Press Releases
From the Public Relations Office
Howard Jordan, Director of Advancement & Public Relations
Roxane Gay, Executive Assistant to the President

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVES

East Central Tech announces its February GED Testing dates for the Coffee Campus. The testing session will be held on February 25 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on February 23 at 8 a.m.

The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department. Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply.

Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech announces its February GED Testing dates for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. The testing session will be held on February 11 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on February 9 at 8 a.m. The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department. Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech will offer the ServSafe® Food Safety course on February 25 and 26 on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. Tina Day, Director of Food and Nutrition at Dorminy Medical Center, will be the instructor for this course.

ServSafe® is the food service industry’s premier food safety training and certification course. It is recognized by more federal, state, and local health jurisdictions than any other food safety training program in the U.S. The ServSafe® course is recommended for all types of food service managers. This is a great opportunity to obtain your National Certification and update your skills in food-borne illness prevention.

The course will be held from 8:30 am to 5 pm on Thursday, February 25, and from 8:30 am to 12 noon on Friday, February 26. Participants must attend both days to receive certification. The registration fee is $175, which covers the registration and exam fees. Class is limited to 25, so early registration is strongly recommended. For additional information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Statewide Engineering Co will be offering Level 1A GA Erosion and Sedimentation Control Recertification classes on the Coffee Campus of East Central Technical College in February. The recertification class is a 4-hour class that will be offered from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on the following dates: February 12 (registration deadline February 5) and February 26 (registration deadline February 19). The fee for the course is $75. For additional information or to register, contact Christy Cobb at (229) 468-2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Instructors at East Central Tech have nominated 25 of their students for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Mona Paulk, coordinator for the college’s GOAL program.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 28 technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

GOAL winners from each campus will compete in March and April in consortia preliminary judging and two finalists from each consortium will go on to compete for the state title in Atlanta in May.

Chosen for recognition by their instructors are John Ashe, a Practical Nursing major from Ben Hill County, Melony Bennett, an Industrial Electrical Technology major from Coffee County, Llewellyn Boone, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Berrien County, Lowell Burnam, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Jesse Carroll, a Business Administrative Technology major from Ben Hill County, Denise Crosby, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Johnny Deese, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Sherry Donnellan, a Business Administrative Technology major from Ben Hill County, Amanda Floyd, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County, Ashley Fuson, an Automotive Technology major from Coffee County, Casey Hersey, an Air Conditioning Technology major from Coffee County, James Patrick Huggins, an Industrial Systems Technology major from Ben Hill County, John F. Kunberger, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Elizabeth D. Morgan, Computer Information Systems Technology major and Convergent Telecommunications Technology major from Irwin County, Shirley Musselwhite, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Ben Hill County, Patty L. Palmer, a Practical Nursing major from Berrien County, Jonathan Peterson, an Industrial Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Erica Poole, a Business Administrative Technology major from Atkinson County, Nena Rhodes, a Cosmetology major from Coffee County, Joseph Taft, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Crystal Tomberlin, a Cosmetology major from Ben Hill County, Mary VanCleave, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County, Kelley S. Wetherington, a Business Administrative Technology major from Coffee County, and Michelle D. Young, an Early Childhood Care and Education major from Ben Hill County.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Paulk.

A screening committee at East Central Tech will review each of the instructors’ nominations then conduct personal interviews with the students. Finalists will then be chosen to compete to be the college’s GOAL winner for 2010.

The finalists will take part in another round of interviews and evaluations by representatives from local business and industry. That panel will consider the students’ qualities like academic achievement, personal character, leadership abilities and enthusiasm for technical education.

The student judged most outstanding will be designated as the college’s GOAL winner and move on to the consortia preliminary judging; then two from each consortium, which will make up the 12 finalists, will attend competition for the state GOAL award and selection as the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2010 student of the year.   

Classroom instruction for the next Driver’s Education training session has been scheduled for February 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22 & 23, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The 6-hour behind the wheel driving will be scheduled individually after classroom instruction ends.

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 driver’s license.

The cost of the class is $275 per person. 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 or send an email to ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 3, 2010.   

The Wiregrass Reader, a literary journal published by East Central Technical College, won first place for its outstanding design and content in the American Scholastic Press Association’s Annual Scholastic Newspaper and Magazine Contest. In addition to providing awards for top-scoring publications, the American Scholastic Press Association provides advice on design, layout, graphics, and other useful items.

“It’s a great honor to receive first place,” said Michael Williams, the Coffee adviser, “particularly in only our second year of publication.”

“Each edition of the journal gets better and better, exhibiting the talent of our community,” added Jana Williams, Ben Hill-Irwin County adviser.

The 2nd edition of The Wiregrass Reader was published in March 2009 and wouldn’t have been possible without Mary Ann Garner’s expertise in the journal’s design and creativity and the excellent contributions of students and community members. The English department at East Central Technical College will publish its 3rd edition in March 2010. Categories include personal narratives, poems, short stories, and argumentative essays from students at the college, high school students in the five-county service area, and community members. If you are interested in details about future journals, please email Michael Williams at "mwilliams@eastcentraltech.edu or Jana Williams at jwilliams@eastcentraltech.edu.

Interim President Lisa Tomberlin added, “We feel that publishing this journal adds a completely new dimension to what we already do at the college. We are so proud of Jana, Michael, and Mary Ann and all those involved in this project. Our employees continue to excel no matter what the challenge.”   

Ms. Lavonia Stepherson, Director of the Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP), recently presented a proposal to the Ben Hill County Commissioners in support of the program. The request was funded by the commission and approximately 10 students will be helped in paying fees to take their GED test.

The program is to help communities reduce the number of citizens who need to take the General Education Development (GED) test. Great strides are being made, but the effort must continue. According to Lavonia, It is so satisfying to see our citizens achieve their goals and be on their way to a rewarding career or an opportunity to continue their education.”

East Central Tech serves as the fiscal agent for the Adult Education Program and keeps the program as a top priority.   

East Central Technical College students selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges at the Coffee Campus (L to R): First row Erica Poole (Atkinson), Brandi Seabolt (Wheeler), Johnny Deese (Coffee), Constance Lewis (Coffee), Katrina Barthell (Coffee), Lillana Hinojosa (Coffee), Jane Horton (Coffee), Lisa Tomberlin ECTC Interim President; second row Jim Schwindle ECTC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kelley Wetherington (Coffee), Patrick Newell (Coffee), David Floyd (Atkinson), Ashley Spell (Coffee), Tonya Spivey (Coffee), Joseph Taft (Atkinson), Mary Vancleave (Coffee); not pictured Raymond Burnam (Coffee), Tony Herlovich (Ben Hill), Jamie Kight (Coffee), Mario Peterson (Coffee), Dana White (Coffee)  

East Central Technical College students selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges at the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus (L to R): First row James Andrews (Ben Hill), Jesse Carroll (Ben Hill), Joshua Benson (Coffee), Savannah Hargrove (Dodge), Wendy White (Irwin), Michelle Young (Ben Hill), Kathy Taylor (Ben Hlll), Llewellyn Boone (Berrien), Jan Billingsley (Ben Hill), Lisa Tomberlin ECTC Interim President; second row Jim Schwindle ECTC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rick Jones (Ben Hill), Ann Mike (Ben Hill), Edd Jones (Ben Hill), Stephen Morgan (Ben Hill), James Huggins (Ben Hill), Jonathan Peterson (Coffee), Allison Smith (Irwin), Deborah Starkey (Ben Hill), Elizabeth Morgan (Irwin); not pictured Jobeth Swaynos (Ben Hill), Ashley Nix (Ben Hill).   

Windstream Manager Vernie Wright was on hand last week to present the annual scholarship gift to Interim President Lisa Tomberlin and Mona Paulk. Windstream has been a long time supporter of the college and the Foundation. Robert Spivey of the Douglas office was also instrumental in acquiring the gift for the college. East Central Interim President Lisa Tomberlin said, “Our partners, such as Windstream, mean so much to the overall operation of our college. Our students are the ones we want to help, and funds such as this makes it possible.”   

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Practical Nursing class received their caps and pins. There were a large number of candidates for capping. The day class had 16 students and the night class had 17 students for capping. The ceremony was held at the Martin Theater, in Douglas. Let’s congratulate the following students on their achievement.

Day Class: Isabella Alvarado, Yolanda Merritt-Black, Donna Bohannon, Candace Burnsed, Crystal Copeland, Lee Ann Hodge, Debbie Lester-Hurley, Jamie Kight, Ida Mendoza, Sherry Newberry, Erin Perry, Krystal Quinn, Tangela Robinson, Jade Walls, Lilia Waters, and Zachery White

Night Class: Julita Arpon, Dominique Carver, Dedria Colter, Janet Davis, Latosha Deberry, Yekeatha Harrell, Anna Hathaway, Kelly Henderson, Louana Hernandez, Felicia Lott, Myrtice Moore, Pamela Moore, Felice Rogers, Christina Smith, Daria Goodman-Smith, Holly Taylor, and Dana White.

Thank you to all of the family and friends who came out to show their support to the ECTC Practical Nursing Class, Fall 2009.   

East Central Technical College recently received a grant from the Southern Georgia Regional Commission to deliver Class-Size Training in Commercial Truck Driving for Adults and Dislocated Workers from Atkinson, Berrien, and Coffee Counties. Forty individuals will be served through this grant which will expire in June 2010. Those selected as participants will receive financial assistance with their tuition and fees as well as a stipend for daily education related expenses.

Andrea Bassett was recently hired as the Project Coordinator for the program. Mrs. Bassett will determine program eligibility and will assess, counsel, and advise participants during their tenure at the college. She will also assist with job placement for participants upon graduation.

Brandy Wilkes, Vice President of Economic Development at the college, stated “We are extremely fortunate to have Andrea serve in this capacity. Her knowledge of Financial Aid and her experience with similar grant programs will allow the college to better serve program participants.” Mrs. Bassett’s previous experience includes Acting Director for the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, Assistant Director of Financial Aid for South Georgia College, and Director of Education and Technology for Sylvan Learning Center in Macon, Georgia.

Those interested in becoming participants in the program should contact Andrea Bassett at 912-389-4303 to determine eligibility.   

Patrick Huggins and Jonathan Peterson recently received the Who’s Who among Technical College Students at East Central Technical College. This award is given to students who have put forth their best efforts and have excelled as the “cream of the crop” within their chosen programs. Both Patrick and Jonathan are currently 4th quarter students in the Industrial Systems Technology program.

Patrick comes from a lay-off at Coachmen Industries that caused him to focus on aspects that would benefit himself as well as his family. “I’ve always had an interest in electrical wiring at my former job, and I felt like this was a better “fit” for me. I like working with my hands and this program has had plenty of hands-on opportunities with motors and switching circuits, in three full size labs. I am looking forward to learning the mechanical aspects in the near future.”

Jonathan drives everyday from Douglas to school. His older brother Matthew graduated from the IST program a few years ago. “I’ve always been interested in working with electricity and agricultural mechanics in high school. I like working with my hands, too, but I got tired of working too many hours at other jobs. I hope to get into the maintenance field outside of the Douglas area, perhaps becoming a licensed electrician someday.”

They were nominated by their instructor, Donivan Thompson, who was a former IST student and started a career as IST instructor January of this year. “Both of these students have come from different backgrounds into our program, but have both worked well together and separately in their own way to meet or exceed the goals within their subjects. They have been challenged and have conquered AC/DC electrical theories, industrial wiring, motor controls, and programmable logic controllers that will expound them into their careers in the near future. They both have 2 quarters to complete their diploma and I am proud to have them in the Industrial Systems program.”

The Industrial Systems Technology program is just one of the many different career choices available at our Ben Hill-Irwin campus. Whether you are looking for a better job in the electrical or industrial maintenance field, or just looking to increase your current job skills in Motor Controls, Programmable Logic controls, or Industrial fluid power, the IST program has just what you need to satisfy what the job demands. The program only takes 6 quarters to complete and we help you find a job in your selected field. Think outside the books and come visit the IST program at East Central Tech.   

Workforce development is a vital part of job retention and growth in Georgia and across the nation. From small communities to large cities, the challenge is forcing economic development professional and community leaders to adopt programs of support. Hazel McCranie, President of the Ocilla-Irwin County Chamber of Commerce, is one of those professionals that has taken an extra step to address local needs.

As a Georgia Work Ready partner, the Wiregrass Work Ready Regional initiative was established to focus on needs in Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin, Jeff Davis, and Wilcox counties. East Central Technical College applied for and received a grant early in 2009 to kick off the program. Counties within the Wiregrass Region have recently applied for and received individual county grants to strengthen the local investment.

During a recent Certified Work Ready Communities Summit, each county in the Wiregrass Region received a grant in the amount of $12,000. The Summit included training sessions for grant administration and program guidelines. Mrs. McCranie completed this training and will now begin establishing plans and implementing local programs.

Georgia Work Ready was created to ensure that Georgia's workers possess the skills necessary for businesses and industries to succeed, providing easy access to training and world-class job opportunities. The backbone of the initiative is the Certified Work Ready Certificate. In order to obtain this certification, individuals must take assessments in real world skills. Georgians can use their Work Ready Certificate to prove their work readiness to potential employers. Georgia also offers gap training, developed to assist individuals in improving Certificate scores, which further enables career growth and continued on-the-job success. The Certificate, combined with an innovative job profiling process that accurately identifies exact skills required for specific jobs, is helping create the perfect match between Georgia workers and jobs. Assessments and gap training are provided through local technical colleges at no charge, and for qualifying companies, profiles are currently being offered for companies at no charge.

To learn more about the Georgia Work Ready initiative, contact Hazel McCranie at 229.468.9114 or ocillachamber@windstream.net, or contact Christy Cobb, Georgia Work Ready Administrator for East Central Technical College, at 229.468.2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Some of the top programs that East Central Tech and the 27 other institutions in the Technical College System of Georgia have to offer were on display for the state’s school counselors during the TCSG Expo 2009, which was held at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta on Monday, November 23.

