News & Events

• Current News
• Newsletter Signup
• Speaker Information

Current News

Lt. Gov. Cagle Applauds STC, Forestry Presence in Emanuel County

May 7, 2012 - Lt. Governor Casey Cagle attended the fourth annual Georgia Forestry Association supper and meeting in Swainsboro on May 3, along with Larry Calhoun, Johnny Payne and John Thrift of Southeastern Tech.

Cagle noted the contribution of technical colleges and, in particular, forestry programs to the reported $25 million economic impact of the timber industry on Emanuel County.

"Lt. Gov. Cagle is a great supporter of rural Georgia and the state's forestry and agriculture industries," said Calhoun, STC Provost. "He is also a champion of technical education and clearly sees the connection and importance of a well-educated workforce and Georgia's economic future."

STC's forestry program's contribution to local industry has been well demonstrated-graduates and current students work for, among others, Battle Lumber Company, Rayonier, Yeomans Wood and Timber, and Atlantic Wood Industries.

"The forest technology program routinely scores high job placement rates," said Thrift, forest technology instructor at STC. "I believe the success of our students can be attributed to the streamlined, flexible training that is the spirit of the technical college system."

With the lieutenant governor's support and flexible training that incorporates the latest technology, Southeastern Tech's forestry program figures to remain a major contributor to regional economies in the future.

For more information on STC's forestry program, call 912-538-3100, 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Foundation Internal Campaign Surpasses $30K Donation Total

May 3, 2012 - Donations to the Southeastern Technical College Foundation by full-time employees this year totaled $35,951, said Eide Nesmith, executive director of the STC Foundation, at an April 30 college event.

Nesmith also noted that for the first time since Swainsboro Tech and Southeastern Tech merged, 100 percent of the school's full-time faculty and staff pledged and donated.

"I am very proud to work in an environment where there are so many genuinely caring employees," said Nesmith.

The success of STC's internal campaign is something not every school can claim.

"Many larger schools are unable to achieve this outstanding participation rate," said Nesmith.

The Southeastern Technical College Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides guidance and assists in securing funds for Southeastern Technical College. The STC Foundation helps recognize an unmet need by providing financial support required to sustain current operations and afford future growth.

For more information on the STC Foundation, contact Eide Nesmith at 912-538-3133 or enesmith@southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Rad Tech Program Graduates 2012 Class

April 30, 2012 - Southeastern Tech graduated its 2012 radiologic technology class on April 26 in a ceremony held at Toombs Auditorium on the Vidalia campus.

Six students were recognized for completing the required coursework of STC's radiologic technology program: Ashlee Davis of Soperton, Griselda Delamora of Hazlehurst, Amy Milton of Baxley, Stephan Powell of Lyons, Scott Thomas of Swainsboro, and Brandi Williamson of Vidalia.

"The graduates you see here tonight have completed over 500 hours of academic instruction and over 1500 hours of clinical education time," said Tara Powell, director of the radiologic technology program.

Staff and students gave several awards to the staff of some of the clinical sites where they received instruction, and some of the students themselves were named award winners. Amy Milton was named the Most Outstanding Student Technologist, and the Covidien Award of Excellence was given to Amy Milton and Stephan Powell.

"When I first started taking my core classes for this program, this night was just a figment of my imagination," said Powell. "It's a privilege to have worked alongside these five people and even more an honor to be sharing valedictorian status for the radiologic technology class of 2012."

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Christy Allen, administrative supervisor at Meadows Regional Medical Center.

"I congratulate each one of you for graduating tonight," said Allen. "You've all worked hard, studied long hours and you and your families have made many sacrifices in order to make this a reality. You are all a true testament that perseverance pays off."

For more information on STC's radiologic technology program, call 912-538-3100 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Student Wins Course Naming Contest

April 24, 2012 - An STC student was recently named the winner of a contest to name a new class coming to Southeastern Tech.

As part of a reaffirmation of their regional accreditation, Southeastern Tech was required to implement a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). After internal research on faculty and students, it was determined that improving math skills and demonstrating their practical applications in Health Sciences students would yield the greatest benefit.

With a plan in place to create a math-focused class for Health Sciences students, the school needed a name for the class. The QEP design team voted to solicit potential names for the developing plan from the students, staff, and faculty. A $150 prize was to be given to the contest winner.

After anonymous voting by the QEP team, Wendy A. Felix, from Millen, was selected as the winner for her submission, "MESH for Success (Mathematics Enhancing the Sciences and Health)."

"The program is meant to integrate, or mesh, math and the allied health programs together," said Felix.

Felix was presented her award on April 4, by Tara Powell, head of the QEP design team.

"To be chosen by STC, at my age, is not only an honor, but validation that I am on the right path," said Felix. "Continuing my education at STC was the best fit for me and the only foreseeable option to be able to afford future financial security for my family."

For more information on Southeastern Tech, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Foundation Opens Fundraising Campaign with Annual Barbecue

April 24, 2012 - Southeastern Technical College held its annual barbecue dinner at L.C. "Shot" Strange's Clubhouse on April 19.

The event, which kicks off the STC Foundation's annual fundraising campaign, gave attendees a chance to mingle while the foundation and college stated their mission for the coming year.

Speakers including STC's Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership student Chelsea Eubanks and State Senators Jack Hill and Tommie Williams and Representative Butch Parrish gave accounts of the positive effects of technical colleges.

"I believe this year's annual barbecue was the best event yet," said Eide Nesmith, executive director of the STC Foundation. "The food, entertainment, and fellowship were phenomenal."

Part of the program was dedicated to the host of the event. Strange was thanked for his many years of involvement with Southeastern Tech and given a framed collage of photos from the award ceremony where he was named a Technical College System of Georgia Volunteer of the Year.

"I would like to especially thank Mr. Shot Strange for allowing STC the use of his clubhouse once again for this gathering," said Nesmith. "His generosity is only one of the many reasons Mr. Strange was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award."

