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The first meeting of the Work Ready Region Industry Team was held on the Heart of Georgia Technical College campus July 23, 2008. Twenty-three representatives from 15 industries were in attendance. The Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution Region is comprised of Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties, all of which have been awarded Work Ready Community Grants, in addition to the region funding awarded in the spring of 2008. Dr. Randall Peters, president of HGTC, is pictured welcoming the group.
Heart of Georgia Technical College Adult Education students learn about the Work Ready Initiative during a presentation by Bob Dixon, Work Ready Project Manager; Amy Harrelson, Work Ready Coordinator, and Bill Blanton, Work Ready Profiler.
Work Ready Working for Georgians and Georgia Businesses
A Success Story at Heart of Georgia Technical College
The Work Ready team at Heart of Georgia Technical College is keeping career success all in the family. Twenty-year old Daniel Griffith is the son of Lisa Orange, the college's lead custodian. Having left high school before graduation, Daniel decided he needed to expand his career opportunities by finishing his education. He enrolled in Heart of Georgia's GED program and earned his diploma in August 2005.
Since the time of Daniel's graduation, the college has implemented the Work Ready assessment as a way to help all GED students gain an added advantage on the job market. Feeling he still needed a competitive edge to stand out among other job applicants, Daniel returned to Heart of Georgia in February 2008 to take Reading for Information, Locating Information, and Applied Math, the three WorkKeys® assessments needed to earn a nationally accredited Georgia Work Ready certificate. He successfully earned a silver level, which he noted on his resumewhen seeking employment through a job placement service. Within weeks, Daniel's application quickly caught the attention of human resource managers at Acuity Brands, a plant that manufactures lighting fixtures.
Acuity Brands first started using Work Ready to make better hiring decisions in July 2007. The local plant received four job profiles through Heart of Georgia Tech, and, pleased with immediate results, proceeded to hire more than two hundred Work Ready certificate holders in a little less than a year. In this time, Acuity reported a 47% reduction in turnover and a marked increase in work force productivity. With this level of success, managers were confident that Daniel's silver Work Ready certificate was a good indicator of his potential to be a dedicated, productive team member.
Daniel started his career at Acuity as a temporary Assembly Cell Operator, making around nine dollars per hour. Within two months, he had excelled at his job and was hired as a permanent employee. Confident about his success with Work Ready, he soon applied for a promotion and took the WorkKeys® Observation assessment, used at the plant as an additional evaluative criterion. Only four months after beginning with Acuity, Daniel was promoted to Fab Sheet operator, his hourly wage jumping from nine dollars to almost fifteen dollars.
Acuity Brands managers report they are proud of Daniel's performance and feel his certificate was a solid predictor of his work skills and habits. They say his story is similar to that of many employees who have joined the Acuity family by earning a Work Ready Certificate, and they look forward to being a part of his continued career success.
Pictured: Daniel Griffith and his mother, Lisa Orange
Heart of Georgia Technical College students enrolled in the Auto Collision class at the Eastman Youth Development Center recently refurbished a trailer for the Laurens County Habitat for Humanity. Pictured are instructors Al Rhodes and Gary Anderson.
The Continuing Education Division of Heart of Georgia Technical College recently held an Introduction to Computers class. Pictured is instructor, Mary Lou Spooner and some members of the class. For information on upcoming continuing education programs call 478-275-6592 or visit the web at www.heartofgatech.edu.
HGTC Official Hones Economic Development Skills
Dr. Howard Abney awarded certification in ceremony held in Atlanta
Dr. Howard Abney, Dean of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center, was one of 13 professionals to earn Certified Economic Developer Trainer (CEDT) status after completing a rigorous program of specialized training. Joining an elite group of more than 100 CEDTs statewide, Dr. Abney can better help Telfair and Wheeler Counties attract new companies, while helping existing manufacturing and service industries develop a skilled workforce.
Ron Jackson, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) presented the CEDT certificates at a luncheon ceremony held June 30 in Atlanta, Ga.
“Workforce training is even more critical in today’s business environment, with increasing levels of technology and automation as well as economic pressures,” Jackson said. “The purpose of the CEDT program is to provide consistency in the quality of business and industry training services provided by Georgia’s technical colleges and the Quick Start team. We are proud of these graduates and how they assist TCSG and Quick Start with training Georgia’s workforce.”
