Santana Recognized Among TCSG’s 2024 Alumni of the Year

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced 23 recipients as Alumni of the Year from its 22 colleges. The award honors exceptional alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields, demonstrated leadership in their communities, and serve as ambassadors of technical education.

Southeastern Technical College graduate Noelia Santana was honored at the Alumni of the Year announcement which took place at the 2024 Fall Leadership Conference in Savannah. Leaders from Georgia’s 22 technical colleges gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of TCSG alumni. This annual recognition underscores the role that TCSG plays in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic workforce.

Santana is a 2019 graduate of Southeastern Technical College, having earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. She is currently working for Reidsville Family Dentistry, fulfilling her career objective of bridging the communication between the Spanish-speaking community and healthcare facilities while providing the best dental care possible to every patient she encounters.

Southeastern Tech was honored for Noelia to serve as the 2018 STC Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership Award winner and ambassador for technical education while attending college. To continue her strong belief in Southeastern Tech, Noelia joined the STC Board of Directors last year saying, “I always had a fascination for teeth. Southeastern Tech was a great match for me to obtain my degree. STC offered me an affordable, quality education close to home and transformed me into a person who has marketable skills. STC is everything I could have ever asked for and more.”

Noelia plans to continue her education to obtain a master’s degree in Dental Hygiene or possibly pursue dental school.

“We are honored to celebrate the achievements of these 23 outstanding alumni,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “Their success stories illustrate the transformative impact of technical education in Georgia. These individuals not only exemplify the dedication and skill needed in today’s workforce but also inspire others to pursue opportunities that lead to rewarding careers. Their accomplishments reflect the critical role our colleges play in developing a highly trained and adaptable workforce that drives Georgia’s economy forward.”

The 2024 Alumni of the Year recipients come from diverse fields including healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, business, and information technology. Each has leveraged their education and hands-on training from a TCSG college to make meaningful contributions in their respective industries.

List of the 2024 Alumni of the Year:

Alex Daniels, Carpentry/Construction Management, Albany Technical College
Amanda Stanley, Radiography, Athens Technical College
Oriel Selver, HVAC and Construction Management, Atlanta Technical College
Dr. Delester Brown, Jr., Mechanical Engineering Technology, Augusta Technical College
Moeiini Reilly, Computer Information Systems Technology, Central Georgia Technical College
Paul Hardie, Environmental Science, Chattahoochee Technical College
Jordan Cason, Air Conditioning Technology, Coastal Pines Technical College
JeJuan Collins, Welding & Joining Technology, Columbus Technical College
Jodi McDaniel Lowery, Criminal Justice, Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Justin Hawkins, Air Conditioning Technology, Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Robbie Vickers, Accounting, Gwinnett Technical College
Greg Trammell, Machine Tool Technology, Computer Numerical Control Technology, Lanier Technical College
Cassandra Wilkins, Business & Information Technology, North Georgia Technical College
Barbara J. Martin, Early Childhood Care and Education, Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Sean Fox, Construction Management, Ogeechee Technical College
Vinh Pham, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Savannah Technical College
Dan Linginfelter, Aviation Maintenance Technology, South Georgia Technical College
Noelia Santana, Dental Hygiene, Southeastern Technical College
Kelly Lewis Browning, Early Childhood Education, Southern Crescent Technical College
Hilliary Bailey, Veterinary Technology, Southern Regional Technical College
Joe Pennington, Welding & Joining Technology, West Georgia Technical College
Bobby Stalvey & Tom Stalvey, Electrical Technology, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

These 23 individuals were nominated by their respective colleges for their dedication, leadership, and the impact they have made in their professional and local communities.

The Fall Leadership Conference provides an opportunity for college leaders and foundation boards to discuss future initiatives, best practices, and strategies to continue advancing technical education in Georgia. The Alumni of the Year Award highlights the ongoing success of the system’s graduates and their influence on Georgia’s workforce development.