Plant Hatch recently donated a variety of testing equipment to Southeastern Technical College’s (STC) Electronics Technology program in Vidalia, Georgia. The donation of digital controllers, flow transmitters, pressure switches, signal conditioners, and pressure test equipment will be used by STC students to increase their knowledge and proficiency of this equipment, which is used in the nuclear environment.

Plant Hatch Site Vice President Johnny Weissinger stated, “Through the donation of this equipment, we are strengthening the technical relationship between Hatch and STC’s Electronics Technology program and helping to better prepare and develop interested students to enter our Instrument and Controls (I&C) program at Hatch, or even other locations throughout the fleet. This partnership and hands-on preparation with real-world equipment used in the nuclear industry is a win-win for the students, Hatch, and the Southern Nuclear Company fleet.”

Mr. Weissinger engaged Southeastern Technical College President Larry Calhoun and Electronics Technology Instructor William “Chip” Greene to initiate this partnership and the effort was brought to fruition with the help of Hatch I&C Manager Royce Clark and Senior I&C Technician Ben Campbell.

“This process control equipment donation is greatly appreciated,” said Mr. Greene, electronics technology program director. “The equipment will be immediately incorporated into our existing process controls courses to augment the students’ exposure to current equipment and devices used by our local and regional manufacturers and power industries. This will benefit both our students and employers by reducing the required training time for our graduates as new employees.”

“The equipment donated by Southern Nuclear for the STC Electronics program will enable our students to get hands-on with the latest technology being used at Plant Hatch. The modern equipment, along with our partnership, will help make our graduates better qualified for entry-level positions at one of the nation’s leading nuclear power generation operations. We look forward to continuing to grow our workforce development relationship with Southern Nuclear,” said STC President Larry Calhoun.

For more information on the programs offered at STC, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.

Photo: STC Electronics Technology Instructor William “Chip” Greene, STC President Larry Calhoun, Plant Hatch Site Vice President Johnny Weissinger, and Plant Hatch I&C Manager Royce Clark

Southeastern Technical College students brought home three medals from SkillsUSA Georgia Post-Secondary Championships and Career Expo.

Gavin Jackson, Electronics Technology – 1^st place GOLD Medal
Jaqueline Ziranda Diaz, Nail Care, with model Teaira Benjamin – 1^st place GOLD Medal
Jack Weissinger, Electronics Technology – 3^rd place BRONZE Medal

The conference opened on March 9 in Atlanta, Georgia. SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis addressed the general assembly with encouragement for the students to embrace the now. She thanked industries for their importance in making this event possible each year.

The Georgia World Congress Center housed most of the competitions. Winners were awarded their medals on March 11.

“Attending SkillsUSA for the first time and coming home with the gold is an achievement I could never have imagined. I want to thank my instructor, Mr. William Greene, for helping me reach this point. I would not be where I am today without his stellar instruction. I am now preparing for nationals, where I hope to bring home another gold medal,” said Gavin Jackson.

“SkillsUSA was a wonderful experience, not just because I won a third-place medal, but because everyone there was so involved. It was an incredible sight to see people so interested in their competition areas. If I could go back to compete for something else, I would love to,” said Jack Weissinger.

SkillsUSA Georgia is a partnership of students, teachers, and industries working together to ensure that Georgia has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA Georgia serves middle school, high school, and college/post-secondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.

The other Southeastern Technical College competitors were:

• Karen Contreras-Hinojosa – Esthetics, with model Yuri Agundiz-Gonzalez
• Tucker Copeland – Electrical Construction Wiring
• Isabella Diaz – Barbering
• John Glover – Diesel Equipment Technology
• Landy Pearson – Cosmetology
• Sho Peebles – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Kimberly Register – Customer Service
• Savannah Skipper – Diesel Equipment Technology
• Jaslynn Smith – Job Skill Demonstration Open, with model Tahnee Mobley

SkillsUSA advisors for Southeastern Technical College are Tina Jernigan, Business Management Instructor, and Tony Criswell, Industrial Electrical and Maintenance Technician Instructor.

Competitor Kimberly Register is a Business Management student in a fully-online program at Southeastern Technical College. “SkillsUSA has been my favorite experience and memory while being at Southeastern Tech. Competing was so much fun and taught me so much about where I am as a professional. We can’t get experiences from a book or by not taking chances. SkillsUSA is an experience I am so thankful to have been part of. I hope many other students have the same opportunity. It is so worth it,” said Kimberly.