Also speaking at the event was Jackie Rohosky, assistant commissioner for TCSG’s Economic Development Programs. Rohosky operates the CEDT program and leads Georgia’s Quick Start program, the state’s premier economic development training incentive.
“These graduates spent 400 to 500 hours each in training to strengthen their skills in recruiting new companies to their communities,” she said. “They also developed competencies in developing training to improve work performance and business results. These skills are essential for serving all of Georgia’s companies — both existing and new.” Rohosky noted these graduates are the 12th graduating CEDT class.
Achieving CEDT status is required for the vice presidents of economic development at all 33 technical colleges, as well as selected staff members in the colleges’ Economic Development divisions and key Quick Start team members. During their 18 months in the program, CEDT program participants attend a series of 12 in-depth, hands-on training sessions, participate in four industry site visits to analyze operations, and complete four independent projects. The projects include developing an economic development profile for their community and completing a process analysis of a manufacturing industry.
Projects are evaluated and graded by the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Partnership with this globally recognized business and management training organization assures consistent and professional evaluation of each CEDT participant’s project.
Abney has been involved in economic development efforts in Telfair and Wheeler Counties for three years, working to assist community leaders attract new or expand existing businesses in the two county area. Dr. Randy Peters, President of HGTC attended the graduation ceremony and congratulated Howard and the other graduates and spoke about his experiences as a past member of CEDT class.
The Dublin Exchange Club recently awarded scholarships to three Heart of Georgia Technical College students. Marie Smith (Radiologic Technology Program), Travis Griffin (Respiratory Therapy Program), and Kimberly Pope (Respiratory Therapy Program) all received $1000 scholarships. Pictured (l-r): Jim Shackleford, Dublin Exchange Club; Travis Griffin; Marie Smith; Kimberly Pope; and Albert Hood, Dublin Exchange Club.
Technical College System of Georgia assistant commissioner slated to be keynote speaker for HGTC GED graduation
Lisa Eason, assistant commissioner of administration with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), is slated to be the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia Technical College GED graduation ceremony.
Eason has served as assistant commissioner since February 2008. Previously, she held several positions within the technical college system and other state government agencies.
Ms. Eason was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. As a high school dropout she began working in sewing factories at the age of 17 and graduated to working in metal fabrication factories by the time she was 20. At the age of 26, Lisa decided to take the GED in order to obtain a better occupation. At the age of 28, Eason furthered her education by going back to school to obtain a degree. She graduate seven years later from the University of West Georgia with a BBA in Accounting and a minor in Real Estate.
The HGTC graduation ceremony is free and open to the public. Residents from Bleckley, Dodge, Laurens, Telfair, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties, who have earned a GED diploma, will be recognized. Honor graduates will be acknowledged, and those graduates who achieved the highest scores on the GED exam will receive a plaque. The event will be held July 31, 7:00 pm in the DuBose Porter Business and Industry Center in Dublin.
Foundation awards NRCW Scholarship
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation partnered with the Natural Resource Conservation Workshop to award a $1,000 scholarship this summer.
The 2008 NRCW was held June 8-12 at Abraham Baldwin College in Tifton. The mission of the workshop is to expose high school students, ages 15-18, to Georgia’s natural resources and opportunities and responsibilities that they provide. According to Dennis Brooks, workshop director, the camp utilizes classrooms and field trip activities to help interested young people learn the basic principles and wise use of our natural resources.
At the workshop students gain insight into careers through their counselors and visiting professionals. Scholarships are awarded based on test scores from the week’s activities.
Ethan Smith, 16, of Senoia, GA received the HGTC Foundation scholarship. Smith will be a junior at East Coweta High School this fall.
Tickets on sale for HGTC Foundation’s special event
Tickets are on sale now for the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation special event, I heard it through the Grapevine. The event will be held Friday night, August 8, at the HGTC Porter Center. Tickets are $25 each.
Entertainment for the event will be The Grapevine, Georgia’s premier band from Macon. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d'œuvres and dancing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The band’s repertoire ranges from Motown, R&B, Beach, Pop, and 60s- 70s- 80s-rock. According to Jep Craig, HGTC trustee, “the 10-member ban will have the crowd in full participation before the night is over.”
To add excitement to the event, the Foundation is sponsoring a drawing for $2,500 cash. Tickets for the drawing are $50 each. The drawing will be held the night of the event; however, those purchasing a ticket do not have to be present to win the cash drawing.
