Dr. Walt A. Tobin is a distinguished leader with more than two decades of experience in post-secondary education. As the current president/CEO of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, his exceptional leadership is marked by practical achievements. Tobin has successfully forged strategic partnerships with K-12, local industries, and community organizations to support student success. His focus on accountability and innovation has contributed to a compelling vision for the college.
Tobin's accomplishments include increasing access to college through dual enrollment, improving retention and graduation rates for students of color, and integrating cutting-edge technology for enhanced efficiency. His fundraising efforts have garnered significant foundation support, strengthening the institution's impact on students and the community.
Beyond his current professional role, Tobin has extensive experience in academic affairs, community engagement, and board service. He began his tenure at OCtech as vice president for academic affairs and later served as interim president of Denmark Technical College. Tobin is a member of the Aspen Institute Job Quality Fellow inaugural class of 2017.
Prior to his career in higher education, Tobin worked as a middle school math instructor and held positions as a middle/high school assistant principal and principal. He earned a bachelor's degree in math teaching from Clemson University, and master's and doctoral degrees in education administration from the University of South Carolina. Tobin continued his education with post-doctoral work at the Harvard Institute for Educational Management, and completed programs at the South Carolina Economic Development Institute and Liberty Fellowship South Carolina.
As of January 2021, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College is one of 17 colleges and universities in partnership with NBCUniversal as part of the NBCU Academy program.
Dr. Tobin is married to Kim Kim Foster-Tobin, and they are the parents of twins, Jack and Bishop.