“Our time is now. Never a better time to be skilled than right now,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “Lives are changed, and goals are realized. We aren’t just here to help ourselves but here to help each other. We are counting on you to be leaders and difference-makers – life changers. Like John Maxwell said, “dreams don’t work unless you do.”

“I congratulate you on being among the top students in the state. If you want something and work for it, nothing can stop you,” said Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia commissioner.

The gold medal recipients move on to the National Leadership and Skills Conference in June to showcase their technical education, in Atlanta.

Photos (L to R): Jack Weissinger, Electronics Technology bronze medalist, STC Electronics Technology Instructor William “Chip” Greene, and Gavin Jackson, Electronics Technology gold medalist. Jaqueline Ziranda Diaz, Nail Care gold medalist.

With a company slogan of “Doing for Better,” Giro Pack, Inc. has collaborated with Southeastern Technical College to form scholarship funding for industrial program students.

Giro Pack, Inc. Plant Manager Marino Pobo said, “We have a factory here in Vidalia. For months, we have discussed establishing a scholarship in collaboration with Southeastern Technical College as a recruitment tool and a way to incorporate additional talent into our production plant. We are excited to see it become a reality.”  

Giro Pack is a family business that manufactures and distributes packaging solutions for the fruit and vegetable sectors. Giro Pack has become one of the leading companies in packaging and labeling solutions through its wide range of products, the quality of its team, and continuous innovation. They are committed to sustainability in supplying products worldwide. Giro Pack has operated for 27 years in the United States, with industrial processes based in Vidalia, Georgia. The company was founded almost 100 years ago in Badalona, Spain.

“I am confident that this partnership will benefit both Giro Pack and Southeastern Technical College as we work together to provide STC students with valuable work experience within the Giro Pack organization. This scholarship funding offers help to cover some or all of the student’s educational expenses,” said Blythe Wilcox, executive director of institutional advancement at Southeastern Tech.

Students may apply for this and all STC Foundation scholarships through the STC Foundation website, https://www.southeasterntech.edu/foundation/.

Please contact Blythe Wilcox for further information at (912) 538-3147.

Photo: Giro Pack, Inc. Production Manager Lee Helms, Giro Pack, Inc. Plant Manager Marino Pobo, STC Executive Director for Institutional Advancement Blythe Wilcox, STC Vice President for Student Affairs Barry Dotson, and STC Director for Career Services Lance Helms

The Office of Adult Education at Southeastern Technical College (STC) has nominated Senecca Underwood for Outstanding Teacher of the Year 2023. She will represent STC Adult Education in March at the statewide competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Senecca has been an integral part of building our English as a Second Language (ESL) component of the Adult Education program,” said Susan Cross, executive director of Adult Education. “Senecca’s fluency in ESL has enabled our program to serve the large number of non-English speaking individuals in our service area.”

Underwood is also the nominating instructor for Southeastern Tech’s 2023 EAGLE delegate, Manuel Torres. In March, Torres will compete with other Adult Education students for the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education Award at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute.

Underwood, ESL/HSE instructor with the Adult Education program in Vidalia, has been in her role for the past five years. She was an adjunct instructor for two years before becoming a full-time instructor.

“I am honored to have been selected and to be recognized for the positive impact that I make in the lives of our High School Equivalency students at Southeastern Technical College,” said Underwood.

For more information on STC Adult Education programs, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-1142.

Photo: Senecca Underwood, STC’s Adult Education Teacher of the Year 2023

Manuel Torres has been chosen to represent Southeastern Technical College (STC) Adult Education at the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2023.

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), through its Office of Adult Education, sponsors the annual Dinah Culbreath Wayne Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute.

The Leadership Institute honors students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs,” said Kim Tanner, STC EAGLE Coordinator.

 EAGLE students recognize the importance of education and will help promote adult education in Georgia.

College winners have to have completed or be enrolled and/or on track to either complete GED, HiSET, or Career Plus/Dual Achievement prior to enrollment in a TCSG College. ESL and EL/Civics students must have obtained citizenship and are pursuing post-secondary education. The state winner must activate the scholarship within one semester of receiving the State EAGLE Award.

“Manuel has exhibited his leadership skills while enrolled in the Adult Education program in Vidalia,” said Susan Cross, Executive Director of Adult Education. “He has completed three-fourths of his High School Equivalency (HSA) testing and works full-time to help his mother.”

The EAGLE Award is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in Adult Education programs. The EAGLE recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.

Since its inception in 1993, the EAGLE Award program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding students across the state. In 2021, the TCSG State Board re-named the award the Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Award program in memory of long-time adult education supporter and state board member Dinah Culbreath Wayne.

