Eduardo Nieves, web developer for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, will give the keynote speech at Tri-County Technical College’s graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 4. Nieves began his post-secondary schooling at Tri-County Tech in 1986 and said he believes his experience there set the stage for success in his career and personal life.
Nieves is a first-generation college student and entered the college’s associate in science program with a plan to transfer to Clemson.
“I learned how to take advantage of TCTC’s resources, which helped me be a better college student. Those resources gave me the tools to write well, think critically and overcome the obstacle of calculus. My instructors encouraged me, pushed me academically and showed me I could continue,” said Nieves.
Nieves transferred to Clemson in 1988 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems in 1992. After graduating, he didn’t have to look far for a job, accepting a position in Clemson’s information technology department. Three decades later he still works IT for Clemson, serving as web developer for CAAH.
In the late 1990s, Nieves felt called to the ministry and began a new chapter in his life. He attended Southern Wesleyan University, earning a master’s degree in ministry. He earned a second master’s degree at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary six years later.
In 2000, he began working as a part-time youth pastor at Belton Church of God and on Father’s Day in 2004, he founded the New Manna Church in Anderson, where he has served as pastor for the past 17 years.
He is very active in the local Hispanic community and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in theology. He is conducting empirical research on the community impact of churches supporting migrant families in Greenville.
Nieves is actively involved in his work and his community. He is a founding executive committee member and past chair of the Clemson University Commission on Latino Affairs. He also is a member of the Anderson County Latinx Advisory Council, the Tri-County Technical College Board of Visitors, the Clemson University Council for Diversity and the Greenville County Hispanic Pastors Association.
He and his wife, Kristie, who is a human resources manager for the Office of Human Resources, live in Anderson and have three children.