Staff Report
Published Oct. 5, 2011

Trident Technical College has named Robert Walker vice president for its Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development.

The division provides services to improve the competitiveness and quality of the area’s businesses, the college said in a news release.

“Bob’s experience in the military, private industry and higher education makes him the perfect person to lead our economic development and training efforts,” Trident Tech President Mary Thornley said. “A well-trained workforce is essential to the region’s success in the global economy. Bob will play a critical role in the college’s efforts to help businesses and individuals remain competitive and thrive in these uncertain economic times.”

Economic development efforts are supported through custom-designed training programs, consulting services and public course offerings, the college said. Last year, the division had approximately 36,000 registrations in public courses and custom training programs.

Training programs are focused on professional and organizational development, health care, manufacturing, construction trades, environmental and Occupational Safety & Health Administration compliance, and personal enrichment.

Classes are held online, on all three Trident Tech campuses and at other sites throughout the Lowcountry.

The division works with companies including Bosch, Boeing, KapStone, Alcoa, Santee Cooper, the S.C. State Ports Authority and Charleston Water System to develop and offer customized workforce training.

Walker will also oversee TTC Green, the college’s initiative to improve energy efficiency, expand sustainability and grow the green workforce, the college said.

Walker began his career at Trident Tech in 1998 as coordinator of the electronics engineering technology program. In 2006 he became department head for engineering technology, and in 2009 he was named dean of the college’s Berkeley Campus in Moncks Corner.

Previously, Walker worked for Advanced Communication Systems and for the Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center. He served in the Air Force and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1994.