The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the completion of its first cohort of the Senior Leadership Academy, a transformative professional development program aimed at advancing careers within TCSG and its 22 colleges. Brad Hart of Southeastern Technical College (STC) was among the graduates.

A graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 25 dedicated participants who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential.

“I am truly honored to have been selected to participate in the Senior Leadership Academy through the TCSG.  The insights gained from the senior-level TCSG staff and UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s discussions on leadership qualities were invaluable. It was inspiring to explore the art of effective leadership, and it has certainly broadened my perspective on how to lead and inspire others,” said Hart, STC Director of Enrollment Services. “The knowledge acquired during these experiences has not only enriched my leadership skills but also expanded my horizons, making me eager to apply these newfound qualities and insights to my professional journey.”

“The Senior Leadership Academy represents our commitment to cultivating and empowering our own talent pool,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “We believe that investing in our staff’s professional development not only benefits our colleges, but also strengthens Georgia’s workforce development efforts.”

The Senior Leadership Academy is a flagship initiative of TCSG designed to identify, nurture, and equip leaders within the organization with the skills and knowledge required to excel in leadership roles. It is a year-long program divided into eight two-day sessions. The first cohort received 160 hours of content, including 18 hours of leadership training through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

“Through the Senior Leadership Academy, we are not just investing in our staff; we are investing in the future of technical education in Georgia,” said President of the Executive Leadership Academy and Talent Initiatives at TCSG, Dr. Alvetta Thomas. “These 25 graduates represent the vanguard of leadership excellence within the Technical College System of Georgia, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have on our colleges and the communities we serve.”

Dr. Barry Dotson, Vice President for Student Affairs at Southeastern Tech, said, “Brad is already an accomplished leader at Southeastern Tech, where we strive to be the best college for our community. However, an organization can only grow by continually focusing on cultivating leadership at all levels. When I learned about this exciting program, Brad immediately came to mind as someone who exemplifies our commitment to developing leaders and would greatly benefit from and contribute to the program. By investing in leaders like Brad, we can ensure Southeastern Tech continues to thrive and serve our community for years to come.”

 The Academy is designed to provide participants with a greater understanding of the operation and administrative functions of TCSG and its colleges such as strategic planning, data driven decision making, budgeting, student affairs, compliance, workforce development, and legal services, among others.

The first graduates of the Senior Leadership Academy are:

• Angela Davis, Albany Technical College
• Kristen Douglas, Athens Technical College
• Gail Edwards, Atlanta Technical College
• Christine Ball, Augusta Technical College
• Andrea Griner, Central Georgia Technical College
• Heather Pence, Chattahoochee Technical College
• Thomas Wesley, Coastal Pines Technical College
• Tara Askew, Columbus Technical College
• Elizabeth Anderson, Georgia Northwestern Technical College
• Cheree Williams, Georgia Piedmont Technical College
• Sonya McDaniel, Gwinnett Technical College
• Les Salter, Lanier Technical College
• Vinson Burdette, North Georgia Technical College
• Kim David, Oconee Fall Line Technical College
• Jeffery Davis, Ogeechee Technical College
• Tal Loos, Savannah Technical College
• Eulish Kinchens, South Georgia Technical College
• Brad Hart, Southeastern Technical College
• Stacy Acey, Southern Crescent Technical College
• Ross Cox, Southern Regional Technical College
• Nathalie Dames, TCSG
• Britney Singer-Walsh, TCSG
• Tim Bacon, TCSG
• Kristen Buoy, West Georgia Technical College
• Stevan Van Hook, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

For more information on Southeastern Technical College, visit www.southeasterntech.edu.

Photo: Brad Hart, STC Director of Enrollment Services and TCSG Senior Leadership Academy Graduate

The Southeastern Technical College (STC) Foundation continues to bolster financial support for students by awarding Fall 2023 scholarships.

“Congratulations to all the Fall 2023 STC Foundation Scholarship recipients! We are honored to be able to reward these students for their hard work and determination, and we wish them much success as they continue to work toward their career goals,” said Blythe Wilcox, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the STC Foundation.

In order to meet the increasing needs for higher education, resources such as scholarship support are necessary. The financial donors of the STC Foundation make this possible.

“The STC Foundation would like to thank our donors, who make these scholarships possible. Not only are you helping STC students achieve their goals, but you are also helping to create a more skilled workforce for our local community,” said Wilcox.

The following students have been awarded scholarships through the STC Foundation for the fall 2023 semester.

