Latest News Releases
Heart of Georgia Students Complete A+ Computer Repair Certification
 
Heart of Georgia Technical College is proud to announce the following students have successfully completed the HGTC A+ Computer Repair Certification Program by passing the second of two A+ Certification exams, and earning the designation of A+ Certified IT Technician granted by the International Information Technology Consortium, Comp TIA.
Ross M. Joiner – Wheeler County
James S. Townsend Jr. – Laurens
The A+ designation was designed by an international consortium of hardware and software manufactures and vendors, including Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and Dell as a “vendor neutral” measure of the technician’s ability to configure, troubleshoot, and repair computer systems. In order to receive Comp TIA A+ Certification the candidate must pass two certification exams which, according to Comp TIA, cover skills as, “installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.”
On September 24, 2007, from 4- 7 PM, the HGTC Computer Repair Program will be offering an Open House, free to the public, in which these skills will be demonstrated.
In addition to the demonstration, Troubleshooting Techniques will be featured. Representatives from Financial Aid and Admissions will be on hand. In addition, representatives from the Cisco Networking and Microcomputer Specialist programs will be available to answer any questions.
During the Open House, the registration fee will be waived for the Fall Quarter. Fall quarter begins October 1. Registration is open for Fall Quarter now.
For more information, contact the Admissions office of HGTC at 478.274.7842 or 478.274.7837, admissions@heartofgatech.edu or the A+ Program Chair, Eli Walker at 478-296-7839, ewalker@heartofgatech.edu
Fall quarter begins October 1. Registration is open for Fall Quarter now.
HGTC Foundation to hold Annual Fund Drive
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation will hold its annual fund drive the first week in October.
Prior to each community fund drive, the Foundation holds an internal campaign for the Heart of Georgia Technical College employees. The employee fund drive was held in the spring, and 97 percent of the full-time employees participated by investing in the Foundation.
“Our employees see first-hand the difference the Foundation makes in the lives of our students,” said Laurie Wicker, director of development. “They help make it happen for our students by giving back.”
“The trustees have a plan for investing, which will appeal to all those who want to help make success happen at Heart of Georgia Tech,” said Ed Touchberry, president of the HGTC Foundation.
Touchberry along with the other 18 trustees will be making personal calls to individuals and businesses for support.
The mission of the Foundation is to support and enhance the college by encouraging private giving. The college relies heavily on the Foundation for private contributions to fund programs, scholarships, library resources, and instructional equipment, just to name a few.
“I hope everyone in our six-county community will help make success happen at Heart of Georgia Tech,” said Touchberry. “Our economic future and the future of our workforce depend on Heart of Georgia Tech.”
For more information on the Fund Drive or how you can help make it happen, visit www.heartofgatech.edu or call (478) 274-7878.
The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.
A Family Affair
By
Leah Bethea
As published in the
Courier Herald
September 19, 2007
For one of Heart of Georgia Technical College's newest instructors, his new place of work and the road that led him there is a family affair of sorts.
Walter Tyler, 28, is HGTC's new instructor in the welding technology program, nearly 10 years after his graduation from the school in the same program. He was the fourth in a line of five brothers and a sister who all graduated from HGTC.
Older brother Thomas was the first to enroll.
"He was the first one and then John came behind him," said Tyler.
And then came sister Cindy Acree, then Walter himself, followed by brother Edward Tyler and then brother Greg Wood.
The six all say that the coincidence is just that — a coincidence.
"We just figured it out," Thomas said, adding that Walter was the one to bring it to their attention. "We never really thought about it. It surprised me."
Thomas was the first graduate of the school, finishing in 1987 with a diploma in automotive technology. He currently works as a transmission man at a local car dealership and also does diesel work. He enjoys the work he does.
"For 20 years," he laughed, "I better enjoy it."
John was the second brother to enroll at HGTC. He graduated in 1988 with a diploma in applied industrial electronics. He still uses his studies, working as an electronic technician, and said what he learned at the school has been helpful to him throughout the years.
"The school is just so convenient," he said of HGTC.
Next came Cindy, who graduated from the school in the mid-'90s. She is a graduate of the Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program, which was only in existence for one year. She currently is employed at The Medical Center in Macon as a Medical Technologist 1. She said the realization that all six of the siblings had attended the school came as a surprise to her as well.
