News Summary
George Piersol, Area Commissioner at Piedmont Technical College, has received the 2025 Commissioner Leadership Award from the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners. With a remarkable 30-year tenure, Piersol has been a pivotal figure in promoting technical education in South Carolina. Besides his role at PTC, he’s also actively engaged in community service, running a State Farm Insurance agency and participating in organizations like the Rotary Club. His contributions are recognized during an upcoming award ceremony, highlighting his dedication to education and community engagement.
Columbia, SC – George Piersol, the Area Commissioner at Piedmont Technical College (PTC), has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Commissioner Leadership Award by the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC). This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to promote the values and ideals of technical and community colleges.
Piersol has dedicated an impressive 30 years to serving as an Area Commissioner, earning him the distinction of being the longest-tenured commissioner in the history of PTC. He currently resides in Newberry County and has been a vital member of the SCATCC board, serving as treasurer for over 20 years.
PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers highlighted Piersol’s commitment to the college, noting his willingness to invest time and energy into both PTC and the broader technical education landscape in South Carolina. His extensive involvement in the community includes advocating for technical education through discussions with legislators across PTC’s seven-county service area.
In addition to serving as an Area Commissioner, Piersol has contributed to the implementation of the PTC Job-Ready Guarantee, a program launched in 2019 that ensures graduates possess essential job-related skills, making them more competitive in the job market. His efforts have been pivotal in bridging the gap between education and industry needs.
Community Engagement and Service
Piersol’s impact extends beyond PTC; he has been a committed member of the local community for years. He has run a State Farm Insurance agency in Newberry for over 30 years and has been actively involved in various community organizations, including the Rotary Club and the Newberry Chamber of Commerce. His role as vice president of the church council at Silverstreet Lutheran Church further illustrates his dedication to community service.
Family Life
Piersol has been married to his wife, Jan, for an impressive 44 years, and together they have raised a large family, including eight grandchildren. This commitment to family reflects his values and dedication to nurturing the next generation.
Award Ceremony Details
George Piersol is slated to receive the Commissioner Leadership Award on September 23 during a joint meeting of SCATCC, the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, and the Technical College Presidents Council in Columbia. This recognition not only honors his lengthy career and contributions to PTC but also emphasizes the importance of leadership in technical education across the state.
Conclusion
The recognition of George Piersol by SCATCC underscores his significant role in promoting technical education in South Carolina. Through his years of service, advocacy, and commitment to community engagement, Piersol has left a lasting imprint on the educational landscape, paving the way for future generations of students in technical and community colleges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newberry College Celebrates Graduation of Student-Athletes
Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Piersol Wins Leadership Award
- Wikipedia: Technical Education
- Newberry Observer: Brooks to Retire as PTC President
- Google Search: Technical College Leadership
- Legacy: Bryan Bozard Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Engagement in Education
