

Opportunity: Access to dynamic career possibilities in the fast-growing tech industry.

The program provides training for key industry certifications, including:

CompTIA Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification

Office 365 Troubleshooting and Migration Training

Help Desk 101 Training.

“Goodwill’s Tech Academy is an incredible opportunity for individuals seeking to launch or advance their careers in technology,” said Monique McDaniels, vice president of Workforce Development at GIUMSC.

McDaniels added, “With increasing demand for IT professionals, we are committed to equipping our participants with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in this dynamic field. Our information sessions allow potential participants to learn more about the program, meet our instructors, and explore a potential career path with career opportunities in the IT world.”

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