News & Events

• Current News
• Newsletter Signup
• Speaker Information

Current News

SOUTHEASTERN TECH CONGRATULATES GRADUATES

Southeastern Technical College congratulates students recently graduating from Certificate Programs. The Certificate Ceremony was held on June 17, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Southeastern Tech.

****

Southeastern Tech Congratulates Spring Quarter President's List

Southeastern Technical College is proud to announce their Spring Quarter President's List. These students maintained a 3.75 GPA or higher for the quarter:

APPLING Lance Hand Tyler R. Rainwater Tammy D. Sellers Matthew J. Warren CANDLER Jessica M. Luera CARROLL Nancy D. Monroe CHATHAM Robert B. Johnson EVANS Stevie F. Bryant JEFF DAVIS Andrew Ouzts LIBERTY Heather L. Ramos Brandon C. Subia LONG Jerrod L. Howard

MONTGOMERY Elizabeth D. Dean Christina Griffin Keil S. Nobles Kenneth A. Parker Sheena Wood TATTNALL Dawn M. Easterling Monica A. Howard Shawna Logan Charles S. Terrell TELFAIR Maria Caldwell TOOMBS Anna Bridges Thomas D. Dismuke Ernest Dykes Gary T. Gibbs Bernice M. Glaze Andreen Gemma E. Jones Jordan Jones Sandi M. Murray Jeffery Phillips Samantha R. Samples Regina D. Singleton Kimberly R. Williams

****

Southeastern Technical College Awarded SACS/COC Accreditation

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/COC) voted at its bi-annual meeting on June 26 to award Southeastern Technical College accreditation. Southeastern Tech became a candidate for accreditation in June of 2005.

"This accreditation by the Commission on Colleges affirms what our students and the community already know," said Cathy Meehan, President of Southeastern Tech. "STC is a quality institution that strives for excellence."

To gain or maintain accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges. These standards are designed to ensure educational quality throughout the southern region and provide assurance to the public that the College meets these standards, which addresses faculty credentials, institutional mission, governance and effectiveness, and student learning outcomes. SACS/COC accreditation is non-government and voluntary, and it helps educational institutions improve through a systematic process of evaluation that focuses on improving teaching and student learning. SACS/COC accreditation assures not only that an institution meets minimum standards, but also that it demonstrates a commitment to continuously providing quality educational programs.

SACS/COC is the recognized accrediting body in the 11 U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, masters or doctoral degrees. Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Decatur, Georgia, SACS is one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States and as an association is comprised of three Commissions. It accredits more than 13,000 institutions (public, nonpublic, early childhood centers and kindergartens; elementary, middle and high schools; vocational-technical schools, military schools; colleges and universities).

Georgia Board of Regents colleges and universities are accredited by SACS/COC, as well as many of the state's technical colleges.

For additional information, go to the Association's website at www.sacscoc.org.

****

Southeastern Tech Names Karen Davis Instructor of the Year

Southeastern Technical College named Karen Davis as Instructor of the Year and presented her with the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction at a ceremony held recently at the College. Davis is the pharmacy instructor and has been on faculty since 2004.

"The award was presented to Karen Davis in recognition of hers contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership," said Cheryl West, Rick Perkins Award coordinator and Southeastern Tech Dean of General Education. "She will go on to compete with the winners from the other technical colleges for the state Rick Perkins Award. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) sponsors the statewide program."

Davis was one of five nominated at Southeastern Tech for teacher of the year. Also nominated were Tina Jernigan, Business Office Technology instructor; Jim Jones, Emergency Medical Technician instructor; Donna Jean Braddy, Medical Assisting Instructor, and Stephanie Moye, Computer Information Systems Instructor.

Picking the winner for the Instructor of the Year involves student perception, instructor nomination and community decision. The winner is chosen in a final judging process that is determined by responses given in an interview conducted by business and industry leaders in the local area. Nominees are asked questions concerning their knowledge of technical education, their understanding of the mission and goals of TCSG, leadership qualities and their dedication to STC and its students.

Davis is now a candidate and a representative of STC at the regional level; the winner of that competition will then compete at the state level for the most outstanding instructor at Georgia's technical colleges. The state competition is held in Atlanta during September.

