Ted Stokes Receives Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award at Tri-County Technical College

Ted Stokes, a longtime instructor in Tri-County Technical College’s Industrial Electronics Technology (IET) department, received the College’s 2013 Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award May 8.

This award is given annually at the spring faculty/staff convocation to the adjunct faculty member who is recognized for excellence in teaching, who has consistently high student evaluations and who supports the philosophy and goals of the College.

Mr. Stokes, an Anderson resident and engineering manager at Schneider Electric in Seneca, has taught evening classes in the IET program for 17 years. He also has served on the IET Advisory Committee for more than 15 years.

“Ted’s role in industry allows him to keep our students aware of the latest changes in the controls technology world and lets our students in on emerging trends,” said Doug Allen, acting dean of the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division. “Ted has been a vital part of the co-op program we have had at Schneider for years and he has facilitated donations from his company to the College, which has helped our laboratories to maintain state-of-the-art equipment.”

In their evaluations, students praise Stokes’ professional approach and dedication to preparing them for today’s workplace. One student wrote, “Ted teaches us the technical side of becoming a good troubleshooter but also instructs us on how to be professional employees as well.”

Instructor Robert Ellenberg agrees: “Ted is remarkably knowledgeable in his area of expertise and equally willing to share his wisdom. He has a great capacity to connect with students and they feel privileged to have him as an instructor.”

Instructor Ron Talley said, “In a rapidly changing environment, new technology emerges several times a year. Ted Stokes has been an excellent instructor and advisory committee member who is helping to keep our curriculum relevant. Adjuncts in our area, especially of his caliber, are very difficult to come by due to industry demands and high compensation. The fact that Ted has been serving our community for as long as he has is because he loves teaching.”

Stokes holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Clemson University.