Greenville Technical College (GTC) was recently named a Global Distinction Community College by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC) World View program. World View equips community college educators with global knowledge, best practices, and resources to prepare students to engage in an interconnected and diverse world.
“The Upstate is home to more than 520 international companies, so it is critical that our graduates leave with global understanding,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, vice president of learning and workforce development at Greenville Technical College. “With a broadened view of the world and how the U.S. fits into the larger picture, our students will be equipped to work with people from other countries while understanding and appreciating different experiences and perspectives.”
Professional development programs immerse instructors, administrators, and staff in the rich cultures and dynamic forces that shape the world. Programs feature scholars, journalists, business professionals, non- governmental organization experts, instructional specialists, and others who bring deep knowledge and broad experience translating complex global issues and offering practical solutions for classroom engagement. The program includes course development grants and coordination of research visits for community college educators, helping instructors create modules that infuse global connections, context, and content into the courses they teach.
“UNC World View is excited to partner with Greenville Technical College to launch the Global Distinction program and officially introduce it in South Carolina,” said Dr. Hazael Andrew, associate director of World View, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “The Global Distinction program is a national model for university-community college collaboration in global learning and its implementation at the campus-level infuses global perspectives and experiences into the lives and curricula of educators and students as they develop new and enhanced skill sets in this most challenging time of COVID-19.”
Global Distinction campuses commit to offering curricula and activities that allow students to earn a Global Distinction credential. Students who complete intensive courses, participate in international activities, and gain global experience graduate with this distinction noted on their transcripts, an addition that has appeal for employers competing in an inter-connected marketplace.
“The student body and employee base at Greenville Technical College are diverse and global,” said Karen Kotiw, director of global education at GTC. “This program allows the college to recognize the many perspectives on campus and build for the future. The network and resources of UNC Worldview and Global Distinction programs add world-class opportunities for students and faculty.”