South Carolina State University recently celebrated their 2026 Class of their Forty Under 40 with an awards brunch during their Homecoming weekend on October 23.
Among the recipients was Kirsten Pratt, a 2007 alumna of Liberty County High School.
Pratt is a workforce development leader dedicated to expanding career pathways and strengthening South Carolina’s talent pipeline. As associate vice president of Apprenticeship Carolina for the South Carolina Technical College System, she leads a statewide team of consultants who partner with employers, educational institutions, industry associations, and community organizations to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities across the state. She also provides operational leadership, oversees compliance across multiple funding sources, develops organizational resources and standard operating procedures, and represents the agency at local, state, and national events.
Pratt’s leadership has helped advance statewide workforce initiatives through strategic planning, grant oversight, and cross-sector collaboration. During her service as interim vice president of Apprenticeship Carolina, she directed a division of more than 20 staff members, led activities across four U.S. Department of Labor-funded apprenticeship grants valued at more than $20 million, and supported the successful award of a $641,423 federal grant. Her expertise in project management, relationship building, and operational leadership continues to strengthen apprenticeship programs that connect employers with skilled talent throughout South Carolina.
Pratt continued her professional development by earning Master of Science in Marketing from Clemson University, a Database Analysis Certificate from Midlands Technical College, and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification after completing her Bachelor of Science in Management at South Carolina State University. Her career reflects a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and creating opportunities that prepare individuals for long-term career success while supporting South Carolina’s workforce needs.
In the summer of 2008, Pratt worked as an intern at the Liberty County branch of the United Way of the Coastal Empire and after earning her undergraduate degree from South Carolina State, she worked as the membership director at the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce from May 2011-February 2012.
Pratt is the daughter of Ann Ogden and Ervin Ogden and the late Michael Pratt. Established in 2019, S.C. State’s Forty Under 40 Alumni Achievement Awards recognize graduates under age 40 who exemplify Bulldog excellence through innovation, leadership and service.