Garrison knew that in order for people in the area to improve their quality of life, they needed well-paying employment opportunities. He also knew that in order for an industry to justify moving into the area, there needed to be a source of well-trained employees to fill their positions. He made Tri-County Technical College into an institution that would fulfill those two needs.
Under Garrison, Tri-County Tech developed a reputation of working with both new and longtime industries to train potential workers for often high-tech jobs. Many times when an industry announced it had decided to move to the area, one reason was the availability of a quality technical school that could train potential employees.
Garrison had spent many years at public schools, coaching football at Easley, Pendleton and Palmetto high schools. He knew the people of the area needed an affordable option in order to pursue higher education. In his 32 years as president of Tri-County Tech, he worked to make sure that option was available.
Because of Tri-County Tech’s success, Garrison was often sought after when an opening developed at another college. Once he even briefly accepted a position with an out-of-state institution. But he returned to his former position at Tech within a few months, before a replacement could be hired. He had simply left too much of his heart with Tri-County Tech.
Although Garrison had retired from Tri-County Tech, the school continues to pursue his vision. Each time someone earns a degree that will allow that person to contribute to a growing economy, it will be a tribute to the memory of Dr. Don Garrison.
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