Skip to Main Content

Spartanburg Community College Celebrates Twenty-Year Anniversary of The Rita Allison Learning Center

October 19, 2023

SCC President, Dr. Michael Mikota, stands with Representative Rita Allison and SCC SGA representatives at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the TLC
SCC President, Dr. Michael Mikota, stands with Representative Rita Allison and SCC SGA representatives at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the TLC

Today, Spartanburg Community College (SCC) proudly commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Rita Allison Learning Center (TLC), an educational beacon that has empowered students and the community through two decades of transformative learning experiences.

The Honorable Rita Allison, a devoted advocate for education who made the issue a cornerstone of her lifetime of public service and a longstanding supporter of SCC, expressed her gratitude for the impact the learning center has had on the community.

"I am inspired in knowing so many students came through the door of The Rita Allison Learning Center and stepped out into a world of success through their education and skills," said Rita Allison. "With a caring faculty and administration, the students have a foundation to bring about their own quality of life."

Established in 2003, The Rita Allison Learning Center has played a pivotal role in providing educational resources and support to thousands of students, helping them achieve their academic and professional aspirations. The TLC combines several student support functions in one convenient location on the Giles campus and offers students academic support via one-on-one and group tutoring sessions.

"As proud Chasers, we know that the efforts of planting the seeds of success today lead to the bright futures of tomorrow. And on this day, we celebrate the legacy of a learning center that has provided amazing contributions to student success for twenty years," said Dr. Michael Mikota, president of SCC. "Spartanburg Community College is dedicated to equipping our Chasers with the education and skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Each and every day at the Rita Allison Learning Center our fine staff ensures that students are supported with personal consideration, resources, and the tools necessary for success."

The TLC provides students with a tranquil and secure environment ideal for focused studying, one-on-one tutoring across a broad spectrum of subjects, and access to an impressive array of computers equipped with dependable, high-speed internet. The TLC is open to students at SCC from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and provides students with online access to tutoring that is available 24/7.

The TLC has a rotating staff of up to 25 tutors that serve upwards of 250 students each week at the Giles Campus alone. With the College’s recent explosive growth in enrollment, more than 400 students utilized the TLC in the first week of classes this academic year. 

"The essence of a community college lies in its relentless dedication to enhancing the very communities it serves -- which is the work that happens each and every day right here in the Rita Allison Learning Center," said Melissa Pearson, Director of the TLC. "I am proud to say that the work we do here changes lives."

Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/sets/72177720312021752/with/53267430812/

Chaser’s Pantry: Nourishing Students with Compassion

Chaser’s Pantry supports students facing food insecurity, serving 630+ students in 2024. Powered by donations, it ensures students can focus on education.

Posted on February 26, 2026

SCC's Success Coaches Help Struggling Students

SCC’s Success Coaches use real-time data and proactive outreach to remove barriers and keep students on track. SOAR provides financial support to help students finish strong.

Posted on February 26, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Clardy

When career plans shifted, SCC helped Michael Clardy pivot toward a new path that led to a 37-year public service career. He later returned to serve the college.

Posted on February 26, 2026

Chat Button Chat Button