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HGTC hosts Manufacturing Camp
 
The Heart of Georgia Technical College was one of 20 organizations to receive a Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation grant for 2007. The $5,000 grant is to fund a week-long day camp for 14 and 15 year old Wilkinson County High School students.
Heart of Georgia Technical College, the Wilkinson County Board of Education and the Heart of Georgia Tech Prep Consortium partnered to write the grant. The purpose of the FMA Foundation grant is 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 day camp allowed students to design and create special projects through basic computer applications and welding.
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 lawn sign stand and stake. Campers also learned basic computer applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher, with an emphasis being on graphic design. The finished product for the computer applications was a graphic design students transferred onto a camp t-shirt.
Next month (July 18) the camp participants will travel to Savannah to take a tour of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. The tour will expose the students to computer-aided manufacturing and hands-on manufacturing; hence bringing the camp experience to a real world experience.
Focusing the camp on Wilkinson County students was by design. HGTC, the Heart of Georgia Tech Prep Consortium and the Stay in School (SiS) grant were a perfect collaboration, according to Alissa Jacques, director of the Wilkinson County After School Program.
HGTC Alumni Association recognizes Mullis as 2007 Outstanding Alumna at Annual Meeting
The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Alumni Association held it’s Annual Meeting on June 7, 2007.
Sherry Kowtko, alumni association president, announced that Jerry Mullis of Gainesville is the 2007 Alumnus of the Year. Mullis is a 2006 graduate of the respiratory therapy program. He was nominated by Diana Robbins, respiratory therapy instructor. Mullis is a native of Dublin.
Jerry was a recipient of the 2006 TOOLS award. His is employed by Northeast Regional Medical Center in Gainesville in the Respiratory Therapy Department. Ms. Robins said, “Jerry is always positive, always willing to participate, and very enthusiastic. In fact, Jerry is an example of the qualities that a successful respiratory therapist needs to possess.”
There were nine alumni nominated for the award. Others nominated were Earnest Dixon of Dublin, Keena King of Dublin, Barbara Martin of Dublin, Roger Rix of East Dublin, Gloria Wells of Dublin, Colleen White of Dublin, Matthew Wilkes of Warner Robins, and Phillip Young of Dublin.
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.
The guest speaker for the dinner was HGTC 2007 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, Stephen Allen.
Dr. Randall Peters, president of HGTC, announced Sheila Christian of Dublin as 2007-2008 Alumni Association President. Ms. Christian is a 1999 graduate of the human resource program. She is employed by Heart of Georgia Tech as the chief GED examiner.
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.
Stephen Allen, Heart of Technical College Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, recently presented a program for the Pilot Club of Dublin. Pictured (l-r): Becky Carroll, HGTC Dean of Instruction; Janet Smith, GOAL Coordinator; Stephen Allen; Tracey Lovett, President, Pilot Club of Dublin.
Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center recently held a Pinning Ceremony. It was conducted at McRae Manor Nursing Home and Ms. Lillie Taylor was the guest speaker. Those students participating in the ceremony were (l-r): Front row-Belinda Aikens, Leslie Burnett, Kim McCowan, Miranda Conaway, Ashley Snellgrove, and Katie Puckett. Back Row-Lillie Taylor (guest speaker), Tonya White, LaDonna Chavers, Shadana Eady, Maggie Jarrell, and Courtney McLamb.
Heart of Georgia Technical College Boasts 100%
A+ Certification Exam Pass Rate
The Heart of Georgia Technical College is proud to announce 100% of their Spring Quarter students passed their required Comp TIA A+ Exams toward certification as Comp TIA A+ PC Repair Technicians as part of their requirements for the curriculum.
The three students who completed the IT Essentials Exam and will be sitting for the second exam for complete certification at the end of the Summer Quarter are:
Anthony Ammerman -Laurens County
James S. Townsend -Laurens County
Javin Allen - Laurens
Mr. Allen is taking the course at Dublin High as part of the school's “Dual Enrollment” program, and he will complete his certification at Dublin High in December.
The following students completed the program by passing the second exam, earning their full A+ Service Technician designation.
Phyllis Landin – Dodge County
Wesley Landin – Dodge County
Willie Handsome - Laurens
Carlos Robinson - 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.”
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, Eli Walker at 478-296-7839, ewalker@heartofgatech.edu
Robyn Tanner elected to HGTC Foundation Board
The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation recently elected Robyn T. Tanner of Dublin to the Board of Trustees.
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.
Tanner is a principal and member of the Board of Directors at Thigpen, Jones, Seaton, & Co., PC. She has 15 years experience serving financial institutions. She is active in both civic and professional organizations. Tanner serves as treasurer for the Heart of Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Dublin Service League. She serves on the Board of Directors for CASA of Laurens County. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Tanner is a Dublin-Laurens Leadership Alumni and past Board members of the Dublin Girls Cotillion Club, Dublin Junior League, and Women in Need of God’s Shelter (WINGS).
