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PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVES
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08/29/08 |
High Performance Leadership Course
to be Taught at ECTC
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The Economic Development department of ECTC is proud to announce its newest course offering, High Performance Leadership. This in-depth, 32-hour course will teach participants how to build leadership skills and determine personal and preferred leadership styles. In addition to participating in role plays, class discussions, case studies, and video presentations, each participant will develop his/her own Leadership Action Plan. This course focuses on traits and behaviors common to effective leaders, as well as on leadership decision-making. Emphasis is placed on creating a respectful workplace, and participants will learn proven one-one-one and group communication techniques.
Participants will learn about positive approaches to creating a motivating environment, as well as how to identify factors that influence employee performance and courses of action to correct problems and how to use feedback effectively. In addition, they will be introduced to a new disciplinary process called ‘Positive Discipline’. Managing Change is just another of the many areas that will be covered during this course. Towards the conclusion of this course, participants will work together as a team to analyze a case study while applying topics discussed and skills learned throughout the course.
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS COURSE! Class size will be limited, and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t wait – REGISTER NOW!!! This 32-hour course will be broken into eight 4-hour modules, to be taught from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, December 3, December 10, and December 17. The course fee is $150 per participant. For additional information or to register, contact Christy Cobb at 229.468.2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu.
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08/28/08 |
Early Childcare Program Now Being Offered on ECTC
Coffee Campus |
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East Central Tech is proud to announce the offering of the Early Childhood Care and Education program on the Coffee County Campus.
Students can enroll in the Early Childhood Care and Education associate degree or diploma program. The Child Development Specialist technical certificate of credit is also available. Classes are offered during the day from 8:15 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
Childcare centers, family childcare homes, group childcare homes, Headstart programs, preschool programs, before- and after-school programs, and in-home care provide employment opportunities for graduates of the Early Childhood Care and Education diploma program.
The HOPE grant will pay tuition and fees and provide a book allowance for any person eligible; the HOPE scholarship is also available for the associate degree.
Fall quarter begins September 30. ECTC admissions staff is available to assist you in registration Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-12 noon.
For more information about the childcare program at ECTC, contact the admissions office at the Coffee campus at (912) 389-4303 or email info@eastcentraltech.edu .
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08/27/08 |
GED Fall Testing Dates Set at
East Central Tech
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East Central Tech will offer the GED six more times during 2008. The test dates include two Saturday dates. The GED test is for those who did not complete high school and would like to earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Pre-registration is mandatory to take the GED. Registrations are held on the Coffee Campus located at 706 West Baker Highway in Douglas. To register, you must bring a valid, government issued photo ID. Registration is taken on a first come-first served basis so it is important to be on time.
Cost for the full test battery is $95. Those who complete the GED are eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply.
Persons needing assistance preparing to take the GED can receive FREE help through East Central Tech. For more information on this service, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding the GED, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu .
Testing dates are:
| REGISTRATION DATE |
TIME |
TESTING DATE |
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 and
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 |
5:00 PM
8:00 AM |
Saturday, September 13 |
| Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 |
8:00 AM |
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 |
| Tuesday, October 21, 2008 |
8:00 AM |
Thursday, October 23, 2008 |
| Tuesday, November 18, 2008 |
8:00 AM |
Thursday, November 20, 2008 |
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008 and
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 |
5:00 PM
8:00 AM |
Saturday, December 6, 2008 |
| Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2009 |
8:00 AM |
Thursday, December 11, 2008 |
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08/25/08 |
McCulloch Receives Honor |
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Pictured (L-R): Dr. Ray Perren, Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education, Sonja McCulloch, Jim Schwindle, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Interim President E.J. Harris.
East Central Technical College Criminal Justice Technology instructor and program coordinator Sonja McCulloch of Coffee County was recently selected as the school’s nominee for the state Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. McCulloch teaches at the college’s Coffee campus.
Named in memory of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College who received the Department of Technical & Adult Education Commissioner’s Award of Excellence prior to his untimely death, the award is the Technical College System of Georgia’s version of an “instructor of the year” honor. It is presented to the person who has shown the most dedication to the job, commitment to students, and skill in the classroom.
Annually, all 33 technical colleges, plus the four Regents system schools with technical divisions, nominate an instructor to represent their colleges for the statewide honor. Nominees then compete on a regional basis.
“I chose to teach in a technical college because of the impact we have on both our students and our community,” said McCulloch.
McCulloch recently competed with representatives from the Southwest Georgia consortia on July 24 at Moultrie Tech to see who advances to the statewide interviews. Winners from each technical college will be announced at the Technical College System of Georgia’s Lighthouse Institute in September, and finalists will go on to compete for the state honor.
The state Rick Perkins Award winner serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia. He or she will make many public appearances throughout the year including addresses to the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor, and the Georgia Technical College System Leadership Conference in October. According to Interim President E.J. Harris, “Sonja does an outstanding job in the classroom and always demonstrates leadership skills in other areas of the college. Her nomination for this prestigious award was very deserving.”
McCulloch graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University. Also, she attained a Master of Science with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Troy State University in 2007. In addition, she received her police officer certification from the ABAC Regional Police Academy in 1992.
Prior to joining the faculty at East Central Tech in 2002, McCulloch served as a Supervisory and Training Officer with the Douglas Police Department and has over ten years experience as a police officer.
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08/21/08 |
Prepare for Fall Quarter at East Central Tech |
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Fall Quarter begins September 30th at East Central Tech. Classes are filling fast and college officials urge you to register now. Interim President E.J. Harris says, “We know that many citizens in our service delivery area are unemployed or underemployed. Now is an excellent time to upgrade or gain the skills you need to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.”
