The Heart of Georgia Technical College BRIDGE Club hosted a voter registration drive on February 18. BRIDGE is an acronym for Broadening and Redefining Individuality, Diversity, Goodwill, and Excellence. The club is open to students who are or have been enrolled in learning support classes and want to enhance their learning through involvement in community and self-improvement projects. Pictured are students being assisted by BRIDGE member, Jae Payne, and SkillsUSA member, June Hart, as the students register to vote. Susan Rooks, Laurens County voter registrar, and Joyce Davis, BRIDGE advisor, assisted in the registration drive.

Brenda Lausch wins Rug

Brenda Lausch was the winner of the Karastan Rug which was given away as part of the 2010 Designers’ Showhouse. Pictured are sponsors (l-r): Janet

Smith, representing Heart of Georgia Technical College; Joanne Hilburn, representing Mohawk; and Ann Curry, representing Curry Companies. Not pictured: Courier Herald Publishing, also a sponsor of the event. Mohawk Industries donated the rug. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Dublin Exchange Club Members Serve on HGTC Panel

Members of the Dublin Exchange Club served as judges for the Heart of Georgia Technical College Rick Perkins Award of Excellence Competition. Four HGTC instructors were nominated by their peers for the Rick Perkins Award: Doug Mottern, program chair Electronics’ Technology; Kevin Livingston, technical and industrial department chair and air conditioning instructor; Kim Meeks, English instructor; and Bobbie Lowther, nursing instructor. Kim Meeks was named the winner. The event was held February 17. Pictured are Exchange Club members (l-r): Front Row – Eric Haskins, Franz Bruckmair. Back Row – Josh Crews, Marshall Jackson, and Reece Lester.

HGTC Selects Instructor of the Year

Kim Meeks, an English instructor, was selected from a group of four instructors to represent Heart of Georgia Technical College in the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System's 26 member institutions. The four instructors were nominated by their fellow instructors. The announcement of the winner was made by Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president.

The other nominees included Doug Mottern, program chair Electronics’ Technology; Kevin Livingston, technical and industrial department chair and air conditioning instructor; and Bobbie Lowther, nursing instructor.

The four instructors were interviewed by Dublin Exchange Club members, Reece Lester, Franz Bruckmair, Marshall Jackson, Eric Haskins, and Josh Crews.

"Selecting a recipient for the Rick Perkins Award was a difficult task because each of the finalists had outstanding qualifications and clearly demonstrated their commitment to providing their students with a strong, sound education," said Reece Lester, Dublin Exchange Club member. "Heart of Georgia Technical College is fortunate to have a strong group of instructors. Any one of the nominees would have been an exceptional representative of the institution,” commented President Peters.

“It is truly an honor to be selected to receive this award, and I am proud to be the representative for Heart of Georgia Technical College for the Rick Perkins Award of Excellence,” Meeks commented. “I feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people who are dedicated to improving our communities through education.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction began in 1991 and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner's Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas "Rick" Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, who received the Commissioner's Award immediately prior to his untimely death.

HGTC Students Positioning Themselves for Careers in Machining

Heart of Georgia Technical College machine tool technology students are positioning themselves for post-graduate careers through co-op programs in three locations across the state.

Presently, one HGTC student is working at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in the avionics machine shop. While several HGTC students have had the opportunity to fill co-op slots at Robins, two others are presently working in Telfair County.

“I’ve had several students in McRae,” said David Hall, HGTC machine tool instructor of the co-ops made available at the area Husqvarna plant. Several graduates of the HGTC program already work there in full-time positions doing tool and die work at the lawnmower production plant, which assembles around 30,000 machines a day during peak season.

“We’ve got several machinists that are on full time now that came through our program,” said Hall.

To be eligible for a machine tool co-op at HGTC, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, possess a strong work ethic, be recommended by an instructor and complete an interview process. Students typically work for six months at a co-op location and then return for class work for six months, a rotation that continues until they graduate and transition into a full-time position.

