South Carolina S 1120: Dr. Richard J. Gough

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 1120 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 14, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 1120

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

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

A senate 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 Senate 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 Senate 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 Senate:

That the members of the 
South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, 
recognize and honor Dr. Richard J. Gough upon the occasion of his retirement 
following twelve years of exemplary serv