The Dillon County Chamber of Commerce annual banquet is Thursday, February 2nd at Shuler’s Barbecue.
The social is at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is at 7:00 p.m. The Dillon County “Citizen of the Year” and other awards will be announced.
Dr. Kyle Wagner is the guest speaker. Dr.  Wagner currently serves as President of Northeastern Technical College. Dr. Wagner’s past experiences have involved teaching and pioneering new models in curriculum development, implementation, and management of collegiate programs. He started his educational career as a TA teaching Aviation Maintenance courses at the University of Central Missouri, advancing to Program Coordinator/Lead Instructor. After completing his Ph.D. he went to Purdue University as a Visiting Assistant Professor teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and expanding his Ph.D. research in entrepreneurship, incubation, and business development supporting community growth. Dr. Wagner moved to Community Colleges in 2007 because of his passion for working individually, side-by-side with all areas of the college to promote student access and success and the community colleges commitment to building a better community. Dr. Wagner as served as Director of Aviation at Salt Lake Community College and Assistant Dean, Aerospace and Related Technologies, Vice President of Workforce Innovation and Education, ASU Mid-South College, West Memphis, Arkansas and  Vice President Instruction & Economic Development, Coastal Bend College, Beeville, Texas.
Dr. Wagner received his A&P Certification along with an Associate’s Degree in Technology to start his career in Aviation Maintenance with Trans Missouri Airlines moving to Horizon Airlines in Portland, OR.
He continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology, Master of Science in Aviation Safety, and Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management. Prior to completing his academic studies, Dr. Wagner also worked as an automotive mechanic, a business owner for 12 years, and served on local government organizations and in Washington DC on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for John McCain during the 101st session of Congress. Dr. Wagner’s research, publishing and presentation areas are in business incubation, entrepreneur development, economic partnerships, Stackable Credentials, employee continuing education, workforce education using credit and non-credit pathways and the embedment of industry certifications to college degrees.
Dr. Wagner believes that Northeastern Technical College Mission aligns with his core belief that training and education must be partnered with industry to prepare students for the workforce of the future.
He believes that the college fulfills its mission by working together with the community, building strong collaborative partnerships with local industries and K-12 districts, focusing the education pathway on the student, identifying and eliminating all barriers, and achieving student success through economic growth to the region and enhanced employability of the citizens of the community.
Dr. Wagner has advocated diligently throughout his career in Higher Educations, for the development of educational degrees aligned with employment opportunities, developed career pathways that provide clear opportunities for students, encouraged colleges’ to utilize industry certification and training within their programs, and provide access and degree completion for student success for both traditional and nontraditional students.
Dr. Wagner enjoys spending time camping, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and sharing his love of the outdoors with community youth based organizations. Dr. Wagner believes “Life is about enjoying every minute and exploring what life has to offer”, he shares his life and its experiences with his wife, four children, and now enjoys introducing “life’s many greats” to his grandson.