In addition to McRae and Warner Robins, several students have also completed co-ops in Savannah working on a three-month cycle with Continental Field Systems.

“Their primary job market is power plants all over the country,” said Hall of the company.

Three HGTC students are presently undertaking co-op work in Savannah at the 160,000 square foot facility where they complete on-site machine work. Four HGTC graduates are now working full-time in Savannah, where salaries start at upwards of $60,000 a year.

“We’re working on other co-ops as well,” said Hall, who often takes his students to tour the Savannah plant.

Hall says even in the present economic climate, he’s had little difficulty placing students in co-ops because the demand for machinists remains significant. He noted that there are currently around 400,000 machinists in various positions all over the country, and at any given time there are roughly 20,000 openings in the field.

“We’re still putting people to work,” he said.

While prospective students possess an interest in math and enjoy problem solving and working with their hands, Hall says students often develop the necessary skills after they start the machine tool program.

HGTC offers a diploma, associate’s degree and several technical certificates of credit in the machine tool technology field. Several HGTC graduates now own their own shops, while others hold down management positions.

“Every manufacturing process in the world requires a machinist,” said Hall.

“It’s very high precision,” he said. “Nothing’s hard if you have the tools to do it.”

To find out more about the HGTC machine tool tech program, call (478) 275-6589 or (478) 274-7945 or e-mail Hall at dhall@heartofgatech.edu.

Pictured: Earl Greene, HGTC associate degree graduate. Employed: Heart of Georgia Metalcrafters in Eastman.

Pictured, first photo, (L-R) Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, Allison Mullis, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, and TCSG Deputy Commissioner Josephine Reed-Taylor.

And second photo, (L-R) Allison Mullis and Kara Moore

Technical College System of Georgia Honors 30 Adult Learners

Atlanta – The Technical College System of Georgia recognized 30 adult learners today for their outstanding achievement in the state’s adult education program.

The students were honored as EAGLE delegates during an awards ceremony that was part of the TCSG Office of Adult Education’s annual Leadership Institute at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. The keynote speakers were Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond and Ann Cramer, director of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs for IBM North America.

The 30 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) delegates were nominated by their instructors from among the more than 95,000 men and women who are enrolled in adult education programs throughout Georgia. The exceptional effort that they put forth in their studies and the success that they have achieved makes the EAGLE delegates outstanding role models for the million-plus Georgians who have never obtained their high school diploma or a GED.

Allison Mullis from Dodge County was chosen to represent Heart of Georgia Technical College. Allison was nominated by instructor Elaine Pittman and was accompanied by part time instructor Kara Moore. Dr. Dahlia Allen, dean of the Adult Education Department, commented, “Allison’s leadership qualities and dedication were what made her stand out. She is passionate about learning and epitomizes the traits of an EAGLE student. She represents the HGTC Adult Education Program very well.”

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson presented the students with their EAGLE award. He noted that each student is considered to be an ambassador for Georgia’s adult education program and a spokesperson for the positive effect that working toward and earning a GED can have on people’s lives and their job potential.

“Through hard work and perseverance you’ve proven to yourself and others like you that it’s possible to overcome life’s obstacles and get the education and respect that you’ve always deserved,” said Jackson. “Now, I call on you to not only continue your education, but also to help spread the word that obtaining a GED is a very important step toward discovering your potential, getting a better job, and improving the future for you, your family and your community.”

Listed are Georgia’s 2010 EAGLE delegates with the name of the college, school system or authority that provides the adult education program:

Amanda Frane, Albany Technical College

Valerie Breedlove, Altamaha Technical College

Cedric Smith, Athens Technical College

Shavonah Evans, Atlanta Public Schools

Vincent Sumpter, Augusta Technical College

Rebekah Gibson, Central Georgia Technical College

Kamilla McNac, Chattahoochee Technical College

Lucero Garcia, Cobb County School District

Doyal Swafford, Dalton State College

Jimmie Glisson, Decatur County School District

Earnestine Brown, DeKalb Technical College

Emmit O’Neal, Jr., East Central Technical College

Jean Clark, Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rosenda Aida Villegas, Griffin and Flint River Technical Colleges

