July 8, 2026
It’s powerful when former students reach back years after graduation, when careers have taken shape. For Accounting Instructor Lori Sweat, one message stood out as especially meaningful. Shaq Jordan, a 2017 graduate who earned an associate degree in accounting, reached out to share just how much Ms. Sweat impacted his life.
“I want to give you an update on how far I’ve come with the foundation you helped me build,” said Shaq. “Career-wise, after working on the procurement and federal government accounting side, I am now at a nonprofit working in accounting, and I feel at home and have a calling to the work I’m doing now.”
Today, Shaq serves as an accounting specialist and a lead in the accounts payable department at Trident United Way in Charleston, South Carolina.
“With what I’ve learned, I get to help so many unfortunate people and give back as I’ve always wanted to do. Filling this role is a true calling,” he said. “Coming from a single-parent household where we struggled for necessities, this job makes me whole. I owe you everything for being the best teacher I’ve ever had, and always believing in me and encouraging me. You are a one-of-a-kind teacher and an even better person. I am often asked what made me choose accounting, and it always comes back to you. Thank you so much. I am forever grateful to you. Meeting you was the turning point in my education. You pushed me in ways I didn’t know I needed. You made sure I truly understood—not just for a test, but for life,” wrote Shaq.
After graduating from STC with an Accounting AAS, Accounting Diploma, and multiple specialized certificates, Shaq worked for a hardware company before deciding to continue his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern, where he also joined the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.
After moving to South Carolina, Shaq worked at a well-known home builder, gaining experience in the private sector. With an offer from a defense company, he added an element of experience in the government sector. Though he enjoyed what he was doing, he wanted something more accounting-focused.
In his current role with the nonprofit, Shaq handles credit card approvals, expense management, invoice processing, and investment reconciliation for the finance committee.
“As far as personal life, we now have a daughter, and she’s the love of my life,” he shared. “Watching her grow up is such an honor.”
For Ms. Sweat, who has taught for more than 30 years, on both the Vidalia and Swainsboro campuses, messages like this hold deep meaning. “It’s very rewarding to hear Shaq’s kind words. I hope others are encouraged by his success and consider their local technical college. Some people think of technical colleges only for industrial trades,” she said. “However, every organization relies on accounting, and we offer strong programs in that field as well.”
“I love hearing updates from my former students,” she said. “I am so proud of and happy for Shaq. It’s a blessing for people to have careers they enjoy.”
Ms. Sweat described Shaq as a conscientious, hardworking student—always polite—and said students like him make teaching especially rewarding. “The fact that he went on to pursue a bachelor’s is even more evidence of his dedication to the accounting profession and highlights the transfer opportunities available with the University System of Georgia institutions,” she said.
In further correspondence, Shaq explained, “I would tell anyone considering enrollment at Southeastern Tech to go and be curious. Go with an open mind. When I walked the halls of STC, I never thought in a million years I’d be where I am today. It all started with a few bold decisions. The experience of STC will prepare you for life. I’m a testament.”
He also emphasized the value of the investment. “Everyone has to pay their dues, but the amount of money I spent on my education, I’ve made back over five times. I didn’t come from a wealthy family, but STC made sure I had financial aid assistance. It’s not just an investment in education—it’s an investment in yourself. I never thought I could even attend college. I’m so glad I was wrong. What Southeastern gave me is still the backbone of everything I do.”
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Shaq, congratulations on all your personal and professional accomplishments!
STC’s choice of an accounting degree, diploma, and credit certificates prepares students for careers in today’s technology-driven workplaces. The skills students acquire in these programs help them secure jobs and excel in the field. Through these programs, students gain skills necessary to handle an array of financial and managerial accounting tasks, including maintaining the books of business entities, financial statement analysis, payroll accounting, computerized accounting and spreadsheet software, and preparing individual income tax returns.
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