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Bill

S 1120

Dr. Richard J. Gough

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Davis

Senate Resolution honors Dr. Richard J. Gough for his leadership at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, highlighting improvements in workforce development, online learning, an

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · S 1120

Summary of Bill: S 1120 (2025-2026) – Dr. Richard J. Gough

Note: This document is a Senate Resolution recognizing an individual upon retirement, not a bill proposing new law or funds. It expresses gratitude and honors service.

1. Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution recognizes and honors Dr. Richard J. Gough on the occasion of his retirement after twelve years of service to the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL).
  • It wishes him continued success and happiness in all future endeavors.
  • It serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the South Carolina Senate.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal recognition: The bill declares respect and gratitude for Dr. Gough’s contributions.
  • Summary of career highlights: The resolution details Dr. Gough’s professional background, including:
    • Military service: 25 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a colonel; roles in aviation, aviation logistics, operations research, budget analysis, and program management.
    • Post-military work: Experience with defense contracting and higher education administration.
    • Higher education leadership: Roles at Montgomery Community College and Sandhills Community College, culminating in leadership positions focused on business/administrative services, facilities, security, and campus operations; later, executive vice president at Sandhills with oversight of capital construction.
    • Tenure at TCL: Appointment as president in 2013, with noted impact on workforce development, partnerships with government and industry, enrollment and performance improvements, and expanded academic offerings and student support.
  • Strategic impact highlights:
    • Emphasis on inclusivity, accountability, adaptability, and use of performance metrics and outcome evaluations.
    • Expansion of online learning, dual enrollment pathways, and enhanced student outcomes and satisfaction.
    • Administrative improvements: Updated 111 institutional policies; investments in systems to strengthen academic integrity, campus security, and transparency.
    • Funding successes: Helped TCL secure funding for new buildings, program expansions, and technological improvements.
  • The resolution notes that Dr. Gough’s work will continue to benefit TCL and the surrounding community beyond retirement.

3. Who or What Is Affected

  • Primary subject: Dr. Richard J. Gough (honoree).
  • Institution highlighted: Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) and its governance, administration, and community relations.
  • Stakeholders potentially affected by the acknowledgment: TCL students, faculty, staff, TCL’s regulatory partners, and the broader South Carolina higher-education and workforce development community.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and adopted on April 14, 2026.
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Tom Davis.
  • Type of measure: Senate Resolution (recognition/honorary measure), not a substantive legislative change or appropriation.
  • Effect: A ceremonial acknowledgement that a copy of the resolution be presented to Dr. Gough.

5. Notable Details

  • The resolution provides a narrative of Dr. Gough’s career trajectory, emphasizing leadership, strategic planning, and measurable improvements at TCL.
  • It underscores TCL’s expanded offerings, enhanced online access, and strengthened partnerships as outcomes of his leadership.

This document serves as an official, nonbinding commendation recognizing Dr. Gough’s service and impact on higher education and workforce development in South Carolina.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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