This tuition scholarship provides the EAGLE winner with funding for enrollment into one of TCSG’s colleges, not to exceed two consecutive years. The scholarship is entirely sponsored and funded by the local technical college that the EAGLE winner chooses to attend.

The Technical College System of Georgia Foundation, through the Brenda Wise Scholarship, approved a supplemental scholarship, which would also be awarded to the annual statewide EAGLE Award winner to cover the cost of books, fees, and other educational expenses.

Pictured: STC’s 2023 EAGLE Student Manuel Torres

Jim Jones of Southeastern Technical College was among Georgians recognized for contributions to the profession of public safety by Governor Brian Kemp.

Jones serves as emergency services education program director at Southeastern Technical College.

Governor Kemp gave a keynote address at the Governor’s Public Safety Awards Ceremony in Forsyth, congratulated Jones on being selected as a recipient of the 2022 Governor’s Public Safety Award, and recognized Jones for his dedication and selfless work in the Georgia public safety profession.

Three public safety professionals were commended for outstanding contributions to their profession, which had overwhelmingly positive effects on the overall profession.

“It has been an honor to serve my community and the state of Georgia as a paramedic and EMS educator for the last 32 years. To be recognized for my service and to be selected for the Governor’s Public Service Award was a very special moment in my life that will never be forgotten. I would like to thank Toombs-Montgomery EMS and Southeastern Technical College for allowing me to develop and practice my skills and knowledge in my classroom, community, and state,” said Jones.

Teresa Coleman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said, “Jim Jones is the epitome of the type of person for whom this award was created because he has devoted his life to public service and emergency education. During his career at Southeastern Technical College, he has trained hundreds of EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics, thus improving the lives of the citizens in our community as well as communities close to Vidalia, one graduate at a time. I am so thankful for his hard work, commitment, and dedication to Southeastern Technical College and our students, and I am humbled to call him my friend.”

“The public safety profession is the cornerstone for an orderly society. It is a great honor to recognize these public safety professionals,” said Chris Wigginton, GPSTC Director.

The recipients received plaques and their names were added to the GPSA monument located inside the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC).

For more information on STC, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 (Vidalia) or (478) 289-2200 (Swainsboro).

Photos: GPSTC Director Chris Wigginton, Governor’s Award Recipient Jim Jones, and Governor Brian Kemp

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recently launched its Senior Leadership Academy, a professional development program designed to promote career advancement within TCSG and its 22 colleges across Georgia. The first cohort of 25 participants met at TCSG’s system office for a two-day session led by Dr. Alvetta Thomas.

“We are excited to kick off this first cohort of the Senior Leadership Academy to nurture and develop leaders in technical education in Georgia,” said Dr. Alvetta Thomas, President, Executive Leadership Academy and Talent Initiatives at TCSG. “The Senior Leadership Academy provides participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for success as they continue building their careers at TCSG.”

The Senior Leadership Academy is a yearlong program divided into eight two-day sessions. The first cohort will receive 160 hours of content, including 18 hours of leadership training through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government. 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. Participants will be meeting with the TCSG commissioner, college presidents, members of the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and industry partners throughout the year.

“By providing a leadership development program for our employees, we are letting them know that TCSG is invested in our people and committed to helping them grow in their careers,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “These 25 participants are the future leaders of TCSG and our colleges, and I look forward to supporting them in their journey.”

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

Southeastern Technical College (STC) President Larry Calhoun said, “TCSG’s Senior Leadership Academy is a great program for helping prepare our next generation of leaders across one of the premier workforce development systems in the nation. Brad Hart is already a leader. This program will broaden his perspective and enhance his skills as he moves forward in his career.”

Hart currently serves as the director of enrollment services at Southeastern Technical College. He said, “I have served in higher education for nearly 18 years and am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge. Just as our students come to STC to learn new skills, I too am looking forward to learning about new and current topics by participating in the Senior Leadership Academy. From sessions on leadership and policy to strategic planning and student affairs, I am confident that the information I gain through these sessions and networking with my peers will enable me to be a better employee and leader at STC.”

###

About the Technical College System of Georgia 

The 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in more than 600 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-of-the-art equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs for High School Equivalency throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, which work with local industries to provide workforce and training solutions. For more information, visit TCSG.edu.

The ASN faculty of Southeastern Technical College (STC) proudly pinned graduates in the Fall 2022 Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. A ceremony was held in the Toombs Auditorium on the Vidalia campus on December 5.

