Faculty & Staff

Leadership and instructional staff at Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC

🎓 Leadership

Dr. Ronald L. Rhames

President

Chief Administrator

📊 How does our instructional staff compare?

Understanding faculty composition helps evaluate the quality and diversity of instruction at Midlands Technical College.

👨‍🏫
211
Total Instructional Staff
🎯
211
Core Faculty
👥
75.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Poor - Very limited faculty interaction
0

🎯 What does a 75.0:1 student-faculty ratio mean for you?

🚨 Poor - Very limited faculty interaction

Potential Challenges:

Overcrowded classes with minimal individual attention

Difficult to access professors outside class

Heavy reliance on online/automated instruction

Limited mentoring and career guidance

May indicate institutional resource challenges

How This Compares

Typical for:

Understaffed institutions, institutions in financial distress

Industry Context:

Small colleges/specialized programs: 8:1 - 20:1
Average trade schools: 15:1 - 30:1
Large universities: 25:1 - 50:1
Online-heavy institutions: 50:1+

⚠️ Consider These Questions:

  • • How does the school provide individual support?
  • • What resources are available beyond faculty?
  • • Are there tutoring or mentoring programs?
  • • What's the actual class size in your program?

Faculty Composition & Diversity

211
Total Instructional Staff
211
Total Faculty
25.1%
Faculty of Color

Faculty Composition Summary

Faculty Size:211 faculty members

Diversity:25% faculty of color, 23% underrepresented minorities

📊 Complete Faculty-Student Ratio Analysis

Different ratios tell different stories about your classroom experience. Here's the complete picture:

👥

Overall Faculty

Concerning
75.0:1

What it measures:All faculty (full-time, part-time, adjuncts) to students

Why it matters:Most comprehensive measure of overall class sizes

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Faculty

Concerning
75.0:1

What it measures:Only full-time committed faculty to students

Why it matters:Shows availability of dedicated instructors for mentoring

🏫

All Instructional Staff

Concerning
75.0:1

What it measures:Including TAs and graduate assistants

Why it matters:Broadest measure including all teaching support

🎯 Which Ratio Should You Focus On?

For hands-on learning: Focus on overall faculty ratio - it shows your actual classroom and lab sizes across all programs.

For mentorship: Look at full-time faculty ratio - these instructors are on campus regularly and available outside class.

For experienced instruction: Check tenure-track ratio - these are the most senior, permanent faculty with institutional knowledge.

For total support: Consider instructional staff ratio - includes all teaching assistants and support personnel.

🌟 Why does faculty diversity matter for trade college students?

Real-World Industry Representation

Industry Connections

Diverse faculty bring connections across different sectors and companies, expanding job opportunities for graduates.

Cultural Competency

Faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to work effectively in multicultural workplace environments.

Role Models & Mentorship

Students see themselves reflected in faculty, increasing confidence and career aspirations in their chosen trades.

Academic & Job Security Benefits

Teaching Continuity

Higher tenure rates mean more stable, long-term relationships between students and experienced instructors.

Investment in Excellence

Institutions with secure faculty positions attract and retain higher-quality instructors committed to student success.

Program Consistency

Lower faculty turnover ensures curriculum consistency and ongoing improvements to training programs.

Faculty Performance Benchmarks

🛡️

Tenure Security

Percentage of faculty with tenure

Significantly Below Average
This Institution0.0%
National Average35.2%
State Average82.5%
Performance vs National Average
Below Average
👥

Gender Diversity

Percentage of women faculty

Average
This Institution54.0%
National Average50.5%
State Average48.5%
Performance vs National Average
Above Average
🌍

Racial Diversity

Percentage of faculty of color

Average
This Institution25.1%
National Average24.1%
State Average19.9%
Performance vs National Average
Above Average

Faculty-to-Student Ratios

Lower ratios indicate more personalized attention for students

Overall Ratio

All faculty to students

75.0:1
High
Full-Time Faculty

Full-time faculty only

75.0:1
High
Instructional Staff

All instructional staff

75.0:1
High

Ratios shown as students per faculty member. Lower numbers indicate smaller class sizes and more individual attention.

Performance Summary

Benchmark Performance: Performing above average in 0 out of 3 key metrics

Student Support: Overall faculty-to-student ratio of 75.0:1 (high)

Diversity: Faculty diversity exceeds national benchmarks

🏆 What makes our instructors exceptional?

Industry-Certified Professionals

Our instructors hold current certifications and licenses in their respective trades, ensuring students learn the most up-to-date skills and standards.

Hands-On Experience

Faculty members bring years of real-world experience from the field, providing students with practical insights that go beyond textbook learning.

Small Class Focus

Low student-to-instructor ratios ensure personalized attention, individualized feedback, and hands-on guidance for every student.

Continuous Professional Development

Faculty regularly attend industry conferences, update certifications, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies.

🤝 Who supports your success beyond the classroom?

Beyond our expert instructors, a dedicated team of professionals supports your educational journey and career success.

Academic Advisors

Guide your program selection, course planning, and academic progress to ensure you graduate on time and job-ready.

Career Services Team

Provide job placement assistance, resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections to local employers actively hiring.

Financial Aid Counselors

Help you navigate financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and budgeting strategies to make education affordable.

Student Success Coaches

Offer tutoring, study skills development, personal counseling, and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed.

💡 Key Takeaways About Faculty at Midlands Technical College

1

The college employs 211 instructional staff members, providing a 75.0:1 student-faculty ratio.

2

The faculty includes 25% faculty of color, reflecting diverse perspectives and industry connections.

Bottom Line: Quality faculty with industry experience, job security, and diverse backgrounds create a strong learning environment that prepares students for successful careers in the trades. When evaluating schools, consider not just the programs offered, but also the qualifications and stability of the instructional team.