For more information on the STC Foundation, contact Eide Nesmith at 912-538-3133 or enesmith@southeasterntech.edu.

****

Career Fairs Create Opportunities for STC Students

April 23, 2012 - A variety of employers, from East Georgia Healthcare Center to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, were represented at career fairs on Southeastern Tech's Swainsboro and Vidalia campuses.

The fairs, held on April 17 in Swainsboro and April 18 in Vidalia, let students get face-to-face with companies in their field and let company representatives test the waters of STC's talent pool. Director of Career Services Lance Helms calls career fairs a "win-win."

"Career fairs are golden opportunities for job seekers to talk directly with company representatives," said Helms. "It allows [job seekers] the opportunity to put their best foot forward and make a great first impression. The job seeker is able to discover what needs the employer has and how they can possibly meet those needs."

Career fairs are regularly scheduled at Southeastern Tech, and students, as well as graduates, are encouraged to take advantage of the events. Whether a student is a frequent fair-goer or first timer, all that's needed is a resume and a positive attitude to start making connections.

"Job seekers want to bring several copies of their resume," said Helms. "Now of course, you don't want to just start passing them out to employers. You need to talk with the employers, and if they like what they see and hear, then they will ask you for your resume."

Helm's Career Services department is also responsible for Southeastern Tech's numerous other employment seminars and aids, like the Lunch & Learn series.

"We're going to have a couple of Lunch & Learns on work ethics and their importance in the work place," said Helms. "More and more companies complain about the lack of soft skills some employees have. Hopefully, we can catch the attention of some students this summer semester."

For more information on Southeastern Technical College, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Celebrates Week of the Young Child

April 23, 2012 - Southeastern Tech's Child Development Center will be celebrating the Week of the Young Child from April 22-28.

As part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's designated month to celebrate young children, the center will have guest speakers read to the center's children and will hold a balloon release during the week.

"The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children, their families, and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs," said Gena Sapp, director the Child Development Center.

Parents, community members, and STC faculty and staff will read to the center's children on April 25, and the balloon release will be held the day after.

The events of the week cap a month that saw a number of events supporting the center, which faced uncertainty at the beginning of the year. Staff members welcome the support for the center, but see it first and foremost as support for the children.

"During this busy time, attention is being brought to the Child Development Center, but this really brings awareness to the children," said Sapp. "Every child deserves quality care and education, and our center is proud to provide that to the community."

For more information on the Week of the Young Child or the Child Development Center, contact Gena Sapp at 478-289-2240 or gsapp@southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Staffer Returns Home to Lend a Hand

April 16, 2012 - Melanie Walker stood in the Southeastern Tech Financial Aid office in 1993, a single mother fresh off a series of factory lay-offs. In all likelihood, the last thing on her mind was where she'd be in 20 years, but as it turns out, it's the exact same place-only she'd be behind the desk, not in front of it.

Today, Walker is a financial aid specialist from Cobbtown, but in the late Eighties and early Nineties, she worked for a factory in Metter that was hit hard by economic downturn.

"It just went away, that's when all of them were closing down," said Walker. "The ladies out at the factory always used to tell me, because I was so young, that I needed to go back to school. But I thought there just wasn't an opportunity."

It's somewhat ironic that Walker's current work, her work of over 15 years, is to educate people on what she herself knew almost nothing about when considering higher education.

"Even now, people think like I did: 'I can't afford to go back to school,'" said Walker. "People don't know that there's HOPE and Pell and loans. They just don't know. I didn't know."

Though some of the options available to students now weren't around when she started school, Walker was still the beneficiary of a helpful unemployment office and STC's Financial Aid office.

"If you were going to school, that counted as you looking for a job," said Walker. "So, the [unemployment] office paid your unemployment check, paid for you to go to school, and anything that the Financial Aid office didn't pay for, though Financial Aid paid for almost everything"

Walker's program at STC was Information Office Technology, now known as Business Administrative Technology. In 1996, Walker finished her program and moved into Southeastern Tech's Financial Aid office.

Walker's been in that particular field ever since, and it might be because of the circumstances around her entrance into college, but she's had no particular urge to move out of the field.

"I've never tried to do anything else," said Walker. "I've never ventured out. I don't know why I didn't, but I didn't."

In 2005, after 10 years at STC, Walker made the move to Atlanta to work at Strayer University. The new environment brought new opportunities.

"They offer a Bachelor's and Master's through their online programs," said Walker. "So, when I started working there, I got into a Bachelor's program. And if you do that, you might as well go ahead and get your Master's, right?"

So, she did. Walker got a Bachelor's and Master's both in Business Administration. Walker was gracious for the opportunity, but a pull to return home had grown stronger during her time in Atlanta.

In 2010, Walker took a position at Savannah Tech, and a year later, she moved into her current position at Southeastern Tech.

"This is home," said Walker. "This is where I started, and hopefully, this will be where I finish."

In more than location, Walker's come full circle. Starting as an uninformed, but eager student, she's now setting uninformed, eager students on their career paths, and she takes pride in that.

"People come in scared, they've lost jobs, they don't have a clue what they're going to do, they don't know how they're going to provide for their family," said Walker. "It's always a good feeling to help someone get through what you went through."

For more information on Southeastern Technical College, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Students, Teachers Compete at Spring Activity Day

April 16, 2012 - Southeastern Tech students took to the field, court, and track in Swainsboro and Lyons on April 12 for STC's annual Spring Activity Day.

"Students and faculty alike look forward to our Spring Activity Day," said Jan Brantley, STC Swainsboro's Special Needs Specialist and the organizer of its Spring Activity Day. "It offers them an opportunity to take a break from classes and enjoy a little fun in the sun."

