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The Advisory Committee for the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center met on February 14. The group enjoyed a building tour of the new classroom building, and discussed possible new programs of study and received reports from Dr. Howard Abney, director of LOIC. Dr. Abney reported on enrollment, distance learning, scholarships and the Work Ready Program Grant. HGTC Executive Vice President Beth Crumpton discussed new policies from the Technical College System of Georgia, the GED program and high school equivalency and updated the committee on new programs of study at the main campus in Dublin. Pictured are: Jeanette Ban, Debbie Bullard, Marion Clark, Bob Cox, Sr., Herman Moore and Beth Crumpton.

Laurice Bentley, Risk Communication Specialist, from the South Central Health District in Dublin conducted a Pandemic Flu Planning Session for Telfair Community leaders at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center on February 27, 2008. This is the first of several sessions that will result in a community plan for emergency preparedness.For more information, Ms. Bentley's phone number is 274-7672.

Heart of Georgia Technical College Recognizes

A+ Certification Success

The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) is pleased the following students achieved the certification as Comp TIA A+ PC Repair Technicians by passing both Certification exams as part of their requirements for Heart of Georgia Tech A+ PC Repair curriculum.

Donna Mullis – Laurens County

Javin Allen – Laurens County

Ms. Mullis is currently enrolled in the CIS Microcomputer Specialist curriculum at Heart of Georgia Technical College. Mr. Allen is a Senior at Dublin High School participating in the Dual Enrollment program. Both have already received their A+ Certifications from Comp TIA and will graduate from the A+ program during commencement ceremonies April 10.

Walter Morris (Laurens County), a student in the dual enrollment program from West Laurens High School, has passed the A+ Essentials Exam. He will be sitting for the second exam for complete certification in May.

The A+ designation was designed by an international consortium of hardware and software manufacturers 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 such as, “installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.”

Heart of Georgia Technical College offers the A+ Preparation Technical Certificate of Credit as a three course program which can be completed in as few as two quarters. Students are required to sit for the exams at the end of the second and third courses. Registration is open for the summer 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, David Cooke at 478-274-7856, dcooke@heartofgatech.edu.

Graduate feels technical education is a great choice

After completing high school at Baldwin High in Milledgeville, Laise Townsend attended Georgia Military College for three years. During this time she worked at part-time at a retail store and also worked with various professors at the college. During the three years she completed an Associates Degree in Applied Science in General Studies with a distinction in Science and an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Pre-Nursing.

When it came time to continue her education, Townsend chose HGTC, “I decided to attend HGTC because of the learning environment and the staff. When I came and toured the campus and met with the instructors I was impressed with the instructors’ love to teach and help the students. My choice of study was Respiratory Therapy. It has not only prepared me for my career but it has also taught me how to help others and to follow my dreams. I’ve learned that when you believe in something you have to do anything and everything to reach your goals.”

While at HGTC, Townsend was involved in Skills USA and the Respiratory Care Club. She participated in fundraisers and cookouts with the Respiratory Club. At HGTC, Townsend appreciated the dedication of the instructors, “I liked the instructors and that they knew who you were and that they spent one on one time with the students to make sure that every student received what they needed.”

After seeing the difference a technical college education can make, Townsend would like to see high school graduates informed about what is out there and what their options are, “Technical colleges will continue to be here but high school graduates need to know that a degree from a technical college is just as good as a degree from a four year college or a community college degree as long as it’s what you want to do with your life.”

Upon graduation, Townsend took and passed the certification for respiratory care and the registry for respiratory care and passed both. She now works at Coliseum Medical Center in Macon and Oconee Regional Medical Center in Milledgeville. “I use my education every day and work harder to further my education. I plan to continue to further my education and gain more work experience so that I can participate in neonatal transports and eventually be able to work as a life flight therapist, who transports patients by air from hospital to hospital. Later on I would like to go back to school to receive certification as a Nurse Anesthetist.”

Diana Robbins, respiratory therapy instructor says, “Laise was a joy to teach. She was always excited, always here, and always the first to volunteer. She is even still helping us. She is setting up a recruiting visit in Milledgeville at the high school for a visit soon. She is by far one of the BEST students as far as attitude, willingness and excitement to learn new things. She was and is a pleasure and she did us a favor by coming to our program. She is the reason that I enjoy teaching. It is that kind of student that is always thankful and appreciative that makes this job worthwhile. She is compassionate, loves people and animals, generous with her time and self and is going to be an exceptional Respiratory Therapist.”

HGTC student overcomes obstacles to realize her dreams

LaTonia Brantley has never been one to let anything get in the way of her dreams. Her dream to become a teacher is now a reality due to her perseverance in getting her education from Heart of Georgia Technical College. Diagnosed with a thyroid problem, Brantley underwent thyroid surgery for suspicious nodules. In spite of her health problems, she was able to stay current with her course work and has maintained a 3.60 GPA.

