By Mike Fitts
mfitts@scbiznews.com
Published Feb. 5, 2010

Barry Russell, head of the state’s technical college system, will retire May 31.

Russell has been president of the tech system since 2006; before that, he was president of Midlands Tech from 1999 through 2005.

Russell has reached the end of his time under the state’s TERI program, said Kelly Steinhilper, director of communications for the system. TERI allows government employees to technically begin their retirement, then continue to work for up to five years.

In a January letter to staff, he said he was proud of what the technical colleges had achieved on his watch.

“In just the past year, the system has experienced some unprecedented firsts such as unparalleled enrollment increases, remarkable increases in the number of apprenticeship programs and apprentices across the state as well as playing an integral role in bringing a project the magnitude of Boeing to the state,” Russell said. “I am confident that the system will continue to thrive and play a critical role in educating and training South Carolina’s workforce.”

He announced his departure with time to spare to facilitate a search for a successor, he said in his letter.

Midland Tech President Marshall “Sonny” White said that Russell has shown a deep understanding and appreciation of the mission of the two-year technical colleges during his time as system president.

Brining such employers as Boeing and Proterra to the state during Russell’s speaks well of the technical system’s skills and reputation, White said.

The 16 colleges of the system have seen enrollment rise by 16% or more amid the recession, White said, as students and mid-career workers sought training to improve their career prospects.

White said his predecessor left Midlands Tech in excellent condition, paving the way for it to expand its offerings to meet the needs of area businesses. “He left us in a strong position,” White said.