STC students and teachers met at the Billy C. Carmichael Recreation Complex in Swainsboro and Partin Park in Lyons. Games of softball, cornhole, horseshoes, volleyball and basketball, a hula hoop competition, a water balloon toss, and a one-mile walk let students relax, have fun, and better know their peers.

"Involvement and participation in student activities is an integral part of the total college educational experience," said Dr. Barry Dotson, vice president of student affairs. "We are committed to facilitating opportunities for students to grow and learn through involvement, leadership, and community development.

"It's also a great opportunity for students to see and interact with instructors outside of the classroom."

After weeks of sitting in lectures, students had a chance to see their lecturers in an entirely different capacity-leaping to keep a wayward volleyball inbounds, jostling underneath the net for a rebound, and dancing underneath a booming speaker.

"Watch out now," several students shouted and laughed to a student batter. "He's going to try to trick you!"

"Hey," the instructor pitcher called back, "Who's your advisor?"

For more information on Southeastern Technical College, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Renovations to STC Child Development Center Will Increase Capacity

April 16, 2012 - The Child Development Center at Southeastern Tech's Swainsboro campus is preparing for renovations that will increase the capacity of the center.

The renovations, which began last week, start with the construction of two new bathrooms, which will allow for a number of shifts that will ultimately raise the center's maximum enrollment number from 35 to 53.

"We will move the after-school children to what is now the one-year-old room and limit the number of after-schoolers we take to seven," said Gena Sapp, director of the Child Development Center. "As a domino effect, the 1-year-old room will have 12 children, which will feed the 2-year-old room, which will hold 16, which in turn will feed the 3-year-old room which will hold 20-24 children."

With these shifts, the center can enroll more children and work through their waiting list. If all goes according to plan, it won't be long before this happens.

"We hope to open the new slots by the first of May," said Sapp. "We will be calling parents who are on our waiting list first. The 1-year-old list is the longest waiting list we have, but we definitely will have room for extra 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds."

For more information on the Child Development Center, contact Gena Sapp at 478-289-2240 or gsapp@southeasterntech.edu.

****

Summer, Fall Fundraisers Planned for Child Development Center

April 9, 2012 - Concerned parents and citizens have mobilized in the last few weeks to support the Child Development Center on Southeastern Technical College's Swainsboro campus.

Beginning last week and continuing through summer and fall, the Save the Child Development Center Committee (SCDCC) is coordinating a number of fundraising efforts for the center, which faced financial issues at the beginning of the year.

The first of these fundraisers culminated on April 6, when donators picked up their Boston Butts, ordered in the weeks prior.

In the summer, a golf tournament will be held and the fall will see a raffle and pledge drive raise more money for the center.

"We hope by enlisting the support of our community we will be able to keep what we believe is a very important asset to our community and its educational system open and thriving in the future," said Peyton Frye, a member of the SCDCC.

Though the events came about in response to financial difficulties for the Child Development Center, they are as much about raising awareness of the center as they are supporting it.

"We want the community to know that we are still here providing quality care and education for the children in our area," said Gena Sapp, director of the Child Development Center.

For more information on the Child Development Center, call 478-289-2241. For more on the upcoming fundraisers, contact Peyton Frye at 478-289-4004 or peytonfrye@spiveybank.com.

****

Southeastern Tech Students Named 2012 Hinman Scholars

April 5, 2012 - Three Southeastern Tech students were named Hinman Scholars at a ceremony in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center on March 24.

Ashlee Erin Dixon of Blackshear, Brandy Downie of Vidalia, and Rachel Green Lawson of Dublin received the awards after being reviewed by a selection committee composed of STC Dental Hygiene faculty.

"I am so proud of these outstanding students," said Jennifer Gramiak, director of Southeastern Tech's Dental Hygiene program. "For the past two years, they have excelled in the program and are very deserving of this recognition."

The $750 scholarships were presented as part of the 2012 Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting, billed as "the South's premier dental convention." The Hinman Dental Society has been awarding scholarships since 1989 and the 2012 meeting is its 100th.

For more information on STC's Dental Hygiene program, contact STC at 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Local Young Artists' Patriotic Work Displayed at STC

April 5, 2012 - The Lyons-Vidalia VFW Ladies Auxiliary's high school patriotic art exhibit returned to STC Vidalia's atrium on April 4.

The ladies of the J. Barry Jones VFW Post were proud of each piece on display. Despite having to choose a winner, they thought every high school student who participated deserved recognition.

"These students, no matter their skill level, are worthy of praise for this effort," said Shirley Curl, the event's coordinator.

The art displayed, all from local high schoolers, will go on to compete in a state competition. Winners at the state level compete next at nationals, where scholarships and other prizes are given to the top artists.

****

STC's Tony Criswell Named State SkillsUSA Advisor of the Year

March 26, 2012 - At this year's Georgia SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, Southeastern Tech instructor Tony Criswell accepted the award for state Advisor of the Year.

Yet when someone came to him at church, congratulating him on his win, Criswell's response was, "What did I win?"

This is Criswell's way-he'll forget about personal accolades and would much rather talk about the accomplishments of his team.

Criswell has worked with Southeastern Tech's SkillsUSA organization for the past six years, and the group has become familiar with success in that time. Last year, they had the largest enrollment in the state-88 students, one of whom won a national gold-and this year, over half of the students who took part in state competitions walked away with medals and two students were elected to state office.

These, the achievements of his students, are how Criswell measures his success.

"I don't do it to get the recognition," said Criswell. "I do it because I see the faces of the students when we get back from these trips. And I ask myself, 'Are the students getting what they need? How are they succeeding?' If they're not succeeding, then I'm not succeeding."

Criswell, who teaches in STC's Electrical Systems Technology program, is quick to attribute his success to the efforts of his supporting staff.

"Everybody says you've got to have a good leader," said Criswell. "Well, you've got to have good people following you who may question, but when the decision comes down, they'll stick to it. I couldn't do it without them."