East Central Tech continues to add flexibility to its schedules to help students attend. Day, night, and online classes are available. Training for local jobs is priority, but that same training puts you in step with the demands of the global marketplace. And, financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Interim President Harris added, “These are challenging times for all of us and we at East Central Tech are working hard to continue to respond to the needs of our students. Like all government agencies, we are experiencing budget cuts, but our approach will always be to adjust in ways that minimally impact our ability to provide top notch training for our number one priority, our students. Our instructors care deeply about the success of their students and are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to provide world class training.”
Take the first step to a rewarding career. Call East Central Tech today at 229-468-2040, 912-389-4300 or toll free at 1-800-575-0567. East Central Tech—check it out today at www.eastcentraltech.edu.
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08/19/08 |
Dear Editor, |
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International Literacy Day will be celebrated September 8, 2008, and is a good time to call attention to Wilcox County’s literacy needs and the resources available to address them.
According to the 2000 American Community Survey (2006 data not available), over 1,953 adults (age 16 and over) in Wilcox County lack a high school diploma or a GED out a population of that age group of 5,761. The Certified Literate Community Program in Wilcox County is seeking to improve literacy levels here though programs at East Central Technical College Adult Education Program. The Adult Education Program teaches adults to read, helps students earn GED certificates, teaches English as a second language, and teaches parents the importance reading to their children. In the past year alone, this program has served over 47 Wilcox County Adults.
When you read this letter, think how very fortunate you are that you can read. If you know someone that may need help with their literacy skills, please tell them about classes offered by East Central Technical College Adult Education Program. You can also volunteer to tutor one of these adults as they work to reach their educational goals.
High levels of literacy benefit everyone in Wilcox County, and together we can make literacy a top priority. To learn how you can participate, call 229-468-2274 or send an e-mail to lstepherson@eastcentraltech.edu.
Lavonia W. Stepherson, Director
Certified Literate Community Program
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08/15/08 |
Former Shaw Employees Receive
Garden Scholarships
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Jennifer Robinson, Janet Muse, and Wendy White |
When one door closes another door opens, so are the feelings of three ladies who lost their jobs at Shaw Industries. Jennifer Robinson, Janet Muse, and Wendy White have fought the odds, stayed the course, and now feel blessed to be enrolled in the Nursing Program at East Central Tech. Not only do the three ladies enjoy their program, but they all have just received a scholarship from the Allan and Leila Garden Scholarship Program.
After losing their job at Shaw, the ladies said they were scared, didn’t think they could afford to come back to school; but they also had an inner determination to succeed. Having worked at the local plant for over twenty years, going back to college was going to be a challenge.
Jennifer Robinson is a graduate of Irwin County High School, a single mother with six-year-old, Kaitlyn. Janet Muse is a Fitzgerald High School graduate. She and her husband Greg have two children and three step-children. Their names are Shannon, William, Jon, Erin, and Randi. Wendy White is also a graduate of Fitzgerald High School. Her daughter Crystal is a nurse and her son Casey is also enrolled at East Central Tech.
All three ladies are enrolled in the Nursing Program, which they find satisfying and challenging. According to Interim President E.J. Harris, “It is very evident that these ladies have a strong faith which they lean on daily. Their determination is inspiring, and we want to be the kind of college that can meet their needs. These ladies will make wonderful nurses because they believe in themselves and care deeply about others.”
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08/08/08 |
President’s List for Spring Quarter at ECTC |
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Students making the President’s List for Spring Quarter 2008 at East Central Technical College earned a grade point average of 3.75 or higher for the academic term. Those being honored include: Abbeville – LaShonda Murphy, Gwendolyn Turner; Alapaha – Staci Bass; Ambrose – David Barton, Matthew Hutcheson, Benji Lott, George Robertson; Ashburn – Rebecca Johnson; Douglas – Shiloh Jackson, Daniel Lawrence, Joel Aguilera, Rhonda Anderson, Andreina Banuelos, Jeffrey Burkett, Kristin Burnam, Michael Burnsed, Crystal Carter, Johnny Deese, James Dixon, Gina Hall, Bonnie Hammontree, Donna Hughes, Natasha Jackson, Maurice Lott, James O’Neal, Janet Swanson, Karen Villalobos, Gregory Wilkerson; Fitzgerald – Heather Bertrand, Dehelen Bonner, Holly Breyfogle, Derik Humble, Randi Jenkins, Alice King, Katherine McDonald, Christine McDuffie, Lori Moncus, Chris Moore, Chad Morgan, Shanna Norton, Julie Passmore, Sharon Rawls, Shabiha Saiyed, Maria Simmons, Priscilla Stephens, Chawn Stepp, Cynthia Sullivan, Amena Swinney, Kevin Tasson, Wendell Thompson, Dawn Thrower, Caitlin Weeks, Lola Young; Hazlehurst - Malorie Stapleton; Millwood – John Morrison; Mystic – Rhonda Haggard; Nicholls – Danny Batten, Thomas Manus, Donald Parsons, Katoria Whitley; Ocilla - Cynthia Benefield, Amelia Daniel, Melanie Drummond, Rico Foster, Marki Hall, Abigail Johnson, Kristen Lankford, Ann Mixon, Allison Smith, Crystal Sneed, Tara Thrower; Omega – Hector Mascorro; Pearson – Kristie Fisher, Tracey Mizell, Otessia Nixon; Pineview – Sandra Porter; Rochelle – Cecil Layfield; Tifton – Robert Dismuke, Natash Dixon, Lee Hancock, Ismael Moreno; Willacoochee – Lois Burch, Lance Cain, Sarah Crews, David Floyd, Michael McKinnon.