The graduates were Ariel Black, Jessica Brown, Bailey Burgess, Erik Casas, Brooke Coley, Kaitlyn Corner, Riley Corner, Vonisha Smith Dudley, Destiny Ferguson, Rayza Forney, Brittnay Holm, Zoe Jones, Laura Lee, Alisia Nunn, Esmeralda Ortiz, Pearson Page, Rudolph Perkins, Jenifer Sanchez-Flores, Kara Sanders, Danielle Smith, Patricia Varnes, Brook Walters, and Amy Way.

Graduate Kaitlyn Corner thanked everyone in attendance and said, “Many people may say that this ceremony is just the start of our journey. I disagree. Our journey started last August. Tonight just happens to be when our paths split into 23 separate and unique roads. It’s funny to think about the first few days of nursing school. We spent our days staring at computer screens trying to associate a face with a name. I will never forget the day that I finally got to see everyone for the first time. I was nervous, but so excited, to be connected with people that knew the struggle I was going through and understood the sacrifices that a nursing student has to make.”

Kaitlyn continued, “Nursing school has been the most difficult thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding. It has tested my limits but has shown me what I am truly capable of when I set my mind to something. We have all discussed our potential plans. Many of us have jobs already set up. As we look back on where we started and where we are now, it’s clear that we learned to take care of our patients by first learning to take care of one another. I feel incredibly honored and proud to speak on behalf of our amazing class. So, here’s to our class and the amazing faculty of STC.”

Graduates were awarded their pins by nursing instructor Donna Jean Braddy.

“It takes a special type of person to choose a career dedicated to serving the needs of others. These students pledge themselves to the sacred work they have chosen. Tonight, students light a candle in this ceremony in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and they pledge the Hippocratic Oath,” said ASN Instructor Mary Martha Jennings.

ASN Instructor Rachel Sikes added, “As this evening ends, I want to take a moment to express our gratitude for each student present tonight and thank you for choosing Southeastern Technical College. The pinning ceremony is one of my favorite parts of the nursing journey. It gives us an opportunity to honor the students in a special way and to show them how proud we are of their accomplishments.”

To the graduating class, Mrs. Sikes said, “As you reflect over the past few years, I am sure you will all remember the late nights of studying, the early morning clinical rotations, and the absence at family functions, but I hope you also remember the lives you changed, the friendships you made, and the knowledge you gained. Each of you has shown that you’ve got what it takes to make an outstanding nurse. We commend you for your dedication and perseverance during this demanding journey. I encourage you to practice integrity, patience, and compassion. Most importantly, I challenge you to make a difference.”

The Associate of Science in Nursing Program is designed to produce technically-advanced, competent, and caring individuals who are prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum provides students with the necessary attitude, knowledge, and skills to practice competently and safely as beginning nurse generalists in acute, long-term, and community healthcare settings. Program graduates, who meet and fulfill exit requirements, are eligible to apply to the Georgia Board of Nursing to write the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

An ASN cohort is accepted each year, beginning in the fall semester. The Traditional Option program is offered on the Vidalia campus and spans over four semesters. A Bridge Option program is available on the Swainsboro campus for qualified individuals who possess current, Georgia unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Paramedic (EMT-P) to bridge his or her education and training into the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree.

For more information on programs offered at STC, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.

Photo: ASN Nursing Graduates (Front Row L-R): Laura Lee, Jenifer Sanchez-Flores, Rayza Forney, Danielle Smith, Jessica Brown, Erik Casas, Patricia Varnes, Brook Walters, Kara Sanders, Bailey Burgess, Brittnay Holm (Back Row L-R): Vonisha Smith Dudley, Kaitlyn Corner, Brooke Coley, Alisia Nunn, Esmeralda Ortiz, Pearson Page, Rudolph Perkins, Ariel Black, Amy Way, Riley Corner, Zoe Jones, and Destiny Ferguson

“The annual Santa visit at Southeastern Technical College in Swainsboro once again brought the Christmas spirit and provided joy to the community,” said Santa’s photographer Mitchell Fagler. “I am always awed by the sense of family exhibited by our team in making this event successful.”

Santa and his magic sent back this message to everyone. “I am so happy to have returned to STC to once again see all the smiling children, both young and young-at-heart. It brings joy and enrichment to my heart that lasts ALL year. I would like to send a special thanks to all my elves that made the night possible. I hope to see you all again next year! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

“We would like to thank everyone that attended and everyone that helped with the event. As my first time coordinating the event, I am truly humbled to be a part of the STC legacy,” said Emily Jarrell.

With approximately 600 in attendance, 375 being children, this event is an annual tradition of 15 years. Each child went home with their own photograph taken with Santa. Crafts and activities were provided while children waited to share their Christmas wishes with Santa.