The South Carolina Technical Education Association has recognized three members of the Greenville Technical College (GTC) School of Academic Advancement as Educators of the Year.
Brian Easler was recognized in the faculty category. An associate professor in the Academic Connections department, Easler teaches college orientation courses as well as courses for the Humanities department. He has also served in department head and academic program director roles. Creator of the GTC Outsiders student group, Easler is developing and contextualizing classes for future outdoor leadership opportunities at GTC and beyond. Prior to joining the college in 2012, he spent nearly 15 years in public education in Anderson and Spartanburg counties, primarily teaching English and South Carolina history while coaching multiple sports. Easler earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in teaching from Lander University, and he completed a master’s degree in educational leadership from Converse College.
Cindy Davies was recognized in the administrator category. As dean for the School of Academic Advancement, Davies leads approximately 150 faculty and staff members to deliver transitional, ESL, and college orientation courses and to support students through a first year experience program, advising and transfer, tutoring, coaching, library services, computer labs, and more. Davies joined Greenville Tech in 2011 after 14 years serving in library and learning resources roles at Piedmont Technical College. Davies earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Charleston, a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of South Carolina, and a graduate certificate in higher education leadership from the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education leadership at Clemson University.
Dr. Tanesha Jones-Boyd was recognized in the staff category. Jones-Boyd began work at GTC in 2016 as an adjunct instructor in the Academic Connections Department and transitioned to full-time work in 2017 as an instructor training coordinator. In this role, she teaches College Skills courses and advises students. Prior to joining the staff at Greenville Technical College, Jones-Boyd was the program manager and core full-time faculty member at Webster University Greenville Metropolitan Campus in the Graduate Counseling Department, in addition to working in various roles as a counseling and human services professional. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lander University, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of South Carolina.