Allison Mullis, Heart of Georgia Technical College

Judy Rouse, Lanier Technical College

Nikita Griffin, Middle Georgia Technical College

Luisa Saavedra, Moultrie Technical College

Shameka Mosely, Muscogee County School District

Ernesto Morales Vicente, North Georgia Technical College

Erica Hightower, Northwest Georgia Housing Authority

Shawn Jackson, Ogeechee Technical College

Tamara Jeffords, Okefenokee Technical College

Gloria Holbrook, Sandersville Technical College

Sherry Hampton, Savannah Technical College

Kenia Wills, South Georgia Technical College

Aletha Kelly, Southeastern Technical College

Ethan Schmittou, Southwest Georgia Technical College

Ramona Moran, Valdosta Technical College

Joseph Cronn, West Georgia Technical College

Heart of Georgia Technical College faculty, staff and students recently donated blood for the American Red Cross Blood Drive held on the HGTC campus. The HGTC Student Council sponsored the blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross, and 54 good units of blood were collected.

HGTC announces 10 students chosen for co-op

Heart of Georgia Technical College announces 10 students have been chosen for the co-op rotation offered at the Carl Vinson Veterans Affairs Medical Center for spring and summer quarters 2010. The students, who are enrolled in the Business Administrative Assistant Specialization Program and Medical Administrative Assistant Specialization Program, were chosen through a competitive process based on interview skills, essay content and GPA. This opportunity offers experience for the students and gives them a chance to earn a good work record and references. Pictured are the participating students. Front Row (left to right): Tina Evans (Laurens), Talitha Quarterman (Laurens), Allison Butler (Johnson).

Back Row (left to right): Kimberly Hill (Laurens), Rachell Brown (Laurens), Brandi McKinney (Dodge), Dietra Clemons (Twiggs), Rondreka Edmondson (Dodge), Christy Wilcox (Dodge). Not Pictured: Betty Sue Shaffer (Laurens)

Upcoming GOAL Program Underway at HGTC

The Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Program, sponsored statewide by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is in progress at Heart of Georgia Technical College. The program is coordinated locally by Janet Smith.

According to Smith, the GOAL program is the first statewide program in the nation to honor excellence among technical college students at the post-secondary level. “The GOAL Program seeks to spotlight the role of technical education in our modern economy and to emphasize the dignity of work,” said Smith.

Mrs. Smith will work in cooperation with officials of the Dublin Rotary Club, Dublin/Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, the HGTC Foundation, Bank of America, and the HGTC Student Government, the local sponsoring organizations, to choose a student from Heart of Georgia Technical College to represent the college in the state GOAL competition in Atlanta during GOAL Week, which will be held in May.

A screening committee, which is comprised of HGTC staff and student representation, will interview the participants for the GOAL competition and will name the top four finalists on the local level. Slated to serve on the five-member committee are HGTC staff members Dr. Katie Davis, Kim Moore, Jep Craig, Donna McMiller, and Stephen Allen, student representative. The following Dublin Rotary Club members will serve on the selection committee to narrow the field and choose a winner: Jimmy Allgood, Sarah Harper, Don Vinson, Walter McCall, and Wallace Miller.

The objective of the GOAL program, according to Smith, is to recognize and reward excellence among the more than 142,000 students studying full-time at Georgia’s technical colleges. The college winner will compete with students from other technical colleges in Georgia for the 2010 state GOAL medallion. A new car will be awarded to the state GOAL winner. “Since the grand prize in the state contest is a new car, there is tremendous competition among the colleges,” said Smith. “We make every effort to select our most outstanding student because we want to bring home the state winner.”