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sheila Christian at (478) 275-8533 or the Foundation Office at (478) 274-7878 or 7880.
Waid earns first platinum certificate at HGTC
Heart of Georgia Technical College Electronics Technology student, Ryan Waid, was the first HGTC student to earn a platinum level certificate on the Work Ready assessment. The Georgia Work Ready Initiative, the result of a partnership between Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, is designed to meet economic and workforce needs by effectively generating the right talent for the right jobs in the state of Georgia. It is being implemented throughout the state by technical colleges like HGTC. The program sets out to identify both the needs of businesses and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce through assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. The certificate earned from the assessment is recognized nationwide by employers. Levels earned are bronze, silver, gold, and platinum.
Waid began attending HGTC in June 2007, “I enrolled at HGTC so I can provide financial stability for my son Grant, my girlfriend Shelley, and myself. I want to start a career, not just have a job. Having a degree from HGTC will be an integral part in accomplishing this feat.” Upon graduation from the HGTC Electronics Technology program, Waid wants to work in Biomedical Instrumentation Technology.
Waid chose HGTC because of the class offerings and the general atmosphere of the college, “Everyone from administrators to teachers is willing to help the students with any questions they may have. The class sizes are small enough that teachers can take time to help students on an individual level. Students, with a little good willed competition, love to see each other succeed.”
Although preparation is available for the Work Ready assessment, Waid did not prepare for the test. He was surprised to find that he scored so well, “At first I wasn't really sure what to think of earning a platinum certificate. After Mrs. Lester printed my scores, she took me around the whole school to tell everyone what I had done. The next day Mr. Dixon, the Work Ready Project Manager at HGTC, called me to say, ‘Congratulations on your accomplishment.’ He told me that scoring a platinum on the Work Ready test would help me tremendously when I starting seeking employment. Later that same evening Dr. Peters called to congratulate me on a job well done. He stated that he had received a gold certificate. I figured he was joking with me. I thought to myself, there is no way I scored higher than Dr. Peters, our school President, on any test; maybe the computer made a mistake!"
Waid is pleased with his choice to enroll at HGTC, “I can't say enough good things about HGTC. It is a great school. The whole staff at HGTC are fabulous people. My experience so far has been wonderful and I look forward to the time I have remaining at HGTC. The Work Ready program is something that people should familiarize themselves with and take advantage of the Work Ready assessment now, while it is being given for free. It is a great tool that can help students obtain employment.”
Information on the Georgia Work Ready Initiative can be obtained by calling Bob Dixon at HGTC at 478-274-7650.
Tech Fee Scholarships awarded at HGTC
Ten Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for summer quarter.
Those receiving the award are Cecelia H. Webb of Eastman, Kasey Bryant of Eastman, Jodi McCranie of Helena, Edna Wilson of Alamo, Bridgette Nelms of McRae, Mamie C. Robinson of Alamo, Kristi Hilburn of Glenwood, Leah Davis of Milen, Barbara Grant of Glenwood, and Melissa Best of McRae.
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. The scholarship is awarded to students 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 Laurie Wicker at 478-274-7878 or 478-274-7880, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.
2008 Heart of Georgia Job Fair/Career Expo Coming
More than 75 companies are expected to be in attendance at the 2008 Heart of Georgia Job Fair/Career Expo to be held at Heart of Georgia Technical College on August 5, 9 am until noon. The event is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor, Heart of Georgia Technical College, and the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the companies being represented, other activities will be on-going including:
- Mini Health Fair to include blood pressure checks, glucose finger sticks, bone density (sponsored by HGTC Allied Health programs and South Central Health District)
- Blood Drive (American Red Cross)
- Resume review
- Dress for Success presentation
- Safe House and “Sparky” the Robot (Sponsored by Laurens County EMA)
- Drug Task Force display
- Interpreter
- Assistive Technology display (sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Services)
- Work Ready Assessments on site
The Job Fair/Career Expo is free and open to the public.
HGTC Foundation awards Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships
Five Heart of Georgia Technical College students received the Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships for summer quarter.