Brantley knew she wanted to work with children, so the Early Childhood Education Program was a perfect fit. Being an only child with no children of her own, Brantley loves children and enjoys helping them learn about their school work and about life. While working at Head Start, Brantley attended HGTC, “Because of the skills I learned at Heart of Georgia Tech, I was recognized for my ability and promoted at work,” she says.

While at HGTC, Brantley served on the Student Council, was on the President’s List and was a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She wasn’t sure she would succeed at first, since she graduated from high school in 1989, “I was nervous at first, but once I made the President’s List, I had the confidence I needed. I love my instructors; they work with you and try to help. They are willing to come in early or stay late to help you. My classmates became like a family to me and we all helped each other.”

Brantley was recently nominated for and received the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Award at HGTC. This award is sponsored by The Foundation at HGTC, Morris State Bank, and the Louie and Evelyn Livingston Family Foundation, and presents actual tools necessary for the success of the student. Brantley received a number of items for use in her classroom, “I am excited about my new tools; they will give my kids a better learning experience. Teachers are not given very limited supplies. My students will enjoy learning with the new classroom supplies.”

While Brantley loves her job and enjoys being part of the Head Start Program, her dream is to one day open a daycare, “Head Start is a great place to learn about the kids and their needs. I am getting great experience there. I enjoy the children and those I work with. I would like to open a daycare down the road, but I know I need experience before I can open my own business.”

Gail Clark, early childhood instructor, nominated LaTonia for the TOOLS

Award, “LaTonia is very dependable, hard-working, and gets along well with her

peers. She shows initiative in her class work as well as dealing with people. She

demonstrates a genuine concern for others, especially children. I was very proud

LaTonia won the TOOLS award. She is very deserving of this honor.”

HGTC grad finds success in a job he loves

When Julian Thigpin graduated from David Emanuel Academy over ten years ago, the last thing on his mind was going to college. All that changed when the fabrication company he was working for began to outsource its manufacturing making his job security unsure.

After graduating from high school, Thigpin worked in a fabrication company before serving four years in the Marine Corps. After leaving the service, Thigpin again worked in fabrication in quality control. When his future became shaky, he knew he needed to do what it took to have a secure position in a field he wanted to work in the rest of his life.

Thigpin’s wife, Ashley, and his mother both thought the medical field would be a good fit for Thigpin. So in 2004, he enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College and began taking core classes toward a degree in allied health. “My wife is a nurse and having been in the medical field for some time, she knew I would love Respiratory Therapy.”

Thigpin’s wife was so confident in her husband that she worked more than one job to support the two of them, all the while expecting their first child. Thigpin was able to attend night classes until he had to resign his position to continue his education.

Although Thigpin was busy with his young family and his studies, he found the time to participate in many activities at HGTC. He served on the Student Council, was President of the Respiratory Therapy Club, was nominated for the GOAL award and was a TOOLS Award recipient. He also volunteered for fund raising efforts through the Allied Health Department and HGTC. He participated in health fairs to benefit the community.

While in class, Thigpin was a model student, “Julian was one of the best students I have ever had. He was really good inside and outside the classroom, always helping other students who didn’t understand the material. During his externship he would take on the work load of a full time employee because the hospital saw how competent he was. He was chosen as the SGA rep and RESP president because he’s a born leader. He worked very hard with little financial support. He went without a phone for a little because he needed the money for school. His wife is a nurse and they have two small children but they managed to make it all work,” says Natalie Smith, respiratory therapy instructor.

Thigpin attended HGTC on the HOPE scholarship and kept the scholarship by keeping his grades up. He was also a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

When Thigpin graduated there was no shortage of job offers. He had offers from Savannah, Macon, and other large towns in Georgia. He had offers to travel all over the country, even Hawaii, for weeks at a time. But he chose to stay close to home and now works at East Georgia Regional Hospital full-time and supplements his income as he chooses. These offers are the result of his knowledge and work ethic. Thigpin spent 1000 hours in clinical training and passed exams to be more than qualified for the positions he was offered.

Thigpin credits his wife and his instructors for his success, “I have a great support system. My wife didn’t bat an eye when I started school and she found out she was pregnant at the same time. My instructors would always go the extra mile to make sure all the students understood the material and were successful in their work. I love what I do, every case is different. I get excited about going to work and when I get off work, I am just as excited knowing I get to come back and do it again. I start with getting a patient to smile and once I earn their trust, we get to work on making them better.”

One particular encounter with a patient earned Thigpin recognition from his employer. A man in his mid-forties was on a ventilator and arrangements were being made for long-term care on a ventilator. Thigpin worked with the man for four days straight until the patient was able to come off the ventilator, “He had a lot of life left in him. That’s why I love what I do because I love helping people.”