"I never even thought about it," she said. "Considering there's a few of us," she laughed.
Next in line was Walter, who graduated in the summer of 1998 with a diploma in welding technology. A former student of the late Johnny Howard's, Walter became interested in welding in high school and again later when he worked with Southeast Paper. So, when the time came to choose a college, he followed in the footsteps that his older brother had first set.
"I kinda just followed along behind him [Thomas]," he said. "He's done real well for himself. He works real hard. You won't ever get him to admit it, but he does good for himself."
Walter said he appreciates what the college has done for him and each of his siblings.
"It's done a lot for us really," he said. "We were raised by my mother, that was it."
He said it meant a lot for each child to be able to establish successful careers.
"All of us seem to be doing good," he said. "It's helped us out a lot, this college in general. I didn't think college was for me really, but I was able to come out here for a year and get a good-paying job."
Another brother, Edward, also benefited from HGTC. He attended the school's night program to obtain his GED after being out of high school for 12 years.
"I think it really helped me out a lot," he said.
And though he hasn't enrolled in college classes just yet, it might be a possibility in the future.
"I might one of these days," he said, once his wife completes the nursing program she is currently enrolled in at — where else? HGTC.
Brother Greg Wood completed the circle in 2002, earning a diploma from HGTC in automotive technology. He is currently employed with a local car dealership as well.
As for Walter's new job, he said he loves it. The HGTC grad said he is enjoying being on the other side of the fence as a teacher.
"Teaching, showing people the correct way to do it, meeting new people, different personalities," he said, are all parts of the job that he has come to love.
What he enjoys most though is being able to give students the same opportunities for success that HGTC gave to him.
The best part, he said, is "Knowing that if I teach them the right way they'll be able to go out and get good jobs."
HGTC Grad Pursuing Law Degree
For Pauline Lindsey, like for many others, choosing to go to college was a means to earn a better paying job in a field she enjoys, “I wanted to find a good paying job and I couldn’t do that without skills.” What she found as a result of attending Heart of Georgia Technical College is a career she loves in a field she never considered before.
Lindsey started college at HGTC in the medical program after being a stay at home mom, but soon learned she was better suited for an office environment. She decided to study Business Office Technology where she earned a diploma in 2006.
During her time at HGTC, Lindsey worked an internship with Kight Law Firm where she quickly fell in love with real estate law and has decided to continue her education in the field of law. The firm was so impressed with her work ethic and knowledge that they hired her to work full time, “In the spring of 2006, Pauline worked with us through the internship program at the Heart of Georgia. After that we offered her a job. Pauline’s training, performance, work ethic and can do attitude are wonderful. She received great training at HGTC and has learned very quickly. She is now a legal assistant. She is also a first quarter student at Middle Georgia College. Pauline is an inspiration and a joy to have as part of our legal staff,” says Emily Kight.
While at HGTC, Lindsey lived in Chester and went to school full-time during the day. She was nominated for the Georgia Occupational Award for Leadership. Her classes at HGTC worked for her for a number of reasons, “The instructors did a wonderful job of preparing me in my computer classes and my schedule was flexible. I knew I would be able to find a job after I graduated and the instructors were dedicated to making sure the students learned the material. They took their time to teach us.”
In her first quarter at Middle Georgia, Lindsey has a long way to go before reaching her ultimate goal of passing the bar exam and becoming a real estate attorney, however, she is not easily discouraged, “I am learning so much every day and I just love it. I know it will take me about ten years to reach my goal, but I am determined. I love the law and helping people through the research and closing of their home loans. It is all fascinating to me. I have a great work environment and am looking forward to learning all I can. At night, I sit down with my children and we all do our homework. They think it is so funny that Mom has to do homework, too!”
HGTC Instructor Earns ASE Master Technician Certifications
Marion Hall, Diesel Equipment Instructor at Heart of Georgia Technical College, has earned certification from Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) making him the only ASE certified instructor in the Technical and Industrial Department at a technical college in the state of Georgia. There are currently only 65 technical colleges in the United States with National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification and HGTC will be the first in Georgia.
ASE was established in 1972 to protect consumers from incompetent mechanics by improving the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals. The tests stress job-related skills and provide motorists with a measure to judge the knowledge and skills of individual technicians as well as the commitment to quality of the repair facility employing ASE-Certified professionals.