The scholarship was established earlier this year 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 Bridgette Nelms of McRae, Mamie C. Robinson of Alamo, Jodi McCranie of Helena, Kasey Bryant of Eastman, 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 Laurie Wicker at (478) 274-7878 or lwicker@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Martin is first senior to earn a platinum Work Ready certificate
Matthew Martin, graduate of the Treutlen County High School class of 2008 was the first senior to earn a platinum certificate on the assessment through Georgia’s Work Ready Initiative. The Work Ready Program, the result of a partnership between Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, is designed to meet economic and workforce needs by effectively generating the right talent for the right jobs in the state of Georgia. It is being implemented throughout the state by technical colleges like Heart of Georgia Technical College.
The first project for the one-half million dollar grant of the Work Ready program for the Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing & Distribution Region was to assess high school seniors in the eight county service region including Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties by the end of the 2007-2008 school year. The certificate ratings include bronze, silver, gold and platinum and are recognized throughout the nation.
The basic assessment given to seniors has three parts: reading, locating, and applied math. Seniors were given the opportunity to prepare for the assessment through online GAP training. Once the assessment is given, GAP training is available for those who would like to improve their score.
Martin chose to take advantage of the online GAP training by looking over it the night before the assessment. His preparation paid off with the earning of the platinum certificate. While being an excellent student, Martin took advantage of many extracurricular activities at his high school. He participated in Beta Club,
4-H Club, FBLA, Drama Club, the band as a member of the dance line, and on the Literary Team where he competed in Extemporaneous Speaking.
Martin plans to attend Georgia Southern University in the fall and then medical college, where he will study to become a dentist. In addition to earning the HOPE scholarship, Martin was selected for two GSU scholarships and one scholarship from his local Masonic Lodge. He was able to exempt college Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus, so he will begin his math studies with Calculus at GSU.
While at Treutlen County High, Martin attended Swainsboro Technical College through dual enrollment. He studied Criminal Justice courses that he found very interesting. As a junior, he was chosen to participate in an annual trip to Washington, D.C. sponsored by Washington Altamaha.
Martin’s parents have been very influential in his education and in encouraging him, “I credit my parents with my success. The challenged me to work hard so I can live the life I want to live,” says Martin.
Information on the Georgia Work Ready Initiative can be obtained by calling Bob Dixon at HGTC at 478-274-7650.
Pictured (l-r): David Avery, TCHS principal; Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president; Matthew Martin; Jan Martin, mother; and Chuck Ellington, superintendent.
Students Place in National SkillsUSA Postsecondary Competition
Heart of Georgia Technical College students recently headed out to Kansas City to compete in the National SkillsUSA Postsecondary Competition. Students competing in the competition were: David Northrup (Laurens County), Bruce Payne (Laurens County), Thomas Richards (Bleckley County), John Pope (Washington County), Kristi Graham (Laurens County), Stephen Allen (Dodge County), Mandy Thigpen (Johnson County), Eddie Mathis (Wheeler County), Charles Lynch (Bleckley County), and Matt Ulery (Laurens County).
HGTC is proud to announce Bruce Payne as a 1st Place National Winner (Gold Medal) in Criminal Justice and John Pope as a 2nd Place National Winner (Silver Medal) in First Aid/CPR.
Pictured is the group as they were preparing to depart for the trip. Advisors David Hall, Kim Meeks, and Ray Powers accompanied the students.
Livingston passes on life long learning to students at HGTC
Kevin Livingston learned to “keep things cool” from his dad. Livingston now gets the chance everyday to pass on his knowledge by teaching Air Conditioning Technology at Heart of Georgia Technical College where he has been since 1985.
As a young boy, Livingston often helped his father in the refrigeration business and continued to work with him through his college years while at Middle Georgia College and Georgia Southern University. “I was raised in the business,” says Livingston.
After moving to Dublin in 5th grade, Livingston’s parents decided they liked the town and wanted to make Dublin their home, “We moved a lot and that wasn’t the best way to raise a family. We liked Dublin, so we stayed.” He graduated from East Laurens High School in 1970 and began attending Middle Georgia College and then Georgia Southern where he earned a bachelor degree in Economics with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering. After working in Statesboro with a company that serviced everything from window a/c units to industrial chillers, Livingston went into business with his father working on anything to do with refrigeration. He worked with his father from 1977 to 1985 when he joined HGTC.
In his current position as Technical and Industrial Department Chairman, Livingston has the opportunity to pass on his accumulation of life long knowledge to those seeking to better themselves through education, “Most of my students have been laid off or want to change jobs. I love teaching – from having a student who doesn’t know anything to seeing them walk out of here having gained employment. I have students from age 16 that are dual-enrolled with their high schools to age 66,” says Livingston. He says the field is changing daily with coolants becoming extinct because of environmental concerns and the implementation of computer driven refrigeration.
