Northeastern Technical College

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"Yes" Changed my Life

Mark Knockemus has been an English instructor at Northeastern Technical College for over 20 years. Students often have the misconception that English is about studying Shakespeare and the like, but it is really about the interaction between reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Even writing an e-mail at work requires the writer to think about the audience, establish good-will, have a clear purpose, stay on-topic, be concise, etc. – all while using correct grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. These are all career-earning and career-building skills that Mark helps facilitate with students.

"I recently realized thinking about being a teacher as a way to change others' lives is a selfish, egotistical statement. Instead, I've learned being a teacher is about allowing my life to be changed by others," Mark said.

Mark tries to say "yes" when asked. Saying yes has led to a variety of positive experiences that have changed him: being the college's first IE Chair and QEP Director, teaching online, being a volunteer tutor for Student Support Services, teaching in the state and federal prisons, and the countless one-on-one experiences with students during his twenty-plus years of teaching.

Mark received the Professor for Affordable Learning (PAL) Award, an award sponsored by the Partnership for Academic Libraries of South Carolina (PASCAL) to recognize College faculty in South Carolina who integrate affordable or zero-cost course materials into their classrooms.

Mark combined Open Educational Resources with personal lecture notes and supplemental materials he developed, to create a textbook for his class. Students had the option to print or view it digitally on their devices, receiving a textbook at little cost.

"Do the greatest thing possible. Maybe even greater." Mark copied down this quote from a book he recently read. He has it in two places on his desk so he can always see it. Sadly, he didn't write down the author or the title of the book. "I should have written that down, too," Mark said.

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  • Kayla Gibson, Dual Credit Student:

    Taking classes at Northeastern Technical College while in high school has helped prepare me for the College of Charleston by earning credits that I will need for my major. I will be entering the College of... Read More about Kayla

  • Cynthia Hulon, Educational Mentor:

    I received individualized attention from my instructors at Northeastern Technical College when I was going through the business program. NETC's faculty and staff members are very friendly and accommodating, and they really care about their students.... Read More about Cynthia

  • Anissa Keith, NETC Alumna:

    Going to Northeastern Technical College allowed me to work a full-time job, be at home with my child and live in my community. At NETC, you are more than just a number in a classroom. The... Read More about Anissa

  • Jonathan Rivers, Farmer:

    Going to NETC, which is exactly 17 miles from my home, was convenient. I could live at home and go to school, which was a lot more affordable for me than going off to college elsewhere.... Read More about Jonathan

  • Santrice Hailey, NETC Alumna:

    Northeastern Technical College was my pathway to a better life. NETC was directly involved in getting me where I am today and having the job that I am so passionate about.... Read More about Santrice

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    NETC was my pathway to a broad range of knowledge that has allowed me to pursue my dream of owning my own business. NETC is a great starting point for people who are undecided about their... Read More about Tony

  • Trevor Gilchrist, Former Dual Credit Student:

    Being a part of the Dual Enrollment program at NETC allowed me to not only graduate in four years from college, but also see the world. By gaining a head start in my college career through... Read More about Trevor

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    Life is a journey, and NETC was my starting point on my pathway to a rewarding career in social work. NETC can be a starting point for many who are ready to start pushing for an... Read More about Hester

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    The education I received at Northeastern Technical College was my pathway to a fulfilling, exciting and successful career in law enforcement. Had I not started at NETC, I would never have achieved my position as chief.... Read More about Larry

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    I tell my students all the time that they need to pursue an associate degree and not just rely on the cosmetology certificate. A two-year degree can be their pathway to another job if they do... Read More about Alanda

  • Chad Hood of Lineman:

    If you live in Chesterfield, Marlboro or Dillon counties and you're having a hard time finding work, there's no reason not to start you­r education at Northeastern Technical College.... Read More about Chad

  • Caroline Sylvia, Former Dual Credit Student:

    I am thankful for the opportunity I had to take dual credit classes at NETC. Not only did they help me prepare for college level course work and scheduling, the college credits I earned at NETC... Read More about Caroline

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    I have a passion to create. I'm not just doing this because of the money, the fame or power. It is truly my passion. I am an artist, and I will always create to make people... Read More about Frank

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    By enrolling in the Industrial Electronics program at NETC, I am pursuing the dream I’ve had for a long time of becoming an electrician. Going to school at NETC and learning these advanced skills has been... Read More about Jarrett

  • Emily Williams, NETC Alumna:

    I knew I wanted to study law, and Northeastern Technical College offered the pathway to becoming a legal office assistant. The smaller classes and the support services offered by NETC really met my needs and allowed... Read More about Emily

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    NETC is my pathway to a college degree and a better life. It has helped me define my career plans and pursue a job in machine tool technology where I can use my problem solving skills.... Read More about Josh

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    Northeastern Technical College was close to home and my job, and it was affordable. It was my starting place. With this nursing degree from NETC, I can branch out and go anywhere.... Read More about Tommy


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