Aiken Technical College announces speaker for its 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Aiken Technical College (Aiken Tech) has announced Dr. Ronald L. Rhames, president of Midlands Technical College (MTC), will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will be on Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at the University of South Carolina Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville.

Dr. Rhames is the sixth president of MTC, the same college from which he earned an associate degree in management. He is notably the first graduate from a SC Technical College System institution to later become president of the institution from which they graduated.

Dr. Rhames's educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Benedict College, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Before becoming MTC’s president in 2015, Dr. Rhames was the college’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. His previous work experience includes working as the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs for Claflin University and as a former banker.

He has received numerous awards, including being named one of the 50 Most Influential People in the Midlands of South Carolina by the Columbia Business Monthly in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019; inducted into the Richland County School District One Hall of Fame in 2017; and was featured in the 2023 South Carolina African-American History Calendar.

Aiken Tech’s Class of 2024 consists of more than 400 graduates who have earned over 430 credentials.

During the ceremony, the college will also announce its 2023-2024 faculty and staff members of the year.

For more information about the Commencement Ceremony, please visit www.atc.edu/graduation.