The Air Conditioning Technology graduates have a 100% job placement rate according to Livingston, “I have folks calling me left and right looking for job candidates.” Graduates of the program are qualified for jobs in electrical, mechanical, cooling and maintenance work, according to Livingston because of the diversity of the program. Any industry would benefit from graduates of the program according to Livingston; graduates have gone to work with manufacturing firms to school systems. The Air Conditioning Technology program at HGTC was recently HVAC Excellence accredited.
In his spare time, Livingston chooses activities that center around his family. He and his wife of 29 years, Ann, have two children: a son who recently graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a daughter at the University of Georgia studying Biology.
HGTC Eastman LPN class earns 100% pass rate
The December Licensed Practical Nursing class of the Eastman campus of Heart of Georgia Technical College earned a 100% pass rate on the Practical Nursing State Board Licensure exam.
The HGTC program to earn a Practical Nursing Diploma is four quarters in length and consists of academic and occupational courses. Classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and clinical practice give the students the opportunity to learn necessary skills. Standardized testing throughout the program assists students and instructors in determining areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Interventions are implemented to help the students succeed in the program.
Demand for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) continues to grow, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. Openings for LPNs are estimated at 955 per year with an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes and similar institutions. The Georgia DOL states, “Employment of LPNs is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012 in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of healthcare. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently. Employment of LPNs is expected to grow much faster than average in home healthcare services and nursing care facilities.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most LPNs are generalists and work in all areas of health care. However, some work in a specialized setting, such as a nursing home, a doctor’s office, or in home health care. LPNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they may be responsible for making appointments, keeping records, and performing other clerical duties. LPNs who work in home health care may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.
The median hourly wage for LPNs in Georgia in 2006 was $16.17. The median annual salary was $33,633 according to the Georgia DOL.
Information on the LPN program at HGTC may be obtained through the website, www.heartofgatech.edu, or by calling (478) 274-7857.
HGTC hosts manufacturing summer camp
  
The Heart of Georgia Technical College was one of 26 organizations to receive a Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation grant for 2008. The $5,000 grant funded a week-long day camp for 14 to 16 year old Wilkinson County High School students.
Heart of Georgia Technical College, the Wilkinson County Board of Education, and the Stay in School Program partnered to write the grant. The purpose of the FMA Foundation grant was to support programs with positive hands-on experience, so young people will consider manufacturing as a future career option.
The United States is facing a work force shift with the retiring baby boomers. While technology has improved efficiency rates and reduced the amount of unskilled labor needed, there is an ever-increasing demand for highly skilled workers. The Heart of Georgia Technical College summer camp allowed students to design and create special projects.
Campers learned how to weld separate component pieces into a finished assembly using the latest techniques and equipment. The finished product for welding was a sprinkler. Campers were introduced to AutoCAD. According to one participant, “It was very cool making my dream house.” Students learned the basics and designed a house using the AutoCAD software. Robotics was also taught. Campers built a robot and learned how they worked.
Campers were also exposed to environmental and financial issues. The camp had a “going green” element. The students learned about Global Warming and what they could do to help. The film “Darius Goes West” was shown and Darius Weems, the student the film was about, spoke to the campers. Students were also taught financial literacy. One student said, “I enjoyed learning about how to manage our money and choosing the things we need and not the things we want all the time.”
The camp exposed the students to possible careers in manufacturing, as well as gave them life skills.
Keys to Louie Livingston Hall, the new classroom building at Heart of Georgia Technical College, were recently presented to officials of the College. Louie Livingston Hall will be occupied and ready for classes fall quarter. Pictured are: Bryan Carroll, job superintendent; Luke Nichol, GSFIC coordinator; David Selby, architect; Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president; Beth Crumpton, HGTC executive vice president, and Ragan Green, HGTC maintenance supervisor.
Dr. Randall Peters, president, Heart of Georgia Technical College, is shown presenting an appreciation plaque to Mr. Shellie Stroman of Laurens County. Mr. Stroman served three terms (9 years) on the HGTC Board of Directors. Mr. Stroman also served as board chair for the past two years and received a crystal globe for his dedication to HGTC. Dr. Peters thanked Shellie for his commitment to technical education.
