H 5494

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5494
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Dr. Richard J. Gough UPON THE
OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT following twelve YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE to the
Technical College of the Lowcountry, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND
HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, it is
altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina House of
Representatives should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude
to Dr. Richard J. Gough for his significant contributions to the Technical
College of the Lowcountry; and
Whereas, Dr. Gough
attended Michigan State University and upon graduation, in 1975 he entered the
United States Marine Corps starting in aviation and moving to aviation logistics.
In 1983, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School and upon his graduation in
1984, he moved to headquarters in Arlington to be an operations research officer.
There he analyzed munitions, developed policies and procedures, and analyzed
budgets. He became a program manager for Aviation Logistics Technology, where
he developed software and hardware programs. He did three tours of training and
education and led a team that educated sailors and Marines in aviation and
aviation maintenance. He retired as a colonel after twenty-five years of
service; and
Whereas, after he left
the Marines, Dr. Gough worked for a defense contractor installing computer
networks at air stations and on ships. In 2001, he became the chief business officer
at Montgomery Community College in Troy, North Carolina, where he worked in financial
management, facilities maintenance, and technology. In 2002, he moved to
Sandhills Community College in Southern Pine in a similar position. His job as vice
president for Business and Administrative Services expanded to include food
service, the bookstore, campus security, and managing the 750-seat auditorium. In
2011, he became the executive vice president at Sandhills Community College, where
he worked with the academic and student support areas of the college. He also
oversaw the capital construction of nine campus buildings and two off-campus
centers; and
Whereas, with the dream
of becoming a college president, Dr. Gough took the opportunity in 2013 when
the position opened up at the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL).
Working for community colleges has allowed Dr. Gough to give back to the
community and make a difference providing opportunities for individuals who may
not otherwise have them; and
Whereas, Dr. Gough's
in-depth understanding of national and regional higher education trends,
particularly in workforce development, has guided TCL to successful
partnerships with government and industries. He has consistently accelerated
institutional progress in enrollment, performance metrics, and reputation. His
leadership has reflected the highest standard of strategic foresight, effective
communication, inclusive governance, and integrity; and
Whereas, Dr. Gough
emphasizes inclusivity, accountability, and adaptability in everything he does.
He has integrated feedback, performance metrics, and outcome evaluations to
guide continuous improvement, while actively engaging with students, faculty,
employers, and community members to best understand and respond to their needs.
Under Dr. Gough's leadership, TCL has expanded their academic offerings and
student support systems, improving dual enrollment pathways, and increasing
access to online learning. These efforts have improved student outcomes,
increased satisfaction, and elevated TCL's reputation among regional and
state-level stakeholders; and
Whereas, Dr. Gough's
administration successfully updated 111 institutional policies, improved
process efficiencies, and invested in systems and tools that enhanced academic
integrity, campus security, and administrative transparency. He has helped TCL secure
funding for new buildings, program expansions, and technological improvements.
His work at the Technical College of the Lowcountry will continue to benefit
the school and surrounding community for years to come; and
Whereas, grateful for
his many years of distinguished service to the Technical College of the
Lowcountry, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are
grateful for the years of unparalleled dedication that Dr. Gough has devoted to
the Technical College of the Lowcountry and wish him many years of enjoyment in
his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the
South Carolina House of Representatives,
by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Richard J. Gough upon the occasion
of his retirement following twelve years of exemplary service to the Technical
College of the Lowcountry, and wish him continued success and happiness in all
his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Richard J. Gough.
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This web page was last updated on April 02, 2026 at 11:02 AM