Criswell is proud of the award-it sits on a shelf behind his office desk-but as with everything else, it's just a byproduct of his real goal: success for his students.

"All my old certificates and diplomas are in an old room in another building," said Criswell. "They were actually on a wall behind a refrigerator for a long time. Pieces of paper don't mean a thing to me. It's when your students can do the work. That's what's most important."

For more information on SkillsUSA at Southeastern Tech, call Tony Criswell or Tina Jernigan at 478-289-2235 or 912-538-3123.

****

STC Staff Attend Statewide College Completion Summit

March 21, 2012 - Researching new ways to boost Southeastern Tech's graduation rate, representatives from STC attended the Complete College Georgia summit in Athens on March 19-20.

Complete College Georgia is an initiative undertaken by the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia to improve the number of students who graduate on time and overall. The public college systems are working together toward this goal, called for by Gov. Nathan Deal and laid out by the Board of Regents.

All 60 of the state's colleges must come up with plans for increased graduation rates to present to the governor by Sept. 1. The Complete College Georgia summit was an opportunity for the schools to compare notes and look at their task from new angles.

"To meet the demands of the workforce by 2020, our focus must change from how many students we can enroll at Southeastern Tech to how many students successfully complete a program and leave Southeastern Tech with a credential," said STC President Dr. Cathryn Mitchell. "We must develop and implement methods to increase student success."

Students from 20 colleges gave their own accounts of what works and doesn't work in higher education, and speakers from education organizations inside and outside the state illustrated the problems of and potential solutions for college completion.

"Restructuring the way we deliver instruction, transforming remedial education, and reducing the time to obtain a degree are some of the steps we will be taking to improve college completion," said Mitchell.

For more information on Southeastern Tech, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Regents Approve 17 General Education Courses for Transfer to Support Complete College Goals

March 21, 2012 - The Board of Regents voted on March 14 to accept an additional 17 general education courses in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) as transferable to the University System of Georgia (USG) for credit in the core curriculum, the basic courses all students must take to earn a degree.

With the approval of these 17 additional courses, there are now 27 courses transferable to USG institutions from TCSG institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The increased number of courses enhances how TCSG students are able to pursue baccalaureate degree opportunities at USG institutions.

"The addition of these courses to satisfy the core curriculum strengthens the USG's commitment to Georgia's students and their ability to attain a college education. The USG and TCSG are committed to answering Gov. Deal's call for more Georgians to complete college," said Interim Chief Academic Officer David Morgan.

On November 11, 2011, the regents approved a plan in the form of a report, "Complete College Georgia," that commits the University System's 35 institutions to increase college completion. The TCSG board approved the same agreement in December 2011.

USG faculty on the Regents Academic Advisory Committees reviewed each course and recommended all 17 general education courses be accepted for transfer from TCSG institutions to the General Education Council composed of faculty and staff from the System office and USG institutions. The General Education Council, which approves USG institutions' core curriculum, unanimously endorsed their recommendations.

The articulation agreement also established the Postsecondary Oversight Council who will continue to monitor the implementation of these additional courses for transfer between the two Systems.

A list of all 27 transfer courses, including those courses approved today, can be found here: www.usg.edu/academic_planning/documents/GE_transfer_chart_colorcoded.pdf.

****

FFA Holds Career Development Event at STC Swainsboro

March 20, 2012 - Southeastern Tech recently hosted an FFA Wildlife Career Development Event, where high school students competed in various agriculture education events.

FFA students from across the region assembled on STC's Swainsboro campus and put their skills to the test in a range of competitions, including Wildlife Identification, Whitetail Deer Management, Aquatic Identification, and Game Bird Identification.

"That one is really hard," said Jill Lehman, STC Wildlife Management instructor, "The students are only listening to a call, not seeing the bird."

STC's Forestry and Wildlife Management programs have maintained a strong relationship with FFA organizations, helping to achieve FFA's mission of "developing [students'] potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education."

"We are regularly invited to speak and teach at the high schools for the benefit of FFA members," said Lehman. "In the past, we have held workshops for FFA advisors here at STC. We work closely with FFA in the students' career pathways."

And working to help those students find their careers is something in which the STC faculty take great pride.

"Both [Forestry instructor] John Thrift and I enjoy the students," said Lehman. "Some of these students we have been seeing since their ninth grade and now they are seniors. It is amazing to watch their progress."

For more information on STC's Forestry or Wildlife Management programs, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Students Win Gold in Georgia SkillsUSA Competitions

March 19, 2012 - Southeastern Tech walked away with gold medals in four competitions at the 2012 Georgia Post-Secondary SkillsUSA Championships on March 15-17.

Competing in 15 events, the STC SkillsUSA team earned medals in seven areas at the Atlanta competition, held at the Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Technical College, and Georgia International Convention Center.

Taking gold were: Javier Bullard, Markie Graham, Stormie Bustos, Marie Ruffin, Paige Spearman, Vicki Jones, Octavius Travett, and Emily Jackson in Opening and Closing Ceremonies; Nikki Barton in Customer Service; Regina Shiver in Criminal Justice; and Candy McGlashan in Medical Assisting.

Monique Weldon, who won a gold at SkillsUSA Nationals last year, placed second in Preschool Teaching Assistant.

Anna Johnson, Shane Hooks, Jennifer Peebles, Ahmad Norwood, Shaniqua Hall, and April Williams received bronze medals in Quiz Bowl, along with Cheryl Willet and Don Paradice in Web Design.

In addition, Tony Criswell, Electrical Systems Technology instructor, was named Georgia SkillsUSA's Advisor of the Year.

SkillsUSA is a national organization of more than 300,000 students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, skilled service and health occupations excel towards their career goals.