Competing students are: Chantel Allison – not pictured, Radiologic Technology (Laurens); Chris Anderson, Diesel Technology (Laurens); Reni Cordell, Practical Nursing (Laurens); Aline DeLaPerriere, Health Information Technology (Laurens); William Dobson, Air Conditioning Technology (Telfair); Christy Jenkins, Respiratory Care Technology (Dodge); Darlene Jones, Practical Nursing (Laurens); Walter Jones – not pictured, Business Administrative Technology (Laurens); Danielle Keene, Respiratory Care Technology (Laurens); Sterling Morris, Diesel Technology (Laurens); Anna Murphy, Radiologic Technology (Laurens); Javerica Payne, Management & Supervisory Development (Laurens); Rachel Phillips, Practical Nursing (Treutlen); Lottie Rizzardi, Radiologic Technology (Laurens); Joy Rollins, Respiratory Care Technology (Laurens); Jason D. Storey, Computer Information Systems – Networking (Laurens); Mistian Dawn Thomas, Air Conditioning Technology (Dodge); Tyrone Thomas, Cosmetology (Dodge).

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded the McRae Rotary Club GED Scholarship for Winter Quarter 2010 to Holly Barfield of McRae.

The McRae Rotary Club established the scholarship, which will be awarded quarterly, to the HGTC Foundation for Telfair County GED (General Educational Development) graduates who enroll in a credit program at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

The scholarship is given in part to fulfill the Rotary International organization’s commitment to Adult Literacy and to encourage local GED graduates to continue their education.

To establish a scholarship, or make a donation to the HGTC Foundation, contact Jenny Shuman at (478) 296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu.

Pictured: McRae Rotary Club President Earl Merritt, Holly Barfield, Howard Abney, dean, Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center.

HELENA—Six Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for fall quarter.

Those receiving the award are Haley R. Walker of McRae, Kandice Green of Alamo, Samantha M. Burkes of Rhine, Elizabeth Hames of Helena, Barbara Grant of Glenwood, and Joyce Wooten of Alamo.

The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College who are in a good academic standing with the college. The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.

The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Foundation awards Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships

DUBLIN—Four students enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College have received the Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarship for winter quarter.

The scholarship was established by The Merchants & Citizens Bank of McRae in memory and honor of Dr. Fredrick Augustus Smith Jr. The scholarship is based on financial need and is for students enrolled at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center located in Helena.

Students receiving the scholarships are Elizabeth Hames of Helena, Samantha M. Burkes of Rhine, Kandice Green of Alamo, and Barbara Grant of Glenwood.

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman (478) 296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Recently several managers from Fred’s Distribution Center participated in “Leading Today’s Workforce,” a leadership course taught through the Community Education Department at Heart of Georgia Technical College. The topics covered in this highly interactive course included: the ideal leader, support systems, risk-taking, vision, relationship building, and listening effectively. For information on courses taught in the Community Education Department, visit the website at www.heartofgatech.edu and click on the Community Education tab or call (478) 275-5988.

HGTC GED High Score Awards

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Adult Education Program held GED graduation January 28, 2010. Awards for the highest scores on the GED exam were presented.

Douglas Powers was named the recipient of the Louise T. Pope Award for earning the highest score on the GED exam in Laurens County. The award was sponsored by Dublin-Laurens Communities in Schools, Inc. Mr. Powers also received the Scholastic Excellence Award, which was sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, for earning the highest overall score on the GED exam.

Vincentia R. Thomas received the Annie L. Cooper Award for earning the highest score on the GED exam in Bleckley County. The award was sponsored by Gwendoline Arnold, Century 21, and Williams Realty.

Tyler Santee was named the recipient of the Sarah I. Bullock Award for earning the highest score on the GED exam in Dodge County. The award was sponsored by the Dodge County Certified Literate Community Program.

Holly Marie Barfield was the recipient of the Robert F. Jackson Award for earning the highest score on the GED exam in Telfair County. The award was sponsored by Ann’s Fashions and Flea Market.

Robert Hillsamer was the recipient of the Oscar McWhorter Award for earning the highest score on the GED exam in Wilkinson County. The award was sponsored by Oconee EMC.

HGTC Foundation TOOLS Program held January 22

DUBLIN—The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded tools to 18 Heart of Georgia Tech students on Friday, January 22, 2010.