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08/04/08 |
Pre-Kindergarten Classes Begin at
East Central Tech
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School bells are ringing; summer is over! Brandy Davis, Pre-K teacher, helps Tate Cowan with his name tag as Kaiston Spires looks on. Ty Cowan and Ashton Waller (seated) are ready to create their first Pre-K masterpiece with crayons and paper. East Central Tech Pre-K offers two Bright from the Start Georgia lottery grant funded classrooms. Mrs. Davis is assisted in the classroom by Julie Lowery. Jennifer Newell, teacher, and Melissa Lane, assistant, complete ECTC Pre-K’s teaching teams.
Welcome to Pre-K! Jennifer Newell, teacher, greets Rebecca Martin to East Central Technical College Pre-K Open House on Thursday, July 31, 2008. ECTC Pre-K is funded through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning - Bright from the Start.
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07/30/08 |
Another Certification for Donald During at East Central Tech
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 Donald During, Telecommunications Instructor at East Central Tech, recently added another certification to his list. He passed the test for the Certified Associate Electrical Technician. Donald does an outstanding job in the classroom and has been an instructor at East Central since 2000. According to Donald, “This exam was the most difficult industry certification I have ever taken, but I feel it will be worth it to my students and me.”
Telecommunications is one of East Central’s premiere programs and has produced several national champions at the SkillsUSA competitions held annually in Kansas City, MO. Interim President E.J. Harris stated, “Donald does an excellent job for the college. His attitude is positive and he cares deeply about the success of his students. Donald also is one of our best recruiters. He is always sharing the opportunities of the college with others.”
Donald is married to the former Darlene Pope and they have three children, Don, David, Leslie and four grandchildren. He attends Westside Baptist and is a Mason and a former city council and county commission member. He is also Commander of the 4th Brigade of the Georgia State Defense Force.
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07/30/08 |
CRP Instructor Course Offered at ECTC |
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There will be a CPR Instructor course offered at East Central Technical College on Friday, August 29, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The cost of the course is $175 plus materials. Material fees range from approximately $30 to $170 based on student preference. For more information and to register please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is Monday, August 18, 2008.
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07/30/08 |
Teen Driver’s Education Class to Begin August 9th at East Central Tech |
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East Central Tech will offer a Teen Driver’s Education course during the month of August on Saturdays. The classes will be August 9th, 16th, 23rd, and the 30th from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The classes will be held at East Central Tech’s Coffee Campus located at 706 West Baker Highway.
New teen drivers have to meet additional training requirements before they get behind the wheel now that the new Georgia law has taken effect. Senate Bill 226, also known as Joshua’s Law, was passed during the 2005 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16-year olds applying for a Georgia driver’s license must complete an approved driver education course. Any Georgia teen who has not completed an approved driver education course must wait until age 17 to be eligible for a drivers license. Additionally, teen drivers must complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn statement that these driving requirements have been met.
East Central Technical College worked in partnership with the Boards of Education from Atkinson, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin, and Wilcox Counties, to offer this approved driver education program. The program consists of thirty hours of classroom training and six hours of training behind the wheel. The program is designed to meet the training requirements of Joshua’s Law as well as provide 6 of the 40 hours of supervised driving that teens must have before getting their drivers license.
For more information regarding Joshua’s Law and the training options available, please visit the Department of Driver Services website at http://www.dds.ga.gov/teens/index.aspx.
The class is $275 per teen. Parents should be mindful of the $150 state tax credit that is available and the significant impact completing the course can make on reducing insurance coverage costs. To register for the information session or for the first classes, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.
LOCATION: East Central Technical College-Coffee Campus
706 West Baker Highway, Douglas.
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07/30/08 |
East Central Tech Begins Online Continuing Education for
Construction Professionals |
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East Central Technical College now offers online courses for construction professionals to receive their required continuing education hours. Plumbers, HVAC Contractors, Electricians, and Septic Tank Contractors can get hours any time they are needed. Courses meet the requirements of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Electrical courses are designed specifically for all classes of licensed electricians. Plumbing courses are designed specifically for Master and Journeyman plumbers. HVAC courses are designed specifically for all classes of Conditioned Air contractors. Business courses are for Conditioned Air contractors, Electricians and Master Plumbers. The courses cover business topics that deal with increasing your profits and safety and health requirements. If you have more than one trade license the Business courses will satisfy the licensing board's continuing education requirement for each of your licenses.
Septic Tank Contractors can take courses on topics including: Contractor Responsibility, Soil Classification and Testing, Sewage Flow and Contamination, Confined Spaces and Heavy Equipment, OSHA Hand Safety, Hearing Protection, and Unemployment Insurance. These online courses are designed specifically for septic tank contractors in Georgia.
To sign up for classes, go to www.sbtaonline.com/eastcentraltech.html.
For more information, or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.
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07/29/08 |
Terrell Jacobs New Board Member at
East Central Tech
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Mr. Terrell Jacobs was sworn in as the new board member from Coffee County to the East Central Technical College’s School board. Mr. Jacobs was born in Blackshear, Georgia and graduated from the Pierce County School System. He continued his education at Valdosta State University by receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science/Pre-Law and later a Master of Public Administration Degree.
Mr. Jacobs has served at several positions across the state such as Public Administration Planner at the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center in Brunswick and as Assistant Manager with the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County. Wanting to move closer to his home, he is now City Manager of Douglas.
He is active in his church serving on the Finance Committee, Trustee Board, and singing in the adult choir of churches that he has had membership. His wife is Angela Jenkins-Jacobs, a registered nurse with a master’s degree. They have three daughters, Chelsey, Lauren, and Tyler.