I am very honored to receive this award at STC and consider it a privilege to work with such a dedicated and talented staff. I love being an instructor at STC because we are so focused on students and the future," said Davis. "With all the new programs, dual enrollment, and the new charter school endeavor, there are so many great opportunities coming to our community and I am so proud to be a part of that. Technical education changes lives and I myself am proof of that along with my community, my students and their families. If you have never seen STC's campus or attended a class, I encourage you to do so. I have had the opportunity to go away and visit other schools out of state, and you just don't realize what we have right in front of you until you leave and come back," expressed Davis after her name was announced.

The state Rick Perkins Award winner serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia. The winner will exemplify excellence and a commitment to the mission of the Technical College System of Georgia. The winner will be the state's Instructor of the Year and will be announced during the annual Lighthouse Program in September.

"Our selection committee had a difficult task to choose our instructor of the year. Our faculty is extraordinary and the five nominees are phenomenal," said Dr. Cathy Meehan, Southeastern Tech President. "We are all so proud of Mrs. Davis. I am certain she will represent the school and our community very well."

Davis has a Pharmacy Technician degree from Brighton College. She is a member of Pharmacy Technician Educators Council, the Georgia Society of Healthcare Pharmacists, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians. Davis is the faculty advisor for the Skills USA program at Southeastern Tech. She is an active volunteer in many philanthropic groups, such as the Relay for Life and the adult literacy program. She has also been very active in governmental affairs to promote education requirements to practice as a Pharmacy Tech in Georgia as well as nationally. Davis lives in Lyons with her husband Hal and her son Corey. She also has another son, Chris, who is a Marine reserve, and has served one tour in Iraq. He currently resides in Glennville.

****

SOUTHEASTERN TECH GRADUATES RADIOLOGIC TECH CLASS

Eleven students from Southeastern Tech recently graduated from the Radiologic Technology diploma program. To celebrate the graduating class, a special pinning ceremony was held on June 12, 2008.

The Radiologic Technology graduates received several honors and awards. The guest speaker was Ray Thornton, Medical Physicist from Memorial University Medical Center.
The Radiologic Technology program takes 21 months to complete with extensive real life practical experience, and several of the graduates have job offers before they complete the program. The program is taught by Tara Powell and Kristina Blake.

"This program is a great entry level into the world of diagnostic imaging and most radiologic technologists continue their education by cross training into another modality or bridging their diploma to attain their bachelor's degree in Radiologic Sciences. Radiologic Technology is a definite hands-on profession. These students have worked long and hard to achieve their goal. The public can be assured that a graduate from Southeastern Technical College Radiologic Technology Program is well prepared to enter the healthcare industry as an imaging professional." said Tara Powell, Radiologic Technology Program Director/Instructor.

If you are interested in the Radiologic Technology diploma program or any of the diploma programs offered at Southeastern Tech, please call 538-3100 or login to www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech IAAP Chapter Scores Big at Georgia Division Meeting

Southeastern Technical College (STC) sent five students to the Annual IAAP GA Division Meeting in Norcross, GA on June 6-8. Students and the STC IAAP Chapter competed among their peers and brought home some coveted awards.

Heather Beasley won the IAAP Student Member of the Year award. Debbie O'Neal won the Future Administrative Professional of the Year award. Pashion Williams, Sheila Dolan, and Cari Walker also attended from Southeastern Tech.

With 40,000 or so members and approximately 600 chapters worldwide, IAAP is the world's largest association for administrative support staff. The association partners with employers to promote professional excellence and IAAP members strive to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence.

"This was the first time we have attended the Annual Meeting. Students were able to see how members conducted business and cast votes and it was very interesting. We had such a great time with the students at the conference, said STC IAAP Chapter advisors, Tina Jernigan and Valerie Kasay. This was a great opportunity and networking experience for our students. We are very proud of each and every student that attended this year and participated in the competitions."

For more information on the STC IAAP Chapter or to learn more about Business Technology programs available at STC, call 912-538-3100 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Holds Grand Opening for Health Sciences Annex

Southeastern Technical College opened the doors of its new Health Sciences Annex on June 13, 2008. The state-of-the-art building will house the College's new dental hygiene program. The 10,000 square foot building is located next to the Hugh M. Gillis Regional Medical Technology Center at the main campus in Vidalia. The project cost $1.7 million.