Daniela Avendano Hernandez   Jenkins County           Mae Jones Memorial Scholarship

Walter Banks                                 Tattnall County           Part-Time Student Scholarship

Olivia Barnes                                 Tattnall County           Jack Hill Memorial Scholarship

Debra Barriner                              Bulloch County           Part-Time Student Scholarship

Dylan Bridges                                Jeff Davis County       Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Courteney Burkett                        Toombs County          General Scholarship

Manuel Bustamante-Ramirez    Emanuel County         Matthew Anders Memorial Scholarship

Amber Carter                                 Emanuel County         Shot and Jean Strange Scholarship

Elizabeth Clark                             Tattnall County           Part-Time Student Scholarship

Ansley Cook                                  Bulloch County           William J. Peterson, Jr. Scholarship

Paulino Cortes                             Screven County          Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Samantha Dixon                         Toombs County          Medical Scholarship

Tiffany Emsweller                      Effingham County       President’s Scholarship

Kaitlin Hanners                          Emanuel County         Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Ki’monsha Hayton                     Bulloch County           General Scholarship

Tanisha Herrington                   Emanuel County         Part-Time Student Scholarship

Spencer Hinson                          Tattnall County           Dr. Oscar “Sammy” Holton Memorial Scholarship

Gavin Hood                                 Emanuel County         Kathy Carpenter Memorial Scholarship

Cody Hopkins                             Emanuel County         Gene Haas Scholarship

Danielle Humphrey                   Evans County             General Scholarship

Justice Jarriel                             Tattnall County           Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Monique Johnson                      Emanuel County         Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Randall Kersey                           Emanuel County         Gene Haas Scholarship

Savannah Luke                           Toombs County          General Scholarship

Jamie Mallard                             Toombs County          Vidalia Campus Scholarship

Katlyn McIntyre                          Toombs County          Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Sabrina McLeod                         Toombs County          Part-Time Student Scholarship

Iesha Miller                                 Emanuel County         Part-Time Student Scholarship

Ashlynn Morris                           Toombs County          Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Andrew Mullis                            Dodge County             Gene Haas Scholarship

Brianna Nipper                           Jeff Davis County       Medical Scholarship

Kimberly Register                      Toombs County          Part-Time Student Scholarship

Jonathan Richardson                Emanuel County         Gene Haas Scholarship

Mercedes Spivey                        Toombs County          Louie and Betty Calhoun Scholarship

Allison Strange                           Emanuel County         Medical Scholarship

Christian Tankersley                 Treutlen County          Scott Meehan Memorial Scholarship

Emma Tapley                             Toombs County          Part-Time Student Scholarship

Cristina Tinoco                           Toombs County          Medical Scholarship

Lindsey Turner                           Bulloch County           Swainsboro Campus Scholarship

Leslie Venegas                             Toombs County          General Scholarship

Ka-Lyn Waldrop                          Burke County              Medical Scholarship

Mercedes Williams                     Emanuel County         Part-Time Student Scholarship

Heather Williams                        Toombs County          Part-Time Student Scholarship

Jack Williams                              Emanuel County         Gene Haas Scholarship

Shayna Williams                         Candler County           Memorial Health Meadows Hospital Scholarship

Without scholarship opportunities, it would be difficult for some students to continue their education. The mission of the STC Foundation is to partner with donors to support and invest in the students, faculty, and staff at STC, with the primary funding for the scholarships coming from donors.

“Donors also include 100% participation from our STC employees giving to the Foundation campaign for well over 10 years,” said Wilcox.

For more information on scholarships available for STC students, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or feel free to call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.

Twelve Practical Nursing students from Southeastern Technical College (STC) graduated on Tuesday, August 1. A special pinning ceremony was held at the Vidalia campus to celebrate the class.

Receiving their pins were Jamie Armstrong from Cobbtown, Allison Austin and Samantha Turner from Vidalia, Amanda Barnes from Baxley, Tiffany Birkheimer and Jania Cephus from Lyons, Jessie Deloach form Glennville, Kaitlin Graham from East Dublin, Season Hodges from Swainsboro, Angela Johnson from Eastman, Adriana Saldana from Reidsville, and Kayla Townsend from Collins.

Practical Nursing Instructor Sheila Van Dyke welcomed the friends and family of the graduates and thanked them for their support of the students over the last three semesters. She said, “Crossing this stage means these graduates are headed to make a big difference in the world.”

Students enter the Practical Nursing program in either the fall or spring semesters on the Swainsboro or Vidalia campus. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care through general core and occupational courses, providing a variety of techniques and materials. Students then take part in clinical experiences so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of clinical instructors. Upon graduation, students write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses.

Graduate Allison Austin said, “This program prepares students to enter the medical field armed with skills and knowledge to be successful nurses. Thank you, STC and the instructors, for shaping us into the people we have become. We look forward to making a difference in our communities.”