The program is called TOOLS, Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Students. This year marks the eleventh awards program. Student recipients get a jump-start on their careers by receiving a tools grant. The students range from machinists to pharmacy technicians.

TOOLS is made possible by the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation, the Morris Bank, and the Louie & Evelyn Livingston Family Foundation.

This year’s recipients are: Tanicka Blash, Health Information Technology; Tommie R. Burns, Air Conditioning Technology; Joshua Clark, Pharmacy Technology; Cody Robert Darnell, Machine Tool Technology; Otis Faircloth, Air Conditioning Technology; Elizabeth Fordham, Medical Assisting; Ruth Ann Gillis, Automotive Technology; Maurice Johnson; Respiratory Therapy; Misty Lamb, Practical Nursing; Elizabeth Medlin, Respiratory Therapy; Elaine Norsworthy, Early Childhood Education; Natasha Sanchez, Diesel Technology; Tia Singleton, Respiratory Therapy; Robert Lee Smith, Air Conditioning Technology; Oshika Stanley, Marketing Management; Robert ‘Benji” Veal, Management and Supervisory Development; Toni Williams, Computer Information Systems; and Cody R. Woodard, Welding and Joining Technology.

Heart of Georgia Technical College students recently met for a combined club meeting. Representatives from the Student Government Association (SGA), SkillsUSA, and National Technical Honor Society enjoyed pizza and discussed upcoming club events.

Practical Nursing Class holds Pinning Ceremony

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Eastman Nursing class held a Pinning Ceremony in December. Pictured: Back Row: Instructor, Deb Thomsen (Laurens); Misty Lamb(Bleckley); Jessica Roberts (Telfair); Jessie White (Bleckley); Charlotte Humble(Dodge); Instructor, Sylvia Rozier (Laurens).

Front Row: Justina Kunstbeck ( Dodge); Instructor, Udy Andrews (Washington); Terry Blount ( Laurens); Guest Speaker, Julie Scarborough; Kiley Smith (Bleckley); Ginger Spires ( Dodge); Melody Stuckey (Houston); Instructor, Bobbie Lowther (Laurens).

Lewis returns to HGTC

Sherry Lewis’ career at Heart of Georgia Technical College began before the school ever opened back in December 1983. Now, after taking time off to raise her family, her career has come full circle.

Seven years after leaving HGTC, Lewis recently accepted a position in the college’s Department of Continuing Education.

“This door kind of opened up for me, so here I am,” she said of her return to HGTC in March of last year.

Lewis started working at HGTC in the admissions office back in 1983 before moving to the president’s office, where she worked while earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“After getting my college degree, I started teaching in our office technology department,” said Lewis, who taught at HGTC for 10 years before taking time off to stay at home with her daughter.

Lewis returned last spring to the continuing education department where she teaches classes in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, communications, leadership, teamwork and customer service to employees of local businesses and industries as well as individuals seeking to gain a career edge. The classes are designed for anyone who wants to gain knowledge in short, non-credit courses. Classes can also be customized for area businesses, so employees can get specifically geared training to suit their business needs.

“Right now because of the Work Ready initiative, opportunities have opened up in industry,” said Lewis, referring to the statewide initiative geared at enhancing the skills of Georgia workers to ensure greater job opportunities.

“It’s a way for an industry to pull qualified employees,” said Lewis of the Work Ready certification, which is available for businesses and industries as well as individual workers.

When employees gain their individual Work Ready certification, employers, Lewis said, “know that they’re getting a good qualified employee.”

Lewis and the continuing education department can customize classes for entire business staffs to meet their specific needs.

“It’s providing solutions for them,” she said of the classes.

In addition to the customized classes for local businesses, classes are available to the public based on demand. The winter quarter 2010 brochure of classes is available online. Classes are often organized and made available depending upon the public demand. Lewis said increasingly public interest has shifted to skill-building and resume-building instruction.

“There’s more interest in classes that provide people with a skill rather than a hobby,” she said.