The event, held in conjunction with the annual conference of the Georgia School Counselors Association, highlighted some of the more than 600 degree, diploma and certificate programs that are available at the TCSG colleges. More than 800 counselors browsed the program displays and met the college presidents, faculty, staff and students while enjoying delicacies from a 100-foot long appetizer buffet created by the chefs and students from the colleges with culinary arts programs.

East Central Technical College featured their Criminal Justice Program, which created a lot of interest at the expo. Interim President Lisa Tomberlin stated, “The expo is a great opportunity for our technical colleges to show exactly what we do. Each year the exhibits get better, the technology advances and the students feel a new sense of accomplishment.” “We want Georgia’s school counselors to know that there are plenty of very good reasons why the Technical College System of Georgia can be their students’ first choice for a great college education and a future career,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “TCSG colleges offer individualized instructor attention, affordable tuition and excellent career opportunities, and people are taking notice that technical education is today’s pathway for tomorrow’s jobs.”

Enrollment is booming at the technical colleges, with a record-breaking 110,000 students enrolled in the current fall quarter. A recent study the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement reported that TCSG colleges ranked among the top ten most popular college choices for graduating seniors in 165 state school systems, and a TCSG institution was the number one college choice in 62 of those systems.   

East Central Tech announces its December GED testing dates for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. The first testing session will be held on December 3 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on December 1 at 8 a.m. The second testing session will be held on December 12 beginning at 8 a.m. with pre-registration for this session being held on December 8 at 7 p.m. or December 10 at 8 a.m. The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department.

Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. Pre-registration sessions are held in Room 8101 of the Telecom Building, and testing sessions are held in the Telecom Auditorium. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (229) 468-2272. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Technical College offers a GED class at the Wilcox Learning Center in Rochelle. The class meets Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. The class is free; all supplies are furnished. Come to class, register, and begin work. For more information about the GED class, call Lethia Kittrell at 229-365-7983 or Julia Ray at 229-423-8200. The GED is given each month at the Ben Hill-Irwin campus of East Central Technical College. For more information about taking the GED, call Christy Cobb at 229-468-2218 or 1-800-575-0567.  

Give your teen driver the gift of becoming a safe driver this holiday. East Central Tech will offer a Teen Driver’s Education course during the school holiday break. This course will allow teen drivers to meet the classroom and individual driving instruction requirements set forth in Joshua’s Law. The classes will be December 21, 22, 23, and 28 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 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 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.

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. Registered/paid participants who refer a friend who registers and pays at least one week before the course starts will receive a $25 discount on their fee.

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.   

Statewide Engineering Co will be offering Level 1A GA Erosion and Sedimentation Control Recertifications on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus of East Central Technical College. The recertification class is a 4-hour class that will be offered from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on the following dates: November 20 (registration deadline November 13), December 4 (registration deadline November 27), and December 11 (registration deadline December 4). The fee for the course is $75. To register or for additional information, contact Christy Cobb at (229) 468-2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu.  

East Central Technical College will be holding an 8-hour Forklift Safety course on the Ben Hill-Irwin campus on December 8 from 8 am to 5 pm. Registration deadline is December 3. The registration fee is $75 per person. For additional information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

VALDOSTA – East Central Technical College and Valdosta Technical College joined together to hold the first ever Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Legislative Appreciation Event Tuesday night. The event was held at the Jim and Mary Threatte Arts and Civic Center in Lakeland.

The dinner was held in honor of the state and federal elected officials who represent the service area of the merged college. It was also an opportunity to introduce the merged college and offer valuable information to the legislators.

“We believe it is important for our state and federal officials to know the vision we have for making Wiregrass Georgia Technical College the flagship institution of the Technical College System of Georgia,” said Dr. Ray Perren, president of Valdosta Technical College.

Legislators in attendance included Rep. Jay Shaw, Rep. Ellis Black, Rep. Amy Carter, Rep. Chuck Sims, Senator John Crosby, Senator Greg Goggans and regional representatives from the offices of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Rep. Jack Kingston, and Rep. Sanford Bishop. College board members, foundation trustees, area school system superintendents, Valdosta State University President Patrick Schloss and other representatives from VSU and South Georgia College also attended.

"Valdosta Technical College and East Central Technical College are appreciative of the support we receive from our local delegations to the Georgia General Assembly,” said Dr. Perren. “We know these are difficult times to serve. That makes it even more important that we take the time to say thank you to those making the critical decisions regarding state government.”

Valdosta Technical College culinary arts students prepared a fish fry and tables were decorated with wiregrass centerpieces.   

The Second Annual Georgia Work Ready Awards Ceremony was held at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta on Monday, November 2. This event recognizes and honors the partners, businesses, and individuals who have supported Work Ready and made it a success. Work Ready continues to achieve notable success, with over 79,000 Work Ready Certificates being awarded to date. Those honored at the Awards Ceremony have made these successes possible.

VALDOSTA – Five deans for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College have been announced by Valdosta Tech President Dr. Ray Perren. Wiregrass Georgia Tech will be the college resulting from the merger of East Central Technical College and Valdosta Technical College.

“We are continuing to build a strong leadership team that will lead Wiregrass Tech as we become the flagship college within the Technical College System of Georgia,” said Dr. Ray Perren, president of Valdosta Technical College. “These deans bring years of experience and a track record of strong leadership and innovative thinking. We are assembling an academic team that will be second to none.”

Beginning July 1, 2010, each dean will be responsible for the supervision of their respective departments’ programs including the development, review and revision of courses; advisement, registration, and orientation of students; coordinating program improvement plans; and serving as liaison to other departments within the college.

Paula Peña has been selected to serve as dean of academic affairs for allied health. Peña received a bachelor’s degree in health occupations education from The University of Georgia and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Georgia College & State University. Peña currently serves as dean of allied health at VTC.

Lynn Bowen will become the dean of academic affairs for business and computer information systems. Bowen earned her bachelor’s degree in business education from Valdosta State University and will receive a master’s degree in information systems from Aspen University in December. Bowen is currently the program coordinator of computer information systems programs at VTC.

Tom Feagle has been named dean of academic affairs for arts and sciences. Feagle earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics from The University of Florida and a master’s degree in math education from Nova Southeastern University. Feagle is currently the dean of general education and evening programs at VTC.

April McDuffie will become dean of academic affairs for professional services programs. McDuffie is currently the dean of instruction at ECTC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a specialization in business education and a master’s degree in adult education from The University of Georgia. She also earned an associate degree from Abraham Baldwin College.

Alfred Gillis has been named dean of academic affairs for technical and industrial programs. Due to the current vacancy of this position, Gillis will immediately assume this position with Valdosta Technical College and will continue as dean after the completion of the merger in July 2010. Gillis received an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology from Fort Valley State University. He also received his master’s degree in electronic computer technology from Indiana State University. Gillis previously served as the department chair for the electronics and telecommunications technology department at Albany Technical College.  

Atlanta – Enrollment in the current fall quarter at the 28 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia has surged to a new record high with 110,254 students filling the classrooms and labs on the college campuses.

The thousands of new students are a 24% increase over the same time last year when 88,725 students attended classes. The total also shatters the system’s all-time record enrollment for one quarter, 91,838, which was set in 2003.

TCSG students will take more than 1.2 million credit hours of instruction in the fall quarter, which is another system record and the first time that the colleges have surpassed a million credit hours.

The huge enrollment increase was fueled in large part by the downturn in the economy as thousands of displaced and under-employed Georgians turned to the technical colleges for training in career fields that are still in demand, like healthcare, computer information systems, and business and office technologies.

The TCSG colleges are also seeing an increase in the number of students under the age of 21. In fact, a recent report from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement found that TCSG colleges ranked among the top 10 most popular post-secondary choices for high school graduates in 165 state school systems, and a technical college education was the top choice in 62 of those school systems.

“These are both important and exciting times for the TCSG. Our enrollment is growing at a record pace because the word is out that a Georgia technical college education is the most direct route to a great job and a long-term career,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “If there’s an upside in this down economy, it’s that the state’s technical colleges are helping tens of thousands of Georgians learn highly marketable skills and find their new place in today’s changing workforce.”

The largest fall quarter enrollment increase among the individual colleges was at Valdosta Technical College, which grew by 48%; next were Atlanta Technical College (47%), North Georgia Technical College (39%), Sandersville Technical College (35%), Albany Technical College (32%) and Lanier Technical College (32%).

Altamaha Technical College grew by 82% in the current fall quarter, but that number includes the assimilation of students from the technical division at the University System of Georgia’s College of Coastal Georgia, which is now a four-year institution.

The largest technical college in the state is Chattahoochee Technical College, which merged earlier this year with Appalachian Technical College and North Metro Technical College. The new Chattahoochee Technical College has enrolled 10,974 students for the fall quarter.

East Central Technical College recorded its largest enrollment ever, up over 18%. “I want to say a big thank you to my faculty and staff for a job well done. It takes our entire team pulling together to offer our students the best customer service possible. Even as our numbers increase we are always able to let our students know they come first.”

TCSG students enjoy the wide availability of more than 600 certificate, diploma and degree programs that, depending on the program, can be completed in between six months and two years. The low annual tuition and fees for the hands-on training and individualized instruction averages just under $2100 for a full year, although more than 80% of TCSG students reduce their costs substantially by using the Georgia HOPE and federal Pell grants.   

The Ben Hill Health Department was on hand recently to administer Swine Flu doses at the East Central Tech Child Care Center. The Intra Nasal application was given to children over two years of age whose parents had requested the treatment.

Payton Purcell sits in the lap of Interim President Lisa Tomberlin as dad Terry Purcell looks on. Christine Naylor, from the Ben Hill County Health Department was in charge. Payton is part of Brandy Davis’s Hippopotamus Class.   

East Central Technical College will be holding a CPR for Community and Workplace class on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 and a Basic First Aid class on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Each class will be held from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. The cost of each class is $25 or $45 if you register for both. For more information and/or to register, please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2009.   

East Central Tech announces its November GED Testing dates for the Coffee Campus. The first testing session will be held on November 9 and 10 beginning at 6 p.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on November 5 at 7 p.m. The second testing session will be held on November 19 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on November 17 at 8 a.m. The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department.

Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (912) 389-0053. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Tech announces its November GED Testing dates for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus. The first testing session will be held on November 2 and 3 beginning at 6 p.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on October 29 at 7 p.m. The second testing session will be held on November 12 beginning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration for this session being held on November 10 at 8 a.m. The fee for GED testing is $19 per part or $95 for all five parts. Acceptable methods of payment include cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Scholarship monies may be available for qualifying candidates through ECTC’s Adult Education Department.

Those who complete the GED may be eligible to receive $500 in additional HOPE scholarship money to further their education at ECTC. Restrictions on HOPE eligibility apply. Pre-registration is mandatory for GED testing. Candidates must provide a state-issued picture ID when they register. Pre-registration sessions are held in Room 8101 of the Telecom Building, and testing sessions are held in the Telecom Auditorium. For individuals who need assistance in preparing to take the GED, contact ECTC’s Adult Literacy program at (229) 468-2272. For more information regarding GED pre-registration and testing, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074.   

East Central Technical College will be holding a CPR for Community and Workplace class on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 and a Basic First Aid class on Thursday, November 12, 2009. Each class will be held from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. The cost of each class is $25 or $45 if you register for both. For more information and/or to register, please call Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074. The deadline for registering is 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2009.   

It’s not too late to start classes at East Central Tech this quarter. Some special accelerated classes are scheduled in Introduction to Microcomputers and in English at the Ben Hill-Irwin and Coffee campuses that begin mid-quarter. Classes begin on November 17 will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6: 00 – 10:00 p.m. through December 17. Enroll now in the program of your choice and get a jump start on classes for the winter quarter term.   

East Central Tech Interim President Lisa Tomberlin has announced the appointment of Sylvia Lockett as the new Director of Adult Education. In making the appointment, Mrs. Tomberlin stated, “I have worked with Sylvia for many years and I have always been impressed with her leadership skills and her compassion for the citizens we serve. I know she will do a great job in her new position.”

Mrs. Lockett graduated from Irwin County High School and received her Associate Degree from ABAC and her Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southwestern. Later she received her Master’s Degree from Troy University. Mrs. Lockett has been employed at East Central since 1995, starting out as an instructor of Adult Education.

When asked what she liked best about her job she said, “I enjoy the opportunity of helping students improve their lives.” Sylvia is very active in her community being a member of the Ocilla Pilot club, serving on the Irwin County Board of Education, and a member of Bethel Baptist Church. She and her husband Daniel have two children, Leslie and Lindsey.   

The week of October 18 has been designated as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. Literacy is the ability to read, write, compute, and use technology at a level that enables an individual to reach his or her full potential as a parent, employee, and community member.

According to Lavonia Stepherson, Program Director for East Central Region CLCP, Certified Literate Community Program, “There are 774 million adults around the world who are illiterate in their native languages. In the U.S., 30 million people over the age of 16 which is 14 percent of the country’s adult population don’t read well enough to understand a newspaper story written at the eighth grade level or is able to fill out a job application.”

Other basic facts about literacy include: the United States ranks fifth on Adult Literacy skills when compared to other industrial nations; more than 60 percent of all state and federal corrections inmates can barely read and write; and low literacy’s effects costs the U.S. $225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment.

Children’s literacy levels are strongly linked to their parents’ literacy levels, especially their mothers. Two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults are women. Many parents do not have the academic skills needed to help their children with school. East Central Tech Interim President Lisa Tomberlin says, “Literacy is a huge problem for our community, state, nation, and world. We need to create an awareness so that these issues can be addressed immediately and effectively. Do what you can to help someone today.”   

Fall enrollment at East Central Tech has exceeded the 1800 mark—an all time record at the college. Interim President Lisa Tomberlin stated, “We are excited about our fall numbers. We’re trying to utilize every inch of classroom space. This will be a challenge for us but our faculty and staff has always risen to the occasion.”

