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

PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVES

(L-R): Lisa Tomberlin-Vice President of Adult Education, E.J. Harris-ECTC Interim President, and Carl Swearingen-Chairman of the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia

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