For students at HGTC, Hall’s certifications can make a difference in their success, “If the instructor is ASE Certified, the knowledge can be passed on to the students. Instructors can teach the students at a more advanced level to allow them to be able to take and pass certification tests. Employers are looking for ASE certified employees. The tests are tough-the skill level is high,” according to Hall.
The job market for diesel mechanics and graduates from the HGTC program is high, currently with 100% placement. “Employers are standing in line waiting for graduates. Starting salary for Diesel Mechanics (not certified) is $10-$12 per hour. If ASE certified, you can add $4-$5 per hour to base salary,” says Hall.
Evening classes for Diesel Equipment Technology will be starting in the fall to meet the needs of employers. The program will accommodate those people who are employed and want to increase their skills, thereby increasing their pay.
Hall’s most recent certifications have proven that he has the knowledge to repair and teach all aspects of medium and heavy duty trucks, but he is not stopping with these. He plans to take tests for Preventative Maintenance and Heavy Duty Gasoline Engines in the fall.
Hall has been teaching at HGTC for ten years. Prior to that, he was self-employed working on all kinds of equipment and gaining valuable practical experience. He enjoys learning along with his students as technology changes. “Mr. Hall has always been an expert diesel mechanic and an extraordinary teacher. I’m very happy to see he is finally being formally recognized for his skills. He truly is a Master Technician,” says Randall Peters, president HGTC.
HGTC Pre-K Instructor Chosen as Mentor Teacher
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) has chosen Misty Smith of Heart of Georgia Technical College as a Mentor-Teacher. Smith, nominated by HGTC Public Service Department Chair Paula McGowan, was chosen based on her outstanding performance as Pre-K Instructor at HGTC.
Bright from the Start is a program responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. The program oversees a wide range of programs focused primarily on children ages birth to school age and their families. The program’s mission is “To prepare Georgia’s children to succeed.” Their vision is “High quality early learning experiences are accessible to all children in Georgia”.
According to the website for Bright from the Start, “The purposes of the Pre-K Program are to provide children with quality preschool experiences necessary for future school success and to provide resources and support for parents to ensure that success. The Pre-K Program provides children with a foundation of appropriate learning skills and activities that will enable them to be successful in their school experiences. In effect, children are given the opportunity to "begin school" by providing them with an appropriate learning environment to increase their cognitive skills while they are developing physically and emotionally.”
School Readiness is the focus of Bright from the Start and is determined by focusing on the nature of four year olds and how they learn. HGTC’s Pre-K program under the direction of Smith, has consistently prepared students for entry into kindergarten.
Smith, a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a degree in Child and Family Development, has been working with HGTC’s program for five years. The program is state funded and is filled on a first come first serve basis. “For Misty Smith to be selected as a Mentor Teacher of Bright from the Start is an extraordinary honor and rightfully due to her. The role of teacher comes very natural to Misty as she has a passion for delivering education to her kids. She makes learning fun and in turn her students are like a sponge, soaking up everything they can from her. It is exciting to know that Misty will be able to mentor and share with others the wonderful art of teaching,” says Beth Crumpton, executive vice president, HGTC.
Smith will attend training at Georgia State University in Atlanta. She will participate in the training of new instructors in Georgia’s Pre-K program as Mentor Teacher where she will have the opportunity to develop relationships and help new instructors with any needs they have as they enter teaching in the program.
HGTC Rad Tech Program Boasts 100% Pass Rate
The Radiology Technology Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College recently received news that all graduates of the program passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Exam. The 21 month program enrolls 15 students each fall quarter. Completion of nine core classes is necessary before enrollment in the program, and acceptance is based on grade point average and completion of the Psychological Services Bureau Aptitude Test.
Radiology Program Director, Roslyn Johnson, says the field of Radiology is wide open, “Gaining a degree in Radiologic Technology opens up the door to so many opportunities. The majority of technologists work in hospital radiology departments. Technologists are also employed by doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, and imaging centers. Registered technologists may choose to continue their education in several fields including MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and Radiology-Physicians Assistants.”