"Students in the dental hygiene program will earn an Associate of Science degree in about two years," said Jennifer Gramiak, Southeastern Tech Dental Hygiene Program Director. "The program has received accreditation, and potential students have shown a great interest in the program."

A competitive admissions process will determine student selection and with a 12-student capacity, the college expects maximum enrollment. Southeastern Tech expects the first dental hygiene class to begin next quarter.

"The program will be intense to prepare them for national and state boards," said Gramiak. "The clinical board standards have recently changed, and we are confident that our first class of students will be prepared to set the bar for pass rates for other classes that follow."

Southeastern Tech has organized a local advisory board of dental professionals to provide input into various aspects of the program. Knowing what potential employers are seeking in their dental hygienists is one of the best guides in preparing students for job placement. The program's board will meet twice a year to maintain high standards and up-to-date curriculum.

"The building addition and new dental hygiene program will be tremendous assets for our students and the community," said Dr. Cathy Meehan, President of Southeastern Tech. "Increasing educational opportunities and providing trained healthcare professionals for this area are priorities."

****

Southeastern Tech Students Win at SkillsUSA Competition

Eight Southeastern Technical College students recently competed in the state SkillsUSA competition held at Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin. Darla Helms, Jennifer Britt, Michele Williams, Denise Lowery, Kim Willman, Linda Lampp, and Alysa Little competed in the health related contests. Ruby Stewart competed in the promotional bulletin board and Oscar Cruz competed in welding. Alysa Little placed second in beginning surgical technology.

"We are extremely proud of our students who participated in the competition," said Dr. Barry Dotson, Southeastern Tech Vice President for Student Affairs. "This is a great opportunity for our students to showcase the skills they have learned through their programs of study at STC. Placing in the competition is another endorsement of the quality of the educational programs offered by Southeastern Technical College."

During the competition, students compete against other technical college students throughout the state of Georgia in technical, trade and leadership competitions.

"The competition is an excellent showcase for technical education," said Karen Davis, Skills USA advisor at Southeastern Tech. "By offering a variety of competitive categories, the event is open to many technical education program areas which gives a more broad range of students a chance to compete."

SkillsUSA is a national organization of more than 284,000 students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. It helps students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations excel towards their career goals.

The SkillsUSA programs also help to establish industry standards for job skill training in the lab and classroom and promote community service. SkillsUSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is cited as a "successful model of employer-driven youth development training program" by the U.S. Department of Labor.

****

Volunteers Needed for Adult Literacy Program

The Adult Literacy program at Southeastern Technical College needs volunteers for its summer literacy program. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday mornings. If you would like to volunteer, please call 912-538-3165 and ask to speak to Kim Taylor.

Classes are offered at Southeastern Tech's four literacy centers in Vidalia, Reidsville, Glennville and Mount Vernon.

For potential students--Now is the time to make that choice—get your GED. All of Southeastern Tech's classes are free and so are the books and materials! STC also awards a $500 voucher to all students who get their GED and go on to continue their education at Southeastern Tech! So why wait, call and sign up right now. Your future depends on it. Call Southeastern Tech today!

****

SUMMER EDUCATOR ACADEMY A POPULAR AND FUN CHOICE FOR AREA TEACHERS

Southeastern Technical College held the 12th annual Summer Educator Academy June 2-6 to inform local educators of the Education and Career Partnership program and what technical education has to offer. The Summer Educator Academy is a one-week staff development workshop for teachers, educators, counselors and leadership personnel to learn about technology, technical careers, and programs available at Georgia's technical colleges. Participants receive three staff development units (PLUs) for attending the workshop.

Southeastern Tech had 20 participants. One of the State of Georgia's initiatives is to increase high school student awareness of what a technical college can offer. The Summer Educator Academy is an excellent way to inform educators who offer guidance to students in their career choices. However, the academy also provides an excellent opportunity for educators to earn their PLUs, which are required by the State of Georgia.

Participants learned about the HOPE grant, Southeastern Tech's plans for the future, new technology, and took an industry tour to see the close relationship technical education has with the economic development of this area. There were numerous speakers including world renowned speaker, Cynthia Tobias, Founder, Manager, and CEO of AppLe St. (Applied Learning Styles).