“We are pleased to have Robyn join the Board,” said Helen Harper, HGTC Foundation president. “She will not only join the Board, but will also serve as treasurer.”
She and her husband, Tony, have two children, Madison and Perry.
HGTC holds capping ceremony
Heart of Georgia Technical College recently held a Capping Ceremony for the Practical Nursing class of September 2007. Those students who received their caps are pictured (l-r): Front row: Arnetres Todd (Wilkinson County), Ashley Jordan (Telfair County), Shenita Bray (Dodge County), Natalie Andrews (Dodge County), Ms. Susie Drew, RN, instructor, Mandy Faulk (Laurens County), Brittany Grainger (Laurens County), Jeff White (Wheeler County), Rick Yoder (Laurens County), Josh Swain (Telfair County). Back Row: Clarisa Carr (Laurens County), Kimberly Livingston (Telfair County), Cynthia Gregory (Laurens County), Dana Stephenson (Dodge County), Amy Walls (Telfair County), Lindsay Pounds (Laurens County), Felicia Gillis (Johnson County).
Georgia’s Technical College Presidents Sign
“5-Star”Statement of Support for the
Georgia National Guard and Reserve
Atlanta – Thomas Wessels, chairman of the Georgia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (GA ESGR) Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, has announced that 34 presidents of the Technical College System of Georgia have signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the Georgia National Guard and Reserve.
The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the state technical colleges:
- Support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve;
- Have human resources policies that ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA);
- Promote training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve;
- Adopted polices and programs that are “above and beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law;
- Advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.
“Supportive employers like these technical college presidents are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Wessels.
Dr. Randall Peters, Heart of Georgia Technical College president, commented, “My own military service gave me an appreciation of just exactly how critical to our national defense mission the guard and reserve members truly are. It would be a miscarriage of justice in the extreme for an employer not to commit to the level of support for these patriotic Americans this Five-star program represents. I would encourage every employer in the area to make an equal commitment.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active backing from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve through demonstrated employer commitment to military service. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue as the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling the Georgia Committee Office at 678-569-6037.
HGTC Offers New Diploma Program in Drafting Technology
In summer 2007, Heart of Georgia Technical College will begin offering a new diploma program for students interested in design, construction and technical drawing. The program, called Drafting Technology, has been expanded to include the diploma program in addition to the previously offered Technical Certificate of Credit.
Software used for the classes includes AutoCAD and 20 20 software for kitchen and bath design. This software in used by home improvement chains and design firms. This is a 3D software that is catalog driven and allows the student to create a 3D rendition of a blueprint with the ability to perform “virtual walk through” of the computer generated rendering.
Students who complete the diploma program will have the experience and education to sit for the AutoCAD Entry Level National Certification and can further their qualifications by taking the Expert Level National Certification.
Day and evening classes will be offered for the program which includes Mechanical Drafting and Architectural Drafting with Kitchen and Bath Design. The courses are designed to teach students to read blueprints and create residential, commercial and parts blueprints. There are many job opportunities for graduates of the program according to Kathy Lindsay, Information Technology Instructor, “Jobs for graduates can be found with engineering firms, manufacturers, landscapers, architects and construction companies.”
“This is an exciting program for students who are interested in design, construction and technical drawing. We're trying to "3D Up" the program by offering more 3D applications than has been traditionally offered in the past because we realize that's the direction drafting is taking. It's fun and exciting and we hope that it might spark an interest in some of our students for design, construction, architecture or engineering,” says Lindsay.
Information on the new diploma program may be obtained by contacting Lindsay at 274-7767 or by emailing Ms. Lindsay at klindsay@heartofgatech.edu.
Business Leader/Former Educator Sees Bright Future for Technical Education
Dr. Robert Plummer has been involved with Heart of Technical College since the very beginning, “I was in attendance when the first turning of dirt was turn for the "Heart of Georgia Vocational School." At that time I was a business education teacher at West Laurens Middle and High Schools. I have always had a very keen interest in vocational education--mainly because it was my chosen vocation, and I realized that most students needed a technical education in preparation for the world-of-work!”
After 38 years as an educator, Dr. Plummer retired, but continues to work actively in his business interests that include R.L. Plummer Income Tax Services and R.L. Plummer Enterprises. As a local business leader, Dr. Plummer has seen the value of having HGTC in our area, “HGTC has proven to be one of the most valuable assets of all educational institutions in the Middle Georgia Area because its primary focus is to meet the needs of the following groups of individuals: (a) Students that drop out of high school will find it necessary to go back to school. (b) Most students coming out of high school will not go to upper level college, and will need specialized training for the world-of-work. (c) Business and industry look for the availability of a trained workforce in their decision to locate within a community (Jobs for the local community). (d) Employers are always looking for a trained workforce--or seeking help in training the workforce.”
In addition to Dr. Plummer’s involvement with several civic, social, and religious organizations, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for HGTC, where he gets to see first-hand the impact technical education is making and the possibilities for the future, “I think the future of technical education is bright. As a business educator, I found that there was always a need for persons with technical training. Our Twenty-First Century demands even more technical training of our workforce. It is my belief that the Twenty-First Century belongs to those who prepare for it! TECHNICAL EDUCATION provides the keys to the future.”
