Aiken Tech Commissioner earns regional recognition

Joe Lewis, the chair of the Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education, has been named the 2025 Trustee of the Year for the Southern Region by the Association of Community College Trustees.

“As a commissioner of Aiken Technical College, much of our work takes place behind the scenes—planning, budgeting, solving problems, and providing guidance to make sure the college runs smoothly so students can thrive,” Lewis said. “It is humbling to me to know that my contributions have made a positive impact on the growth and success of the college. It reinforces my commitment to serving our staff, faculty, and students with integrity and purpose. I am proud to be a part of a team that works hard every day to make a real difference in the lives of our students.”

Lewis has served on the Commission, Aiken Tech’s governing board, for more than 20 years, including the last three as chair.

In his role, he has been an advocate and influential leader, engaging others in support of technical education, fostering strong relationships between the college and businesses and industries, and championing the college’s mission, said fellow commissioner Keyatta Priester.

Successful college initiatives developed with Lewis’s support include the college’s 12-day certified tower technician course, Commercial Driver’s License courses, the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, and several capital projects, including the Nursing Education Center currently under construction.

“Under Mr. Lewis’s leadership, the college has emerged on both the state and national levels with recognition for the innovative programs and talented employees at Aiken Technical College,” Priester said. “Mr. Lewis has overseen the transformation of the campus with new buildings and the development of a new branding strategy that has modernized the campus and culture of the institution. Mr. Lewis’s unwavering support of the development of his fellow commissioners, administrators, faculty, and staff has led to a student-first culture that addresses the workforce needs of established and emerging businesses and industries in Aiken County and the surrounding region.”