Executive Leadership
The Aiken Technical College Executive Leadership team guides the strategic decisions and operations of the college. The college is comprised of the following divisions: Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation, Administrative Services, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Human Resources.
- A Note from the President
At Aiken Technical College, we are focused on our students. Our goal is to provide a learning environment that helps students build the skills and knowledge they need to be competitive in the job market or to be successful as they further their education.
There are four ways we help our students accomplish those goals.
- DISCOVER YOUR PATH
We offer a variety of programs ranging in length from short-term certificates to two-year associate degrees. The different program options enable students to find the right fit for them.
- DISCOVER SAVINGS
Aiken Technical College is affordable. We keep our tuition low and offer numerous financial resources such as grants and scholarships to help cover the costs.
- DISCOVER CONVENIENCE
The College provides flexibility for students who need it by offering several courses in alternate formats such as online and hybrid.
- DISCOVER SUCCESS
Our faculty and staff are dedicated to student success. Student support services are available to our students for free
As we near 50 years of serving the community’s technical education needs, we remain committed to helping students realize their future is within reach!
Dr. Forest E. Mahan
President, Aiken Technical College
- DISCOVER YOUR PATH
- About Dr. Forest E. Mahan
Forest E. Mahan, Ph.D., has served as the fifth president of Aiken Technical College since July 1, 2016, and has over 30 years of experience in the South Carolina Technical College System.
A native of South Carolina, Mahan received a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree in history and a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education administration from the University of South Carolina. He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Leadership cohort.
Over his decade of leadership at Aiken Tech, Mahan has shaped the college's strategic vision and mission to meet the area’s educational and workforce development needs.
This includes:
- Supporting academic innovation and the development of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship partnerships;
- Enhancing holistic student support services; and
- Repurposing and expanding the college’s physical and technology infrastructure to meet current and future college needs.
In 2023, Mahan was recognized by the Association of Community College Trustees as the CEO of the Year for the Southern Region and by the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners as the CEO of the Year for the SC Technical College System.
The Aiken Standard also recognized him as the Person of the Year for 2025.
In addition to his role at Aiken Technical College, Mahan is highly engaged in the community. His professional associations include:
- Chair, Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization board
- Board member and past chair, Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness
- Board member, Workforce Development Board of Lower Savannah Council of Governments
- Board Member, Fort Gordon Alliance Advisory Board
- Board member, Strom Thurmond Foundation
- Member, Rotary Club of Aiken
His community involvement includes:
- Board member, Center for African American History, Art, and Culture
- Member, Sertoma Club of Aiken
Prior to Aiken Tech, Mahan began his career in 1996 as a history instructor at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and later served as the college’s Dean of Arts and Communications. In 2008, he became the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northeastern Technical College, eventually managing student services in addition to academics.