Photo: (Front Row L to R):  Jessie DeLoach, Kayla Townsend, Jania Cephus, Adriana Saldana, Jamie Armstrong, Tiffany Birkheimer (Back Row L to R): Angela Johnson, Samantha Turner, Amanda Barnes, Kaitlin Graham, Allison Austin, Season Hodges

The Associate of Science in Nursing program at Southeastern Technical College graduated its Bridge Option class on July 31 in Vidalia’s Tattnall Auditorium.

Southeastern Tech faculty and staff honored the accomplishments of the graduates in a pinning ceremony held before an assembled crowd of friends and family.

The members of the graduating class are: Ladresha Allen and Rosemary Zul-moreno of Bulloch County, Keri Moseley and Samantha Ross of Candler County, Whittney Boatright and Haleigh Henry of Emanuel County, Caleb Farrow of Evans County, DeAnna Clay-Beecher, Jessica Clements, and Amber Yawn of Jeff Davis County, Reagan Dean and Taylor Oliver-Hinojosa of Tattnall County, Megan Britton, Justin Burkett, Megan Campana, Karlye Claxton, Chassidy Harvey, Megan Losolla, Erica Madison, Lucy Renteria, Karley Williams of Toombs County, Hayli Castro and Allison Holton of Treutlen County, and Rebecca Floyd of Liberty County.

“Twenty-one in this class were also graduates of the PN or Paramedic programs at STC and came back through our ASN Bridge program,” said Rachel Sikes. “Ten began as Nurse Aid students and have worked their way up to now earn a seat for the N-CLEX to become registered nurses.”

Graduates, totaling 23, walked across the stage of the Tattnall Auditorium as part of the program’s Bridge Option “pinning” ceremony. 

In the nursing school tradition, pins were placed on each student, signifying their entrance into the professional ranks.  

The ceremony gave recognition of the support provided by those around the graduates. Faculty recognized the important contribution family and friends provided.

The graduates also made sure to thank the instructors who brought them to that moment.

Photo: (Front Row L to R):  DeAnna Clay-Beecher, Karley Williams, Lucy Renteria, Taylor Oliver-Hinojosa, Reagan Dean, Hayli Castro, Megan Losolla, Karlye Claxton, Megan Campana, Ladresha Allen (Back Row L to R): Justin Burkett, Amber Yawn, Megan Britton, Haleigh Henry, Samantha Ross, Keri Moseley, Jessica Clements, Erica Madison, Whittney Boatright, Allison Holton,  Rosemary Zul-Moreno, Chassidy Harvey, Caleb Farrow (Not Pictured) Rebecca Floyd

Nine Machine Tool Technology (Computer Numeric Control) students were awarded Gene Haas Scholarships by the STC Foundation. These scholarships, made possible by a grant received from The Gene Haas Foundation, cover a portion of student tuition, books, and/or fees.

STC’s Machine Tool Technology Program, led by James Yearty, prepares graduates for gainful employment as machine tool technicians. Machinists set up and operate various computer-controlled and mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. This program also provides hands-on training for similar occupations in this field.

Scholarship recipients are: Daniel Crews, Cody Hopkins, Andrew Mullis, Jonathan Richardson, and Robert Stewart from Swainsboro, Clarence Allen Dykes from Adrian, Jimmie Rumore and Joseph Rumore from Wrightsville, and Chandler Wiggins from Oak Park.

“I have enjoyed the Machine Tool and CNC program at Southeastern Tech and I appreciate Haas for supporting the program and the students. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn valuable skills in a short time – and with little out-of-pocket costs. The graduates of the program have opportunities for a good job with one of many companies in the local area and within the state of Georgia. The graduates may elect to start their own small businesses using their training,” said Allen Dykes.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community through grants to local charities. Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry-wide, The Gene Haas Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.

“The Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship has assisted me in the pursuit of an education that I thought would be difficult to achieve. It has allowed me to focus on learning the skills for a great career in the CNC field rather than focusing on the financial hardships of a higher education,” said second-year student Jimmie Rumore.

“I am thankful that Gene Haas fulfills its vision of investing in students. The three semesters students spend with us accelerate their careers, their opportunities, and their salaries,” said Mr. Yearty.

Gene Haas scholarships are available to any student enrolled in Machine Tool Technology at STC. The program can be completed in three semesters. The technical certificates of credit offered within the program are: Basic Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Technician, Basic Machinist, and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Specialist.

Swainsboro lab tours are available to anyone interested by contacting Mr. Yearty at (478) 289-2323 or jyearty@southeasterntech.edu.