Lewis often goes out to area industries to deliver instruction to employees within HGTC’s service area.

She says she enjoys the range and reach of her job and the fact that no two days are ever alike.

“I love it,” said Lewis. “This is where I’m supposed to be.”

To find out more information on the classes available through HGTC’s Department of Continuing Education, call (478) 275-5988.

Heart of Georgia Technical College student, Stephen Allen, attended a SkillsUSA Leadership Training Conference in Washington, DC that was held for State SkillsUSA officers. As Parliamentarian of the State SkillsUSA Program, Stephen attended sessions on “How to Recruit Students in your Club,” “How to Conduct Meetings,” and “ Managing Your Budget.” Pictured are Stephen Allen and other officers with Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss.

The Student Practical Nurses Association (SPNA) at Heart of Georgia Technical College donated Christmas gifts for the residents of Southland Care Center. Pictured from left to right: Sylvia Rozier, Practical Nursing Program Chair; Nikki Dykes; Shelby Evans; Cissy Granstaff; Holly Adkins; Shelby Kicklighter; Bobbie Lowther, PN Instructor; Deb Thomsen, PN Instructor; and Pam Sahli.

HGTC’s GED graduation set for January 28, 7 pm

Tiffany Rowe-Thomas is a big proponent of pursuing your dreams through education and is living proof that education opens doors to success. That’s the message she will bring to the GED graduates of Heart of Georgia Technical College on January 28.

Mrs. Rowe-Thomas is a native of Augusta, Georgia. She earned her GED at Augusta Tech in 1993 and, shortly thereafter, began her employment as a GED Examiner with the Office of Adult Literacy where she served in this capacity for five years. She transitioned in 1998 to an administrative secretary for the General Education & Learning Support department for the Augusta Tech main campus and served in this capacity for 10 years. She has managed to balance work, family, and education while earning an associate degree in accounting from Augusta Technical College, a B.A in Business Administration from Brenau University, and a Master’s in Business Administration in addition to a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Management, both from Troy University. Mrs. Rowe-Thomas is presently working on her Doctorate of Business Administration from Walden University.

Mrs. Rowe-Thomas is currently employed as a Business Administrative Technology Instructor (BAT) for the Business and Personal service Division of Augusta Technical College. She also teaches courses in Management and Human resources for Troy University.

The GED graduation ceremony will be held January 28 at 7 pm at the DuBose Porter Center on the HGTC main campus. It is free and open to the public.

HGTC graduate reaches for her career dream

For Rebecca Josey, there’s never a dull moment in her line of work.

The 2009 graduate of Heart of Georgia Technical College is a jailer at the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.

“What I enjoy most about my job is that there is never a dull day. Something is always going on, no matter what, even if it is just giving inmates request forms,” said Josey. “It is a job that keeps you going and at the end of the day when I get off from work and I am tired, I know that I accomplished something, and that I worked hard.”

Hard work is nothing new for Josey. The criminal justice major earned her diploma from HGTC in June and also published her first novel, titled “Solemn’s Battle,” while still a student.

A native of Wilkinson County, Josey has aspirations of eventually working her way up to corporal and then to deputy. She hopes to one day become an investigator with the Department of Family and Children’s Services, helping children out of circumstances of abuse.

She hopes to one day utilize her criminal justice degree to work professionally with children and young adults.

“Of course, I’m still looking at my options,” said Josey.

Her present job duties include performing jail in-takes when needed, patrolling the halls to make sure there are no signs for potential accidents and assisting in the jail booking office and control room when needed.

“I have been able to apply what I have learned from my classes at HGTC when I work in booking answering questions from the people that call, even when the inmates have a question, or even when someone just randomly asks me about my job,” she said.

She says those still weighing their options with regards to their career futures, should go for it because the rewards far outweigh the risk.

“Go for it,” said Josey. “It does not make you less of a person because you are only getting a two-year degree or diploma. You are making the decision to do something greater with your life than just sitting at home and doing nothing. You are making a better future for yourself and your family if you have one. … In the long run, it always pays off to have the skills and training that others may not have. Jobs look for experience, and with internships — there goes your experience and possibly future place of employment if they see that you are willing to work.”

