I am 34 years old. Half Cuban on my father's side. I was born in Brunswick, GA, but I have lived most of my life in Spartanburg since 1995. Graduated from Spartanburg High School in 2008. I'm an SCC Alumni from the class of 2021 (2019-2021). I was VP of Phi Theta Kappa during that time and a part of the TRIO program.
I've worked at SCC from 2019 until now, starting as a work study, moved to a PT Technician, then FT Tier II in Feb 2021. Since September of this year, I am now the IT Operations Supervisor.
Over the course of my SCC career, I have been able to improve hardware, software, and technology as a whole for all of SCC as a Systems Administrator. I enjoy leading my team, helping others, and being the best person I can be.
Fun facts: I enjoy movies, sports, the outdoors, history, studying languages, cars, technology (of course), and traveling. My goal in the future is to travel all of the US, then make my away around the world.
I have been able to improve hardware, software, and technology as a whole for all of SCC as a Systems Administrator. I enjoy leading my team, helping others, and being the best person I can be.
- Nicolas Rodriguez
October 2024
Reynalda Christopher
I was born and raised in the upstate of South Carolina.I attended SCC as a student from 1999-2001 and graduated from the AOT Program. I’ve worked in customer service for more that 30 years. I began my career at SCC in the Health Sciences area in 2012. Since then I’ve worked in several different areas and have enjoyed each one. I am currently working in Institutional Effectiveness as an accreditation coordinator. This is a new role and I am excited to learn all that I can to assist with the accreditation process.
On a more personal note, I am an avid cyclist and runner. I enjoy most activities that allow me to be outside. Recently, I traveled across the USA to cycle in Moab, Utah. I visited the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Arches National Park. My favorite of the three is Zion! I was lucky enough to win the lottery to hike Angel’s Landing but chose to stop at Scout’s Lookout. I am always ready for a camping trip with friends.
Past Trailblazers
Beth Peterson
I have been a part-time library specialistat the Cherokee Campus Library since 2018. Graduated from UNC-Greensboro.
I have been married for 35 years and am a pastor’s wife. I have 3 grown children. My oldest son is married and teaching school in Seoul, S. Korea. Our younger son is a graduate of SCC and Clemson and is working as a farm manager. Our daughter is a senior nursing major at Charleston Southern University.
Katherine Stiwinter
Katherine has been a Faculty member working in the library at SCC for 15 years, first as the Public Services Librarian and since 2015 as the Director of the Library. As the director, she oversees the operation of all SCC Library locations, services, and programs.
Richard Reeves
Since 2002, he has been a faculty member in the Science Department. Previously, he was an instructor at Tri-County Technical College for several years. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston and a Master of Science in Entomology from Clemson University.
Mary Daubenspeck
With over two decades of experience, she currently serves as the Systems & Electronic Resources Librarian for SCC. She manages complex library systems, develops comprehensive research guides, and assists students and employees with extensive library instruction.
Chris Fant
Meet Chris Fant, one of our SCC Trailblazers for the month of August. He started teaching at SCC as an Adjunct Instructor in the Spring 2004. He then transitioned as a full-time Economics Instructor in the Fall of 2004. He now serves as the Academic Director for Economics.
Chief Powers
Chief Kevin Powers currently serves as the Police Chief, Director of Public Safety at SCC. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Criminal Justice Program. He began his career in law enforcement as a military officer in the U.S. Army | National Guard in November 1999.
Anthony Mims
Anthony began working at SCC as an Adjunct Instructor in 2014, teaching College Skills Orientation in the Transitional Studies Department and serving on the Transitional Studies Board. He also taught Political Science, American Government, and State and Local Politics in the Social Sciences Department.
Portia Gaffney
Portia is the Program Assistant for the CDL Training in Continuing Education. She has been employed at SCC for almost 23 years. She loves her job and interacting with students because she is a people person, knowing that they are comfortable and accepted when they talk with her assures her that she is a beacon of light to them.
Westley Brand
Westley is the current Assistant Director of Student Life. He holds a Bachelors of Science from Saint Augustine's College and a Master of Science from Concordia University of Irvine.
I am 34 years old. Half Cuban on my father's side. I was born in Brunswick, GA, but I have lived most of my life in Spartanburg since 1995. Graduated from Spartanburg High School in 2008. I'm an SCC Alumni from the class of 2021 (2019-2021). I was VP of Phi Theta Kappa during that time and a part of the TRIO program. 