Photos (L to R): Instructor James Yearty, Chandler Wiggins, Jimmie Rumore, Andrew Mullis, Jonathan Richardson

(L to R): Robert Stewart, Allen Dykes, Instructor James Yearty, Joseph Rumore

(L to R): Daniel Crews, Instructor James Yearty, Cody Hopkins

Today, Southeastern Technical College and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant of America (HMGMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a training partnership that will lead to automotive industry jobs at the metaplant location currently under construction in Bryan County.

President Larry Calhoun commented, “The signing of this MOU between Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and Southeastern Technical College represents a collaboration built on the foundation of mutual benefit. Hyundai gains access to a pool of talented individuals who can contribute to its growth and competitiveness, while the college gains access to real-world case studies and industry expertise, enriching the learning experience for students. This collaboration ensures that technical education remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.”

The MOU was signed in the Tattnall Auditorium on Southeastern Tech’s campus by President Larry Calhoun and HMGMA CEO/President Oscar Kwon.

The Electric Vehicle Professional Technical Certificate program was created to prepare students for entry-level employment in the electric vehicle production industry. The eight-credit-hour certificate includes three courses and will focus on safe and effective automotive shop operations, automotive electrical principles, and the operation and service of electric vehicles. Those who complete the certificate program will have the skills needed to work in sub-assembly shops, building components, and on the production floor to manufacture electric vehicles.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Southeastern Tech for this training program,” Kwon said. “This training program will give prospective employees the tools they need to start a career in the electric vehicle industry with HMGMA. The students who attend Southeastern Tech are our neighbors. We place a strong emphasis on recruiting local and helping to create long-lasting careers for those we hire.”

HMGMA is Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle mass-production plant. The plant is currently under construction and is expected to produce 300,000 to 500,000 electric vehicles annually.

Many local dignitaries and economic development officials were in attendance.  Michele Johnson, executive director of the Toombs County Development Authority, commented, “The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) project will have an immediate positive impact and long-term economic benefit to Toombs County and the entire Heart of Georgia Altamaha Region. Toombs County is well-positioned to participate in the development of a stable supply chain for EV battery and EV components by providing premier location options, including multiple publicly owned build-to-suit sites and a 100,000 SF publicly owned spec building, a highly skilled workforce pipeline with access to training at Southeastern Technical College, and a team of local economic development resources working together in a sense of community and culture of prosperity. “

“We are excited about Hyundai’s decision to construct the new Metaplant in Bryan County and the impact it will have on our region’s future. The possibilities this project brings for additional development in our area are exciting. Emanuel County has positioned itself for just this type of opportunity with the purchase and infrastructure development of the new I-16 Park located at the intersection of US 1 and I-16. With 600 acres “ready to build” and a new 100,000 square foot speculative building under construction, we welcome Hyundai and its suppliers to begin expanding into our area,” stated Ken Warnock, Chief Executive Officer of the Emanuel County Development Authority.

As the immediate past chair of the STC Board of Directors, Warnock further commented, “It is an exciting opportunity for Southeastern Technical College to provide initial EV training to assist our local area’s citizens in being prepared for the career opportunities this project brings to our region’s workforce.”

The course will be available at Southeastern Tech’s Vidalia campus.

Photo: (Front Row) HMGMA President and Chief Executive Officer Oscar Kwon, STC President Larry Calhoun
(Back Row) HMGMA Assistant Manager / Learning and Development Jason Zdunich, HMGMA Senior Manager / Head of Learning and Development Brent Stubbs, HMGMA Head of Employee Relations / Learning and Development Coordinator Charles Lee, STC Board Chair Chris Hopkins, STC Vice President for Academic Affairs Teresa Coleman. TCSG Chief of Staff Mark Peevy

Cosmetology student Jacqueline Ziranda won Gold in Nail Care at the National SkillsUSA Georgia Post-Secondary Competition in Atlanta June 18-24, 2023. Her hard work, dedication, and skills lead her to this incredible accomplishment. Cosmetology student Teaira Benjamin served as Jacqueline’s model.

Jacqueline began Southeastern Tech’s Cosmetology program in Swainsboro as a Dual Enrollment student from Metter High School.

STC Cosmetology Instructor Linda Hairr said, “Jacqueline’s discipline and dedication to her education are most impressive. She is an extremely creative and talented young lady. That, combined with her kind, sweet, humble nature, has been instrumental in her success. Working with Jackie and getting to know her personally has been a joy. She’s an amazing young woman and I’m eager to see where this career takes her.”

Instructor Jamie Lambert stated that Jackie is like a ray of sunshine. “It is a pleasure to have her in class each day. Her positive, upbeat attitude is so refreshing and her willingness to sacrifice her time to help others speaks volumes.”

