South Carolina H 5494: Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5494 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 02, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5494

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Dr. Richard J. Gough UPON THE 
OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT following twelve YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE to the 
Technical College of the Lowcountry, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND 
HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, it is 
altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina House of 
Representatives should pause in their deliberations to express their gratitude 
to Dr. Richard J. Gough for his significant contributions to the Technical 
College of the Lowcountry; and

Whereas, Dr. Gough 
attended Michigan State University and upon graduation, in 1975 he entered the 
United States Marine Corps starting in aviation and moving to aviation logistics. 
In 1983, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School and upon his graduation in 
1984, he moved to headquarters in Arlington to be an operations research officer. 
There he analyzed munitions, developed policies and procedures, and analyzed 
budgets. He became a program manager for Aviation Logistics Technology, where 
he developed software and hardware programs. He did three tours of training and 
education and led a team that educated sailors and Marines in aviation and 
aviation maintenance. He retired as a colonel after twenty-five years of 
service; and

Whereas, after he left 
the Marines, Dr. Gough worked for a defense contractor installing computer 
networks at air stations and on ships. In 2001, he became the chief business officer 
at Montgomery Community College in Troy, North Carolina, where he worked in financial 
management, facilities maintenance, and technology. In 2002, he moved to 
Sandhills Community College in Southern Pine in a similar position. His job as vice 
president for Business and Administrative Services expanded to include food 
service, the bookstore, campus security, and managing the 750-seat auditorium. In 
2011, he became the executive vice president at Sandhills Community College, where 
he worked with the academic and student support areas of the college. He also 
oversaw the capital construction of nine campus buildings and two off-campus 
centers; and

Whereas, with the dream 
of becoming a college president, Dr. Gough took the opportunity in 2013 when 
the position opened up at the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL). 
Working for community colleges has allowed Dr. Gough to give back to the 
community and make a difference providing opportunities for individuals who may 
not otherwise have them; and 

Whereas, Dr. Gough's 
in-depth understanding of national and regional higher education trends, 
particularly in workforce development, has guided TCL to successful 
partnerships with government and industries. He has consistently accelerated 
institutional progress in enrollment, performance metrics, and reputation. His 
leadership has reflected the highest standard of strategic foresight, effective 
communication, inclusive governance, and integrity; and 

Whereas, Dr. Gough 
emphasizes inclusivity, accountability, and adaptability in everything he does. 
He has integrated feedback, performance metrics, and outcome evaluations to 
guide continuous improvement, while actively engaging with students, faculty, 
employers, and community members to best understand and respond to their needs. 
Under Dr. Gough's leadership, TCL has expanded their academic offerings and 
student support systems, improving dual enrollment pathways, and increasing 
access to online learning. These efforts have improved student outcomes, 
increased satisfaction, and elevated TCL's reputation among regional and 
state-level stakeholders; and 

Whereas, Dr. Gough's 
administration successfully updated 111 institutional policies, improved 
process efficiencies, and invested in systems and tools that enhanced academic 
integrity, campus security, and administrative transparency. He has helped TCL secure 
funding for new buildings, program expansions, and technological improvements. 
His work at the Technical College of the Lowcountry will continue to benefit 
the school and surrounding community for years to come; and

Whereas, grateful for 
his many years of distinguished service to the Technical College of the 
Lowcountry, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are 
grateful for the years of unparalleled dedication that Dr. Gough has devoted to 
the Technical College of the Lowcountry and wish him many years of enjoyment in 
his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Richard J. Gough upo