Classes started on Tuesday, October 6 and the Admissions Offices have been packed for the last three or four weeks. With unemployment at an all time high, this is an excellent opportunity for citizens to come to college. East Central has geared its programs to train students for the jobs of the future. Healthcare personnel, telecommunications technicians, heating and air professionals, welders, cosmetologists, and anyone with desired computer skills will have the training they need for future careers.

As workforce demands change in the coming years, the college will adjust its program offerings. Interim President Tomberlin added, “We keep in close touch with business and industry through our Economic Development Department and design our training according to their needs. We have a wonderful relationship with our area chambers of commerce and we stand ready to assist in job development.”

East Central Tech wants to serve students in any way we can. Classes are offered day, night, and online. Financial assistance is available and our staff and faculty genuinely care about your success.   

The Adult Education division of East Central Technical College was one of 24 recipients recently awarded Work Ready Golden Opportunity grants. These grants were awarded to state agencies and organizations providing Work Ready skills gap training to help citizens improve their core job skills and earn gold-level Work Ready Certificates.

“The Work Ready Certificate shows that an individual is skilled and ready to succeed at jobs throughout our state,” said Governor Perdue. “By helping our citizens reach the gold level we are showing that Georgia is an ideal place to do grow or locate a business.”

The grant award winners include: Altamaha Technical College Academic Support Center, Atlanta Regional Commission, Albany Technical College Adult Education, Athens Technical College Adult Education, Atlanta Urban League, Bainbridge College, Berrien County Chamber of Commerce, Central Georgia Technical Adult Education, Columbus Technical College, Cobb County Adult Education, East Central Tech Adult Education, Georgia Northwestern Technical College Adult Education, Moultrie Technical College Adult Education, Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center, Lanier Technical College Adult Education, Middle Georgia Technical College, Monroe County Adult Literacy Program, Muscogee County School District Adult Education, Okefenokee Technical College, Southeastern Technical College, Valdosta Technical College Adult Education, Valdosta Technical College Foundation for Brooks County, Valdosta Technical College Foundation for Cook County and VSNS (Visions, Inc.).

“These grants will help Georgians reach their career goals,” said Debra Lyons, director, Governor’s Office of Workforce Development. “By helping more people improve their core job skills, we can help them get to work and achieve job success.”

For additional information about the Georgia Work Ready initiative, contact Christy Cobb, Director of Economic Development/Georgia Work Ready Program Administrator at 229.468.2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu.   

East Central Tech held its commencement exercises on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 10 a.m. A capacity crowd of over 500 gathered to honor the graduates. Mrs. Brandy Wilkes, Interim President at East Central gave a few opening comments and introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Lon Gillis.

Mr. Gillis is the chairman of the college board and has served at the college for the past seven years. He was born on the family farm in Atkinson County and graduated from Atkinson County High School. He received his Associate Degree from South Georgia College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Valdosta State College.

In 1986, Mr. Gillis joined the Wal-Mart organization starting at the entry level hourly position and gradually worked his way up. During the 90s, he was promoted into management and his career took him to Pennsylvania and Texas. In the spring of 1999 he had an opportunity to move back to Douglas, Georgia and become the General Manager of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center. He has been married for 22 years and he and his wife Lana have two children. He is very involved in his church and cares deeply about others.

Mr. Gillis gave an inspiring and motivational message about the importance of education and overcoming life’s obstacles.

According to Interim President Brandy Wilkes, “We are very fortunate to have Lon on our team. He’s the kind of board member who truly makes a difference. He stays involved with our college and we call on him often.”    

Wyndall Walters has been elected as the new president of the East Central Technical College Foundation. Retiring President Luke Morgan stated, “ I know Wyndall will do an outstanding job in leading the foundation because of his concern for the college and its future.”

Mr. Walters is the owner of Fitzgerald Ford Lincoln-Mercury, and has been very involved in the college and foundation for many years. He has been very active in both the Fitzgerald and Ocilla communities, having served as chamber of commerce president in both cities.

Mr. Walters is a director at Community Bank in Fitzgerald, a member of the Ocilla Rotary Club, and a deacon at the Ocilla Baptist church. Professionally he is a member of the National Ford Dealers Council, which represents 3600 dealerships. He is past president of GADA (Georgia Automobile Dealers Association), and is past chairman of the Atlanta Region Ford Advertising Board.

Upon accepting the position, Mr. Walters said, “I appreciate this opportunity. Our college means a lot to our local economy and our citizens can get the training they need to get a good job.”

Wyndall is a graduate of Irwin County High School and Valdosta State University. He and his wife Rhonda have three daughters, Wyndi, Kippy, and Lyndsey.

Howard Jordan, who oversees the foundation added, “For 25 years we have been blessed with some of the most dynamic people to serve as foundation presidents. Wyndall brings a wealth of experience and professionalism that will take our foundation to new heights. He cares deeply about our college and the citizens of South Georgia.”    

ECTC Student Leadership spearheaded a campus cleanup day to commemorate 9-11. This was a day of service for students, faculty and staff to give back. The group spent the day cleaning and landscaping the school grounds. Participating (L-R):  Kawana Moore, Douglas; Lisa Howell, Rochelle; Shondria Coffee, Douglas; Sabrina Cox, Broxton; Kelley Wetherington, Douglas; Heather Brown, Douglas; Tiny Christman, Willachoochee; Patty Parrish, Enigma.  

East Central Technical College student Edd Jones was recently honored with a luncheon reception hosted by Technical College System Commissioner Ron Jackson in Atlanta, September 3, 2009. Edd won first place in the Telecommunications Cabling National SkillsUSA Championship held in June in Kansas City, Missouri. Commissioner Jackson presented Edd with a framed certificate to celebrate his achievement. Accompanying Edd to the reception were his telecommunications instructors Donald During and Lee Renfroe, and Lisa Howell SkillsUSA Advisor.    

Students enrolled in the Practical Nursing evening program at the Coffee Campus of East Central Technical College were recently privileged to have a guest speaker from Lifelink of Savannah.  Mr. Anthony McDonough, Lifelink Foundation educator, presented information to students about the importance and process of becoming an organ and tissue donor.

Lifelink is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery of life-saving and life-enhancing organs and tissue for transplants and serves a population of approximately eight million people.  The organization works closely with hospitals, medical professionals, and the pubic to increase the awareness of the growing need for organ and tissue donation. 

According to Mr. McDonough, the most effective way to ensure that you are a donor is to inform your family members, sign a donor card, and check the donor information on your driver’s license.  Anyone under the age of 18 must secure their parent’s permission to donate organs or tissue.  All organ and tissue donations are tested for blood grouping, infectious diseases, tissue typing, transplant antibody detection and cross matching.  More than 90,000 Americans are listed for an organ transplant with thousands more in need of transplants.

Students were given the opportunity to present questions to Mr. McDonough and to participate in classroom discussion regarding organ donation.  The information shared through Lifelink was both informative and inspirational for students in the nursing program.

Prepare now for tax season by earning your office accounting technical certificate. East Central Technical College is offering a certificate in office accounting this fall quarter.

This certificate fully prepares you to work in business offices in a financial capacity. Students in the office accounting certificate will take a variety of courses including an introductory computer course, two courses in principles of accounting, and computerized accounting. This certificate may be obtained in only 2-3 quarters.

The classes are offered during the day, night, or online. Fall quarter begins October 6, and applications are being taken now.

For more information on the Office Accounting certificate or other online courses, contact the admissions department at 229-468-2040 (Ben Hill-Irwin campus).   

East Central Tech is currently accepting students in 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 available during the day, and night classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m.-10 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 October 6. 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.  

VALDOSTA - Wiregrass is no longer just foliage growing beneath longleaf pines. It is now a uniting element of two technical colleges.

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will be the name of the combined East Central Technical College and Valdosta Technical College, beginning July 1, 2010. The merger of Valdosta and East Central are the last in a plan that will result in 13 state technical colleges merging their administrations into six colleges.

The new name was selected by the boards of directors for ECTC and VTC last week. The name was submitted to TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson and approved by the State Board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia during their monthly meeting held Thursday in Atlanta.

“The new name gives us the opportunity to honor the legacy of our past by building a strong workforce for the future success of our region,” said Dr. Ray Perren, currently the president of VTC and future president of the new college. “It reflects the pioneering spirit of those who settled the region, and paved the way for many generations to come.”

After receiving input from the faculty, staff and students of both colleges, a list of thirty eight potential names was made and the board members of both colleges narrowed the list to three options for consideration. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College emerged as the favorite.

“What could be more appropriate than naming our college after the region in which it stands,” said Michael Williams, English instructor of ECTC. “Doing so will increase local and national awareness of this fast-vanishing ecosystem, as well as honor the rich history of the region.”

As the name suggests, Wiregrass Technical College will serve the workforce and community needs of over 252,000 residents of Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, and Wilcox counties. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will become the largest technical college in south Georgia, serving more than 7,200 students per year. Over 200 technical certificate, diploma, and degree programs will be offered by the combined colleges. The merger will be complete by July 1, 2010.

“The new Wiregrass Georgia Technical College will serve students with a greater variety of programs that offer exciting pathways to rewarding careers and a lifetime of success,” said Commissioner Jackson. “I’m very grateful to the staff and faculty at each college for their contributions to this merger process. I also want to thank the local boards at East Central Tech and Valdosta Tech for their leadership, including their collaboration on the new college name. Together, we’re all working to ensure a bright future for every student who walks through the doors of the soon-to-be Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.”

For more information about the merger, please visit www.valdostatech.edu/merger/index.asp.  

VALDOSTA – Fourteen executive positions for the college formed from the merger of East Central Technical College and Valdosta Technical College have been announced by Valdosta Tech President Dr. Ray Perren.

Lisa Tomberlin has been selected to serve as provost. The provost will be the second in command senior officer for the merged college, working with and coordinating the team of senior staff responsible for achieving the goals of the college. Tomberlin will be located on the Ben Hill – Irwin campus, but will maintain a presence on all campuses. Tomberlin currently serves as vice president for adult education at ECTC.

On Oct. 1, Tomberlin will become the interim president of ECTC and will serve in that capacity until the merger is complete on July 1, 2010. Tomberlin earned her B.S. and M.B.Ed. at Georgia Southwestern State University. She also holds a secretarial diploma from ECTC.

Associate provosts to the four campuses include Holly Greene, Cook Co. Workforce Development Center; Brandy Wilkes, Coffee Co. campus; Jim Schwindle, Ben Hill-Irwin campus; and Dr. Ken Kennedy, Valdosta campus. As associate provosts beginning July 1, 2010, each will work to advance the vision, mission, purpose and values of the college across its many campuses. Associate provosts will ensure continuous evaluation and improvement of programs and services, while providing administrative oversight on their assigned campus and within the organizational structure of the college.

Greene currently serves as the director of the Cook Co. campus. Greene received her B.B.A. in management from Valdosta State University and M.S. in management from Troy State University. Greene is a member of the Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves on the executive committee as the education chair. She is also a member of the Adel Kiwanis Club and is a graduate of Leadership Cook.

Wilkes currently serves as the interim president of ECTC. Wilkes earned her B.B.S. in business administration from Brewton-Parker College and M.B.A from Georgia College and State University. Wilkes serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Douglas - Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Coffee County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors.

Schwindle currently serves as vice president for academic affairs at ECTC. Schwindle received a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Auburn University. Schwindle also received his M.B.A. in business management from Central Michigan University, and his M.S. in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Fitzgerald Rotary Club and a member of the Ben Hill-Irwin County Gideons.

Kennedy currently serves as the dean of the department of business and computer information systems at VTC. Kennedy received his B.S. in elementary education from Southern Missionary College; M.Ed. in administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga; and Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in computer education and media from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.

Kennedy is a member of the Lowndes Co. – Valdosta Chamber of Commerce Targeted Business Expansion Committee and the Information Technology Network Committee; Phi Delta Kappa; National Business Education Association; and Georgia Business Education Association.

The executive director for advancement and resource development of the merged college will be Mona Paulk. In her new position, Paulk will be responsible for directing the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive internal and external resource development plan for the merged college.

Paulk currently serves as the director of advancement at ECTC. Paulk received her B.S. in technical, trade, and industrial education, as well as her M.Ed. in adult and career education from VSU. She is a graduate of the ECTC accounting program.

Angela Hobby will become the executive director of public relations and information for the merged college. She currently serves as the director of marketing for VTC. In her new position, Hobby will be responsible for developing strategic communications and marketing plans for the college. Hobby received her B.B.A. in marketing and M.B.A. in business administration from VSU.

Mike Harden will become the director of facilities for the merged college. Harden currently serves as vice president of administrative services for ECTC. As the director of facilities, Harden will be responsible for planning and directing administrative and operational activities for the merged college. Harden graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a B.S.A. in agricultural economics. Harden also attended VSU before receiving his C.P.A. license.

Shalonda Sanders will become the executive director for human resources of the merged college. As executive director for human resources, Sanders will manage the overall HR function of the newly formed institution. Sanders currently serves as director of human resources at VTC. Sanders received both her B.A. in political science and M.P.A. with an emphasis in public personnel management from VSU.

The executive director of information systems/chief information officer will be Amos Terrell. Due to the current vacancy of the position at ECTC, Terrell’s appointment will be effective Sept. 1. Terrell currently serves as chief information officer at VTC. In the new position, Terrell will be responsible for directing the information technology resources of the merged college.

Terrell has a diploma in business machines maintenance from South Georgia Technical College, an A.A.S. and a B.A.S. in technical studies from VSU. He is working towards a M.S. in information technology and a certificate in information assurance and security from Capella University. Terrell is a certified cable test technician, and is also certified in fiber optics levels I, II & III.

The executive assistant to the president will be Cheryl Acree. In her new position, Acree will be responsible for maintaining and coordinating the daily activities and efficient functions of the president's office. She will begin her new role Jan. 1, 2010, following the retirement of the current executive assistant.

Acree currently serves as the curriculum coordinator and administrative assistant to the executive vice president at VTC. She received an associate degree in accounting from Councill Trenholm State Technical College and a microcomputer specialist diploma at VTC. Acree is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in business management from Troy University.