Commenting on Mr. Jacobs’ appointment, Interim President E.J. Harris said, “We are excited to have Terrell join the East Central Technical College Board of Directors. He is a proven leader who has, at every level of his career, distinguished himself. He will bring a local government perspective to the Board that will certainly help guide the College’s efforts to provide top quality training for its students.”
Judge Holli Martin swore Mr. Jacobs in as board member. She was a former Chief Assistant DA with the Tifton Judicial Circuit. She has been the judge of the Juvenile Courts for the circuit, which includes Irwin, Tift, Turner, and Worth since her appointment in 2000.
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07/22/08 |
Students Earn GED in 2008
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East Central Technical College’s Irwin Adult Learning Center is pleased to announce that nine students completed their GED during fiscal year 2008 which runs from July 2007 to June 2008. Those students who earned their diplomas from Irwin County are Ferris Battle, David Brooks, Daphne Jackson, Tausha McClain, Kimberly Ray, Amy Vaughn, and Frank White. Two of the students were from Tift County: Jerald Copeland and Misty Duckworth. Instructor Kiva Brownlee said the students worked very hard this year and it paid off. Congratulations to these students for their accomplishments. If you are interested in earning your GED, please contact Kiva Brownlee at 311 Vo-Tech Drive or call 468-3310. Morning classes are Monday through Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Come be a part of where we build futures, one student at a time.
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07/22/08 |
CRP for Community and Workplace and
Basic First Aid Classes Offered at ECTC
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There will be a CPR for Community and Workplace class offered at East Central Technical College on Thursday, August 21, 2008, and a Basic First Aid class on Thursday, August 28, 2008. Each class will be held from 6-10 p.m. The cost of each class is $25, or $45 if you register for both.
Register today! For more information and to register, please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is Monday, August 18, 2008.
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07/11/08 |
Fitzgerald Ford Donates Car to East Central Tech
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Fitzgerald Ford donated an automobile to the East Central Tech Foundation to be used in the college’s Car Audio Program. Fitzgerald Ford’s owner Wyndall Walters, who is a member of the Foundation board stated, “We are proud of East Central Tech and its commitment to Workforce Development. More jobs and better jobs means a better quality of life for us all.” Interim President E.J. Harris accepts the car adding, “This is a perfect example of community involvement in our college. We depend on friends such as Fitzgerald Ford to help us, not only financially, but with advice and direction. East Central trains citizens for good jobs usually within our five-county service area.”
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07/10/08 |
New HOPE Regulations Affect Dual Enrollment for
High School Students |
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Dual enrollment at East Central Technical College plays a vital role in the link between secondary and postsecondary education. Students often feel lost and confused when making the jump from high school to the “big” school known as college. Dual enrollment makes the transition smoother and encourages education beyond the high school walls. Students are trained and certified in occupational areas where job growth is projected to be very strong.
While in high school, students can participate in dual enrollment to earn high school credit towards graduation and postsecondary credit to jump start their career path of choice. Due to participation in “hands-on” technical college courses, students will have an opportunity to either confirm or change their career goals.
In years past, dual enrollment has counted against students’ HOPE cap hours. Recently, new laws were passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Perdue that will have an impact on dual enrollment opportunities at local high schools. State Bill 492 makes several changes to the HOPE programs, which includes “Exempts Dual Enrollment hours, earned while a student is in high school, from being counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours or Combined Paid-Hours. This provision does not apply to Joint Enrollment students.”
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07/09/08 |
Students Earn GED in 2008 |
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East Central Technical College’s Pearson Adult Learning Center is pleased to announce that 20 students from Atkinson County completed their GED during fiscal year 2008 which runs from July 2007 to June 2008. Those students who earned their diplomas are Kelly Higgs of Pearson, Yesenia Goana of Pearson, Stephanie Sutton of Axson, Jessica Moody of Pearson, Lemuel Fraide of Pearson, Bernadette Hollinger of Axson, Samantha Samples of Willacoochee, Mary Bennett of Pearson, Jennifer Foster of Pearson, Justin Vaughn of Pearson, Samantha Williams of Pearson, Gabriel Batista of Willacoochee, Alicia Estrada of Axson, David Corbitt of Pearson, Nathan Register of Pearson, Tosha Oglesby of Willacoochee, Heather Sapp of Willacoochee, Lisa Corbitt of Pearson, Sherry Duque of Axson, and Daisy Vargas of Pearson. Instructor Brianna Gillis said the students worked very hard this year and it paid off. The center had an increase of 13 students over 7 students from fiscal year 2007 to receive their GED. Congratulations to these students for their accomplishments. If you are interested in earning your GED, please contact Brianna Gillis at 201 N. Pearson Street or call 422-7004. Morning classes are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and evening classes are Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Come be a part of where we build futures, one student at a time.
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07/02/08 |
Lon Gillis Attends National Technical Education Consortium
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 Mr. Lon Gillis, General Manager of the Wal-Mart Logistic Center in Douglas and member of the East Central Tech College Board recently attended a Technical Education Consortium Academy Meeting in Washington, D.C. Georgia was one of five states selected to participate in the 2008 state technical academy. Each of the five states sent a team to Washington. The initiative was conducted by the Technical Assistance Team of the Academy for Educational Development, MRP Associates, Inc., and the National Association of State Directors.
During the academy the theme of preparing underrepresented students for success in nontraditional occupations was addressed by raising awareness of barriers and obstacles to students participating in and completion of nontraditional programs, offering strategies to streamline the collection of accurate local data, and describing research-based approaches for improving statewide performance on the measures.