Prospective students should have interests in science and anatomy and have personal characteristics such as empathy, a strong work ethic and the ability to administer patient care regardless of the patient’s condition. Good study habits and a desire to learn challenging concepts dealing with physics, equipment and pathology are essential. The Rad Tech Program is unique in that students start and finish the program together. “This cohort relationship helps them all to bond. This group setting has given the students a well rounded college experience in that they never feel as though they are in this alone,” says Johnson.
Most students in the program qualify for some type of financial aid. There is a good mix of younger and older students in the program. Some students are recent high school graduates and some are older students returning to college because of the changing job market.
“The job demand is good for graduates. We have an excellent placement rate upon graduation, usually 90 to 100%. Many of our students secure jobs before graduation as student technologists. Starting pay at rural hospitals ranges from $12 to $16/hour. Urban areas range from $17 - $20/hour,” says Johnson.
The Rad Tech Program has enjoyed success since it began at HGTC, “It is evident our Rad Tech students are receiving excellent academic preparation from their instructors, Roslyn Johnson and Stephanie Morris,” according to Beth Crumpton, HGTC executive vice president. Johnson is pleased with the success of the program and sees the future as bright for Radiologic Technology graduates, “The possibilities are amazing and it all starts here!”
A+ Computer Repair Program to hold open house
Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin is hosting an open house for the A+ Computer Repair Certification Program on Monday, September 24, 4 – 7 pm. Mr. Eli Walker and his students will discuss computer troubleshooting and present live demonstrations. The event will be held in Room 202B in the W.R. Stewart Building and is free and open to the public. Anyone applying for fall quarter admission into the A+ program on site at the open house will have their application fee waived. For more information call 478-296-6147.
HGTC to host will and estate planning seminar
Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) in Dublin will be hosting a seminar, “Planning for Yourself and Your Estate,” on Tuesday, October 16, 6 – 8 pm, at the DuBose Porter Center. Johnny Warren, attorney at law, will be the presenter. Topics to be covered: The New Nursing Home Medicaid Rules and Long-Term Care, Planning for Disability-Financial Powers of Attorney, The New Georgia Healthcare Advance Directive, The Basics of Wills in Georgia, Does Your Will Cover Everything, When to Consider a Revocable Trust, An Overview of Probate and Estate Administration, and When Does the Estate Tax Matter.
The seminar, which is sponsored by HGTC and The Courier Herald, is free and open to the public. Reservations are not needed.
Patriot Day held at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center
Students, faculty, and staff gathered together at noon on the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center campus for a Patriot’s Day Ceremony on September 11th. The participants paused for a moment of reflection to honor victims of 9-11. The many American citizens who are actively participating in the global war on terrorism both at home and abroad were recognized for their contributions to freedom throughout the world.
New trustee elected to HGTC Foundation board
The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation recently elected Gary Lister of Cochran to the Board of Trustees.
Lister is a product of Georgia’s public schools and a longtime education advocate. He is a contributing editor for the American School Board Journal, has served as an adjunct faculty member at several area colleges and technical colleges, and is chairman of the Bleckley County Board of Education. He holds graduate degrees from Georgia College & State University and Southern Polytechnic State University. He is the deputy director of the Commander’s Action Group at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.
Lister and his wife, Lynne, have two sons; Wes, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, and Lee, a sophomore at Bleckley County High School. He is delighted to join the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation and will work hard to help provide vision and support to faculty and staff as they educate middle Georgia students.
The HGTC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the college dedicated to raising and providing resources for HGTC’s educational excellence and innovation. The Foundation is guided by a volunteer board of trustees composed of business and community leaders from the Heart of Georgia Tech service area.
Technical College the Right Choice
When Jerry Mullis was looking at his options for college, he liked the idea of knowing he would be able to use his skills and education to secure a job. That is why he chose Heart of Georgia Technical College, “I was really intrigued by the fact that when you graduate from a technical college like HGTC, you have the tools and the training to go directly into the field and career of your choice,” says Mullis.
While a student at Dublin High School, Mullis heard from speakers representing HGTC, “I thought it was a better opportunity for me. Technical college careers are careers that are needed highly in the work force today, so you can have multiple job opportunities.” After graduating from high school, Mullis split his time between touring with a band and attending HGTC, “I finally made the decision to move forward strictly with school as my main priority,” he says.
