René Sawyer has been named dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Greenville Technical College (GTC). Working in higher education for over 25 years, Sawyer has made a strong contribution to innovation in teaching and learning as well as student success.
Sawyer joined the staff at GTC in 1997, working as an administrative coordinator for the Title III grant. She has since served in a broad range of roles with highlights including academic advisor, counselor, academic program director, Title III grant project coordinator, department head, interim dean, and since January of last year, associate dean for the School of Arts & Sciences. Her qualifications include experience and expertise in higher education administration, curriculum design and instruction, program coordination, grant activities and reporting, faculty training, and transfer programs.
Sawyer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Winthrop University and a master’s degree in counselor education at Clemson University, where she received a graduate student certificate of excellence.
She has received numerous awards over the course of her higher education career including the South Carolina Technical Education Association administrator, faculty, and staff awards, the John and Suanne Rouche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation, and the National Resource Center for First-Year Students Student Advocate Award.
“René is a strong collaborator, a tireless contributor to countless committees and teams, and a professional who works for positive change through college systems, people, and processes,” said Dr. Larry Miller, vice president of learning and workforce development at GTC. “I have no doubt that under René’s leadership, the School of Arts and Sciences will hit new heights in excellence of education and student outcomes.“