The director of security services for the merged college will be Steve Jaramillo. Jaramillo currently serves chief of campus police at VTC. Beginning July 1, 2010, Jaramillo will be responsible for the overall planning, development, scheduling and implementation of the security and personal safety program for the merged college. Jaramillo received his B.S. in criminal justice and M.P.A. from VSU.

Two special assistants to the president have been named. Angela Crance and Howard Jordan will responsible for planning and directing administrative functions of an office by developing and implementing strategic goals in accordance with the mission of the college; developing and managing operational budgets; and managing human resource and employee relation functions.

Crance has served as vice president for economic development at VTC for five years and will continue in that capacity until July 1, 2010. She attended Jacksonville State University and is a certified economic development planner. Before her career at VTC, Crance served as the executive director for both the American Red Cross for three years, and the Greater Lowndes United Way for eight years. She is a member of the First State Bank and Trust Board of Directors, and an alumnus of both Leadership Lowndes and Leadership Georgia. She is also a past president of the Valdosta North Rotary Club and Leadership Lowndes.

Howard Jordan currently serves as executive director of advancement and public relations at ECTC. He has served the college for 24 years and enjoys making public speaking appearances on behalf of ECTC throughout southeast Georgia. He currently manages the ECTC Foundation and its portfolio of over a million dollars. Howard has served as director of marketing for Colony Bank of Fitzgerald. Before his career at ECTC, Jordan managed four radio stations and holds a First Class Radio Engineering License. He is a board member for the Fitzgerald Rotary Club.   

On October 1, Lisa Tomberlin will become the interim president of East Central Technical College (ECTC) and will serve in that capacity until the merger is complete on July 1, 2010. Lisa has been selected to serve as provost of the merged colleges of East Central Tech and Valdosta Tech.

The provost will be the second in command senior officer for the merged college, working with and coordinating the team of senior staff responsible for achieving the goals of the college. Tomberlin will be located on the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus, but will maintain a presence on all campuses. Tomberlin currently serves as Vice President for Adult Education at ECTC.

Mrs. Tomberlin has been employed by the college since 1986, working her way up the ranks. She has served as a secretary, instructor, director, and vice president. When asked about her new appointment Lisa said, “I am humbled and very honored to be given this opportunity. I have seen the results of technical education first hand because I, too, am a graduate of Ben Hill-Irwin Tech. In fact, at the present time, I have three sons enrolled in the Technical College System.”

In making the appointment, Dr. Ray Perren, who will be the president of the merged college added, “Lisa Tomberlin is the perfect choice to serve as the first provost of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. She is a graduate of Ben Hill-Irwin Tech. She was an excellent instructor at East Central Tech. Under her leadership, the adult education program at ECTC evolved into one of the strongest in the entire state. Her years of experience, her passion for the mission of technical education, and her proven track record as a leader all add up to a recipe for success.”

Mrs. Tomberlin is a member of the Wilcox County Arts Council, Ben Hill County Family Connections, and a board member of EvenStart Family Literacy. She is also a member of Siloam Baptist Church in Abbeville. She and her husband, George, have three sons, and in her spare time she enjoys reading.

The course, Community Spanish: A Survival Guide for English Speakers, is a ten hour course to be held over five evenings. It will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m on Monday, Sept. 21, Thursday, Sept. 24, Monday, Sept. 28, Thursday, Oct. 1, and Monday, Oct. 5. The registration deadline is September 15, 2009.

This is course is approved for 1 PLU for teachers in the Coffee County School System. The fee for the course is $125.00. For more information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Front row (L-R): Louanna Hernandez, Holly Taylor, Felice Rogers, Janet Ward, and Dana White. Second row: Instructor Melanie Outlaw, Daria Goodman, Dedria Colter, Dominique Carver, Latosha Deberry, Anna Hathaway, Christina Rish, Julia Arpon, and Susan Ranson (Relay Captain). Third row: Yekeatha Harrell, Pam Moore, Kelly Henderson, Felicia Lott and Myrtice Moore.

Congratulations to instructor Melanie Outlaw’s Practical Nursing class for winning a contest for the program at East Central Technical College (Coffee Campus) raising the most money for Relay for Life this campaign year. Their class received a certificate of participation and celebrated with a pizza party. The Coffee County campaign held its final meeting Monday, Aug. 31st.  

The course is certified by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). The classes will be as follows: CPR will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. First Aid will be from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 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 September 15, 2009. For more information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Ms. Ingram was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 17 and was placed on dialysis. Although she continues to receive hemodialysis treatment for her disease, Ms. Ingram continues to work full time and remains determined to experience life to the fullest. Her positive attitude, persistence, and willingness to share her story with students in the medical field was an inspiration to the students in Ms. Outlaw’s evening program.

Ms. Ingram shared information with students about the process of dialysis treatment, peritoneal dialysis, and the danger of infection associated with the treatments. She also discussed the critical importance of following a strict diet as a dialysis patient. During the presentation, Ms. Ingram was also able to discuss the high cost of medication, importance of insurance coverage, and the power of maintaining a positive outlook for individuals receiving treatment of kidney disease.

The evening Practical Nursing program for the Coffee Campus is taught by Ms. Melanie Outlaw, RN. For more information about the evening program, contact the admissions office at 912-389-4300 for the Coffee Campus and 229-468-2040 for the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus.    

VALDOSTA - The appointment of six vice presidents to the college formed from the merger of East Central Technical College and Valdosta Technical College was announced today by Valdosta Tech President Dr. Ray Perren.

Lidell Greenway has been named Vice President of Economic Development for the merged institution. In her new position to begin July 1, 2010, Greenway will manage the economic development initiatives of the combined college.

Greenway received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications/ marketing from Wesleyan College in Macon. She is also a Certified Economic Developer Trainer. Greenway will continue as the Director of Economic Development of East Central Tech until the merger is complete.

Greenway is a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and the Douglas–Coffee County Economic Development Authority. She is a graduate of Leadership Macon, New Century Leaders, and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

Connie Coffey will become the Vice President of Student Affairs for the merged college. Coffey will supervise the overall operation of the student affairs department which includes admissions, records, financial aid, special workforce services, and retention. Coffey will continue in her current position as the Vice President of Student Affairs at East Central Tech until July 1, 2010.

Coffey received an Associate of Arts Degree from South Georgia College, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgia Southwestern University, and a Master of Education degree from Valdosta State University. Coffey expects to receive a Doctor of Adult Education from the University of Georgia in September 2010.

Coffey is a graduate of the Technical College System of Georgia Executive Leadership Academy and is a member of the Fitzgerald Rotary Club, the Association of Career and Technical Education, and the American College Counseling Association.

The Vice President of Administrative Services for the merged college will be Keren Wynn. Wynn currently serves under the same title at Valdosta Tech. In her new position, she will be responsible for the overall fiscal management of the merged institution, including coordinating accounting, budgeting, procurement, payroll, the bookstore, and property management systems.

Wynn graduated cum laude from Valdosta State University, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree. She also graduated summa cum laude from North Florida Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. Wynn is a Certified Public Accountant.

Wynn is a member of the Quitman–Brooks County Chamber of Commerce, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Leadership Lowndes.

Dr. Ron O’Meara has been named Vice President of Academic Affairs for Valdosta Technical College. O’Meara’s new title will take effect on September 1 and he will continue in this position once the merger is complete. O’Meara currently serves as the Dean of Technical Instruction at Valdosta Tech.

As Vice President for Academic Affairs, O’Meara will plan, administer and evaluate institutional services, including supervision and leadership in the instructional activities of personnel; recommending the implementation, continuance or discontinuance of instructional programs; and approving new curricula and revisions.

O’Meara holds three degrees from the University of Northern Iowa: Bachelor of Technology, Master of Arts in Technology, and Doctor of Industrial Technology.

O’Meara is a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and American Society of Engineering Education.

Dr. Helen Penny has been named Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness of the merged college. The position coordinates and provides leadership in college-wide research, evaluation, planning, and accreditation activities to ensure institutional effectiveness and accountability for programs and services.

Penny received a Bachelor of Administration in Education degree from Louisiana College; a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Louisiana Technical University.

The Vice President of Adult Education for the merged college will be Alvin Payton, Jr. Payton is currently the Executive Director of Adult Education at Valdosta Tech. As the new vice president, he will oversee adult education and English as a Second Language programs.

Payton holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University and a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. He is currently a third year student in the Doctor of Public Administration program at Valdosta State University.

Payton successfully completed the Certified Manager of Program Improvement course from the Leadership Excellence Academies and is a graduate of the University of Georgia Robert E. Knox, Jr. Leadership Institute.

Payton serves on the city council for the city of Valdosta and the local YMCA board of directors, and is a member of Sons of Amvets. 

ATLANTA - The appointment of an interim president to East Central Technical College was announced today by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson. Brandy Barker Wilkes will serve as interim president of the college beginning September 1, following the retirement of the current interim president, E. J. Harris.

“I am very pleased that Commissioner Jackson selected Brandy Wilkes to serve as interim president of East Central Tech,” said Harris. “Mrs. Wilkes is a proven leader and administrator, and very passionate about the workforce development mission of the college.”

Wilkes will serve in her new role until a provost is named to serve the college that will result from the merger of East Central Tech and Valdosta Technical College. The appointed provost will then serve as interim president of East Central Tech until the colleges are officially merged on July 1, 2010.

“The college will definitely benefit from having Mrs. Wilkes as its leader,” said Dr. Ray Perren, president of Valdosta Technical College. “Over the past 12 years, Mrs. Wilkes’s efforts in economic development have created and nurtured strong business and community partnerships, not only in Atkinson, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin, and Wilcox counties, but across the state,” said Perren. Perren will become the president of the newly merged institution.

Wilkes has served as vice president for economic development at East Central Tech since March 1997. Wilkes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Brewton-Parker College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia College and State University. Wilkes serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for Douglas/Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Coffee County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors.   

New teen drivers have to meet additional training requirements before they get behind the wheel now that the 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 driver’s 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.

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.

MONDAY/WEDNESDAY CLASS
Sept. 2, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 and Oct. 5 & 7
4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

TUESDAY/THURSDAY CLASS:
Sept. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and Oct. 1
4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY CLASS:
August 29, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, and October 3
8:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.

LOCATION: East Central Technical College-Coffee Campus, 706 West Baker Highway, Douglas. 

Atlanta - The Technical College System of Georgia set a new record high in annual enrollment in Fiscal Year 2009, growing by 7% over the previous year.

The TCSG enrolled 156,271 students in the year that ended June 30, an increase of 10,281 students.

Almost 60% of that increase was among students ages 26 and above, a reflection that many of the new students are laid-off or under-employed workers who are turning to the TCSG’s affordable programs to learn new skills that are still in demand despite the downturn in the economy.

“The enrollment increase at our TCSG colleges has been phenomenal,” said Commissioner Ron Jackson. “Students of all ages are seeing the excellent value in a TCSG education and, more important, they know that our colleges produce that kind of results that lead to good careers and rewarding jobs, even in this tough economy.”

The strong upward trend in enrollment has continued into the new Fiscal Year 2010 with the just-started summer quarter, which is showing a 16% enrollment increase over the same time last year. With 18 of the 28 TCSG colleges reporting summer increases of more than 20%, this is certain to be the TCSG’s largest summer quarter ever. “East Central Tech”, according to Interim President E.J. Harris, “is experiencing its largest summer enrollment in the history of the college up 35 to 40 percent. This is also the second largest enrollment ever. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our citizens.”

More than one-third of the system’s enrollment in FY09 was in degree, diploma and certificate of credit programs in the healthcare technology fields. The system reached an all-time high of 56,047 healthcare students who are studying and getting hands-on experience in popular programs like practical nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, pharmacy technology, surgical technology and healthcare assistant.

The TCSG’s online college, the Georgia Virtual Technical College, also had a record year, enrolling 58,472 students in online courses in FY09, which was 22% more than in FY08.

TCSG students enjoy easy access to college courses - which, depending on the program, can be completed in between six months and two years – along with high job placement rates. Just as important, the combined tuition and fees, which averages $2,052 annually, is among the lowest in the southeast.

Better still, the actual out-of-pocket expense for a TCSG student is usually much less, since Georgia’s HOPE grant and the federal Pell grant will pay for a large portion of a TCSG education.

TCSG colleges offer more than 600 programs that lead to certificates of credit, diplomas and associate degrees.   

1. What IS literacy? "An individual's ability to read, to write, and to speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual, and in society."
2. The importance of a literate Georgia. Many high wage occupations require workers to have good analytical and interactive skills base and require workers to think critically and be able to solve problems.
3. Technical College System of Georgia Adult Education Programs. These programs provide individualized educational plans designed to assist those with less than adequate communication, mathematic, and literacy skills including speakers of languages other than English, and provide residents the ability to earn the GED diploma and pursue post secondary educational opportunities.
4. Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP). CLCP was created in 1990 by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Georgia Council on Adult Literacy (GCAL). CLCP is a non-profit collaborative to promote, support, and enhance community literacy efforts locally. Communities analyze community needs, create awareness of the needs, ensure that learning opportunities are offered, and evaluate progress so that the majority of citizens needing to improve their skills do so within ten years. A network is formed to coordinate business, church, volunteer, social service, local government and schools, media, and other efforts in the community to reach, influence, and support those who want to improve their education.

Mrs. Stepherson added there are 60 CLCPs encompassing 74 counties and 2 cities in Georgia. Those 60 programs are made up of 38 CLCP Participants (first level of certification) and 22 Certified Literate Communities (second level of certification). Every community exceeded their goal and most did it in less than ten years.

CLCPs have provided the funding to build adult learning centers, they address transportation and child care needs, provide materials, equipment, tutors, additional class locations, and GED scholarships. CLCPs also work with students in high school to prevent drop-outs; promote adult literacy services; recruit and retain adult literacy students in the classes; and provide a support system to students and literacy providers alike. Communities with CLCPs have witnessed more workplace programs as well as higher enrollment, higher retention rates, and provided more graduation ceremonies for adult education students.

