Nine students graduated from the Radiologic Technology program on Thursday, December 2, at Southeastern Technical College’s (STC) pinning ceremony in Vidalia.

Ansley Brannen and Grace Reed of Statesboro, Deyra Colmenares of Vidalia, Cesar Marquez and Jennifer Sabillon of Hazlehurst, Maegan McCumbers of Oak Park, Stormy Messex of Swainsboro, Corissa Vaughn of Baxley, and Katrina Walker of Uvalda graduated from STC with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology, completing a program that took two years on- and off-campus.

“These graduates have persevered without complaints and have done a great job. They have completed 54 programmatic credit hours of academic instruction and over 900 hours of clinical education time,” said Radiologic Technology Program Director Tara Powell. “Additionally, they have completed clinical competency exams and performed and participated in about one-quarter of the total exams performed at each of our clinical education sites.”

The guest speaker for the event was Kristie Eudy, salutatorian of the first Radiologic Technology class of STC. She is currently the diagnostic imaging director at Jeff Davis Hospital.

“You’re entering one of the most rewarding careers in the medical field, with countless opportunities for learning and advancement,” said Ms. Eudy. “I have had the privilege to teach, mentor, work with, and hire many students who have come from this college. Of all my experiences, this class has really touched me. They have shown integrity and tenacity while conducting themselves in a professional manner far beyond their training.”

The students paid back part of their education by giving awards to several departments and employees with whom they studied before receiving awards of their own.

The award for Most Outstanding Student Technologist, voted on by the program’s clinical education affiliates, went to Stormy Messex. The Academic Achievement Award of Excellence went to Katrina Walker, who had the highest GPA in the program.

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

Photo: (L to R) Program Director/Instructor Tara Powell, Cesar Marquez, Grace Reed, Jennifer Sabillon, Deyra Colmenares, Maegan McCumbers, Corissa Vaughn, Stormy Messex, Katrina Walker, Ansley Brannen, and Clinical Coordinator/Instructor Keegan Spell

Southeastern Technical College (STC) welcomed two new board members at the September board meeting.

Michael Harrison and Will Heath were sworn in as STC’s Board of Directors by Judge Don Wilkes, to represent Johnson County and Treutlen County, respectively.

Harrison, replacing Donnie Sweat, is a Certified Public Accountant, employed with Sweat and Harrison, LLC. He graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy-Taxation. Harrison also serves on the STC accounting advisory committee.

“I’m thankful to be chosen to be a voice for STC. The time spent to educate people on the importance of technical education is meaningful, as it benefits so many people in so many ways. I’ve always advised people to consider a technical college because a four-year program isn’t for everyone,” said Harrison.

Heath, replacing David Walden, is an Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College graduate with a bachelor’s degree and has spent his career in forestry.

“Having been an employer for more than ten years now, it’s harder and harder to find skilled labor. With a degree or diploma from a technical school, the skilled can name their price. We have to connect students with the resources like STC,” said Heath.

The new board members are scheduled to attend the annual Technical College Directors’ Association of Georgia (TCDA) Leadership Conference in Savannah, Georgia later this month to complete the requirements to become certified members.

Becoming certified denotes that board members are knowledgeable about the technical college system and demonstrates their commitment to STC, making them valuable representatives of the college.

The TCDA conference is often attended by college presidents, the state board, and the governor.

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

Photo: (left to right) President Larry Calhoun, Will Heath, Michael Harrison, Judge Don Wilkes