Gavin Jackson represented Southeastern Technical College in Electronics Technology under the direction of instructor Chip Greene and placed in the top five.

Gavin said, “This was the biggest event I’ve been to, and it is such a high level of prestige. I’m honored to be among all the winners, but I would like to extend special thanks to my instructor, Mr. Greene. Without him, I would not be capable of this achievement. National SkillsUSA was an exciting experience. We need more people in the electronics field. It’s guaranteed work and not many people are training for it.”

The state of Georgia had a fifty percent increase in SkillsUSA membership this year. Georgia accounted for 55 National medals — 32 Gold, 11 Silver, and 12 Bronze.

SkillsUSA has a mission to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. They work to improve the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. The organization’s vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success.

Photo: STC Cosmetology student Jacqueline Ziranda awarded Gold in Nail Care at the National SkillsUSA

Southeastern Technical College (STC) had 532 Dual Enrollment students receive recognition this year for earning college credit while in high school.

Seniors who completed a Technical Certificate of Credit or 12 or more credit hours with a “C” or higher during high school received a Southeastern Technical College Dual Enrollment Medallion. In addition to a medallion, each student who earned 30 credit hours with a “C” or higher was awarded a Technical College System of Georgia honor cord.

Dual Enrollment allows high school students to take college courses to earn both high school and college credits. This program introduces students to college-level coursework and helps them learn what it takes to be successful in college. Dual Enrollment helps students adjust to different aspects of college, often builds confidence, and encourages the students who need to be thinking about furthering their education. Students are able to take classes that are not offered on their high school campuses. Most Dual Enrollment courses are held on a Southeastern Technical College campus, while some are on a student’s high school campus. Some classes are online.

Offered to 10th-12th graders, Dual Enrollment allows students to save time and money towards a future degree. “High school students who experience college-level courses are more prepared for college and more likely to attain a college degree,” reports the Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse.

Combined, these area high school seniors completed nearly 8,000 credit hours. That is nearly 3,200 classes completed while in high school and over $1,812,000 saved in tuition, fees, and books.

• Appling County High School:  2
• Claxton High School:  1
• Coastal Plains Charter High School:  19
• David Emanuel Academy:  12
• East Laurens High School:  2
• Emanuel County Institute:  29
• Home School:  4
• Jeff Davis High School:  2
• Jenkins County High School:  30
• Johnson County High School:  15
• Metter High School and Metter Career Academy:  70
• Montgomery County High School:  12
• Robert Toombs Christian Academy:  16
• Swainsboro High School:  16
• Tattnall County High School:  100
• Toombs County High School:  71
• Treutlen County High School:  27
• Vidalia Heritage Academy:  11
• Vidalia High School:  85
• Wheeler County High School:  8

“That is a WIN in my book for the students and the parents,” said Mrs. Rowell, STC’s high school initiatives coordinator.

Southeastern Technical College offers 20 college-level classes, transferable to any University System of Georgia college or university. Students also have the opportunity to get a jump start on a career by taking occupational courses in a program area of their interest.

Southeastern Technical College is proud to announce the 2023 Spring Semester President’s List. These students earned a grade point average of 3.75 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours for the semester:

Appling: Jaret Lavariega Cruz, Caroline Price

Candler: Devon Braden

Emanuel: Shaun Bush, Dana Dixon, Cody Hopkins, Bailey Sause

Jeff Davis: Angelica Alejo Miron, Anthony Bedsole, Ashley Burgamy, Cassie Haynes, LeeAnna Hutchinson, Abby McDaniel, Travis Medders

Laurens: Johnathan Cofield

Liberty: Tabitha Eldridge

Montgomery: Ronnie Fountain, Daniella Garcia, Abigail Phillips

Tattnall: Stephen Adams, Tiffani Baldwin, Chelsea Barnard, Yasmine Bell, Sylvanna Deloach, Raven Fernandez, Guillermo Lopez-Sanchez, Garrett Oliver, Sandra Olvera, Christopher Thomas, Britton Wallace

Telfair: Shelton Batchelor, Chelsea Silva, Peyton Smith

Toombs: Victoria Barnard, Danny Carter, Ikeivia Clark, Dawson Claxton, William Copeland, Jason Dukes, Karson Evans, Kimberly Farmer, Crystal Flores, Tenekia Foreman, Chase McLain, Kri’shon McRae, Sidney Metts, Abby Phillips, Kassidy Rivers, Madison Sikes, Emily Tatum, Travis Turner, Zane Wiggins, Whitney Williams

Treutlen: David Braddy

Wheeler: Linda Horne, Jeremy Watson