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HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, presides over HGTC鈥檚 59th Commencement Ceremony
on May 13, 2025 at the HTC Center on CCU's Campus.
Amy Ramos-Cordero, HGTC Graduate, received the HGTC Service and Leadership Award.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President; Amy Ramos-Cordero,
HGTC Service and Leadership Award 2025-Graduate; and Dr. Melissa Batten, HGTC Vice
President for Student Affairs
Roy West, HGTC Assistant Chair and Professor of Mathematics, received the HGTC Professor of the Year Award.
Pictured left to right: Mr. John Sawyer, Chairman of the HGTC Foundation; Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, HGTC Executive
Vice President for Academic & Workforce Development; Professor Roy West, HGTC Professor
of the Year 2025- Assistant Chair and Professor of Mathematics; Professor Christine
Farrior, HGTC Professor of the Year 2024; and Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President
Bobbi Jo Oxendine, HGTC Assistant Director of Human Resources, received the HGTC Staff of the Year Award.
Pictured left to right: Mr. John Sawyer, Chairman of the HGTC Foundation; Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President;
Ms. Bobbi Jo Oxendine, HGTC Staff of the Year 2025-Assistant Director of Human Resources;
and Mrs. Jackie Snyder, HGTC Vice President for Human Resources & Employee Relations
Brent Groome, Owner and Operator, Chair City Consulting LLC, received the HGTC Distinguished Patron Award.
Pictured left to right: Mr. Tommy Branyon, HGTC Area Commission Chairman; Mr. Brent Groome, Owner and Operator
of Chair City Consulting LLC; and Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President
Tim Tilley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Envirosep, received the HGTC Distinguished Patron Award.
Pictured left to right: Mr. Tommy Branyon, HGTC Area Commission Chairman; Mr. Tim Tilley, President and CEO
of Envirosep/Tilley Technologies, Inc.; and Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President
兔子先生 () is proud to announce that over 1,700 students received degrees, diplomas, or certificates from HGTC this year, and over 700 of them marched at HGTC鈥檚 commencement ceremony Tuesday, May 13 at the HTC Center on the Coastal Carolina University Campus.
Dr. Marilyn 鈥淢urph鈥� Fore, HGTC鈥檚 President, honorably presided over the ceremony and celebrated the many successes of the Class of 2025.
鈥淥ur graduates deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to their goals. They have proven their strength to endure and not given in when faced with difficult challenges. Our graduates possess the qualities needed to succeed and have the spirit of resiliency, determination, and perseverance. The entire HGTC family celebrates the accomplishments of our students, and we look forward to celebrating the many successes in the next chapter of their lives,鈥� said Dr. Marilyn 鈥淢urph鈥� Fore, HGTC President.
Graduates鈥� ages ranged from 16 to 71, and students came from states as far away as California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Illinois, and New Hampshire, and countries as far away as Jordan, Bulgaria, Albania, Russia, Brazil, and Ecuador.
A number of awards and honors were given during the ceremony:
- Amy Ramos-Cordero, HGTC Graduate, received the HGTC Service and Leadership Award.
- Roy West, HGTC Assistant Chair and Professor of Mathematics, received the HGTC Professor of the Year Award.
- Bobbi Jo Oxendine, HGTC Assistant Director of Human Resources, received the HGTC Staff of the Year Award.
- Brent Groome, Owner and Operator, Chair City Consulting LLC, received the HGTC Distinguished Patron Award.
- Tim Tilley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Envirosep, received the HGTC Distinguished Patron Award.
This was HGTC鈥檚 fifty-nineth commencement.
Service & Leadership Award 2025 鈥� Amy Ramos-Cordero
The Service and Leadership award is presented to an exceptional student who best exemplifies the values of HGTC. Recipients make significant leadership contributions and demonstrate the values of responsible citizenship.
The 2025 recipient of the Service & Leadership Award has distinguished herself academically and demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to service, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a leader. For three years, she has worked diligently as a College Work Study Student while pursuing her degree. One of her team members in the office where she has been employed wrote the following about her: Her 鈥渃ontributions to our team have been outstanding. Her work ethic, enthusiasm, and ability to balance her studies with her professional responsibilities make a deserving candidate for this award.鈥� Her job responsibilities have included data entry and various office support tasks, but her contributions extend far beyond these duties. She has been instrumental in supporting the HGTC Food Pantry which provides food and personal care items to students in need. She has also played a vital role in supporting student events such as Welcome Week 鈥� providing information, personal assistance, and resources to assist students as they pursue their educational goals. She is graduating with an Associate in Science Degree and has plans to continue her studies next fall, aiming to enroll in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
Professor of the Year Award 2025 鈥� Roy West
More than two decades ago, HGTC began a tradition of recognizing a member of our full-time faculty for instructional excellence, contributions to students鈥� growth and development, and contributions to the academic reputation of the college. The College continued that tradition this year with the naming of the outstanding 鈥淧rofessor of the Year.鈥� This year鈥檚 honoree was presented with the college mace and will serve as grand marshal at the 2026 commencement ceremony.