Mrs. Susan Coffee, from Dodge County, is shown receiving a gavel from Mr. Shellie Stroman. This marks the beginning of her term as board chair of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Board of Directors. Mr. Stroman is the out-going board chair.
Dr. Claire Livingston selected as HGTC’s 2008 Instructor of the Year
Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) recently named Dr. Claire Livingston, Allied Health Department chair, as the 2008 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. Nominated along with Dr. Livingston were Corshea Thomas, adult education instructor; Deborah Thomsen, nursing instructor; Kim Meeks, academics; and Diana Robbins, respiratory therapy instructor. The announcement was made by Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president.
Annually, the Technical College System of Georgia recognizes an outstanding instructor through the presentation of the Rick Perkins Award of Excellence. Each technical college is invited to nominate a single individual from among its faculty for competition in this award. Locally, the criteria for being nominated includes: full-time credit or adult education faculty member with at least three years of service at HGTC; submission of a resume and lesson plan; presentation of a sample lesson; and participation in a panel interview.
Livingston earned her Ph.D. in Cellular Biology and Anatomy from the Medical College of Georgia, her B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Respiratory Care from St. Mary’s Dominician College in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Livingston has received numerous awards with her teaching experiences and has had several manuals published. She is active in her community. She has been with Heart of Georgia Technical College since 2002.
“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,” Livingston commented. “I feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people who are dedicated to improving our communities through education.”
Dr. Peters commented, “Dr. Livingston is a dynamic teacher and leader who focuses on her students in a caring way. Her enthusiasm and love for people shows as she is constantly making a difference in the lives of students. I am proud of all of our instructors, but I am especially proud to honor Dr. Claire Livingston as the HGTC 2008 Instructor of the Year.”
HGTC Alumni Association holds Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet
 
The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Alumni Association held its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on June 10, 2008. The guest speaker for the dinner was HGTC Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) 2008 winner, Kristi Graham.
Sheila Christian, alumni association president, announced that Veronica Rodriguez of Dublin is the 2008 Alumnus of the Year. Rodriquez is a two-time graduate of HGTC. She earned a business office specialist diploma and an associate’s degree in applied office technology.
Rodriguez became the secretary for the HGTC adult education department in May 2007 after being a work-study in the office for three years and completing an internship with the office. According to her supervisor, Dahlia Allen, dean of adult education, “She is the first person visitors to the adult education department—and sometimes even the school—see, she concentrates on giving excellent customer service. She applies the office management and technological skills she learned through her course work to keep the adult education office running smoothly and efficiently.”
There were five alumni nominated for the award. Others nominated were Ethel Bloodworth of Cochran, Jason Clark of Lyons, Kay Grinstead of Dublin, and Joe Thomas of Dexter. Each alumni nominated has proven to be exceptional in the community and work place. Nominees exhibit a positive attitude, have outstanding character, and have excellent work habits.
Dr. Randall L. Peters, president of HGTC, announced Kimberly Noles as the first recipient of the Mary Alice Watson Scholarship. Noles is the secretary for the HGTC allied health department.
The Mary Alice Watson Scholarship was established by Judith (Judy) R. Benton, former Board of Trustee and Board of Director. The scholarship is designed to assist HGTC employees continuing their formal education. Mary Alice Watson, Ed. D., began her employment in 1983 and was one of the first employees of this institution; she retired in 2003 as vice president of institutional effectiveness. Dr. Watson was present to give the award.
“When I think of the future for myself, I imagine walking across the stage to receive my degree; I wave to the crowd where my daughter, family, and friends are sitting cheering for me,” said Noles. “I have dreamed of this day often. This will be the day I graduate with my bachelor’s degree in business administration.”
Noles is like most non-traditional students. She works full-time, has a family, and attends college. Noles understands the importance of an education and has committed to persevering in order to not only better her life, but her family’s life. She is a graduate of Heart of Georgia Tech with a microcomputer specialist diploma (2000) and a graduate of Middle Georgia College with an associate degree in business administration (2003).
Noles was one of four HGTC employees to apply for the Mary Alice Watson Scholarship. Others applying for the scholarship were Penny Barlow, customer service specialist Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center, Donna Harmon, administrative assistant to the president, and Donna Landrum, information technology department software support specialist.
For more information on the Alumni Association or to become involved, contact Patti Davis at 478-274-7627 or pdavis@heartofgatech.edu or visit the HGTC website at www.heartofgatech.edu.
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