Kelvin Byrd has accepted the newly created position of dean of the School of Aviation, Construction and Transportation Technologies at Greenville Technical College (GTC). In this role, he is responsible for the Aircraft Maintenance Technology; Auto Body Repair; Automotive Technology; Building Construction Technology; Diesel Equipment Technology; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration; Industrial Electricity; Truck Driver Training; and Welding programs.
The School of Aviation, Construction
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Byrd began his career at the college in 1994 as an adjunct Welding instructor and later became department head for Welding and Mechatronics. Most recently, he served as associate dean of Industrial Manufacturing and interim director for the Center for Manufacturing Innovation. Prior to GTC, he worked for General Electric as a lead welder and machinist and for 13 years, owned and managed his own welding company. Additionally, he spent 12 years with Greenville County Schools teaching machine tool and welding classes.
Byrd has been instrumental in the development of the college’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology degree, assisting with curriculum design and faculty recruitment. He has designed and implemented online classes for the Mechatronics and Welding programs, implemented early college dual credit welding classes, and has worked closely with industry partners in the development of customized, industry-specific programs and classes.
Byrd is a graduate of Greenville Technical College, earning an associate degree in Industrial Technology. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology and Human Resources Development from Clemson University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Jones University.