by Samantha Hurst
For 14 years Tommy Campbell walked the halls of Swofford Career Center constantly seeking ways to improve the learning environment of the center’s almost 700 students.
Campbell announced Dec. 13 he would retire from his position effective Dec. 31.
“I’ll miss the day-to-day interaction with our faculty and staff,” Campbell said. “I’ll miss that day-to-day interaction with my students. That’s the reason I think anybody gets in this business.”
H.B. Swofford Career Center is the career/technical school shared by Spartanburg School Districts One and Two.
The center serves Landrum High School, Boiling Springs High School, Chapman High School and Chesnee High School.
Campbell first came to Swofford as assistant director in 1991. He took over as director in 1996 and since has watched programs at the school flourish.
“We have gone from coax cable to Wi-Fi and fiber optics and the addition of computers and computer technology in every program.”
Dr. Ron Garner, Superintendent of District One Schools, said Campbell gave tremendous dedication to his students.
“The programs at Swofford Career Center have grown and evolved as the needs of our area have grown, and Mr. Campbell has been a catalyst for that growth,” Garner said.
Dr. Jimmy Littlefield will assist at the Swofford Career Center during the transition period.