For more information on SkillsUSA and Southeastern Tech, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Former STC ACCEL Student Recounts 2 Years in Mozambique

March 14, 2012 - Most new high school graduates celebrate their achievement by doing something justifiably indulgent: maybe a road trip or a sedentary summer. The diligent might prepare for college in that time. And then, there's Daniel Taylor.

Taylor graduated from Vidalia Comprehensive High School in 2009, having participated in the ACCEL program at Southeastern Tech, and then went to Mozambique.

On March 13, Taylor spoke to STC's present ACCEL class, comprised of high school seniors from Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Toombs County High School, and Vidalia High School, and gave the students an account of his mission trip to the southeastern African nation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Taylor and seven other missionaries lived in Mozambique for the past two years and returned home four months ago. While in Mozambique, Taylor's group helped with building projects, installed wells, and cleaned orphanages. Though they were there as a church group, their focus was on serving the underprivileged of Mozambique first.

"I don't care who you are, I don't care what church you go to, it's about helping people," said Taylor. "We were just there to help people."

Living primarily on rice and beans, Taylor rode with 35 other people in eight-passenger vehicles called chappas and spent six months learning a new language on the fly. But challenges were no deterrent to his service.

"Helping people was totally worth all of the uncomfortable conditions," said Taylor.

Now, Taylor is employed with Primerica Financial and plans to enroll in college and major in business. Having an education in business, he believes, will open more doors to allow him to better help people.

For more information on the ACCEL program at Southeastern Tech, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Social Media Examined at Southeastern Tech Lecture

March 14, 2012 - Southeastern Tech hosted a discussion on social media in its ongoing Lunch and Learn series on March 13.

The event, held in the school's Tattnall Auditorium, highlighted the promise and potential pitfalls of social media as it relates to the workplace and job market. Kristen Baker, social media marketing manager for the Georgia Department of Labor, was the luncheon's speaker.

"According to Reppler.com, 69 percent-nearly 7 out of 10 employers-say they have rejected a potential candidate over something they have viewed about him or her on a social networking site," said Baker.

"However, due to the fact employers are now utilizing social networking sites as another screening tool, there are several ways students, job seekers, and employees can take the advantage over their competition through popular social networking sites, such as Facebook."

Using news reports, studies, and real-world examples in social media, Baker demonstrated mistakes, showed how to turn companies' careful monitoring to your advantage, and clarified some misconceptions. For instance, employers don't use social media strictly to disqualify job seekers.

"A whopping 91 percent of employers use social media to screen," said Baker. "And 68 percent of employers [polled] are using social media to their benefit, to look for great candidates who can represent their company.

"It's there for you to position yourself with an 'interactive resume,' to reach out to the companies you want to interact with and to receive employment from it."

For more information on future Lunch and Learn events, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Graduates Swainsboro Practical Nursing Class

March 2, 2012 - Southeastern Tech's Practical Nursing program held pinning ceremonies for its latest Swainsboro-campus graduating class on Thursday, March 1st.

Eight graduates comprised the class: John Blount, Kite; Angela Connell, Glenwood; Kristen Edenfield, Soperton; Danielle Graddy, Wrightsville; Angela Henderson, Kite; Deeangerleakia Scott, Millen; Whittney Singletary, Swainsboro; and Dolores Young, Wrightsville.

"This group of students has been a joy to teach," said Beth Hendrix, instructor for the Practical Nursing program. "It is so rewarding to teach the students in the classroom and then watch them as they apply the knowledge and skills learned in the clinical setting. I know these students will make excellent nurses."

The medical field is a growing industry with many job opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care. If you are interested in the Practical Nursing program offered at Southeastern Tech, please call 912-538-3100 in Vidalia, 478-289-2200 in Swainsboro or 912-654-5276 in Glennville or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Students Perform at Southeastern Tech Talent Show

March 2, 2012 - STC staff and students from across Southeastern Tech's eight-county service area assembled in Swainsboro and Vidalia to show off their talents in two "STC's Got Talent" competitions on March 1.

Held at the Emanuel County Auditorium in Swainsboro and Tattnall Auditorium in Vidalia, the shows saw stand-up comedians, dancers, singers, and a variety of performers show their skills for a chance to win trophies and cash prizes.

Of the 19 entrants, 13 in Swainsboro and six in Vidalia, six went home winners. In Swainsboro, Emanuel County locals claimed the top three-Rayne Odum won first place, Javier Bullard took second, and Brandi Hudson finished third.

Vidalia's competition was won by Jeffrey Hall of Vidalia. Don Paradice of Vidalia finished second, and third prize went to Jessica and Jodie Hutcheson of Tarrytown.

To find out more about upcoming Southeastern Tech events, call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Announces 2012 Louie G. Calhoun Memorial Scholarship

February 27, 2012 - The Southeastern Technical College Foundation has announced the Louie G. Calhoun Memorial Scholarship will be available to a 2012 high school senior attending Montgomery County High School (MCHS).

This scholarship is given in memory of Louie G. Calhoun, whose life work was technical education, including many years as agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at MCHS.

The intent of the scholarship is to financially assist a student from MCHS in the pursuit of a Southeastern Technical College degree or diploma. The student must demonstrate academic excellence, while exhibiting outstanding moral character and a determination to succeed in life.

Students interested in completing a scholarship application should contact their high school graduation counselor.

If you would like to donate to the Louie G. Calhoun Memorial Scholarship fund or the STC Foundation's general scholarship fund, contact Eide Nesmith at foundation@southeasterntech.edu or (912) 538-3133.

****

STC Announces 2012 Matthew Anders Memorial Scholarship

February 27, 2012 - The Southeastern Technical College Foundation has announced the Matthew Anders Memorial Scholarship will be available to a 2012 high school senior attending Swainsboro High School (SHS).

This scholarship was established by Harvey and Martha Anders in memory of their son, Matthew Anders, who was killed in a traffic accident in 2005.