Southeastern Technical College offers the Summer Educator Academy each year during the month of June. For more information, contact Ashley Googe at 538-3226.

****

NURSING STUDENTS AT STC HAVE 100% PASS RATE FOR STATE BOARDS FOR THREE CLASSES

Kudos to the Southeastern Technical College nursing program, which had a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-PN for the past three classes. Students are required to submit an application to the Georgia State Board of Nursing as well as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The national passing average is 83.2 percent. This examination is given nationwide to graduates of nursing programs and, if passed, allows them to practice as licensed practical nurses (LPN). The exam covers all aspects of professional nursing practice, specifically focusing on patient education, the nursing process, and patient care.

Throughout the Practical Nursing program, students are required by the Georgia Board of Nursing to have a minimum number of clinical practice days. It varies every quarter from eight days to twenty two days. Clinical days are in addition to theory class days.

"There is a high demand for nurses in this area and surrounding counties. Our students find jobs immediately after graduating and receiving their licenses," said Vicki Renfroe, Pracitcal Nursing Instructor. "One important point is that our nurses go to work for our community, which goes hand in hand with STC's mission statement. This makes our graduates very desirable candidates for employment because they are settled in our community and plan to stay."

****

It's the Technical College System of Georgia!

Atlanta – It used to be said that Georgia's system of 33 technical colleges, the exciting programs they offer, and the great career opportunities that they create was one of the state's "best-kept secrets."

But not any more.

With a stroke of his pen, Governor Sonny Perdue has signed into law legislation that changes the state technical college system's official name from the old Technical College System of Georgia to the new Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

Though he officially signed the TCSG legislation on May 13, the Governor made a special trip on Thursday night to the system's technical college student of the year award at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta for a ceremonial signing of the bill. He made his comments before an enthusiastic crowd of system officials, college administrators, students and guests.

"Georgia's technical colleges play a vital role not only in educating our citizens, but also in recruiting new industries through our top-ranked Quick Start training program," said Perdue. "Through significant investments in our communities across the state, Georgia has developed a technical college system that is the envy of the nation."

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson told the audience that the renaming of the system could not have come at a better time. "There's an exciting transformation going on right now where more and more students are seeing technical college as their first choice for the kind of education that leads to great jobs and fantastic careers," said Jackson.

Jackson noted that business and industry must stay competitive in today's global economy, and they're looking to the technical colleges for the skilled employees they need.

"Demand is growing for the kind of graduates that technical colleges produce in critically important fields like healthcare, aerospace and life sciences, and the same is true for jobs ranging from culinary arts to electronics," said Jackson. "We're redefining technical education for the 21st Century, and Technical College System of Georgia speaks of the strengths and tremendous opportunities available within our family of colleges."

"I think the agency name change gives better insight into what technical education is all about. We are a unified system of technical colleges that offers a great deal of choices to our communities," said Dr. Cathy Meehan, President of Southeastern Technical College.

Last year, more than 145,000 students enrolled in Georgia's 33 technical colleges, including Southeastern Technical College. Those students took advantage of the colleges' affordable tuition, small classes, hands-on experience and highly focused instruction in more than 600 certificate, diploma and degree programs.

Many TCSG students have jobs waiting for them even before they graduate. In fact, of the 27,000 TCSG graduates in 2007, almost 98% are today either employed or continuing their education.

The TCSG oversees two additional programs that are important to the Georgia's future prosperity: the internationally acclaimed Quick Start program and the state's adult education and GED programs.

Last year, Quick Start provided customized training free-of-charge to almost 46,000 employees of new, expanding and existing businesses in Georgia. Quick Start has enabled Georgia to
rank number one in work force training programs in Expansion Management magazine's annual survey of business and industry site selection professionals.

The TCSG's Office of Adult Education provides education services for thousands of Georgians and has enabled 132,000 men and women to earn their GEDs since 2000. It also sponsors the state's English as a Second Language program.

****

Need a Speaker? Simply Give Your Technical College A Call

Need an enlightening or entertaining program? Interested in an informative speaker for your next gathering? The Southeastern Technical College Speakers Bureau may be able to provide just the program you have in mind for your organization, club, school, church, business, or civic group.

