BY: Lisa Garrett
Dr. Laneika K. Musalini, a 2000 graduate of the Office Systems Technology (now Administrative Office Technology) program, is the recipient of Tri-County Technical College’s (TCTC) 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, presented the award to Dr. Musalini at the College’s Annual Report reception held October 29.
The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago; and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association or the community.
Dr. Musalini never hesitates to say yes any time TCTC, her alma mater and former employer, calls with requests to address student organizations, to assist with alumni engagement events, or to catch up with former colleagues.
When White invited her to lunch in May, Dr. Musalini said she was shocked and speechless when White announced she is the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni award in recognition of her many contributions to the college and the community.
“I couldn’t believe it; I was taken aback,” said Dr. Musalini, who since 2023, has served as director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs for Metropolitan State University of Denver where she also serves on the provost council and the academic affairs leadership team. She continues to reside in Anderson and works remotely.
“This award is different because it is near and dear to my heart. TCTC is where I got my footing as an 18-year-old single mother and where I built a foundation for my education and career. TCTC is very special to me.”
This May marked 24 years since she received her first college degree, an associate degree in Office Systems Technology (now Administrative Office Technology). In a full circle moment, she will attend TCTC’s fall commencement, this time as the keynote speaker to the Class of 2024.
Unbeknownst to her, her first degree was just the beginning of her educational journey. “I had a lot of obstacles to overcome but TCTC was a stepping stone for me. Back then I didn’t realize how pivotal it would be in mapping out my future,” said Dr. Musalini, now married and the mother of four.
“I still think about my OST instructors Gracie McLaughlin and Sue McLane and the real conversations we had and how it planted seeds in me. They were so encouraging and supportive. I really felt like I belonged and there was a sense of community.”
Receiving an Abney Foundation scholarship was life changing for Dr. Musalini. “I couldn’t afford a four-year college so Tri-County was the only place I applied. It was close to home, and I could work part time, take care of my son and maintain my grades. I was a marketing work-study while at TCTC. But I had goals,” she said.
The plan was to graduate from TCTC, gain a skill, get a job, and begin pursuing a four-year degree. With help from an Abney scholarship and a vocational business school scholarship from the Hanna-Westside Extension Campus, she earned an OST degree and relied on AIM and its Women and Children Succeeding (WACS) program for assistance with eliminating barriers that existed for her as a single mom.
She joined Clemson University in 2000 as an administrative assistant and took TCTC’s University Transfer classes on her lunch hour. She transferred to Anderson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Resources. She was promoted to grants manager for Clemson’s College of Business and Behavioral Sciences and earned a master’s degree from Clemson where she graduated with highest honors from the Human Resource Development program.
“I feel TCTC shaped me into the professional I am today,” said Dr. Musalini. “The Abney scholarship led me to so many opportunities. It was very impactful for me. TCTC made Anderson University possible for me.”
She joined TCTC as Director of Grants in 2012. During her 10-year tenure, she raised more than $20 million by writing successful state and federal grant proposals. She also chaired the project charter team for the diversity and inclusion initiative and served as the liaison to the TCTC Board of Visitors.
In 2021, she graduated from Wingate University with a doctor of education degree, earning a 4.0 and the outstanding dissertation award.
Dr. Musalini agrees that it is her responsibility to pay it forward, to help others. “After I graduated from TCTC, I couldn’t give back financially so I decided to dedicate my time and service to organizations that are important to me, like AIM, because I can identify with the single parents they serve. Not everyone has the means to give back financially, but your time and talent are just as important as a monetary gift.”
She has been recognized by local, state and national organizations time and time again for her passion, service, commitment and collaboration with other individuals and organizations to enhance and improve educational opportunities for folks in her community and beyond.
Dr. Musalini received the 2015 ATHENA Young Professional Award from the Anderson Chamber of Commerce. She was named by Clemson University to the Roaring Ten for 2014 and received the Anderson County United Way Community Trailblazer award in 2017. She was named to the South Carolina Black Pages 20 under 40 African Americans in South Carolina in 2019.
She is a member of Tabernacle of Deliverance and Praise in Anderson and is the founder and president of Women’s Empowerment, Inc. Since 2010 the organization has provided resources to women in need as they build self-esteem, work toward financial independence, and strengthen their faith. To date, the organization has had a positive impact on the lives of more than 5,800 women through the resources they provide, including an annual conference.
She serves on the Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture Board, is a member/former president of the Anderson University Alumni Association Board. She is a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and chaired the Presidential Task Force on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In 2020 she was honored by NCURA w/the Distinguished Service Award.
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