GED graduate helps save former teacher’s home

When Carolyn McCune rushed home the evening of April 22, 2009 after receiving the call regarding a fire at her residence, she simply didn’t know what to think.

“I was so frantic that day,” she recalled. “I left work to come home when my neighbor called me.”

Amidst the chaos, she came across a familiar face while surveying the damage. Among the sea of fire trucks, firemen and emergency personnel, was a former student, Mathew Mallette, whom she almost didn’t recognize decked out in fireman’s gear, but a moment of clarity struck and brought it all back to her.

“It was Matt,” she said of the moment she discovered his face. “When I looked up and saw him, I just gave him a great big hug. In that instant I realized, he had accomplished his dream.”

For Mallette, that dream McCune refers to is his childhood ambition to become a fireman. It’s an aspiration Mallette carried with him since the age of 15.

Little did he know then just how soon his chosen line of work would impact one of those who helped him to fulfill that dream.

Mallette enrolled in Heart of Georgia Technical College’s GED program with his goal of becoming a fireman in mind. He pushed himself and through motivation from his instructors he finished just shy of his 18th birthday. Once he graduated, he set out on the career track.

“Once I got my GED, then I started volunteering with Laurens County Fire,” he said. “I got more in depth in the fire department.”

He credits HGTC for helping him to fine tune his goals and meet them. Mallette entered HGTC an introvert, a shy student who benefited from his instructors’ prompting to open up.

“I think the teachers helped me be more open,” he said. “They helped me set a goal and go for it.”

McCune says Mallette made his objective clear from the onset the moment he enrolled.

“That was always his goal — to be a fireman — from day one,” she said. “What impressed me so about it was he never wavered.”

And he stayed the course.

“He had to really persevere,” she said. “It really is a great success story.”

Mallette held down a job at Kroger, while going to school and working as a volunteer firefighter before landing a full-time position with the Dublin Fire Department.

“Many times in life,” said McCune referring to Mallette’s focus and his work ethic, “people change their goals when they don’t work out as quickly as they expect, but he held on to that dream and he’s accomplished it.”

She said through her personal experience, she was fortunate the fire was not a total loss, and all the more rewarding was seeing a former student achieve his dream.

“To see him standing in the kitchen with his fire [gear] on,” she said, ‘I said you finally made it as a fireman’

“It was overwhelming,” she said, that the fire was not a total loss. “Sometimes you have to take one success story at a time. When you move [students] from level to level and they … achieve their goal in life — it’s a celebration.”

Now that he’s settled in to his new full-time job, Mallette hopes to celebrate achieving new milestones. He aims to return to school to complete the EMT program at HGTC, opening more doors for him to help others — the part of his job he says he enjoys the most.

“I’ve set this as my career,” he said. “I enjoy doing it.”

HGTC criminal justice program meets need in growing field

With a broad range of career options in a growing field, Heart of Georgia Technical College is preparing students for a solid future in public safety and public service through its criminal justice program.

HGTC offers a diploma in criminal justice technology, two technical certificates of credit and an associate’s degree of applied science in criminal justice technology.

According to criminal justice instructor David Taylor, who is located on the HGTC Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center campus in Helena, the program aims to provide students with a solid foundation for an entry-level position in the growing field.

“Our goal is to prepare students for entry level positions in the criminal justice field,” said Taylor. “Students can find employment in a wide variety of positions, ranging from law enforcement to corrections. The corrections field has a significant presence in central Georgia, so obviously that discipline tends to offer more positions. Some students opt to seek a four-degree, and in that sense, we seek to prepare them for continued learning.”

Upon graduation, students are prepared to take on the challenges of positions at the local, state and federal level in law enforcement, corrections and security fields. They often go on to fill positions as police officers, deputy sheriffs, detention officers, state troopers, probation and parole officers and loss prevention specialists.