CLCPs collaborate with communities on enhancing economic development, workplace skills, and parental involvement in areas of assisting children with homework. CLCPs also assist community citizens with help on understanding and following prescription medicine directions for themselves and their children. Why is CLCP important for your community? CLCP promotes lifelong learning and the ability to acquire a new skill at any point in life.    

Students enrolled in the night Practical Nursing program on the Coffee Campus were privileged to have Jeffery Fountain as a guest speaker for their class. Mr. Fountain is employed at the Coffee County Health Department in Douglas with eight years of experience as the Environmental Compliance Specialist. Topics of the presentation included criteria required of businesses preparing and serving food to the public. He also shared information with students on the process of inspecting wells for contamination. Mr. Fountain discussed the dangers of Salmonella and ways to assure food items are prepared at the correct temperatures to avoid contamination.

During the course of the Practical Nursing program, students study nutrition and proper diets and the important role they play in the care and recovery of patients. The information Mr. Fountain shared with students related directly to the information covered in their program.

The night Practical Nursing instructor at East Central Technical College is Mrs. Melanie Outlaw, RN. Anyone who is interested in attending the PN program or who would like more information on courses available may contact the admissions office at the Coffee Campus at 912-389-4300 or the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus at 229-468-2040.  

Students enrolled in the night program for Practical Nursing on the Coffee Campus were privileged to have State Representative Chuck Sims as a guest speaker for their class. Sims Funeral Home has been an integral part of the community for many years and Rep. Sims’ experience in this area greatly enhanced his presentation to students in the program.

Rep. Sims shared information with students regarding topics such as the death and dying process, disease processes, and protocol for preparation and burial. As part of their program curriculum, students study disease processes, death and dying, and coping skills. The information Rep. Sims was able to share allowed them to relate relevant information to the topics they are currently studying and to better understand this area of their coursework. The opportunity for students to discuss and ask questions during the presentation provided students with an excellent opportunity to learn more about the process from someone with vast experience in the field.

The instructor for the Practical Nursing evening program on the Coffee Campus is Melanie Outlaw, RN. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Practical Nurse and would like to attend the evening program, contact the admissions office at the Coffee Campus at 912-389-4300 or the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus at 229-468-2040.  

East Central Technical College’s Pearson Adult Learning Center completed Spring Quarter classes on June 11, 2009. Students enjoyed an end of quarter celebration and were recognized for completing at least one level during the quarter or for making progress during the quarter. Each student received a certificate for his/her accomplishment.

GED classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:30-8:30 pm. If you are interested in attending GED classes, please contact Brianna Gillis at the center located at 201 North Pearson Street or call 422-7004.  

East Central Technical College will offer a continuing education class on CPR and First Aid on Friday, July 31, 2009.

The course is certified by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). The classes will be as follows: CPR will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. First Aid will be from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 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 27, 2009. For more information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Practical Nursing students enrolled in the night program at East Central Technical College, Coffee Campus, were privileged to have an excellent guest speaker in their class recently. Ms. Delice Woods , an employee of Coffee Regional Medical Center, was the guest speaker for students currently taking medical surgical courses at East Central Tech. Mrs. Woods has experience in nursing with oncology and emergency care and was able to share her knowledge with the students about these areas.

Students were inspired by her knowledge and enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about cancer and the treatment of this disease. Having a speaker with experience in the subject of cancer and emergency care provided students with an excellent opportunity to relate current disease information to their classroom and clinical experience.

Ms. Melanie Outlaw provides instruction in the Practical Nursing program for students enrolled in the night program on the Coffee Campus. If you are interested in learning more about the training opportunities offered through the Practical Nursing program, please contact the admissions office at the Coffee Campus at 912-389-4300 or the Ben Hill-Irwin Campus at 229-468-2040.  

Three members of East Central Technical College’s SkillsUSA recently traveled to Kansas City, Missouri to compete at the SkillsUSA National Championships June 22 – 27, 2009. East Central Technical College won gold in Telecommunications Cabling and bronze in Computer Maintenance Tech at the Postsecondary Level.

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 5,400 outstanding career and technical education students joined in the excitement of hands on competition in ninety one 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 by parliamentary procedures.

Winning Bronze in Computer Maintenance Tech was Johnny Deese a student in the Computer Support Specialist Degree Program. Casey Thompson, CIS instructor served as his advisor. Computer Maintenance Technology contestants are required to identify and repair computer hardware malfunctions, solve configuration problems, and install common components. In addition, the contestants take the A+ Certification exam. Their score on this exam is used as the basis for the written portion of the contest, and contestants who pass the exam receive their A+ Certification.

Edd Jones, a Telecommunications student, won the Gold medal in Telecommunications Cabling. Lee Renfroe, Telecommunications Instructor served as Dwain’s advisor. Telecommunications Cabling is 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.

Also competing at the National Championships was: Robert Beard – Sheet Metal – Instructor, Scott Watson.

East Central Technical College is proud of the accomplishments of these students. Also attending were Connie Coffey, VP of Student Affairs, Jim Schwindle, VP of Academic Affairs, Sherry Veal, Director of Retention and Lisa Howell, SkillsUSA Advisor.  

A Governor’s Commendation comes to one of East Central Tech’s finest. Ms. Susan Ranson, Career Transition Facilitator, at East Central has been honored by Governor Sonny Perdue for Excellence in Customer Service. This is a significant honor which speaks highly of the recipient’s accomplishments. Susan, along with her guests, supervisors, and agency leadership are invited to a ceremony held at 9 a.m. in the Floyd Room in the Floyd Building West Tower in Atlanta on Thursday, July 23rd.

Ms. Ranson is responsible for Job Placement and follow-up, including cultivating, posting, and job reporting opportunities and subsequent employment action involving students. She also assists with job search skills development, job search counseling, and resume writing, job skills workshops and mock interviews.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Pensacola Christian College. She also holds a diploma in Business and Office Technology from East Central Tech. Susan has one daughter, Andrea, a son-in-law, Bruce, and two lovely grandchildren age 10 and 12 which they adopted from the Ukraine. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Douglas where she also sings in the choir.

Her hobbies include painting, sewing, refinishing furniture, reading, and swimming. Interim President at East Central Tech, Mr. E.J. Harris, praised the selection and added, “Susan is one of the most dedicated employees at East Central. That is not just my opinion, but she has the respect of all of our employees. Helping students find jobs is very important to her and her follow-up skills are something we should all strive for in our daily lives.”  

The auditorium was packed, the excitement was high and what a life changing day it was. According to Interim President E.J. Harris, “What a great day Friday turned out to be at East Central Tech with the college recognizing 76 individuals who completed requirements for a high school diploma. More than 550 family and friends joined the College to celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates. It was certainly a great way for me to celebrate my first anniversary with East Central. The ceremony was, without a doubt, the best I have ever participated in and to have the Technical College System of Georgia Board Chair, Mr. Carl E. Swearingen, speak was the ‘icing on the graduation cake’.”

Under the leadership of Vice President of Adult Education, Lisa Tomberlin, the Adult Education enrollment has increased 25% over the last year. East Central Tech is also number one in the state of Georgia for level completions FY09.

Mr. Steve Gibbons, treasurer for the Fitzgerald Rotary Club, made a special presentation of four scholarships to be used for testing fees. Mr. Gibbons also provided music for the event. .  

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.

Michelle Smith Lank, a student in the Early Childhood Care and Education Program at Swainsboro Technical College, was selected as the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2009 student of the year. According to TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, “Choosing the ‘best-of-the-best’ from across Georgia’s 146,000 technical college students was not easy because these men and women have accomplished so much in their classrooms and have set such high marks for their future careers.”

This year’s event marks the 38th for the GOAL Program and first runner-up is the highest rating ever for East Central Tech and the history of the college. Interim President E.J. Harris, who attended the event says, “We are so proud of Traci. She is a dynamic representative of technical education in every way.”    

Mr. Carl Swearingen, the State Board Chair of the Technical College System of Georgia, will be the guest speaker. East Central Tech’s Interim President E.J. Harris added, “Mr. Swearingen has lead our state board with enthusiasm and persistence that has shown his commitment for training to the citizens of Georgia. He has been very instrumental in getting more money and scholarships for the GED Program.”

Vice President Tomberlin added, “If anyone would like more information on the GED Program, they may call Julia Ray at 229-423-8200 or Linda Williams at 912-389-0053. Classes are flexible to meet anyone’s schedule.”   

Seated (L-R): Tracie Blue - Southwest Georgia Tech Winner, Carolyn Hammack - Valdosta Tech Winner, Tanya Jones Farrow – South Georgia Tech Winner, Bridgett Morris – Albany Tech Winner, Traci Faison – East Central Tech Winner, Kimberly Hancock – Moultrie Tech Winner. Standing (L-R): Dr. Glenn Deibert, Southwest Georgia Tech President, Roger Pierce – Bainbridge College Winner, Sparky Reeves, South Georgia Technical College President, Dr. Anthony Parker, Albany Tech President, E. J. Harris, East Central Tech Interim President, and Dr. Tina Anderson, Moultrie Tech President

Traci Faison, East Central Technical College’s 2009 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, has advanced to the state level of competition as one of two representatives of the Southwest Georgia Consortium of the Technical College System of Georgia, according to East Central Tech GOAL coordinator Mona Paulk. Twelve finalists from around the state will compete in Atlanta May 20–22. "The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Paulk.

Ms. Faison is a Practical Nursing student at East Central Tech. “The GOAL program at Georgia’s technical colleges is an excellent way of selecting the ‘Best of the Best’. We are extremely proud to have East Central’s nominee in the Top 12 in the state. She brings professionalism, poise and ability to a very competitive event.” stated ECTC Interim President, E. J. Harris.  

East Central Tech, in partnership with USDA, held a Community and Resource Fair entitled, “Help and Answers for Tough Times” on Wednesday, April 29th. The purpose of the event was to put those who need services in front of those agencies who could help. In all over 25 agencies participated. Agencies such as USDA, ECTC, DFACS, banks, hospitals, labor agencies, and others were on hand to explain services and give available handouts.

Thirty-minute programs were held throughout the day with timely information available. Lunch was served and sponsored by East Central Tech’s Student Government Association. The event was the brainchild of Evette Mills of USDA and Dr. Bonnie Kelly of East Central Tech. Mrs. Mills stated, “We were very pleased with the fair and we know many were helped with good information and the caring attitude of those participating.”

Interim President E.J. Harris added, “It was a real pleasure to be part of an effort such as this. It also gave us an opportunity to talk with other government agencies to see if there were other ways we could combine our resources to help the citizens of the area.”

Dr. Kelly and Mrs. Mills expressed their appreciation to all who attended and to all those who participated with exhibits, handouts, and information. The event was declared a success and other avenues of help are now being pursued.    

Pictured (L-R): Johnny Deese, Julie Dopson-Swackhammer, Ruben Deltoro, Nicole Harper, Melisha Wheeles, Scarlett Brantley. Back row L – R: Lisa Howell – advisor, Ashley Spell, Lance Cain, Robert Beard, Kyle Hardeman, Edd Jones, Sarah Crews, Traci Faison, Natasha Jackson.

Members of East Central Technical College’s SkillsUSA chapter traveled to Augusta Technical College in Augusta, GA April 17-19, 2009 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 Crime Scene Investigation, Health Knowledge Bowl and Extemporaneous Speaking.

Students winning first place will be attending the 2009 SkillsUSA National Championships June 22 – 27 in Kansas City, Missouri. First place medals were awarded to (instructors’ names in parentheses): Johnny Deese, Computer Maintenance Tech (Casey Thompson); Robert Beard, Sheet Metal (Scott Watson); Telecommunications Cabling (Donald During). Second place medals were awarded to Scarlet Brantley, Ruben Deltoro, and Julie Dopson-Swackhammer for Crime Scene Investigation Team (Sonja McCulloch); Placing third were Sarah Crews,Traci Faison, Natasha Jackson, and Melisha Wheeles for Health Knowledge Bowl Team (Deidra Floyd and Janna Phillips); Nicole Harper, Medical Math (Kellie Lockwood); Telecommunications Cabling (Donald During and Scott Morris).

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.  

Pictured (L-R):Sam Jones, Georgia Press Association; Lavonia Stepherson, East Central Regional CLCP; Barbara Moushan, Columbus/Muscogee County CLCP; Wayne Minshew, Calhoun-Gordon CLCP; Betty Candler, Haralson County CLCP, Emily Gunnells, Hart County CLCP; Freida Hill, Deputy Commissioner of Technical College System of Georgia.

The Georgia Press Association annually recognizes outstanding Certified Literacy Community Program Executive Directors with The Georgia Press Association Award for Excellence in a CLCP. Mrs. Lavonia Stepherson, Executive Director of East Central Regional CLCP was nominated by her region in December 2008. During the CLCP Annual Retreat at Callaway Gardens on March 19, 2009, Mrs. Stepherson was presented with a plaque and a check for $200 for her dedication towards the literacy efforts in our regional CLCP. With her passion for education and our communities, East Central Regional CLCP will make its goal of becoming a Certified Literate Community. 

Interim President E.J. Harris said, “This is the largest Spring Quarter enrollment in the history of the college. We are excited that we have the programs and the facilities these students need to succeed.”

The employees at East Central wear many hats. Whether you are an instructor or a staff member, recruitment falls as a responsibility of everyone. A detailed advertising plan is designed every quarter by the Marketing Team. Admissions is one of the busiest locations on campus. Career specialists help students in selecting the right programs that fit their desires and abilities. Job Placement is always helping students find jobs and helping them with resumes and interviews. The ECTC Foundation is in place to help financially, should students need help.

East Central Tech instructors are the best anywhere. Many come from industry knowing the needs, responsibilities and work ethics desired by area employees. The economic developers at the college work closely with area industries to help with contract training or any other support they can offer. The secretaries are the backbone of the college that keeps the wheels rolling. Maintenance is a behind the scene team that makes everyone else’s work look smooth. The Leadership Team is a group of seasoned professionals who takes the lead in all areas of the college. According to Interim President E.J. Harris, “The employees at East Central Tech are truly a family that works hard, plays hard, and always puts the students first.”

