Dr. Richard J. Gough

2025-2026 Bill 1120: Dr. Richard J. Gough - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
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S. 1120
STATUS INFORMATION
Senate Resolution
Sponsors: Senator Davis
Document Path: LC-0554CM-EB26.docx
Introduced in the Senate on April 14, 2026
Adopted by the Senate on April 14, 2026
Summary: Dr. Richard J. Gough
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date

Body

Action Description with journal page number

4/14/2026

Senate

Introduced and adopted (
Senate Journal-page 8
)

View the latest
legislative information
at the website
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
04/14/2026

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.

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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

W
hereas, 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,

B
e it resolved by the
Senate
:

T
hat 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 service to the Technical College of the
Lowcountry, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future
endeavors.

B
e it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Richard J. Gough.

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This web page was last updated on April 14, 2026 at 12:35 PM