Southeastern Technical College and the Southeastern Technical College Foundation hosted their Annual Appreciation BBQ on October 7, 2025, celebrating the generosity and commitment of Foundation donors, trustees, and community partners who make educational opportunities possible for students across the region.

STC President Larry Calhoun expressed his gratitude, saying, “A big thank you to all who attended the STC Foundation Appreciation BBQ—our foundation donors, volunteers, and to Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Foundation Executive Director Blythe Wilcox for orchestrating the event. The food was delicious, the weather and the setting were outstanding, and the camaraderie was exceptional.”

Donors were honored and the Mary Flanders Endowment Scholarship Fund, exceeding $68,000, was announced.

The evening served as a celebration and a heartfelt “thank you” to those who help make STC’s mission possible. Guests included members of the STC Foundation Board of Trustees, STC Board of Directors, state legislators, and community partners.

President Calhoun recognized Georgia’s legislators for their strong advocacy for technical education statewide. Legislators in attendance were Senator Blake Tillery and Representative Leesa Hagan.

Attendees also heard inspiring words from Jason Colbert, Associate of Science in Nursing student and 2025 TCSG State GOAL Winner, and Kingston Ryals, Dual Enrollment student and Vidalia High School senior.

President Calhoun highlighted the college’s strong outcomes, noting that 98% of STC graduates find employment within six months of graduation, and over 90% remain in the local community, strengthening the region’s workforce.

The Foundation awarded over $70,000 in scholarships and assistance to students in 2024, with 100% of STC faculty and staff contributing to the Foundation for over 20 consecutive years. President Calhoun said, “Your donations truly make a difference—often determining whether a student can stay in school or must leave to make ends meet.”

“We are blessed to have a lot of generous folks in our area who contribute in numerous ways to the success of STC and technical education, not only locally but statewide. Whether financially, volunteering time, serving on boards and committees, or helping recruit and retain students, it all goes into making lives better in our communities. One of the key ways that supporters help is through their donations to the Foundation. These resources provide scholarships that enable our students to complete their programs, graduate, obtain great careers, and improve quality of life for us all,” said President Calhoun.

New Scholarship Endowment Announced: The Mary Flanders Scholarship Fund

The event also marked the announcement of a new scholarship endowment established by the family of Mrs. Mary Flanders, a longtime advocate for technical and adult education in Georgia.

Mrs. Flanders, originally from Swainsboro and now residing in Savannah, served on the Technical College System of Georgia State Board of Directors for 20 years under Governors Perdue, Deal, and Kemp. Her leadership helped expand opportunities for adult learners and advanced the system’s mission statewide.

“Mrs. Flanders was a member of Georgia’s Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE)/Technical College System of Georgia State Board of Directors for 20 years, retiring in October 2023,” stated President Calhoun. “Back when the GED was the only option, students had to earn a GED before enrolling in college courses. Now, thanks in no small part to Mrs. Flanders’ efforts, adult education students have multiple pathways to success, allowing them to earn a high school equivalency or high school diploma through TCSG while taking college courses simultaneously. High school equivalency can now be earned through General Education Development, HiSet, or through specialized programs such as the STC Career Academy, Career Plus High School Diploma, Dual Achievement Program, or Cognia.”

Here are a couple of lines from her retirement resolution: “Mrs. Mary Flanders has guided TCSG through an unprecedented era of achievement, including record enrollment, the production of a technically proficient workforce ready to fill skilled positions, and a more widespread appreciation for the importance of technical and adult education for building a better and more prosperous Georgia. She will always be remembered as a strong advocate for adult education, and she will be remembered more so for her friendship, wisdom, support, and true servant’s heart. Mrs. Mary Flanders has proudly represented TCSG, leaving a legacy that will grow the future of technical education for generations to come, and has set an outstanding example for all who know her.”

Mrs. Flanders has always been active in her community and throughout the state. Some of her many accomplishments include teaching for five years while her husband, Dr. Flanders, was in medical school; serving as a member of the state board of The Garden Clubs of Georgia, chairing the restoration of the historic Rice Plantation, serving as chair of the Chatham County Republican Party for six years, chairing the Isle of Hope Community Association, co-chairing the Isle of Hope Music and Arts Festival, and owning Flanders Homes.

“It has been said that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not,” said President Calhoun. “Mary continues to work tirelessly to ensure opportunities reach those who need them and deserve them. Her legacy will significantly impact students as the Mary Flanders Scholarship Fund will provide annual awards in perpetuity.”

“I didn’t do this alone and couldn’t have without my husband, Dorsey,” said Mrs. Flanders.

President Calhoun closed the evening with, “Thanks again for supporting Southeastern Tech. I can’t think of a better return on your investment than helping someone achieve their education.”

Photo (L-R): STC President Larry Calhoun, Mary Flanders, Dr. Dorsey Flanders

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