With quality instructors, caring staff and learning-friendly facilities, the future of technical education in Georgia is brighter than ever.   

Five area human resources professionals recently completed the SHRM (Society for Human resource Management) course at East Central Tech in Douglas. Those successfully completing the course were: Daryus O. Campbell, HR Manager for Premium Waters, Inc., Tanya Rogers, Human Resources Manager for Wayne Farms LLC, Deborah G. Smith, Director of Human Resources for East Central Technical College, Cindy Farmer, HR Manager with Marvair Division of Airxcel, Inc. in Cordele, and Chris Tanner, with Satilla EMC in Alma.

This is the first time the SHRM course has been offered in the Douglas Area. With the co-sponsorship from the Douglas Area Employer Committee, area HR professionals were provided with local access to a training opportunity only held in larger cities.

Scott Smith, Chairperson of the Employer Committee stated, “On behalf of the Douglas Area Employer Committee, I congratulate each participant for completing the SHRM certification course. HR certification is a career-long commitment that proves to your peers and your company that you are driven to be successful in HR management. The Employer Committee is thankful to ECTC for their partnership with us to bring this caliber of HR certification to the Douglas area.”

The twelve-week course was to prepare participants for certification preparation and also as a professional development tool that offers the most up-to-date HR content aligned with the HR Certification Institute Body of Knowledge. This program was designed to meet the demands of customers and instructors and is updated to reflect legislative changes and new HR developments.

After completing this course, this group may site for exam to become certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) or a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®). Mr. Ronnie A. Cooper, was the instructor for the course. He is the HR Generalist/Employee Relations Specialist at SAFT America, Inc. in Valdosta, Georgia.

For more information on other professional and trade certification programs, Lidell Greenway at (912) 389-4303 ext. or email at lgreenway@eastcentraltech.edu.    

East Central Technical College’s Pearson Adult Learning Center completed Winter Quarter classes on March 19, 2009. Students enjoyed an end of quarter celebration and were recognized for completing at least one level during the quarter or for making progress during the quarter. Each student received a certificate for his/her accomplishment.

If you are interested in attending GED classes, please contact Brianna Gillis at the center located at 201 North Pearson Street or call 422-7004. Day classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and night classes are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Day Class: Front Row - Maria Chamorro, Rebeca Mendoza, Bridgett Moore, Timothy Colson, Back Row - Allen Branch, Dannie Ryan, Christopher Davis, Kameron Cason, and Ellick Floyd Jr.

Night Class: Front Row - Maria Chamorro, Ernestina Fraide, Carmen Mendoza, Rebeca Mendoza, Back Row - John Carver, Dannie Ryan, and Alberto Vasquez    

East Central Technical College’s Fitzgerald Adult Learning Center completed Fall Quarter classes on March 19, 2009. Students enjoyed an end of quarter celebration and were recognized for completing at least one level during the quarter. Each student received a certificate for his/her accomplishment.

If you are interested in attending GED classes, please contact Julia Ray at the center located at 115 East Pine Street or call 423-8200. Both day and night classes are available.

All students pictured are from Fitzgerald: 1st Row: Troy Rowe, Xavier Horne, Joshua Coffee, Christopher Baker. 2nd Row: Katie Lezotte, Angela Gray, Angela Ring, Kimberly James, Linda Bryant, Lisa Hutchinson, Peggy Williams. 3rd Row: Derrick Frazier, Vincent Hodgson, Jo-el Dixon, Sharon Williams, Cynthia Vickers, Barbra Evers, Karen Baker, Kristie Johns.    

East Central Technical College’s Adult Education Basic Skills Instructor Ms. Patricia McClish would like to congratulate the following students on moving a level in the Basic Skills class. Pictured above are Shirley Jackson, Pat McClish, Jeanette Williams, and Selena Blankenship. If you are interested in attending Adult Education classes, please call 912-389-0053 or come by 706 West Baker Highway, Douglas, Georgia to register for classes.    

East Central Technical College’s Coffee County Adult Education would like to congratulate the following level completers for Winter Quarter 2009. Front Row: Joey Bryson, Matt Floyd, Autherine Robinson, Chris Brewer, Beverly Perez, Deysi Cassarrubias, Mayra Najarro. Back Row: Raymond Massey, Jim Hiebert, Brandon Minix, Eric Smith, Tammy Bass, Desondro Temple, Alma Bolanos, Sharon McLaughlin (adjunct GED instructor) and Sarai Fraide. If you are interested in attending Adult Education classes, please call 912-389-0053 or come by 706 West Baker Highway, Douglas, Georgia to register for classes.    

Over 70 current periodicals are stocked either weekly or monthly and leading newspapers are always available. Interim President E.J. Harris added, “The library has proven itself to be a valuable resource for our college. It is essential for accreditation and we want our students to have all the tools they need for success.”

Plans are now in progress to establish a library on the Coffee Campus in the very near future. The library hours are 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until noon on Friday.   

Perren will begin the president’s job on June 1 after the retirement of Dr. F.D. Toth, who has been the interim president of Valdosta Technical College since December 2007.

Perren is currently the TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Technical Education, a position that he has held since June 2008. His responsibilities include the coordination and management of all technical education curricula and programs for Georgia’s 33 technical colleges as well as all TCSG online instruction, student services, accreditation activities and high school dual enrollment programs.

Perren was the president of East Central Technical College in Fitzgerald from February 2006 until June 2008. His previous jobs have included dean of academic affairs for DeVry University’s Atlanta campuses and superintendent of the Paulding County School System.

“Dr. Perren will be an outstanding leader for Valdosta Technical College,” said Jackson. “He knows the area quite well and understands the vital role that the college and technical education have in building the workforce for business and industry in the region and throughout all of Georgia. He’s a career educator and a gifted administrator whose focus will always be on doing what’s best for the college, its faculty and staff, and most important, its students.”

Perren will also have the responsibility of guiding the TCSG plan to merge the administrations of Valdosta Technical College and East Central Technical College in July 2010.

Perren’s career in education began in 1980 as a teacher in the Paulding County, Ga., school system. He rose through a succession of positions that included elementary and middle school principal, curriculum director and assistant superintendent. In 1996 he was appointed as the superintendent of schools by the Paulding County Board of Education and managed a $75 million annual budget for 15,000 students and 1,700 employees.

Perren became the dean of academic affairs at DeVry University in 2000 where he oversaw the instructional programs and academic operations for 5,200 graduate and undergraduate students at DeVry’s two Georgia campuses and seven other DeVry centers in Atlanta and North Carolina.

Perren graduated from the University of Georgia in 1979 with a bachelor of science in education. He has master of education and specialist in education degrees from West Georgia College and a doctor of strategic leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.

He and his wife, Joy, have six children.    

Pictured (L-R): Rusty Fender, Brandy Wilkes, Mona Paulk, EJ Harris, Lee Busbin,
and Chad Odum

Fender Chevrolet of Douglas recently made a donation to the Automotive Technology Program at East Central Technical College. The front wheel drive transmission was a needed teaching tool at the college. Interim President E.J. Harris said, “We realize that this is an expensive piece of equipment which will allow us to use our budgeted dollars in other areas. Fender Chevrolet and East Central Tech have partnered together to offer the very best training to automobile technicians in this area. I want to thank this dealership for their support of our college and for their commitment of excellence for their community.”    

After getting her GED she was employed by Hampton Inn and also served as a substitute teacher. Then Mrs. Williams decided to go back to East Central Tech. She was undecided as to what to take. She was interested in Criminal Justice, Banking and Finance, and Business Office Technology. BOT was her choice and she graduated in September of 2003.

Mrs. Williams has recently been employed by East Central Tech as an Adult Education Assistant. She says she loves her job.

She and her husband Freddie have six children. They are: Eddie, Freddie, Brittany, Demarkus, LeeToria, and Reginald. She enjoys church work and is the Assistant Pastor at the Bethel Temple church of God in Christ. Mrs. Williams says, “I enjoy being an example for my children, telling them that if I can get the education I want, they can too.”

According to E.J. Harris, Interim President at East Central Tech,” When we hear of success stories like that of Mrs. Williams, we all enjoy a sense of pride in what East Central Tech is doing to change lives. After getting her GED and graduating from the BOT Program, Mrs. Williams has shown that determination and persistence can make your dreams come true.”

The Georgia WorkReady consists of three parts: Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information. Assessments using the three subject areas are available free of charge at the state’s Technical Colleges to all residents of Georgia.

Earning the Georgia Work Ready Certificate enhances employability by indicating skill and knowledge levels to potential employers. The certificate shows job applicants have the portable skills — reasoning, reading and basic math — to serve as a foundation for training. It also tells employers that they are ready, willing and able to work and learn.

Certificate holders have an advantage when applying for jobs, a complement to a diploma and resume. For employees already on the job, a certificate can demonstrate skills needed for a promotion or for training that leads to greater productivity and effectiveness. The Georgia Work Ready Certificate is available to all Georgians at no cost.

To pre-register or get more information about this course, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu or Lidell Greenway at 229-468-2240 or lgreenway@eastcentraltech.edu.   

Pictured (L-R): Mona Paulk, E. J. Harris, and Warren Manley

Dorminy Medical Center and East Central Tech are two local community agencies who often work very closely together. Recently Hospital Administrator Warren Manley was contacted by Mona Paulk, Director of Institutional Advancement about a need of two hospital beds to help the college’s Nursing Program. Within a few days Mr. Manley responded. According to Mr. Manley, “Healthcare for our communities is so important. We’re doing all we can to upgrade our hospital and we feel that helping the Nursing Program at East Central will be a wonderful way to keep our area supplied with professional and caring nurses.”

Mr. E.J. Harris, Interim President at East Central Tech added, “The timing of this donation could not have come at a better time. This will help us in many ways to fund other needs at the college. I personally want to thank Mr. Manley and his staff for taking time to put this gift together. It shows that we can work together for the good of all our citizens.”    

Presented with certificates for published works are (L-R): 1st row—Holly Breyfogle, Pete Skaggs, Janie Whitman, Erin Perry, Mattie Courdle, Valerie Gee, Adam Robinson, Tracey Cox, and Shabiha Saiyed. 2nd row—Chris Moore, Thomas Manus, Yolanda Shabazz, Ben Miss, Stacey Long, James Garcia, Brian Brown, Casey Thompson, and Kevin Tasson

On March 17, East Central Technical College hosted a “Write Night” celebration to honor all students whose works were accepted for its second annual literary journal publication: The Wiregrass Reader: Rural Voices from Home.

Hundreds of submissions were received from writers, which included ECTC students, high school students, and citizens within the five-county service area. The 40 published pieces were carefully chosen by teachers involved with the Blackwater Writing Project at Valdosta State University. The genres include poetry, personal narratives, comparison/contrast essays, and argumentative essays.

Besides honoring all published students with certificates sponsored by the ECTC Foundation, ECTC also recognized four students with an exceptional work in each genre by awarding them with a plaque. The 2009 winners are Yolanda Shabazz for poetry, Thomas Manus for personal narrative, Shabiha Saiyed for argumentative essay, and Clare Gasque for comparison/contrast. Over 50 students and their family members attended, and several of the students read their works for the delighted crowd.

Refreshments were served afterwards and were sponsored by the ECTC Student Government Association. The journal is available at the ECTC bookstore for only $2. ECTC English instructors Jana Williams and Michael Williams plan to continue the literary journal project each year and welcome submissions from the community. The deadline for next year’s journal will be January 2010.

For more information, contact Jana Williams at 229-468-2092.   

The announcement was made at the college’s GOAL recognition meeting on March 2 at the Fitzgerald and Ocilla Rotary Club joint meeting in the Charles Harris Learning Center at the college.

Faison was chosen by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees for the award. The runners-up were Sarah Crews, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, John Morrison, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Coffee County, and Dana White, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 33 technical colleges as well as the four Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

The announcement of Faison as the ECTC GOAL winner was made by E. J. Harris, interim president.

Faison will now proceed to consortia preliminary judging. If chosen as one of the 12 finalists, two from each consortium, then Faison will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta in May where, for two-days, she will compete with GOAL finalists from the other state technical college campuses. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the state’s 2009 GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion.

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.

Spring quarter begins March 31. ECTC admissions staff are 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.  

The class will be a five-day session which will give the required 30 hours of classroom training. Once the 30 hours of classroom training is complete, drivers will be scheduled for their 6 hours of individual driving time.

New teen drivers have to meet additional training requirements before they get behind the wheel with the Georgia law (Joshua’s Law) 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.

Classes are $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.    

Mr. Croley was born and raised in Fitzgerald and graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1967. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1971, with honor, having obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

After engineering for several years, Mr. Croley entered the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1977 with a Juris Doctorate Degree. He has practiced law in Fitzgerald since 1977.

Mr. Croley’s practice is limited to civil, non-domestic litigation and local government law. His firm represents over 20 governmental entities throughout South Georgia, and Mr. Croley practices civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout the state.

Mr. Croley is Chairman of the Board of CBC Holding Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Community Banking Company of Fitzgerald, and is also a board member of the Wilcox County State Bank. Mr. Croley also serves on the Board of the Ben Hill Education Foundation, Inc. and the Dorminy Medical Center Foundation.

Mr. Croley holds numerous certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration, including a multi-engine airline transport pilot’s license, often called the Ph.D. of aviation.

Mr. Croley is married to the former Margaret Dunn of Fitzgerald. The Croleys have two children, Cathy Boggus of Lee County, and John T. Croley, III, age 12, who resides in Fitzgerald with his parents. The Croleys attend the First Presbyterian Church if Fitzgerald, where Mr. Croley serves as an elder.

Mr. Croley’s hobbies include flying, particularly aerobatics, and coaching youth sports.

Everyone is invited to the Spring Graduation Ceremony to be held at East Central on Friday, March 20th at 10 a.m.    

Pictured (L-R): Sara Crews, Traci Faison, John Morrison, and Dana White.

Four East Central Tech students have been selected as the college’s semi-finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Mona Paulk, coordinator for the ECTC GOAL program.