Candidates should have a minimum 2.75 GPA and reflect the interests that Matthew displayed in his participation in sports endeavors at SHS and involvement in extracurricular school activities.

Students interested in completing a scholarship application should contact their high school graduation counselor.

If you would like to donate to the Matthew Anders Memorial Scholarship fund or the STC Foundation's general scholarship fund, contact Eide Nesmith at foundation@southeasterntech.edu or (912) 538-3133.

****

STC Announces 2012 Scott Meehan Memorial Scholarship

February 27, 2012 - The Southeastern Technical College Foundation has announced the Scott Meehan Memorial Scholarship will be available to a 2012 high school senior attending Vidalia Comprehensive High School, Toombs County High School, or Robert Toombs Christian Academy.

This scholarship was established in 2006 to honor Scott Meehan, a student of Southeastern Technical College, who died as a result of injuries from an automobile accident.

Prior to his death, Scott was enrolled in technology courses specializing in graphic and web design. This scholarship is a means of rewarding the talents and achievements of graduating high school seniors and encouraging them to pursue their goals of postsecondary education at Southeastern Technical College.

Students interested in completing a scholarship application should contact their high school graduation counselor.

If you would like to donate to the Scott Meehan Memorial Scholarship fund or the STC Foundation's general scholarship fund, contact Eide Nesmith at foundation@southeasterntech.edu or (912) 538-3133.

****

STC Announces 2012 Grady Toney Memorial Scholarship

February 22, 2012 - The Southeastern Technical College Foundation has announced the Grady Toney Memorial Scholarship will be available to a 2012 high school senior attending school in Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Toombs, or Treutlen County.

The scholarship is given in memory of criminal justice instructor, Grady Toney, who passed away in October 2009. Following a successful career with the Laurens County Sheriff's Department, in which he created the county's first D.A.R.E. chapter, Grady began a second career as a criminal justice instructor at Swainsboro Tech which later merged to become Southeastern Technical College.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to a graduating senior who has the desire to pursue a diploma or degree in criminal justice at Southeastern Technical College.

A student must demonstrate academic excellence and exhibit outstanding moral character while showing a determination to succeed in life. Also, he or she must possess a friendly, positive, cooperative attitude in all that he or she does for school, family, and community.

Students interested in completing a scholarship application should contact their high school graduation counselor.

If you would like to donate to the Grady Toney Memorial Scholarship fund or the STC Foundation's general scholarship fund, contact Eide Nesmith at foundation@southeasterntech.edu or (912) 538-3133.

****

Southeastern Tech Students Attend Leadership Conference

February 22, 2012 - Two students from Southeastern Tech attended the Student Professional Development Conference in Valdosta from February 10-12.

The conference was organized by three organizations, the State Student Leadership Council (SSLC), Distributive Education Clubs of America, and National Technical Honor Society. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC) played host to the event.

The students, Cheryl Willett and Grace Martin, are members of STC's Student Leadership Council and put their leadership skills to work in conference sessions focusing on leadership styles, nonverbal communication, and leading through action.

The conference also held a number of competitions, hosted a charity walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, heard a keynote address from WGTC's president, Dr. Ray Perren, and elected SSLC officers.

"This was STC's first time attending this conference and it was very interesting seeing how the process of electing officers worked," said Krysta Rushing, advisor for the college's Student Leadership Council.

Three people per organization per school were allowed to vote, but votes weren't for specific positions. Those candidates with the most votes would secure a spot as an officer, but their position would be decided at a later date.

"It was exciting for our students to be a part of the voting process because they know these are the leaders that will be organizing upcoming events and conferences geared directly for them," said Rushing.

For more information on student leadership opportunities or to learn more about programs available at STC, call 912-538-3100, 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

STC Students Win, Place in IAAP State Conference Competition

February 21, 2012 - Southeastern Tech students in the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) attended the organization's 2012 Certification and Development Workshop/Student Conference in Athens on February 9-11.

"The conference allows the students to interact with other professional and student IAAP chapters and they are able to attend workshops," said Jernigan.

Lisa Buchans, Carolyn Hand, and LaDonna York traveled with IAAP advisor Tina Jernigan and competed in four competitions: Microsoft Office 2010, Grammar Rules and Business Writing, Certified Administrative Professional and Organizational Management (CAP-OM) Mock Exam, and Public Speaking.

The students rounded out the top three in Grammar Rules and Business Writing, with Buchans taking first, Hand second, and York third. Buchans also won CAP-OM Mock Exam, with York placing second.

"I'm very proud of our students. They did an outstanding job and always represent STC well each year," said Jernigan.

With around 40,000 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.

For more information on the STC IAAP chapter or to learn more about Business Technology programs available at STC, call 912-538-3100, 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Releases Alumni Video

February 2, 2012 - With the help of local businesses and alumni, and after several weeks of post-production work, Southeastern Tech has released a new promotional video for its medical programs on YouTube.

Production company Alpha Studios joined STC alumni and representatives on the Vidalia campus and Meadows Regional Medical Center several months ago to shoot the video, which features a number of medical professionals sharing their STC experiences.

"There's still this stigma out there that you can't get a good job going to a technical college," said Krysta Rushing, STC's director of marketing and public relations. "We're trying to erase that. These people prove you can be very successful."

This is not Southeastern Tech's first foray into YouTube. In fact, this video will be the start of a new STC channel on the web site. In its efforts to integrate further into social media, the school will use the channel to post videos of college-related events on campus and off.

"We also want to give our online students an opportunity to experience the same events they would if they attended school in person," said Rushing.

To find the video on YouTube, search for "STC Medical Program Success Stories," and for more information on Southeastern Tech, please call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200 or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech VP Earns International Award

January 31, 2012 - Gail Ware, Southeastern Tech's vice president for institutional effectiveness, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Idahlynn Karre International Exemplary Leadership Award, from the Chair Academy.