According to Interim President, Mr. E.J. Harris, “On behalf of East Central Tech, I want to express my appreciation to Lon for taking the time out of his busy schedule to attend this important academy. Although I have only known him for a short period of time, I have quickly come to appreciate and respect him as an individual who is very passionate about personally contributing, in whatever way he can, to the quality of life of Georgians who live in this part of our great state. His willingness to take the time to study ways to improve the quality of our workforce is just one example of the many contributions to our communities that he makes day in and day out.
I also want to thank the Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority for providing the funding for Lon to attend. What a forward thinking group you are and how very blessed we all are to have an economic and workforce development visionary like JoAnne Lewis at the helm!”
Other members of the East Central College Board include: Shirley Brooks, Randy Crenshaw, Wyndi Damato, Terrell Jacobs, James Lee, and Clifford Pope.
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07/02/08 |
East Central Tech Competes
in National Competition
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| Students from Georgia high school and college technical programs won the nation’s highest awards recently at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. One of those was Chris Pate of Fitzgerald, who is a student at East Central Technical College. He was awarded the silver medal in telecommunications cabling.
SkillsUSA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education. It sponsors the SkillsUSA Championships annually to recognize the achievements of career and technical education students and to encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations. Over 5,000 outstanding career and technical education students from each state in the nation joined in the excitement of hands-on competition in eighty-four different trade, technical, and leadership fields.
The contests are planned by technical committees made up of representatives of labor and management and are designed to test the skills needed for a successful entry-level performance in given occupational fields. Safety practices and procedures—an area of great concern to labor and management alike— are judged and graded and constitute a portion of a contestant’s score.
Working against the clock and each other, the participants proved their expertise in job skills for occupations such as electronics, technical drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts. There were also competitions in leadership skills, such as extemporaneous speaking and conducting meetings using parliamentary procedure.
Chris Pate’s win marks the schools seventh consecutive year earning a medal in Telecommunications Cabling. Donald During, a Telecommunications Instructor served as Chris’ advisor. Telecommunications Cabling is designed for students interested in voice and data network cabling and installation. It tests worldwide standards for data and voice connections, physical and logical networks, and signal transmission. Contestants demonstrate skills in reading network design documentation, part list set up and purchase, pulling and mounting cable, choosing wiring closets, patch panel installation and termination, installing jacks and cable testing. The contest stresses safety and working effectively in group environments. In addition to receiving a medallion, Chris also received industry specific tools and certifications.
Also attending and competing at the National Championships were:
Nicole Harper – Medical Math – Instructor Deidra Floyd
Joseph Lott – Sheet Metal – Instructor Scott Watson
Matthew Peterson – Industrial Motor Control – Instructor Ubaldo Gonzalez
According to Mr. E. J. Harris, Interim President, “We are all very proud of the students who represented East Central Tech at SkillsUSA National Competition the year in Kansas City. They all were strong competitors and are perfect examples of the high level of training provided by one of the finest, most dedicated faculties serving in higher education anywhere in the country.”
Also attending were Connie Coffey, VP of Student Affairs; Jim Schwindle, VP of Academic Affairs; and Lisa Howell, SkillsUSA Advisor.
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06/17/08 |
GED Graduation Held at East Central Tech |
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Front Row (L-R): Hope Stone, Judy Dykes, Kortney Highsmith, Allison Whaley, Gina Hall, Chris Carter, Eddie Smith, Robbie Hilliard, Rebekah Valenzuela, Holly Breyfogle. Second Row: Lisa Hall, Brad McRae, Alex Morales, Carmen Ward, Jerime Bell, Angela Edmonson, Kim Valcke, Jessica Cordoba, Chela Nito, Lisa Corbitt. Third Row: Beth Phillips, Lisa Register, Abimael Castillo, Destiny Manley, Tausha McClain, Jesse Clements, Tonya Batchelor, Tiffany Ellis, Shikinya Carswell. Fourth Row: Kandi Sandiford, Sherry Duque, Eugenio Falcon, Alexander Jones, Sean Floyd, Blake Ogden, Ferris Battle, Frank White. Not Pictured: Montrice Dorsey, Amanda McCook, Kristin Peterson, Laquandra Quarterman, Hector Trinidad, Tina Watson, Samantha Williams, Ashley Wise.
The annual GED Graduation was held at East Central Tech with over 350 family and friends in attendance. Former nursing instructor, Debbie Brown was the guest speaker. She gave an inspiring testimonial about never giving up. According to Interim President Mr. E.J. Harris, “This was one of the most impressive ceremonies I have ever attended. I want to commend all of those individuals in Adult Education at East Central Tech for their passion in helping to make this kind of event possible.”
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06/11/08 |
Free GED Classes at
Irwin Adult Learning Center |
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Beginning Summer Quarter, East Central Technical College’s Irwin Adult Learning Center will be offering night ABE/GED classes. If you need to improve your reading, writing, or math skills or if you need to prepare for the GED, Irwin Adult Learning Center is the place to be this summer. The class is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. We also have day classes that meet Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The classes are free and all supplies are furnished. The GED is given at East Central Technical College in Fitzgerald each month and in some months, there are two test dates with one being on Saturday. The fee for taking one part of the GED is $19 and taking all five parts will cost $95. For more information about the classes, call 468-3310 or 423-8200. For more information about taking the GED, call 468-3010. Mrs. Denise Hamby, instructor for the night program, invites all who are interested in the program to meet her at the Irwin Adult Learning Center located at the old high school on Vo-Tech Drive on July 8 at 6 p.m. where we build futures, one student at a time.
