Alumni Stories

Twenty-Two years ago, Tina Marie Goodwin walked across the stage at CCTC with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and the highest GPA in her program. As a young mother of two, she juggled work, school and family while being involved in the Paralegal Society, Drama Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Despite early fears, including nearly turning around to leave on her first day, she found the support she needed when instructor and advisor Dottie Fort guided her to class, setting her on a path of confidence and success.

Since graduating, Tina has worked in law firms across Sumter, Manning and Columbia, gaining experience in criminal, family, probate, real estate and civil law. For ten years, she served as a paralegal to the Hon. W. Jeffrey Young in both the SC Family Court and SC Circuit Court, assisting in high-profile cases like the Wedgefield serial killer and the George Stinney hearing, which aired on MSNBC. She was also named President of the SC Family Court Judicial Assistants.

As a paralegal for John O. McDougall, she’s proud to help fathers win custody during trial. Her advice to future Titans: ‘The campus is welcoming, the people are kind, and the professors know your name. I wasn’t just earning a degree—I was gaining everything I needed to succeed.’