The Chair Academy is an organization focused on developing leadership in colleges and whose stated vision is "to advance academic and administrative leadership for post-secondary institutions globally."

The Idahlynn Karre International Exemplary Leadership Award is given to individuals at post-secondary institutions who advance academic and administrative leadership in their work.

"I am deeply touched to be the recipient of an award bearing the name of Idahlynn Karre," said Ware. "Dr. Karre has spent her entire career dedicated to postsecondary education and excellence in teaching and learning."

Karre herself speaks highly of Ware's work, which began with over a decade of teaching before moving to administration.

"[Her] career is a testimony to our hopeful enterprise of changing lives, creating dreams, and fulfilling promise," said Karre. "[She is] truly an exemplary leader worthy of so much recognition and praise."

Ware developed an in-house, web-based database program called SPIRIT (Strategic Planning, Improvements, Results, and Implementation through Teamwork), which helps bridge the information gap between the college's campuses and divisions.

"Gail promotes teamwork in all activities and supports the student learning outcomes chosen and developed by faculty through the SPIRIT system," said Jessie Garrett, dean of environmental and industrial technologies at STC, and Ware's nominator for the award.

"Improving student learning has become a passion for me," said Ware. "When learning is improved, the development of the workforce we produce is also improved."

The award will be presented to Ware at the Chair Academy's 21st Annual International Conference in Atlanta on March 28th.

****

Southeastern Tech Holds Annual Awards Banquet

January 25, 2012 - Students, faculty, and staff were honored on Tuesday night, January 24, at Southeastern Technical College's annual awards banquet, held at the Vidalia Community Center.

"This is really an awards banquet to celebrate everyone at STC," said STC President Dr. Cathryn Mitchell.

Awards were presented in four different categories: Supervisory Staff Member of the Year, Non-Supervisory Staff Member of the Year, Instructor of the Year, and STC's GOAL Student.

The Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) is presented annually to the Southeastern Tech student who best exemplifies the goals of technical education.

"Being nominated for GOAL is one of the highest honors an STC student can achieve," said Dr. Barry Dotson, STC vice president of student affairs. "I know many of the nominees and they represent the best in technical education."

This year's Southeastern Tech GOAL was given to Chelsea Eubanks. Other nominees included Christine Badie, Brenda Leal, Grayson Mendieta, Mallory McLendon, Chanclor NeeSmith, Devan Price, Kathy Stokes, Ashley Taylor, Chris Thompson, and Arneatrus Ward.

"After learning dental hygiene from Southeastern Technical College, I truly value my technical education," said Eubanks. "This career gives me the chance to make a difference. "

Eubanks will compete to be one of three GOAL winners chosen at the regional level who will travel to Atlanta and vie for the state GOAL prize. The state GOAL winner will act as a representative for technical education across Georgia and receive a car, courtesy of GOAL sponsor Chevrolet, to aid in those duties.

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is awarded each year to the school's most outstanding instructor.

"The award is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields," said Cheryl West, dean of general education and learning support at STC.

Leisa Dukes was named STC's Instructor of the Year. Also nominated were Peggy Braswell, Michael Crumpler, Maxine Garnto, Charlotte Mathews, David Standard, and Sonya Wilson.

"To sell a product, you must believe in that product," said Dukes, a psychology instructor. "And I believe in technical education."

Dukes will go on to compete at the regional level, where two instructors are chosen to move on to the state level. The winner there becomes the ambassador for technical education in Georgia.

This year was the first time STC's award to the year's best staff member was divided into two categories: supervisory and non-supervisory.

"The Staff Member of the Year award is a prestigious award that was created to recognize a staff member who has exemplified excellence in their day-to-day job as well as contributed in other ways to make the College a success during the past year," said Denise Powell, vice president for administrative services.

The non-supervisory winner was Melissa Rowell and the supervisory winner was Charla Nail. Also nominated were Janene Betts, Don Braswell, Rebecca Ethredge, Mitchell Fagler, Teresa Gillette, Ashley Googe, Sarah Gross, Amanda Lively, Nora Rhymes, Brooke Salter, Kathryn Smith, and Helen Thomas.

****

Leadership Toombs-Montgomery Visits Southeastern Tech

January 23, 2012 - Leadership Toombs-Montgomery (LTM) held their January meeting at Southeastern Tech's Vidalia campus on Thursday, January 19.

LTM, now in its 18th year, is a program organized by the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce to give a comprehensive view of the region to current and future local leaders. The eight-month program has participants meet for monthly "learning sessions" at various locations to better understand the counties' resources.

"We have been able to see the ins and outs of so many of our community organizations and businesses, and it has really opened my mind to the potential that Toombs and Montgomery counties have," said Haley Fountain, LTM participant and site coordinator for 21st Century Community Learning Center, an after-school program at Toombs County Middle School.

Southeastern Tech's partnership with LTM goes back to the program's inception, as part of its education learning session. This year, the session included tours of several regional schools and education facilities.

"I tried to plan a day to expose the participants to educational options in the Toombs-Montgomery area," said Gwen Warren, education chair for LTM and principal of J.R. Trippe Middle School. "Of course, STC is an important component of education in our community because it offers such a great variety of post-secondary education options right here at home."

Participants were given full access to the school's facilities and programs: LTM visitors sat in on several classes and spoke with a number of instructors.

"It was very interesting to hear the job placement rates, the rates at which the STC students pass licensure exams, and the salaries the students can earn when they finish their program," said Warren.

LTM's current class will graduate in March, and history indicates they will likely take on prominent roles in the community.

"As of now, we have more than 250 graduates of the program who have shared the common experience of knowing how our community operates, its needs and challenges, its attributes and potential for the future," said Debbie Evans, executive vice president of operations for the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

"These leaders are now involved in boards and organizations throughout the community, including local governments, school boards, charitable organizations and many more. This powerful network of informed leaders serves to make our community stronger and a great place to live and do business."