The 2025 Professor of the Year is highly regarded by both students and colleagues for their approachability, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Students say he makes one of the most challenging subjects understandable, but also enjoyable. One student wrote, 鈥淚 have always struggled with math, but with this professor, I can finally break down what he's saying鈥攁nd I鈥檓 earning good grades!鈥� Another shared, 鈥淚鈥檇 nominate him for this award every semester if I could.鈥� He is known for his quick responses, his clear and concise explanations, and his willingness to go the extra mile. In the words of his colleagues, he leads with cooperation, respect, and a genuine love for teaching. His family shared this beautiful quote: 鈥淥ur earthly father is the best representation of our Heavenly Father that we could ask for. Anything good that we become, we owe entirely to them both. Daddy deserves this award and so much more than we could ever give him. We love you.鈥� 鈥� Grandma and the boys.
Staff of the Year Award 2025 鈥� Bobbi Jo Oxendine
Just as HGTC recognizes excellence in teaching, the College also honors a member of the full-time staff for exemplary service. The recipient receives an award from the College and the HGTC Foundation.
Our Staff of the Year 2025 is an individual whose dedication, professionalism, and exceptional qualities have left an indelible mark on our institution. Throughout her career, this remarkable individual has exemplified the very essence of excellence in all facets of her work. A true professional with a talent for effective communication and collaboration, she navigates effortlessly through all levels of personnel, building strong and meaningful relationships along the way. Her interpersonal skills are truly exemplary, fostering an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie among her colleagues. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she has served our institution with unwavering dedication and commitment. In her role as Assistant Director of Human Resources, she has made an impact on the College and students by recruiting talent from all over the world. In a time when the labor market is extremely competitive, she has successfully hired faculty and staff in hard-to-fill roles with specialized credentials.
This employee also manages employee relations, benefits, employment, training and development, and spearheads various college-wide initiatives. Prior to her tenure here she held key positions serving as a Staffing Recruiter and Employee Relations Manager. Her academic achievements are equally impressive, boasting a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Northcentral University.
But perhaps what truly sets her apart is her genuine passion for building relationships, supporting employees and students, and engaging in community service.
Distinguished Patron Awards 2025 鈥� Brent Groome, Tim Tilley
The Distinguished Patron Award is presented to someone who has made significant contributions to the HGTC community and beyond.
Brent Groome - Owner and Operator, Chair City Consulting LLC
Brent Groome is a communications executive, consultant, and community leader whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, strategic leadership, and regional progress. As Owner and Operator of Chair City Consulting LLC, he provides guidance in marketing and public relations, building on more than 30 years of experience at Horry Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (HTC), where he retired as Chief Executive of Corporate Communications and Government Relations.
A graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism, Mr. Groome began his career in 1987 with General Telephone & Electronics Corporation (GTE) before joining HTC in 1990. Over the next three decades, he helped shape HTC鈥檚 customer operations, strategic planning, and public outreach efforts. His professional accomplishments have been recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Order of the Palmetto and The Sun News Rod and Harold McCown Man of the Year Award presented by the Conway Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Groome has contributed to education, economic development, and civic involvement across the region. He has served as Area Commissioner for Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) since 2002. His leadership has extended to boards such as the Waccamaw Community Foundation, Georgetown Economic Development Alliance, Coastal Carolina University Athletic Foundation, and several chambers of commerce.
Guided by faith and family, Mr. Groome has been an active member of Good Hope Baptist Church, where he has served in numerous roles including deacon, choir director, song leader, and other areas of ministry. Originally from Thomasville, North Carolina, he and his wife of 34 years, Dana, resided in the Conway community until retiring to Georgetown County in 2023. They are proud parents of Kirby Altman (Clay) and Evan Groome (Megan). Through his dedication and leadership, Mr. Groome has made a lasting impact on his community.
Tim Tilley - President and CEO of Envirosep/Tilley Technologies, Inc.
Timothy M. Tilley is the President and CEO of Envirosep/Tilley Technologies, Inc., a leading engineering and manufacturing company based in Georgetown, South Carolina, specializing in innovative modular utility systems. As the founder of Envirosep, Mr. Tilley has built a legacy of sustainability and innovation through integrated solutions in fluid handling, heat transfer, and energy recovery for industrial and commercial applications.
With more than 40 years of experience in engineering, design, and facilities management, Mr. Tilley has held positions with organizations such as Carolina Power & Light Company, General Motors, Pannill Knitting Company, and Oneita Industries. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in 18 states. He also holds contractor licenses in multiple states and is a Certified Plant Engineer.
Mr. Tilley鈥檚 leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him numerous accolades, including being named South Carolina Economic Ambassador for Economic Development and Georgetown County Businessperson of the Year. His impact extends far beyond the business world into the community, where he has served in various leadership roles with the 兔子先生 (HGTC) Foundation, Georgetown County Economic Development Alliance, and Georgetown Presbyterian Church.
A dedicated supporter of HGTC, Mr. Tilley has served on the Foundation Board鈥檚 Executive Committee since 2009, helping to raise essential funds for scholarships, programs, and capital projects. His passion for education, philanthropy, and community development continues to leave a lasting impression on the College and the region.
Mr. Tilley and his wife of 37 years, Rose Marie, have called Georgetown home since 1992. He is deeply committed to his community and the organizations he supports, embodying the principles of hard work, dedication, and stewardship that have guided his life and career.