Chosen as semifinalists are: Sarah Crews, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Traci Faison, a Practical Nursing major from Ben Hill County, John Morrison, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Coffee County, and Dana White, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 33 technical colleges as well as the four Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

All the college GOAL winners will compete in consortia preliminary judging, which will include students from the other 32 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia as well as the four Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions. Twelve finalists from consortia preliminary judging (two from each consortium) will attend the state GOAL competition in Atlanta during GOAL Week, May 20-22, 2009.

GOAL winners from each campus will compete in consortia preliminary judging in March and April and two finalists from each consortium, 12 finalists, will come to Atlanta to compete at the state-level in May and one will be named as the statewide GOAL winner.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Paulk.

According to Paulk, a screening committee of administrators at ECTC selected the four semifinalists from a list of students nominated by their instructors.

"The next step is for a panel of business, civic and industry leaders from the community to interview and evaluate these four students and select one to be the college’s 2009 GOAL winner," explained Paulk. “The one judged most outstanding will compete in Southwest Georgia consortium preliminary judging. Two finalists from Southwest Georgia consortium will attend the state GOAL competition in Atlanta and vie to be named as the 2009 statewide GOAL winner.”

The state GOAL winner becomes the student ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia.

According to Interim President, E. J. Harris, “We consider all of our students winners because they have set their goals and dreams high. These four students have taken that next step on their way to a rewarding career. We salute them on a job well done.”   

Vice Presidents Brandy Wilkes and Mike Harden met with state wide engineers last week to start the bid process. It is hoped that the bids will be released by the end of March and a contractor can be selected by the end of April. The college is hopeful that the track can be completed in time for Summer Quarter students.

Vice President Brandy Wilkes adds, “This has truly been a community partnership. First with the donation of the land for the site and the very crucial in-kind work added by the city and the county.” Commenting further, Mrs. Wilkes added, “We owe a great deal to Representative Chuck Sims and Senator Greg Goggans, for without their help, we could still be waiting.”

Chamber Executive Director JoAnne Lewis stated, “We are always trying to grow our community and provide new and good paying jobs for our citizens. This range and the training offered there will provide a variety of opportunities for our citizens.”

The Commercial Truck Drivers License Program opened on January 31, 2007. Since that time the program has been very successful and enrollment has been excellent.   

The East Central Technical College Board was sworn in at their February Board Meeting on Wednesday the 25th. Judge Bobby Chasteen was in charge of the ceremony. Board members left to right include: Randy Crenshaw, Lon Gillis-Chairman, Terrell Jacobs, Hal Wiley, Shirley Brooks, James Lee, Wyndi Damato, and Clifford Pope-Vice Chairman. Interim President E.J. Harris said he was very blessed to be working with such a professional and caring group of community servants.”    

Pictured (L-R): Sharon McLaughlin of Douglas, Instructor; Autherine Robinson of Douglas, EAGLE Delegate; Lisa Tomberlin of Fitzgerald, Vice President for Adult Education.

Autherine Robinson of Douglas, represented ECTC Adult Education Program at the 2009 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute in Atlanta on February 11-13, 2009. Accompanying Ms. Robinson was her instructor, Mrs. Sharon McLaughlin, and Mrs. Lisa Tomberlin, vice president for Adult Education. During her trip to Atlanta, Ms. Robinson enjoyed a trip to the Georgia Aquarium.

Ms. Robinson was nominated by her instructor because of her dedication to education and encouragement to other students to pursue their dreams of completing their education. She states, “I always wanted to finish school, but because I had to work, I could not go. So, this is my chance!”

Ms. Robinson will serve as an ambassador for adult education by spreading the word that adult education centers are located throughout the state of Georgia to promote lifelong learning whether it is providing help in getting a GED, help in reading, or help in learning the English language. EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. If you are interested in attending adult education classes, please call 912-389-0053 or 229-423-8200, where we build futures, one student at a time.    

Pictured (L-R): Mrs. Diana De Los Santos - Instructor Assistant, Martin Diaz, Ricardo Lopez, Antonio Melchor, Carolina Chavez, Jesus Corona, Amador Andrade, Felipe Gomez, Jessica Ruiz, Mrs. Renee Elliott - Instructor, Ms. Vicky Ledbetter - Instructor, Mrs. Laverne Giddens - Circulation Clerk

On Thursday, January 29, 2009, East Central Technical College's Pearson Adult Learning Center's ESL (English as a Second Language) and EL/Civics class enjoyed a field trip to the Pearson Public Library. The group learned about the many excellent resources the library has to offer such as book and movie check-outs, internet accessible computers, and children's story hour. All you need to be able to take advantage of these resources is a library card, which many of the students participating in the field trip obtained. The Pearson Public Library is located at 56 Bullard Avenue East. If you are interested in English classes, please visit Pearson Adult Learning Center at 201 Pearson Street in Pearson, Georgia.   

City of Douglas employees who earned the Computer Applications Specialist technical certificate are: 1st row(L-R) Heather Butler, Ivalene Clark, Sherry Burch, Instructor Dawn Tarrant, Carolyn Waldroup, Glenda English, Joann Robinson, and Mary Lou Gillespie. 2nd row (L-R): ECTC President E.J. Harris, ECTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Jim Schwindle, Landy Carter Gomez, Lawrence White, Tammy Wilkerson, City Commissioner Johnnie Lee Roper, Ronnie Bullock, Richard Jones, Gloria Ricketson, John Morrison, Randall Parker, Randy Dobbs, Stanley Merritt, Larry Douglas, and City of Douglas City Manager Terrell Jacobs. Not pictured are Dale Merritt, Ken Floyd, and Jerald Guthrie.

In less than one year, the City of Douglas has strengthened its work force and advanced technologically by providing employees the opportunity to further their education. Two groups of employees did just that and are now graduates from the Computer Applications Specialist program at East Central Technical College. By allowing the city employees to take college classes two days a week from 8 a.m.-12 noon, the employees finished their certificate in less than a year. The employees began taking class in January and took the four classes in 5-week segments.

The short investment of the city will reap many benefits for years to come. With a more trained workforce, productivity will increase with the understanding of technology. By taking advantage of the HOPE grant, tuition and fees were paid for by HOPE.

The second class of graduates of the certificate program are Ronnie Bullock, Sherry Burch, Heather Butler, Landy Carter Gomez, Ivalene Clark, Harris Dobbs, Larry Douglas, Glenda English, Kenneth Floyd, Mary Lou Gillespie, Jerald Guthrie, Richard Jones, Dale Merritt, Stanley Merritt, John Morrison, Randall Parker, Gloria Ricketson, Joann Robinson, Carolyn Waldroup, Lawrence White, and Tammy Wilkerson.

For more information about the Computer Applications Specialist program at ECTC, please contact the ECTC admissions office at (912) 389-4303 or email info@eastcentraltech.edu. Spring quarter begins March 31.    

Certified Literate Community Program

Workplace literacy programs help employees enhance skills to be successful on the job, at home, and in the community. These programs integrate basic education skills and job skills based on what employees need to do to be successful and safe at work. Workplace literacy programs respond to the demands of the workplace because employees use their new skills right away. Basic education helps workers build for the future, giving them the tools they need so that they are successfully learning new job skills. Individuals develop and grow in their jobs. Workplaces increase productivity. Children have better educated parents. More high skilled workers stimulate the economy, contribute to the tax base, and improve community well-being.

Workplaces may gain:

• Workers with improved team skills
• Stronger relations between management and employees
• Workers with stronger academic skills
• Greater employee retention and reduced absenteeism
• Workers better prepared for job training
• A “promotable” workforce
• Increased productivity, quality of work, and customer service
• Workers comfortable using technology
• More adaptable and safer workplaces
• Positive experiences managing change
• Opportunities to give back to the community
• Improved community relations
• A workforce pipeline when opening classes to the general public

Communities may gain:

• Boost in welfare and well-being of the community
• Better educated parents that can better assist their children with school
• Increased community literacy
• Increased individual earning potential
• Increased return on investment from a tax perspective
• Reductions in health care costs

• Increased opportunities to reach adults that need and want services
• Opportunities for contextualized instruction with immediate reinforcement
• Increased community literacy
• Increased earning potential for learners
• Increased opportunities for learners to get and keep jobs with family sustaining wages

• Serve on adult education and literacy boards
• Promote adult education with cause-related marketing
• Raise awareness of adult education opportunities with employees and vendors
• Support employees’ education financially through grants, scholarships, and education materials
• Help adult education programs communicate outcomes of workplace literacy to legislators and the community
• Write letters, place ads, arrange meetings with legislators at key times when adult education issues are being considered

One of the first things you can do now to help yourself and your community is to learn about the number of adults without a high school diploma or GED. Then, take action to help yourself and others. Getting more people educated in your community can increase the economic development of your community, bring in more jobs, and increase the earning potential of the citizens.

There are 1.3 million adults in Georgia without a high school or GED diploma. But did you know that earning a GED diploma in Georgia can be a reality for you? GREAT NEWS!!! GED prep classes are FREE!!!! East Central Technical College offer GED classes in Atkinson, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin and Wilcox counties. Also GED prep classes and testing centers are conveniently located throughout Georgia. If you or someone you know need to get a GED, call Adult Education Center today, 229-468-2272 or East Central Technical College, 229-468-2000.

Thanks to Dollar General Presentation Series, “Partnership and Advocacy”, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the American Council on Education for providing this information.  

Risk Management Best Practices Seminar to be Held at ECTC

The Risk Management Best Practices Seminar will consist of six sessions covering indirect and hidden costs of claims, how insurance costs affect your businesses, first lines of defense against loss, how regulatory agencies such as OSHA, DOT, and EPA affect your business and how to handle inspections, simple safety solutions, and roundtable discussions regarding issues facing organizations and sharing methods to improve loss control through effective risk measures and practices. In conclusion, Mr. Cole will share a summary of risk management practices that may be used to help control losses and protect company assets such as personnel, equipment, property, and operating income.

The fee for the seminar is $125, and this fee includes lunch. If you are interested in registering, contact Christy Cobb, Director of Economic Development, at 229-468-2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS COURSE - CALL TODAY TO REGISTER!  

TCSG Reports 9.4% Increase in Enrollment in Winter Quarter 2009

In Winter Quarter 2009, the 33 TCSG colleges enrolled 88,294 students, which is a 9.4% system increase over the same time last year.

Among age groups, there was a 7% increase in TCSG students under the age of 21. The largest enrollment growth, a 12% increase, was in the number of students between the ages of 21 and 35. There was an 8% statewide increase in those ages 36 and above.

A significant factor in the enrollment jump was the influx of students who enrolled in a technical college program to obtain new skills after their jobs or work prospects were hit hard by the economic slowdown.

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson noted that the enrollment increase was not totally unexpected since Georgia’s technical colleges offer job seekers the opportunity to retrain and learn new skills in a relatively short time. TCSG students, he added, get high-quality education at a low cost, which is especially important in today’s economy.

“Today’s students want college programs that can fast track them into the workforce, and attending a TCSG college means that they can reach their goal in two years or less,” said Jackson. “Students like the small classes, hands-on training and individualized instructor attention that our colleges offer. Best of all, the affordable TCSG tuition and access to grant money means our students are not burdened by having to repay a substantial college loan.”  

Intermediate Microsoft Office Classes to be Held at East Central Tech

Class participants can get hands-on training in the widely used Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Classes will be held on the Coffee Campus of East Central Tech at 706 West Baker Highway. You can take one or all of the classes depending on your area of interest. The time for the classes is 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and the dates and course descriptions are as follows:

Microsoft WORD. February 17. Learn to work with columns, sections and indents. Learn to set tabs. Enhance text appearance with WordArt and graphics. Learn how to prepare a document for the web.

Microsoft EXCEL. February 24. Learn advanced chart functions, logical, financial and data functions. Find out to link spreadsheets and design spreadsheets for the web.

Microsoft POWERPOINT. March 3. Understand slide masters and templates. Learn to use graphics, animation, and sound features to spice up your presentation. Learn how to publish presentations to the web.

Microsoft PUBLISHER. March 10. Develop an understanding of how to create newsletters and brochures. Learn how to develop basic web pages.

The cost for the class is $50 per session or $175 for all three classes, a savings of $15.00. The deadline to register is February 15, 2009. To register or get more information about this course, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.  

Supervisory and Leadership Skills Course to be Offered at East Central Tech

• Leadership skills
• Enhancing communicate skills
• Goal setting
• Supervising a multigenerational workforce
• Transitioning your role from peer to leader

Dates: February 20th and 27th
Time: 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon
Course Fee: $100
Location: Coffee Campus, Room 130

To register or get more information about this course, contact Gail Giddens at 229-468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.  

Adult Education Grant Competition Announced

Lisa Tomberlin, Vice President for Adult Education states, “We are making great strides in Adult Education in Georgia. Our students are serious and determined to develop their full potential. We need to be ready to serve them in any way possible.” 

GED Testing Dates Set at East Central Tech

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. Payment must be made at the time of registration in the form of money order, cash or credit card. No checks accepted. 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:

President’s List for Fall Quarter at ECTC

East Central Tech to Offer Course on Creating Effective Business Presentations

Using PowerPoint, learn to create a clear, logical format for your presentation instead of just learning how to use the bells and whistles. Using parallel bullets instead of paragraphs, using eye-catching graphics, and using speaker notes for presenting and historical documentation are just a few of the topics to be covered.

The class will be held on the Coffee Campus, located at 706 West Baker Highway from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The fee for the course in only $50. Registration is necessary.

Registration deadline is February 15. For more information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.

East Central Tech to Offer CPR and First Aid

The course is certified by the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). The classes will be Friday, February 27, 2009. Both will be held on the Coffee Campus located at 706 West Baker Highway. CPR will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon and First Aid will be from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The CPR portion of this course teaches lay rescuers how to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest and choking for adult, child, and infant victims. Also teaches a person to recognize warning signs of heart attacks and strokes in adults and breathing difficulties in children. The First Aid portion deals with the immediate care given to the injured or suddenly ill person. It is the temporary assistance that is rendered until competent medical care, if required, arrives or takes over. This course is designed for the general workforce seeking to familiarize themselves with the overall compliance regulations set forth by OSHA. This course is recommended for all employees tasked with leadership responsibilities for safety oversight, such as management, supervisors, and forepersons.