Presenters (see the following list) are Southeastern Tech faculty and staff who would like to visit with your group and share their areas of expertise or interest. There are no charges for any of these speakers. However, please contact speakers as early as possible to request their services. This enables our faculty and staff to schedule engagements around their teaching and work schedules as well as other community service activities and personal responsibilities.

To schedule a program, simply call Tracey Adams, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at 912-538-3157 or email tadams@southeasterntech.edu. Please read on for answers to often-asked questions about the Speakers Bureau:

Q&A - Is there a charge for calling upon participants in the college's Speakers Bureau?

Southeastern Technical College offers the Speakers Bureau as a service to the community and welcomes the opportunity to speak with groups in the service area of Toombs, Montgomery and Tattnall counties. Because a number of our students are residents of surrounding counties, some of our Speakers Bureau participants are also willing to travel to adjoining counties to provide a program. Also, the participants in Southeastern Tech's Speakers Bureau are volunteers in this information-sharing effort. They have offered their services to the community because they care about sharing knowledge with area residents.

Q&A - How early should I call to schedule a program?

The earlier the better. This will give our Speakers Bureau participants plenty of time to schedule and plan your program - and help you rest easier about scheduling the speaker for your event.

Q&A - What information do I need to tell the coordinator when I call?

Tell us about your group and give us your contact information so our speakers can be better prepared to respond to your request and also contact you if necessary with any questions they may have before the program.

Q&A - What types of programs are available?

See the list below for topics available. Programs may be scheduled for information about the college, available career programs, and services that help students succeed.

Requesting a Speaker? Please Help Us Target the Message to Meet Your Need

When requesting a speaker through the Speakers Bureau, please be ready to share the information we need to target our message to your audience. Let us know the following:

• Topic desired;
• Name of your organization or group;
• Date, time, and location of meeting;
• Approximate number of persons expected to be attending the meeting or in the audience;
• Composition of audience (men, women, teenagers, senior citizens, etc.) and their special interests; and
• Name and phone number of the contact person in the organization.

Topics Available

Read below for program topics now available through Southeastern Tech's Speakers Bureau.

• Pharmacy Technology
• Dental Hygiene Program
• Computers and Information Technology
• Welding
• The Importance of Administrative Assistant Professionals
• Adult Literacy
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Work Ethics

****

Earth Day Celebrated at Southeastern Tech

Recycle. Global. Conservation. Carbon footprint. Energy. Environment. Protect. Efficiency. Green. Those are just a few of the buzzwords heard around the world on Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22. Southeastern Technical College (STC) held their first annual Earth Day celebration.

"We can all take simple steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which will also reduce air pollution, increase the nation's energy independence and save money," said Tracey Adams, STC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Recycling Coordinator. "The goal is to reduce our carbon footprint. The footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases we produce, measured in units of carbon dioxide."

Earth Day inspired STC students, student organizations, faculty and staff to leap into action for our environment. Aluminum can recycling, picking up litter, tree and flower planting, environmental petition signing drive, replacing light fixtures with energy efficient bulbs and a craft book using recycled materials were some of the projects presented during the Earth Day lunch and learn.

"The average American family throws away approximately 88 pounds of plastic a year," said Adams. "STC is doing it's part by starting a recycling program, because we want to make recycling easily accessible to our students, faculty and staff. This is a great opportunity to think globably while acting locally."

Sullivan Environmental is donating a recycling bin to the college where trash can be sorted into three separate departments: paper, plastic or aluminum. Additionally, recycling boxes will be located throughout the college to separate these items too. A recycling program is only as successful as those willing to participate. Everyone will be responsible to use the bins as they are labeled.

"This is a great time to begin a recycling program," said Adams. "I think this is a time of awareness for our community and the citizens know what this means to our community, our nation and our world."

"STC students, faculty and staff were extremely enthusiastic about our first Earth Day celebration at the college," said Lance Helms, STC Director of Career Services. "The overwhelming level of participation confirmed that this must be an annual event for the college."

"The STC Student Senate sponsored an Earth Day photograph contest which generated great participation from students, faculty and staff," said Helen Thomas, STC Special Needs Specialist. "Our panel of judges had a difficult time choosing category winners, because they were all unique and inspiring."

The first place winners in the photograph contest include Eide NeSmith, "Enjoying the Environment" category; Rosetta Summerset, "Protecting the Environment" category; and Julie Busby, "Nature & Wildlife" category.

***