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06/11/08 |
“How To’s” of an Online Class – Free Session June 24 |
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Is the price of gas hindering you from beginning or continuing your education? Through the Internet, online classes come to you! Taking classes online allows you to complete your courses at home or a place convenient for you, with only a few courses requiring an on-campus visit. Summer classes begin July 8 and classes are filling quickly, so register for your online class today. Once you have registered for an online class, sign up for our free “how to” session if you are not sure how to take a class online.
East Central Technical College (ECTC) is offering a free hands-on “how to” session on Tuesday, June 24, on the Ben Hill-Irwin campus from 6 – 7 p.m. You will use your ECTC computer account to login to your student email and an online class; therefore, this session is designed for students who have registered for an online class and signed up for the session. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to navigate in an online class, submit an assignment, take a test, post a discussion, check your grades, and other online tasks. In addition, you’ll learn how to use the online webpage as a resource and how to order your textbooks.
ECTC offers over 50 online courses included among 4 associate degrees, 5 diplomas, and 13 technical certificates. For more information about ECTC’s online classes, visit www.eastcentraltech.edu/online, contact admissions at 468-2040, or Sabrina Cox at 468-2022, or email ectc_online@eastcentraltech.edu.
For more information about the free “how to” session or to sign up for the session, contact Sabrina Cox at 468-2022, or scox@eastcentraltech.edu. Please note that you must be registered by 5 p.m. Monday, June 23 to have access to needed accounts.
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06/11/08 |
“How To’s” of an Online Class – Free Session June 26 |
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Is the price of gas hindering you from beginning or continuing your education? Through the Internet, online classes come to you! Taking classes online allows you to complete your courses at home or a place convenient for you, with only a few courses requiring an on-campus visit. Summer classes begin July 8 and classes are filling quickly, so register for your online class today. Once you have registered for an online class, sign up for our free “how to” session if you are not sure how to take a class online.
East Central Technical College (ECTC) is offering a free hands-on “how to” session on Thursday, June 26, on the Coffee County campus from 6 – 7 p.m. You will use your ECTC computer account to login to your student email and an online class; therefore, this session is designed for students who have registered for an online class and signed up for the session. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to navigate in an online class, submit an assignment, take a test, post a discussion, check your grades, and other online tasks. In addition, you’ll learn how to use the online webpage as a resource and how to order your textbooks.
ECTC offers over 50 online courses included among 4 associate degrees, 5 diplomas, and 13 technical certificates. For more information about ECTC’s online classes, visit www.eastcentraltech.edu/online, contact Melisa Edge at 468-2223, or Sabrina Cox at 468-2022, or email ectc_online@eastcentraltech.edu.
For more information about the free “how to” session or to sign up for the session, contact Sabrina Cox at 468-2022, or scox@eastcentraltech.edu. Please note that you must be registered by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, to have access to needed accounts.
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06/10/08 |
East Central Technical College’s
GED Graduation 2008 |
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East Central Technical College held GED graduation on June 6, 2008. The following participants were from Coffee County:
Instructors front row: Lindbergh Batts, Vivian Spivey, Melina Holbert, Roberto Castro, Kim Nolan, Sherri Jenkins, Sharon McLaughlin, Brianna Gillis, and Lisa Tomberlin, Vice President for Adult Education. Second row: Beth Phillips, Hope Stone, Gina Hall, Kortney Highsmith, Destiny Manley, Tonya Batchelor, Chela Nito, Rebekah Valenzuela. Third row: Chris Carver, Abimael Castillo, Alexander Jones, Blake Ogden, Shikinya Carswell, Tiffany Ellis, Robbie Hilliard.
If you are interested in attending GED or English classes, please call the East Central Technical College’s Coffee County Adult Learning Center at 912-389-0053 or come by 706 W. Baker Highway, Douglas, Georgia, where we continue building futures, one student at a time.
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06/09/08 |
Adult Education/GED Class at
Pearson Adult Learning Center
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If you need to improve your reading, writing, or math skills or if you need to prepare for your GED, East Central Technical College offers an Adult Education/GED class at the Pearson Adult Learning Center located at 201 North Pearson Street. Summer quarter classes will begin July 8, 2008. The class will be Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Night classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The class is free and all supplies are furnished. For more information, call the Pearson Adult Learning Center at 912-422-7004.
For those individuals who are interested in taking the GED test, it is given at East Central Technical College in Douglas each month. The fee for taking the GED test is $95 or $19 per part. The next GED test will be June 20, 2008, and GED registration will be June 18, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. For more information about GED testing, please call Lidell Greenway at 229-468-2240.
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06/09/08 |
Driver’s Education Class to Begin June 23 at ECTC |
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Classroom instruction for the next Driver’s Education training session has been scheduled for Monday, June 23, through Friday, June 27, from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The 6-hour behind the wheel driving will begin the week of July 7th. All driving will be completed before school starts back.
The program consists of thirty hours of classroom training and six hours of training behind the wheel. The program is designed to meet the training requirements of Joshua’s Law as well as provide 6 of the 40 hours of supervised driving that teens must have before obtaining their drivers license.
Classes are $250 per teen. Parents should be mindful of the $150 state tax credit that is available and the significant impact completing the course can make on reducing insurance coverage costs. To register for this class, or for additional information, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 18.
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05/15/08 |
East Central Tech to Offer CPR
and First Aid
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East Central Technical College will offer a continuing education class on CPR and First Aid.
The course is certified by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). The classes will be as follows: CPR will be Thursday, June 12, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:0 p.m. 2008. First Aid will be Thursday, June 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Both will be held on the Coffee Campus located at 706 West Baker Highway.
The cost for each course is $25.00 or you can register for both and pay only $45.00.
Registration deadline is June 10, 2008. For more information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.
