June 8, 2026
Southeastern Technical College President Larry Calhoun was honored by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) during the State Board Meeting on June 4, 2026, as he prepares to retire from a distinguished career in technical education. In recognition of his decades of leadership and service, President Calhoun received a retirement proclamation and was presented with the TCSG Legacy Award and the honorary title of president emeritus.
“Obviously, president emeritus says everything in and of itself. It refers to someone who has given so much and made a lasting impact,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “At TCSG, we try to represent that through a legacy award. When you combine emeritus and legacy, those are two powerful words that the people here, along with your family and loved ones, know represent an honor bestowed upon you. But in reality, the greater honor is what you have bestowed upon those that you’ve left the legacy on. That’s what you’ve done for our system and our state. Your service began long before you came to TCSG. You served in our armed forces, protecting us and preserving our freedoms, and you also began being an educator there. When you came home, you simply picked up the mantle and kept going. We thank you for what you’ve given in the totality of your life. Thank you for what you do and for what you represent.”
President Calhoun expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the mission of technical education.
“We live in a great country and a great state. I’ve been doubly blessed to have had two great careers, either one of which would have been great. I’m not sure I deserve the accolades. We have an important job in what we do. Our colleges play an important role in expanding opportunities for students across Georgia,” said Calhoun. “We help students discover pathways to successful futures.”
President Calhoun shared, “I heard a quote that ‘Talent is evenly distributed; opportunity is not.’ We are in the business of spreading opportunity across the state. All the things we do on a daily basis happen at all 22 TCSG colleges and across all 88 campuses throughout the state.”
“I have a vested interest in what we do because I am a patient or customer when I go to the hospital, or my air conditioner breaks, or my car needs maintenance. Those are the people who touch our lives every single day. So, let’s keep spreading that opportunity.”
In his closing remarks to the State Board, President Calhoun said, “In my 28 years with TCSG, it has usually been interesting, it has occasionally been challenging, but it has always been rewarding. I would like to leave you all with a thanks. Thanks to everyone and everyone that you represent, and all that you do for the state of Georgia.”
During his tenure, President Calhoun’s leadership strengthened Southeastern Technical College’s role in preparing skilled professionals to meet the needs of Georgia’s workforce.
Photo: TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier, STC President Larry Calhoun, TCSG Board Chair Buzz Law
