Building Construction Technology Professor Honored at State Level

The South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) has recognized a Midlands Technical College (MTC) professor at their annual Commissioners’ Academy. 

Robbie Sharpe, MTC Building Construction Technology Professor and Program Director, was awarded the 2023 SCATCC Faculty Award. The SCATCC Faculty Award is presented to celebrate outstanding faculty members as the cornerstones of teaching and learning at technical and community colleges.   

The following is an excerpt from Sharpe’s nomination:

“In a short time frame, Professor Sharpe transformed MTC’s Building Construction Technology program. He worked to improve student learning outcomes, better align curriculum with real-world construction practices, and greatly increase fiscal sustainability, all while substantially growing enrollment in his program."

“Under his direction, MTC became the first college in South Carolina to incorporate a full-house build into the two-year college curriculum. And due in large part to his efforts, a MTC student team led by Professor Sharpe became both state and national champions in a major construction competition; this was the first time a South Carolina technical college won a national title in the building trades.”

At the Commissioners’ Academy, these awards were also presented:

• Commissioner Award: Anita Zucker, Trident Technical College

• Equity Award: Tri-County Technical College

• CEO Award: Dr. Forest E. Mahan, President, Aiken Technical College

• Professional Board Staff Award: Sally Cooke, Piedmont Technical College.

The South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC) works to ensure that every South Carolinian has an equal opportunity to be successful by working to educate, train and advocate for all 16 South Carolina Technical Colleges. Visit SCATCC's website for more information.

Video Transcript

Read the Video Transcript Here

Well, first off, super appreciative of this award. Um, very honored, very flattered. I know there's a lot of people at MTC that are probably more deserving than I am of this, but definitely appreciative.

Um, I'd like to thank my parents and grandparents first off. Um, I think between all of them, they have a combined 130 years, uh, in public education, which is pretty remarkable. Um, the influence they've had on me... definitely need to thank my wife, um, who's always supportive, even on those days when I come home and I'm like, man, why am I doing this?

Um, you know, I tried to avoid education. Obviously I failed. Um, wasn't until years later that I realized that it's a calling.

Um, definitely need to thank Dr. Rains and Dr. Kirk for nominating me. Uh, Devin Henson, um, Ray Thomas, Laura Hutchinson, Roxanne Neese. None of this in here is possible, well without their support.

Um, and I know this means a lot to Midlands Technical College. I can speak from both sides of the fence. As a former graduate of here and now I'm back here as an instructor. Um, this is a very special place, top to bottom. Everybody's super supportive and I've never been in a more service-oriented area than I am here. And I'm truly blessed to work here at Midlands Technical College.