HGTC Eagle Winner Determined to Make a Difference
When Magnolia Jordan first began attending GED courses at Heart of Georgia Technical College, she was unsure how the instructors and other students would respond to her as an older adult, but she quickly found that her fellow students had one thing in common with her. They all had a desire to better themselves. “I decided to quit making excuses,” says Jordan.
Recently Jordan was chosen by HGTC as the local EAGLE winner and represented the college at a three day program in Atlanta. She attends HGTC while working full-time.
Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) award is designed to promote literacy, as well as to recognize honor students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement in adult literacy classes. The program was created to generate a greater awareness of the educational opportunities that are available to communities across Georgia and to foster lifelong learning and involvement.
The Eagle nominees are selected by local instructors, and interviewed by a panel of professionals, followed by a final local selection. The winning local candidate receives a monetary award in addition to an expense paid leadership conference to our state's capitol.
In addition Eagle winners serve as role models to friends, family, neighbors, other students, and co-workers encouraging them to become lifelong learners as well.
A mother of seven children, ages five to eighteen, Jordan feels a sense of responsibility to set the example that education is important, “How can I preach to them to stay in school, if I haven’t done the same?” she says.
Although she grew up in the south and attended Dublin High School, she moved to Detroit without finishing her high school education. Once there, she fell on hard times, times she doesn’t want her children to have to endure, “I grew up in a loving home, we didn’t have much, but we had love. When I was in Detroit, I had some really hard times. I don’t want my children to ever have to experience being hungry and not having their needs met.”
Jordan is well on her way to accomplishing her dream of earning a high school diploma. She hopes to graduate from HGTC’s GED program in July and enroll in the Early Childhood program at HGTC in the fall, “ I want to have a positive influence on the lives of children. I’ve had lots of experience with raising seven children.”
In the fall of 2006, Jordan wrote an essay on the essential characteristics of an effective leader. She cites leading by example, being diverse, and standing firm on what you believe as these characteristics. Corshea Thomas, Adult Education Instructor who nominated Ms. Jordan says, “I am happy that Magnolia made such a great impact. Magnolia is kind and compassionate. She is a model student, and is willing to help others. Whenever, she speaks the other students take notice and are always willing to listen to what she has to say and offer. I definitely think she has what it takes to become a future successful leader in our community.”
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Foundation names Seaton Trustee Emeritus
After 10 faithful years of service to the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation, Frank Seaton, Jr. announced his plans this spring to resign from his position of Foundation treasurer effective the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Seaton’s peers honored him at the May 17 Foundation meeting by voting him Trustee Emeritus.
Trustee Emeritus status is extended to a trustee who has served three full terms and is designated eligible to retire from the Foundation Board. The trustee must have served as an officer of the Foundation Board or chaired a standing committee.
“Frank may be ‘retiring’ from the Board,” said Randall L. Peters, HGTC president. “But I assure you, he will continue to support the Foundation and come when he can.” The only other HGTC Foundation Trustee to obtain the status of Trustee Emeritus was Louie Livingston.
In 2006 Seaton was recognized by the Technical College Foundation Association as Volunteer of the Year. He is active in the community. Seaton is a member of the Rotary Club and a past chair of the Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce.
“He is our cornerstone,” said Laurie Wicker, HGTC Foundation executive director. “I will miss his daily guidance, but I know he’s just a phone call away. I am pleased that the Board has bestowed this honor to Frank.”
HGTC Foundation elects new officers
DUBLIN—At the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation May meeting the 2007-2009 officers were elected. They are Ed Touchberry, president; David Westerfield, vice president; Robin Tanner, treasurer; and Randy Peters, secretary.
HGTC Foundation officers serve a two-year term. The officers plus the past president, Helen Harper, make the HGTC Foundation Executive Committee.
The new officers will begin their duties at the Foundation Annual Meeting, which will be held July 19.
The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the College dedicated to raising and providing resources for the College’s educational excellence and innovation. All members are the Foundation serve as volunteers.
HGTC Foundation to recognize outgoing trustees
The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation will recognize four members of the Board of Trustees for loyal service to both the Foundation and the College at their Annual Meeting on July 19. They are Matt Hatchett, Zachary Mercer, June Moore, and Frank Seaton, Jr.
Serving one term, three years, on the Foundation are Matt Hatchett of Dublin, Zachary Mercer of Eastman, and June Moore of Dublin.
Frank Seaton, Jr. of Dublin has served 10 years. All of those years, he has served as the Foundation treasurer. Seaton was voted Trustee Emeritus status at the May meeting. Emeritus status is extended to a trustee who has served three full terms and is designate eligible to retire from the Foundation Board. The trustee must have also served as an officer of the Board and chaired a standing committee.
“To volunteer your time is a valuable resource for the Foundation and College,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director. “All four of these members will be missed. Their contributions have made a huge difference in what we do.”
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