Entry-level positions in the criminal justice field generally start out around $14.26 per hour or range from $25,000 per year for correctional officers and up to $29,000 per year for local law enforcement. Officer level positions often begin with salaries around $21 per hour or $44,000 a year.

“We certainly seek to prepare students for criminal justice employment and/or to continue their education and learning in the criminal justice field,” said Taylor of HGTC’s program. “Having said that, our approach seeks to give students not only a cognitive understanding of criminal justice, but to also let them see real-life applications. All of our criminal justice faculty are current or former criminal justice employees and have a wide variety of interdisciplinary experiences.”

A growing program on the HGTC campus, students may choose among options of learning including traditional classroom instruction, online classes, as well as hybrid learning, which combines online and traditional coursework. The student base is a mix of young, high school graduates and non-traditional students, coupled with high school dual enrollment students.

There is no limit to the “typical” student in the criminal justice program, said Taylor, just students seeking careers in a field that upholds protection of the public trust and individual liberties.

“Our program follows a philosophy that seeks to balance the legitimate interests of the criminal justice system with need to ensure the protection of individual liberties,” said Taylor. “It's important that our students understand that this concept is essential to administering criminal justice in a democratic society and that the line between ensuring public safety and order, and protecting individual liberty is thin, and very fragile.”

To find out more about HGTC’s criminal justice program, call (478) 275-6589, (229) 868-3096 or visit www.heartofgatech.edu.

Pictured: David Taylor and students at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center

HGTC students gain experience at Robins AFB

Thirteen Heart of Georgia Technical College students joined the ranks fall quarter of students involved in Robins Air Force Base co-ops positioning themselves for careers in the electronics field.

In all, 45 HGTC students — including 13 new students fall quarter — are presently co-op participants at Robins AFB. Each of the students was selected based on grade point average, instructor’s recommendations as well as their responses in interviews conducted by Robins AFB officials. To be eligible for a co-op position, a student must be enrolled full-time for at least two quarters in the electronics program and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Students meeting the necessary requirements interview before the final selections are made.

“The final selection is left up to Robins,” said HGTC instructor Doug Mottern.

The newly selected students interviewed for the co-op positions during summer quarter and started work Nov. 12. The students will work through winter quarter at Robins and rotate back into the classroom when spring quarter begins in April. The co-op students must maintain a full-time class load and carry a 3.0 GPA while they are on the classroom rotation, though they can still work up to 32 hours as they take classes.

While at Robins, students work in one of two areas — as aviation electricians working on the flight line removing defective equipment or doing electronic benchwork.

“They use their electronics knowledge in making sure it [equipment] works as it should,” said Mottern.

Although there are students from several area colleges presently enrolled in Robins co-ops, HGTC has one of the best hire rates, Mottern noted.

The co-ops are quite competitive, he said, as most students who enroll in the HGTC program do so with the goal of landing a position with Robins in mind.

Students have the opportunity to interview up to three times for a co-op position.

Several HGTC graduates have gone on to land full-time positions at Robins following completion of their co-ops.

“They’re [Robins AFB] hiring somewhat significant numbers,” said Mottern.

“I have never had a co-op student not offered a full-tie position once they graduate,” he added.

HGTC offers an associate of applied science degree in electronics technology as well as diplomas in electronics fundaments and electronics technology. The electronics program provides hands-on experience and knowledge in the use of electronic equipment. Classes combine basic mathematics with problem-solving skills.

Mottern said area residents who demonstrate an interest in mathematics and simple formulas may find their niche in electronics.

And the rewards can be lucrative for graduates. Co-op students earn around $15 an hour and upon graduation, full-time employees can earn upwards of $22 an hour with opportunities for increases. In the widespread and in-demand field, median hourly earnings for electricians were $19.90 according to data from 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $14.95 and $26.50. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.81, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.21.

“They sky’s the limit,” he said of salaries and advancement in the field.

To find out more about HGTC’s electronics program, visit www.heartofgatech.edu or call (478) 274-7862.