With the education learning session, STC figures to be a catalyst in LTM's creation of that network.

"Growing up in Vidalia, I think I took what all STC has to offer for granted," said Fountain. "I definitely feel that I now have a much deeper appreciation for what STC has to give to our community and surrounding communities."

For more information on Southeastern Tech, please call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Names GOAL Student Semi-Finalists

January 18, 2012 - Four Southeastern Technical College students have been selected as the college's semi-finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Charla Nail, coordinator for STC's GOAL program.

Chosen as semifinalists are: Chelsea Eubanks, Dental Hygiene major, Guyton; Brenda Leal, Dental Hygiene major, Pulaski; Grayson Mendieta, Dental Hygiene major, Swainsboro; and Chancelor Neesmith, Electrical Systems Technology major, Vidalia.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state's technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state's 26 technical colleges as well as two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

All the college GOAL winners will compete in regional judging, which will include students from the other 25 TCSG colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges.

GOAL winners from each college will compete in regional judging in February. In April, all college winners will come to Atlanta where the nine semi-finalists, three finalists from each of the three regions, will be announced and compete at the state level in April and one student 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 Charla Nail

According to Nail, a screening committee of administrators at Southeastern Technical College selected the four semi-finalists from a list of students nominated by their instructors.

"A panel of business, civic and industry leaders from the community have interviewed and evaluated these four students and selected one to be the college's 2012 GOAL winner," said Nail. The winner will be announced at Southeastern Technical College's annual awards banquet to be held on January 24.

STC's local winner will compete in Central regional judging. Three finalists from Central region will compete in the state GOAL competition in Atlanta and vie to be named the 2012 statewide GOAL winner.

The state GOAL winner becomes the student ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia and receives a grand prize of a new car provided by Chevrolet, the statewide corporate sponsor of Georgia's GOAL program.

****

"Lab House" Offers Unique Experience for Southeastern Tech Students

January 12, 2012 - Tony Criswell's roots in his profession are fairly humble.

"Some people ask me where I went to school, and I tell them RCU, Robert Criswell University," said Criswell. "I learned everything electrical from my dad by doing hands-on work in the field."

However, the Southeastern Tech Electrical Systems Technology instructor has a lab that is not quite so humble.

When students file into Criswell's lab in Building 6 on the Swainsboro campus, they see a 1,600-square-foot, two-story house.

"Most schools have small cubicles for students to wire and others only have plywood on the walls to practice wiring," said Criswell. "There is not another one of these in the state, and it is such a blessing for the program."

Prior to April 2011, Criswell's lab was in a different building. He had eight small stalls with which to teach and demonstrate wiring and electrical concepts to his students. But, he was informed he'd be moving and he told the higher-ups that he'd need something new for his students to use to practice residential and commercial wiring.

With the impending move approaching, Criswell began to design something new himself. It would be unique, and it would draw upon the early experience Criswell gained working with his father, also an electrician.

"I wanted something to help [my students] learn the way I learned when I began doing electrical work," said Criswell. "I want to pass on the knowledge that my dad gave me to others, so they can take care of their families."

When he was done, he presented it to administrators, they approved it, the project went out to bid in November 2011, and on January 3, construction began on the EST program's "lab house." In four days, it was done.

The house's first floor contains 18 stalls for students to practice wiring. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen/dining room, a living room, and a laundry room.

"I'll still walk in and, every once in a while, just think, 'Wow,'" said Criswell.

But, Criswell isn't the only one impressed with the new addition. Representatives of Southwire, North America's leading manufacturer of electrical wire and cable, visited the lab and agreed to donate all the wire that will be used in the house.

And although the house is bare at the moment, Criswell expects all the finishing touches will come eventually: siding, plexiglass, even pictures hanging on the walls.

"My students come in now with this look on their faces," said Criswell, mouth agape. "Then, they start grinning. And then I start grinning."

For more information on the Electrical Systems Technology program at STC, please call 478-289-2200 or 912-538-3100, or visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

****

Southeastern Tech Congratulates Fall Semester President's List

January 9, 2012 - Southeastern Technical College is proud to announce their 2012 fall semester President's List. These students maintained a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester:

Appling
James Jackson
Christopher Peck

Bulloch
Amanda Brimeyer
Don OBerry

Burke
Ana Collins

Emanuel
Angelia Bennett
Catina Braswell
Wendy Bullard
John Colston
Cara Davis
DeBorah Foots
Daniel Gray
Robert Hampton
Curry Nicolini
Cayla Page
Michelle Riddles
Monica Smith
Alfred Whittenburg
Tyler Williamson
Zachary Womack

Jeff Davis
Shamel Weldon
Travis Wright

Jenkins
Larry Wilson

Johnson
Heather Fisher
Amber Gamiza

Laurens
Jeffrey Askew

Montgomery
Sheriell Brazell
Jeremiah Lynn
Cindy Williams

Tattnall
Pasi Arponen
Terrance Green
Julie Gutierrez
Stephanie Morris
Mallory Purvis

Telfair
Steve Burton
Sharon Wadley

Toombs
Quinton Baker
Jeremy Braunsdorf
Phillip Brown
Allen Cleveland
Kristina Escobar
Kristen Flowers
Travis Gibbons
Julius Hart
Michael Henderson
William Herndon
Joshua Howell
Suzette Lott
Grace Martin
Chanclor NeeSmith
Darby Oliver
Cody Peters
Jessie Robertson
Areli Saucedo
Christy Snell
Justin Taylor
Wendell Thomas
Cheryl Willett

Treutlen
Markie Graham

Wheeler
William Kidwell
Tommy Varnadoe
Bobby West

****

2011 News & Events Archive

2010 News & Events Archive

2009 News & Events Archive

2008 News & Events Archive