2020 District 2 Pacesetter
Dr. Kyle Wagner
President
Northeastern Technical College
Cheraw, SC
Four years ago, President Dr. Kyle Wagner breathed new life into Northeastern Technical College (NETC). In 2019, NETC received nearly $5 million in new grants to establish and support academic program initiatives. Dr. Wagner oversaw the creation of new stackable certification programs for workforce development, assuring students received both financial aid and college credit. He also oversaw an initiative to reduce or eliminate the costs of textbooks for students.
As a first-generation student, Dr. Wagner is passionate about student success, the value of education and increasing access. The college has seen enrollment increases each semester under his presidency, including a 13% increase in spring 2020 over the previous year. The college’s enrollment successes are due in part to its “college is for everyone” philosophy. NETC has successfully expanded access to dual enrollment, securing Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals. The college was also selected as one of only 44 colleges in the country -- and the only technical college in the state -- to provide Pell Grant funding to high school students. As a result, more than 600 high school students took courses at NETC during the 2019-2020 academic year.
Recently, NETC developed a "Key Performance Indicator" program for employees to help improve student success, enrollment and retention. When indicators are met, employees receive a monetary bonus. The program received the national 2020 HR Innovation Award from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, an award which recognizes innovative thinking in higher education human resources.
The college is also a finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges’ Awards of Excellence for outstanding college/corporate partnership with Schaeffler Group USA Inc. Through initiatives such as these, NETC has gained a reputation regionally and nationally as an innovator.
A strong supporter of the marketing department, Dr. Wagner has expanded the college marketing team and regularly seeks the marketing staff’s input in the early stages of program development. He encourages NCMPR membership for staff members and their participation in NCMPR activities. He has even used NCMPR webinars for college-wide professional development.