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05/09/08 |
ECTC Instructors Ask for Representative
Jim Marshall’s Support
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Jana and Michael Williams, English instructors at East Central Technical College, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to drum up support for the National Writing Project and Georgia’s technical colleges. Congressmen were asked to sign a “Dear Colleague” letter that is currently circulating around Capitol Hill requesting more funding for writing programs this year.
Among the offices the instructors visited was Jim Marshall’s. Although the instructors generally met with congressional aides on their trip, Marshall took time out of his lunch schedule to sit down and talk with the instructors about their writing program and East Central Technical College.
“He was very familiar with our school,” noted Jana Williams. Michael Williams added, “Mr. Marshall and his aide Mike Bindell seemed particularly impressed with The Wiregrass Reader, our school’s new literary journal. We were quick to point out that it was the only one of its kind in the state.” Jana added, “We left a copy on his desk. Hopefully, he’s reading it right now.”
Pictured in the photo are from left to right, Rebecca Elmore of the Blackwater Writing Project, Representative Jim Marshall, Jana Williams, and Michael Williams.
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05/09/08 |
ECTC Students Compete at 2008 Georgia Postsecondary SkillsUSA Championship |
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Front Row (L-R): Advisor Lisa Howell, Rochelle; Susan Reyes, Fitzgerald; Nicole Harper, Douglas; Geneva Pitts, Ocilla; Lakisha Fleming, Fitzgerald; James Dixon, Douglas; Christie Burch, Axon; Judy Adams, Fitzgerald; David Barton, Ambrose; Julie Dopson-Swackhammer, Jacksonville; Matthew Peterson, Douglas; Jake Brinson, Fitzgerald; Courtnie Patterson, Ocilla. Back Row L-R: Chad Morgan, Ocilla; Rocky Rockwell, Hazlehurst; Kyle Hardeman, Fitzgerald; Yolanda Shabazz, Fitzgerald; Gregory Wilkerson, Douglas; Karen Villalobos, Douglas; Charles Sheppard, Ocilla; Chris Pate, Fitzgerald; President Dr. Ray Perren, Douglas.
Members of East Central Technical College’s SkillsUSA chapter traveled to Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin, Georgia April 18-19, 2008 to compete in the State SkillsUSA Championships. Students were competing for state recognition and for the opportunity to attend and compete at the national championships. Competitions were held in a variety of technical, health and leadership categories including Tele-communications Cabling, Computer Programming and Extemporaneous Speaking.
Students winning first place will be attending the 2008 SkillsUSA National Championships June 23-28 in Kansas City, Missouri. First place medals were awarded to (instructors’ names in parentheses): Matthew Peterson, Industrial Motor Control (Ubaldo Gonzalez); Joseph Lott, Sheet Metal (Scott Watson); Nicole Harper, Medical Math (Kellie Lockwood); Chris Pate, Telecommunications Cabling (Donald During); Antrina Brown, Criminal Justice GA, Sonja McCulloch. Second place medals were awarded to Rocky Rothwell, Computer Maintenance Tech; Yolanda Shabazz, Computer Programming; Kyle Hardeman, Technical Computer Applications and Sarah Crowe Internetworking, (Deannia Clements and David Gentry); Jake Brinson, Tele-communications Cabling (Donald During) Courtnie Patterson, Julie Dopson-Swackhammer, Charles Sheppard Crime Scene Investigation Team; (Sonja McCulloch). Placing third were Andrea Beard, Criminal Justice (Sonja McCulloch) and David Barton, Industrial Motor Control (Ubaldo Gonzalez).
SkillsUSA is an organization which provides its members with an opportunity to showcase their talents and interests in relation to their chosen program of study at East Central Technical College. According to Lisa Howell, SkillsUSA advisor, participating in SkillsUSA not only provides students with confidence but also pushes them beyond book learning to develop the leadership, presentation and relationship skills they will need in the business world. SkillsUSA is open to any student at East Central Technical College. For more information please contact Lisa Howell at 229-468-2104.
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05/09/08 |
Summer Driver’s Education Class to Begin June 23
at East Central Tech
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The next Driver’s Education training session to be taught at East Central Tech will be Monday, June 23 through 27. The class will be from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The classes will be held at East Central Tech’s Coffee Campus located at 706 West Baker Highway. This will be the only summer class offered.
New teen drivers have to meet additional training requirements before they get behind the wheel now that the new Georgia law has taken effect. Senate Bill 226, also known as Joshua’s Law, was passed during the 2005 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16-year olds applying for a Georgia driver’s license must complete an approved driver education course. Any Georgia teen who has not completed an approved driver education course must wait until age 17 to be eligible for a drivers license. Additionally, teen drivers must complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn statement that these driving requirements have been met.
East Central Technical College worked in partnership with the Boards of Education from Atkinson, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin, and Wilcox Counties, to offer this approved driver education program. The program consists of thirty hours of classroom training and six hours of training behind the wheel. The program is designed to meet the training requirements of Joshua’s Law as well as provide 6 of the 40 hours of supervised driving that teens must have before getting their drivers license.
For more information regarding Joshua’s Law and the training options available, please visit the Department of Driver Services website at http://www.dds.ga.gov/teens/index.aspx.
Classes are $250 per teen. Parents should be mindful of the $150 state tax credit that is available and the significant impact completing the course can make on reducing insurance coverage costs. To register for the information session or for the first classes, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.
LOCATION: East Central Technical College-Coffee Campus, 706 West Baker Highway, Douglas
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05/09/08 |
Evening Registration for GED at ECTC |
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Beginning in June 2008, there will be an evening registration at the Ben Hill-Irwin campus for the GED on Tuesdays for the Saturday test dates. On Tuesday, June 17 at 5 p.m., there will be a registration for the GED that will be given on Saturday, June 21. There will also be a registration on Thursday, June 19 at 8 a.m. for this June 21 test date. For those who work and want to take the GED, the evening registration and the Saturday test date may be more convenient.