Pictured: Thigpin at the TOOLS presentation.

HGTC student finds hope in education

When Phoenix Davis started attending Heart of Georgia Technical College, she was ready for a new start. Having made some bad choices in her younger years, Davis was ready to take on responsibility for her family.

Davis initially enrolled in the Allied Health Program, but recently earned a diploma in Industrial Systems. Determined to make up for lost time, she poured herself into her education maintaining excellent grades and making the President’s List every quarter. Davis has decided to enter a very familiar field. Her father is an Electrician and she wants to follow his lead, “I have been helping my father ever since he would let me help him and now I want to pursue the same field.”

In 2006, Davis was part of a team from HGTC that helped build a local Habitat for Humanity House. She worked on the wiring and her team was able to install the wiring and pass the Electrical Code Inspection on the first try.

Davis has attended school while working full-time and being a single mom to two children. She has excelled in the work ethic portions of her education, even with all she has going on, “Phoenix has been a dedicated student. I am proud to see people who really want to succeed. She has a great outlook and is very positive. She may have had some bad times in the past, but now she is on track. She has a great work ethic and is very motivated,” says Tony Martin, electronics instructor.

Martin recently nominated Davis for the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Award that she received in December. The program rewards successful students with recognition and the tools needed to help them get started in their career.

When at home, Davis’ two children are constant reminders of why she is so dedicated to making a better life. “My son is nine and he reminds me to do my homework!” she says.

“I feel really blessed to be where I am. I could not be happier. It feels so good to be responsible. I am thankful I can get the education I need and have a choice to pursue what I want,” says Davis.

Legislators Enjoy 3rd Annual ‘Taste of the Technical Colleges’

Atlanta - The 33 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), including Heart of Georgia Technical College, put technical education’s “wow” factor on center stage for more than 400 state legislators and other dignitaries during the third annual Taste of the Technical Colleges.

The event was held on January 29 and filled the historic Atlanta Freight Depot across from the State Capitol. TCSG officials, college presidents, faculty members, college staff and students were on hand to talk to their VIP guests about the new age of technical education in Georgia.

The lawmakers saw program demonstrations from each college, including courses in in-demand fields like heath care, electronics, logistics, digital technology, and more. The best of technical education was on full display while the guests feasted on food prepared by the chefs and students from the 12 colleges with culinary arts programs.

Heart of Georgia Technical College’s welding program was on display, featuring many items made by the program’s instructor, Walter Tyler, and students.

A drawing was held for a tailgate grill. Representative “Abel” Mable Thomas was the winner.

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson said the event showcases for legislators the kind of learning opportunities that are attracting more people to the state’s technical colleges.

“Last year, our colleges educated more than 140,000 Georgia students and our enrollment is growing,” said Jackson. “The technical colleges’ exceptional level of training, and the in-demand, high-paying jobs that result, is a big reason why more students than ever are making a state technical college their first choice for a college education.”

Fast Facts about the Technical College System of Georgia:

The annual tuition for a full-time student in the TCSG is only $1,728.

Georgia’s HOPE and the federal Pell grants will pay for most of a TCSG education.

26,891 students graduated from TCSG colleges in 2007 with either technical certificates of credit, diplomas or associate degrees.

41% of TCSG students attend full-time while 59% attend part-time.

Of the 27,000 students who graduated from TCSG colleges between July 2006 and July 2007, almost 99% are either employed or continuing their education.

Pictured (l-r): Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president; Representative "Abel" Mable Thomas, winner of grill; Walter Tyler, HGTC welding instructor; Wilson Green, HGTC welding student; and Representative DuBose Porter.

Merchant & Citizens Bank establishes second

HGTC Foundation scholarship

The Merchant & Citizens Bank of McRae has partnered with the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. This is the second partnership with The

M & C Bank and the HGTC Foundation to offer local students scholarship opportunities.

Last year the bank established the Chester Arthur Ryals, Jr. Scholarship which is awarded annually to a Telfair County High School graduating senior who plans to attend Heart of Georgia Technical College.

The new scholarship, Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarship, will be awarded quarterly. Students in good academic standing who have a financial need are eligible for the scholarship. The Foundation will award five, $50 scholarships each quarter. “The

M & C Bank expressed an interest in helping as many students as possible,” said Dr. Howard Abney, dean of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. “Even with the majority of our students on the HOPE grant,” Abney said, “they still need funds for books and supplies—which add up quickly.”

The M & C Bank has established this award in memory and honor of Dr. Fredrick Augustus Smith, Jr. Dr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Telfair County. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1937 with a bachelor of science and received a doctor of medicine degree from Emory University in 1941. Dr. Smith was a veteran of World War II, serving as captain and surgeon in the Emory Medical Unit in Europe and North Africa. He was vice chairman of the Board of Directors of The Merchants and Citizens Bank, a member of the McRae Rotary Club, and active in the timber industry. He practiced medicine for 50 years in McRae and the surrounding area. Dr. Smith passed away on Jan. 15, 1999, at age 82.