While at HGTC, Mullis was in the Respiratory Therapy program at HGTC and graduated in 2006 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care. He and many of his classmates passed the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist board exams before attending their graduation. “Natalie Smith and Diana Robbins were our instructors and really prepared us well for both the CRT and RRT boards. I accepted a job at my first choice of hospitals in Gainesville at Northeast Medical Center. It is a 500 bed hospital and I have really enjoyed the experience so far,” says Mullis.
While at HGTC, Mullis was on the President’s List and was nominated for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) and the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Award. Diana Robbins enjoyed having Mullis as a student, “Jerry was a pleasure to have as a student. He was funny, easy to be around and always volunteered to help someone out. He was an inspiration both to his teachers and to his peers. I cannot say enough about how wonderful Jerry Mullis is. I was proud of him when he graduated, even prouder when he got his first job, and continue to have pride as he moves forward both personally and professionally. Jerry epitomizes what a successful student looks like.”
Survey Names Georgia ‘No. 1 in U.S.’ for Workforce Training
Third time at top of list makes Georgia best overall since 1999
ATLANTA— Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Georgia has once again been selected as the No. 1 state in the U.S. for workforce training in Expansion Management magazine’s annual survey of site selection professionals.
“In a poll of more than 80 site location consultants, the State of Georgia was ranked No. 1 in the country for workforce training for its Quick Start program,” the magazine reported in its latest issue. The magazine also noted that for the past six years, Georgia has ranked either No. 1 or No.2. That consistent performance has made Georgia the overall top-ranked state in the country since the survey began in 1999.
Gorton Wood, Expansion Management's director of economic development, says that he is not surprised by Georgia’s ranking. He described the reputation of Georgia’s training program by saying: “You can't talk about workforce training without talking about Quick Start.”
“Quick Start has proven itself time and again that it is one of Georgia’s best assets for economic development,” says Gov. Sonny Perdue. “The quality of our workforce attracts investment from around the globe, and Quick Start’s workforce training helps guarantee those companies’ success in Georgia.”
“It’s an honor that site location professionals recognize the value of Quick Start,” says Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, of which Quick Start is a part. “It is the linchpin for our agency’s economic development efforts.”
"The partnership between Georgia's Technical College system, Quick Start, and business is unlike that of any other state. The quality of training industry receives from this partnership has positioned Georgia in the enviable position of leadership in the nations business development. We are proud to play a role in placing Georgia out front," commented Dr. Randall Peters, Heart of Georgia Technical College president.
Expansion Management’s managing editor, Ken Krizner, attributes Georgia's consistently high rankings to one thing: "Georgia has created an environment that is very attractive to expanding companies from anywhere in the world. Quick Start is an important part of that environment. Quick Start has the ability and the knowledge to train a work force that is ready to go from Day One.”
Jackie Rohosky, DTAE assistant commissioner who has led Quick Start for the past 15 years, adds, “Working together, Quick Start and Georgia's technical colleges are able to provide businesses in Georgia with a state-of-the-art, total solution for workforce training.”
For more information on this year’s rankings, go to http://www.expansionmanagement.com/ and scroll down to the 2007 WORK FORCE TRAINING article. For more information on Quick Start, go to http://www.georgiaquickstart.org/ .
Wilkinson County representative named to HGTC Foundation Board
The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation recently elected Frank Wall of Irwinton to the Board of Trustees.
Wall has been involved in projects for the kaolin industry since 1955. He and his wife, Ann, formed Springhill Construction Company, Inc in 1976, and in 1988 the company became Springhill Services, Inc. Wall’s primary business interest is transportation and warehousing. Wall is the chair of the Wilkinson County Development Authority. He is a member of the Fall Line Development Authority, the Wilkinson County Exchange Club and the Wilkinson County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founding director of Security Bank in Macon.
The HGTC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the college dedicated to raising and providing resources for HGTC’s educational excellence and innovation. The Foundation is guided by a volunteer board of trustees composed of business and community leaders from the Heart of Georgia Tech service area.
Free Informational Session
The Commercial Truck Driving Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College will be hosting informational sessions at the Dublin Campus. Details of classes offered at HGTC and expectations of the trucking industry will be discussed. Sessions will be held at 6 pm in Room 901 on the following dates: October 2, October 16, October 30, November 13, November 27, December 11. For additional information, contact Joey Wooten at 478-274-7851.
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