The fee for taking one part of the GED is $19 and taking all five parts will cost $95. If you need to study and prepare for the GED, East Central Technical College offers an Adult Education class at the Wilcox Adult Learning Center 239 Gordon Street in Rochelle. The class is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. The class is free; all supplies are furnished. The Adult Education class may also benefit those who need to improve reading, writing, or math skills. For more information about the class, call Wanda McWhorter at 365-7983 or Julia Ray at 423-8200. For more information about taking the GED, call 468-3010 or email ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.
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05/09/08 |
Adult Education/GED Class at Coffee Adult Learning Center |
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On May 6, 2008, Officer Jack Cliett visited East Central Technical College’s Adult Education classes to discuss “What to do in case of an auto accident?” The English Language class, underage youth GED class, and GED class listened intently to the presentation by Officer Cliett and learned valuable tips about auto accidents. Thanks are in order to Minerva Frazier, instructor for the ESL program, who coordinated this event and to Officer Cliett who shared this important information with the students. If you are interested in attending ABE/GED or ESL classes, please call 912-389-0053 or come by ECTC at 706 West Baker Highway, Douglas, Georgia.
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05/06/08 |
President’s List for Winter Quarter at ECTC |
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Students making the President’s List for Winter Quarter 2008 at East Central Technical College earned a grade point average of 3.75 or higher for the academic term. Those being honored include: Abbeville – William T. Dwight, Jim C. Gilbert, Misty Ann Hughes, Kimberly D. Roberts; Alapaha – Staci D. Bass; Alma – Louana Hernandez; Ambrose – David A. Barton, LaTeasha M. Carver, Benji M. Lott, George Anthony Robertson; Ashburn – Valerie Monique Jackson, Krystyn Vance Youngblood; Axson – Dana Erika White; Baxley – Charity A. Herrin; Broxton - Shiloh R. Jackson, Daniel P. Lawrence, James A. Merritt, Candace Rose Musgrove, Melisha D. Wheeles; Collins – Twalla L. Futch; Denton – Keegan L. Burkett; Douglas – Amanda Dawn Albritton, Kristin M. Burnam, Vicki Renee Carver, Johnny Lavon Deese, James A. Dixon, Mary Katherine Hampton, Lorenzo T. Harrell, Mary Ann Hartley, April Lee Klein, Maurice Le Carl Lott, Darryl McClelland, Carol Faye McLeroy, Connie Miss, Pam M. Moore, Anthony O’Conner, James C. O’Neal, Matthew F. Peterson, Jessica Mae Rowland, Jennifer Lopez Spivey, Janet M. Swanson, Chris Allen Veal, Michael E. Vickers, Karen Ashley Villalobos, Gregory S. Wilkerson, Tracy M. Woods; Douglasville – Dorothy C. Dawson; Eastman – Megan R. Little, Aubrey L. Thomas; Fitzgerald – Tonya S. Chuplis, Erin Kathleen Croft, Pamela F. Daniel, Traci L. Faison, Kristan L. Garcia, Cecil L. Grace, Jaime D. Hernandez, Janice L. Lawson, Amy Michele Ludwick, Christine R. McDuffie, Lori A. Moncus, Chris M. Moore, Everardo Morales, Chad R. Morgan, Joyce F. Morgan, Janet P. Muse, Justin M. Poole, Susan R. Reyes, Priscilla Yvette Stephens, Dawn Marie Thrower, Ashley B. Villers, Wendy N. White; Hazlehurst – Rocky J. Rothwell, Malorie Roxan Stapleton; Helena – Stephen B. Spilker; Hephzibah – Jarrel A. Puckett; Jacksonville – Julie Dopson-Swackhamer; Mystic – Rhonda R. Haggard, Misty L. McCook; Nashville – Clayton Morris; Nicholls - Michael D. Hodges, Donald W. Parsons, Katoria L. Smith; Ocilla – Cynthia D. Benefield, Magglene B. George, Timothy C. Richardson, Jennifer R. Robinson; Omega – Hector Mascorro; Pearson – Tracey Lynn Mizell; Rebecca – Robert A. Mulkey; Rochelle – Jessica Munn Collier; Tifton – Ismael Moreno; Willacoochee – Sarah Nicole Crews, Thomas Lindsey Manus, Michael K. McKinnon, Karen Wilkerson; Wray – Lauren M. McLoughlin, Kristen E. Nutt; Matthew, NC – Perry L. Oliver.
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05/01/08 |
Commissioner Names Interim President
for East Central Technical College
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Atlanta - Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Commissioner Ron Jackson has selected E.J. Harris, the executive vice president at Valdosta Technical College, to be the interim president of East Central Technical College in Fitzgerald.
Current East Central Tech President Ray Perren is leaving the college at the end of the month to become the new assistant commissioner for technical education in the TCSG’s Atlanta headquarters.
Harris will become the interim president on June 1.
“E.J. Harris is a highly capable and proven administrator who’ll provide outstanding leadership for East Central Tech until the next president is chosen,” said Jackson. “I thank him for his willingness to follow in Dr. Perren’s footsteps and lead the college’s faculty and staff as they prepare their students for great jobs and exceptional careers.”
Harris has been in his present position with Valdosta Tech since 2003. “I’m so very pleased to be the one called upon by the commissioner to assist the college through this transition,” said Harris. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the great faculty and staff at East Central Tech as we provide the very best in technical education for our number one priority, our students.”
Plans for the process to select a new president for East Central Tech will be announced at a later date.
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