The fee for both is $45 per person ($25 each course or $45 for both) and will be held on the Coffee Campus at 706 West Baker Highway.

Registration deadline is February 23, 2009. For more information or to register, contact Gail Giddens at (229) 468-2074 or ggiddens@eastcentraltech.edu.

Front Row (L-R): Jamie Kight, Dedra Gillis, Dorinda Grady, Anna Thomas, Mario Xavier Peterson, Kristen Lankford, Dana White; 2nd row: E. J. Harris, ECTC Interim President, Daphne Williams, Thomas Manus, John Morrison, Kevin Tasson, Jakima Simpson, Christy Zanders, Mona Paulk, ECTC GOAL Coordinator; 3rd row: Savannah Hargrove, Dorothy Peterson, Maria Simmons, Sara Crews, Natasha Jackson, Traci Faison, Shirley Musselwhite, Jan Billingsley, Russell Hulett; 4th row: Rhonda Anderson, Robert Beard, Elizabeth Morgan, Edd. C. Jones, Ashley Spell

Instructors at East Central Technical College have nominated 28 of their students for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Mona Paulk, coordinator for the college’s GOAL program.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 33 technical colleges as well as the four Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

GOAL winners from each campus will compete in March and April in consortia preliminary judging and two finalists from each consortium will go on to compete for the state title in Atlanta in May.

Chosen for recognition by their instructors are Rhonda Anderson, a Cosmetology major from Coffee County, Robert Beard, an Air Conditioning Technology major from Irwin County, Jan Billingsley, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Ben Hill County, Sarah Crews, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Traci Faison, a Practical Nursing major from Ben Hill County, Dedra Gillis, a Cosmetology major from Coffee County, Dorinda Grady, a Medical Assisting major from Coffee County, Savannah Hargrove, a Cosmetology major from Dodge County, Russell Hulett, an Industrial Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Natasha Jackson, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County, Edd C. Jones, a Convergent Telecommunications Technology major from Ben Hill County, Jamie Kight, a Practical Nursing major from Coffee County, Kristen Lankford, a Practical Nursing major from Irwin County, Thomas Manus, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Elizabeth Morgan, a Convergent Telecommunications Technology major from Irwin County, John Morrison, a Welding and Joining Technology major from Ware County, Shirley Musselwhite, a Computer Information Systems Technology major from Irwin County, Dorothy Peterson, an Early Childhood Care and Education major from Ben Hill County, Mario Xavier Peterson, a Business Administrative Technology major from Coffee County, Michael Renfroe , a Convergent Telecommunications Technology major from Ben Hill County, Maria Simmons, an Early Childhood Care and Education major from Ben Hill County, Jakima Simpson, a Business Office Technology major from Coffee County, Ashley Spell, an Industrial Systems Technology major from Coffee County, Kevin Tasson, an Automotive Technology major from Ben Hill County, Anna Thomas, a Business Administrative Technology major from Ben Hill County, Dana White, a Practical Nursing major from Atkinson County, Daphne Williams, a Criminal Justice Technology major from Ben Hill County, Christy Zanders, a Criminal Justice Technology major from Coffee County.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Paulk.

A screening committee at ECTC will review each of the instructors’ nominations then conduct personal interviews with the students. Finalists will then be chosen to compete to be the ECTC GOAL winner for 2009.

The finalists will take part in another round of interviews and evaluations by representatives from local business and industry. That panel will consider the students’ qualities like academic achievement, personal character, leadership abilities and enthusiasm for technical education.

The student judged most outstanding will be designated as the college’s GOAL winner and move on to the consortia preliminary judging; then two from each consortium, which will make up the 12 finalists, will attend competition for the state GOAL award and selection as the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2009 student of the year.

The title of state GOAL winner also earns the student the important responsibility of traveling the state as the ambassador for the entire technical college system.    

Governor Perdue Announces New Work Ready Regions Grants Regions Targeted Innovative, Growing Industries

“By aligning our assets and working collaboratively to attract and grow jobs in our state’s strategic industries, Georgia Work Ready Regions are making our state a more attractive destination for companies,” said Governor Perdue. “This effort is reaping great rewards and I am happy to be able to add the four new regions.”

The four new Work Ready Regions grant recipients include South Georgia for bioscience, East Central Georgia for energy, Metro-Atlanta (Western Innovation Crescent) for bioscience and South Central Georgia for advanced manufacturing. Additional counties may be added to some regions as the Work Ready Region process proceeds. The counties include Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Burke, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Fulton, Glascock, Hancock, Irwin, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lanier, Lincoln, Lowndes, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Wilcox and Worth.

The potential Work Ready Regions will each receive a $400,000 grant to assist in increasing the skill level of its workforce. Specifically, increasing the number of individuals in the workforce holding a Work Ready Certificate, ensuring each county in the region earns Certified Work Ready Community status, encouraging local employers to complete Work Ready job profiles and developing industry specific career pathways for the emerging, transitioning and existing workforce. An important component of their work will be aligning regional available workforce work readiness skill levels to those needed to fill strategic industry jobs.

“By developing a pipeline of qualified workers, Georgia can ensure that companies will have one of their most important resources for continued growth and innovation,” said Governor Perdue. “Our Work Ready Regions are establishing career pathways that lead to life-long learning among our citizens and a bright future for our employers.”

Each regional effort is being led by a local businessperson associated with the strategic industry, according to Debra Lyons, director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development (GOWD). This leader will work closely with GOWD through the Work Ready Region academy to ensure continuity of efforts among the various regions, and will assemble an industry network to ensure the region’s work plan meets the needs of the industry, both current and future. 

Pre-K Dad, Alan Ledford gets a patriotic sendoff by his son, Isaiah, and classmates at East Central Technical College Pre-K. Ledford will leave soon for training before being deployed this summer to Afghanistan to assist in building schools.   

Front Row (L-R): Hope Stone, Marquis Nixon, Corbitt Spivey, and Cody Hicks; Back row: Quantavious Lawton, Shawn Riggins, Derek Harper, and Gabriela Diaz.

The Senior class of Atkinson County High School recently took the Georgia Work Ready assessments, of which eight of those students scored at a GOLD level, which is the next to the highest level one can achieve. The Georgia Work Ready Program creates a framework of easy access for job seekers to obtain a Georgia Work Ready Certificate, which is a portable skills credential recognized and valued by employers across Georgia. The framework provides Georgia businesses with a valuable method of matching jobs with certified job seekers’ skills.

Through the Georgia Work Ready program, skills that employers consider essential to job success are measured and documented by the Georgia Work Ready Certificate. Certified skill levels are then matched with existing or customized job profile requirements. East Central Technical College is administering these certification assessment tests and creating customized job profiles. The Work Ready assessments are available to all individuals age 18 and older, and there are proven results that those individuals who possess a Georgia Work Ready Certificate have an advantage when it comes to seeking employment with many companies across Georgia.

If you are interested in obtaining additional information regarding the Georgia Work Ready Program, or if you would like to register to take these assessments, please contact Lidell Greenway on the Coffee Campus of East Central Technical College at 229-468-2240. The assessments are FREE, so what are you waiting for? Call today to schedule your appointment.   

Driver’s Education Class to Begin February 3 at East Central Tech

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.

The course fee is $275. 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.

(L-R): Jana Williams, E. J. Harris, Interim President, and Michael Williams.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award,” said Jana Williams, the Ben Hill-Irwin adviser, “particularly in our first year of publication.”

“Hopefully, next year’s edition will be even better,” added Michael Williams, Coffee County adviser. “It wouldn’t have been possible without Mary Ann Garner, our desktop publisher, who is responsible for much of the design.”

The 1st edition of The Wiregrass Reader was published in March 2008. The English department at East Central Technical College will publish its 2nd edition in March 2009. Categories include personal narratives, poems, short stories, and argumentative essays from students at the college, high school students in the five-county service area, and community members. If you are interested in details about future journals, please email Michael Williams at mwilliams@eastcentraltech.edu or Jana Williams at jwilliams@eastcentraltech.edu.     

OSHA Course Offering

Typical topics may include, but are not limited to: OSHA General Regulations, Electrical Safety, Lockout/Tagout (controlling hazardous energy), Scaffold Safety, Ladders, Walking and Working Surfaces, Ergonomics, Fire Safety, Cranes and Rigging, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hearing Conservation, Violence in the Workplace, and Personal Protective Equipment. This course will be held on February 24, 25, and 26, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The course fee is $400 per individual. For additional information or to register, contact Christy Cobb at 229-468-2218 or ccobb@eastcentraltech.edu. This course is only offered twice a year, and seating is limited, so call soon to register!

Dr. Bonnie Kelly will be the first to tell you that writing grants is a team effort that takes persistence, patience, and prayers. Over her 24 year career she has spearheaded efforts that have secured over five million dollars for local needs.

Dr. Kelly, who is Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at East Central Technical College, has made many opportunities possible for the college. She has developed a wonderful relationship with USDA which has funded over one million dollars in projects for the college. State Director of USDA Rural Development, Stone Workman, was on hand Monday at the college to present Dr. Kelly with a special award. According to Mr. Workman, “Dr. Kelly has helped the college receive funding on several occasions over the last eight years. In 2002, a Community Facilities Grant for $149,000 was provided to buy equipment for the new Childcare Facility built to serve students. A $498,252 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant was awarded to establish an interactive distance learning system that would link all service area counties. Dr. Kelly was always working for a way that I could say yes. She was the catalyst for most of the funding received at ECTC.”

When asked about her passion for grant writing, Dr. Kelly said, “I enjoy working on problems, helping to find the solutions and then seeking out funding sources to arrive at the solution.” Dr. Kelly also stated, “It has been a true pleasure working with Stone Workman. He understands rural Georgia—it’s needs and potential.”

In addition to working with USDA, Dr. Kelly has also secured grants and equipment from CCAMPIS (a childcare funding source), the Rural Health Association, Bright from the Start, Ford Motor Company, and Toyota Forklifts.

Upon receiving her recognition from USDA, which was the “Golden Peanut Award,” Mr. Workman also noted that Dr. Kelly had been very helpful in sharing her knowledge with other technical colleges around the state who were also successful in receiving funding for some of their projects. Her relationship with USDA also put her in the spotlight for being their guest speaker at their state meeting explaining how partnerships can be developed.

In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys cross stitch, crocheting for charity, cooking and sewing. She serves as a director on the Foundation Board of Irwin EMC. She is a member of the Fitzgerald Central United Methodist Church. She and her husband Mike have one daughter, Kathryn, who is pursuing a Ph.D. at Texas A&M.

Senator Saxby Chambliss and Representative Johnny Isakson also sent letters of congratulations to Dr. Kelly.     

ECTC PreK Program Taking Applications

The 180-day program will begin in August. Students receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack daily. Learning opportunities are available throughout the day guided by the teacher and teacher’s assistant. Through developmentally appropriate activities based on The Creative Curriculum, children learn from their day to day interactions with their environment. The classroom materials support and enhance learning in the areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and technology. Trained staff supervises and guides individual opportunities for children to participate, learn, and grow through daily interactions in each of these areas.

Please visit the Child Development Center on the campus of East Central Technical College at 667 Perry House Road to complete an application for the upcoming school year. For more information, please call the Center at 468-2066.    

East Central Tech Coffee Campus Who’s Who Students (L-R): First row: Felicia Adams, Willacoochee; Dedra Gillis, Douglas; Traci Faison, Fitzgerald; Karen Villalobos, Douglas; Otessia Nixon, Pearson; April Klein, Douglas; Second row: Jim Schwindle, ECTC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Thomas Manus, Nicholls; Donald Parsons, Douglas; Donna Wilcox, Nicholls; Hollie Cothern, Douglas; Charles Sheppard, Ocilla; Benji Lott, Ambrose; Robert Beard, Ocilla; Robert Musgrove, Broxton. (Not pictured: Donna Elaine Hughes, Douglas; Jennifer Spivey, Douglas; Johnny Deese, Douglas; Channon Jewell, Willacoochee)

A total of 36 students at East Central Technical College were recently informed of their selection for Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Students were nominated by their instructors for this national honor based on their academic excellence, outstanding work ethics characteristics, integrity, and demonstrated potential for future success. East Central Tech’s President, E. J. Harris said, “These are East Central Technical College “top guns”; they will be our future leaders. We’re very proud to recognize their achievements.”     

East Central Tech Ben Hill-Irwin Campus Who’s Who Students (L-R): First row: Shanna Norton, Fitzgerald; Dorothy Peterson, Fitzgerald; Gina Hall, Douglas; Connie Calhoun, Fitzgerald; Brandi Hall, Ocilla; Krystyn Youngblood, Ashburn; Janice Lawson, Fitzgerald; Maria Simmons, Fitzgerald; Second row: Jim Schwindle, ECTC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Lance Cain, Willacoochee; Jay Patel, Fitzgerald; Lonnie Adams, Fitzgerald; Kyle Hardeman, Fitzgerald; Willie Burgess, Fitzgerald; Everardo Morales, Fitzgerald; Edd Jones, Fitzgerald; Charles Sheppard, Ocilla. (Not pictured: Shabiha Saiyed, Fitzgerald; Richard Ivey, Rebecca; Christopher Slacks, Fitzgerald)

A total of 36 students at East Central Technical College were recently informed of their selection for Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Students were nominated by their instructors for this national honor based on their academic excellence, outstanding work ethics characteristics, integrity, and demonstrated potential for future success. East Central Tech’s President, E. J. Harris said, “These are East Central Technical College “top guns”; they will be our future leaders. We’re very proud to recognize their achievements.”     

ECTC’s Enrollment Figures Get National Attention

East Central Tech Featured in National Publication

Autherine Robinson to Attend EAGLE Leadership Institute