“We are very pleased to partner with The M & C Bank to offer our students quarterly scholarship opportunities,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director HGTC Foundation. LOIC students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact Dr. Howard Abney or Penny Barlow at LOIC or may access a scholarship application on-line at www.heartofgatech.edu and select the Foundation link. The first scholarship awards will be made spring quarter.

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.

Stepping Up for Juniors

On January 25, 2008, over 300 high school juniors had an opportunity to experience hands-on demonstrations of the career education offerings at Heart of Georgia Technical College. Students from Bleckley County High School, Dublin High School, East Laurens High School, Telfair County High School, West Laurens High School, Wheeler County High School participated in the event.

Students were given the opportunity to tour three program areas of their choice and were hosted for lunch compliments of the HGTC Student Council. Brooka Hutcheson with HGTC admissions and recruitment commented, “The stepping up event is a great way for students to see first hand the kind of classroom environment that can be found at a technical college. HGTC is pleased to have great participation and cooperation from everyone involved.” For more information on all the offerings at Heart of Georgia Technical College call 478-274-7842 or visit the web at www.heartofgatech.edu.

The Career Services, Special Populations, and Disability Services divisions at Heart of Georgia Technical College held a Resource Fair for HGTC students. Approximately 145 students attend the fair. The following agencies participated: Promise of Hope, Right from the Start Medicaid/Peach Care for Kids, Children with Special Needs, South Central Health District, Heart of Georgia Healthy Start, CASA, Heart of Georgia RESA, Job Training Unlimited, Heart of Georgia Work Reading Testing, Victim’s Assistance, Heart of Georgia Tech GED, Department of Family and Children Services, Social Security, Shepherd Center Benefits Navigator Project, Georgia Federal Credit Union, Middle Georgia Easter Seals, Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Community Mental Health.

Expanded GED testing and registration

Heart of Georgia Tech has added new testing and registration sessions to its GED testing schedule to serve the community better.

People who are testing for the first time will need to come to a formal registration session; however, anyone who has taken at least one test through HGTC since 2002 can register for subsequent tests by coming to the adult education office, Room 315, W.R. Stewart Building on the HGTC main campus, 560 Pinehill Road, or by contacting the adult education instructors in these counties: Bleckley, Dodge, Telfair, Wheeler, and Wilkinson.

Anyone wishing to register for the test must do so in person. No registration will be taken by telephone. Registrants must present a valid, state-issued photo ID at registration and at each testing session. Those who are 18 or 19 years old must bring a withdrawal letter from the public or private school last attended. Home-schooled persons must bring a letter from the city or county school superintendent stating that they are no longer enrolled in a home-school program. The letter must be on school letterhead and must include the last date the person attended the school or program. Information on testing for 16- and 17-year-olds is available from the Heart of Georgia Tech adult education office on the main campus and from the adult education centers in each county. Those wishing to take the GED test with Heart of Georgia Tech may register at any site for testing in any county.

The GED test has five parts. The cost is $19 for each part or $95 for the whole test. Those wishing to test may register for the whole test or for one or more specific sections. The testing fee must be paid at registration with cash, preferably in the exact amount since change may not be available at the registration site, or with a money order only. Checks are not accepted.

Laurens County – GED test Feb. 9, 20, 21 and 23; March 8, 18, 19 and 22. Registration for first-time testers - Feb. 18 and 26 at 1 and 6 pm. Call (478) 274-7877 or 274-7848 for information about drop-in registration for those who have taken at least one part of the test or for testing and registration information in any HGTC county.

Bleckley County – GED test March 15; registration for first-time testers March 11 at 1 and 7 p.m. Call (478) 934-0223 for information about drop-in testing for those who have taken at least one part of the test
Dodge County – GED test Feb. 13-14 and March 11-12 from 4:30-8:45 p.m. Registration for first-time testers - Feb. 6 and March 3 from 1-7:30 pm. Call (478) 374-6431 for drop-in registration for those who have taken at least one test.

Telfair County – GED test Feb. 16; registration for first-time testers Feb. 11 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m.; call (478) 868-3084 for information on drop-in for those who have taken at least one part of the test.
Wheeler County – No GED test given; registration on Feb. 11 and March 10 from 1-3 p.m. for testing for testing in any HGTC county. Call (912) 568-1751 for information on drop-in registration for those who have taken at least one part of the test.
Wilkinson County – GED test March 8; registration for first-time testers Feb. 26 from 10 a.m.-noon; call (478) 946-1080 for information on drop-in registration for those who have taken at least one part of the test.

For additional information, call the GED examiner at (478) 274-7787.