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September 2007

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Dr. Randall Peters, president Heart of Georgia Technical College, accepts a check from Al Durden, store manager Wal-Mart of Dublin. HGTC was one of several organizations in the community to receive a grant at the October 22, Pre-Grand Opening event. The HGTC check will go to support the HGTC Foundation Annual Fund.

HGTC Pharmacy program earns first 100% pass rate

Heart of Georgia Technical College’s Pharmacy Technology graduates recently made school history, becoming the first to earn 100% pass rate on the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. The program, currently under the direction of Jack J. Shepherd, was originally started to educate students to work as Pharmacy Techs at Fairview Park Hospital by pharmacist Gary Kelly. After Kelly’s tenure the program was directed by other pharmacy techs until local pharmacist, Henry Bedingfield, joined the staff at HGTC, building up the program to prepare it for its current success. Shepherd, who worked as a pharmacist in Telfair County for 21 years, joined HGTC in 2006 and has taken the program to new heights.

The program, which also boasts 100% placement in the field, prepares graduates to help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients. Although the program originally started to provide hospital Pharmacy Techs, the current program also equips graduates to work in retail environments “earning from $8 to $14/hour locally with slightly higher wages in urban/governmental settings,” according to Shepherd, “many students secure full or part-time employment in the area before graduation. The demand for Pharmacy Technicians nationally, as well as in our coverage area is good.”

Nine students from Telfair, Dodge, Wheeler and Laurens County graduated and were pinned at the October graduation. The need for Pharmacy Techs is expected to grow with Pharmacists assuming more responsibilities, according to Shepherd. Pharmacy Techs are also finding employment with insurance companies, claims processors, company drug representatives, and rehabilitation facilities because of their knowledge of prescription drugs and pharmacology.

Shepherd believes the increase in the aging population and changes in Medicare will continue to promote growth in Pharmacy Technology. Shepherd says, “A number of recent television shows airing documentaries of medication errors in the pharmacy profession, often the result of improperly trained pharmacy assistants, and even clerks working behind the counter in pharmacies is finally increasing the awareness of regulatory agencies. This is going to increase the demand for educated, registered and certified pharmacy technicians. Our graduates from HGTC leave here prepared to fill these evolving needs.”

Shepherd has used his expertise in computers to bring a virtual lab to the classroom, giving students a more realistic experience of their potential work environment. The new Allied Health facility will house an expanded work area for Pharmacy Technology with state of the art technology, along with classroom fixtures and size to benefit students in the program.

“Any prospective students with interests in prescription drugs and the profession of pharmacy will find our program at HGTC a rewarding experience. Most students can qualify for financial aid, if interested. Currently the program is taught two days a week mostly with late afternoon and evening hours. This has proven to be accommodative to those having to drive a distance and for those with families and working,” says Shepherd.

Pictured: THE HGTC PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY CLASS OF 2007. Front row kneeling (l-r): Jason Watson(Emanuel County); Jack J. Shepherd(Telfair County), Pharmacy Technology Program Director/Instructor; Donnell Williams(Dodge County); Colby Johnson(Wheeler County). Standing back row (l-r): Megan Watson(Laurens County; Elizabeth Wiggins-Ortiz(Laurens County); Anika Kinsey(Laurens County); Melissa Boney(Telfair County; Rhonda Johnson(Laurens County); and Princess Williams(Laurens County)

Kyle Dixon of Dublin is shown getting ready to “take a road trip” in the new Driver’s Education car at Heart of Georgia Technical College. For information on future Driver’s Education classes, contact Lisa Green at 478-275-6592 or lgreen@heartofgatech.edu.

New trustee elected to HGTC Foundation

The Heart of Georgia Technical College (HGTC) Foundation recently elected Kay Graham of Eastman to the Board of Trustees.

Graham is a retired educator with the DeKalb County School System and DeVry University, where she taught sociology and psychology. She has served on the Board of Directors for the DeKalb Association of Education, and completed a term as president for the organization. She has served as a consultant for the Professional Association of Georgia Education. She has volunteered with the non-profit organization, Life Enrichment, where she was the vice president for education, served on the Board of Directors, and the finance committee.

Graham is active at the Presbyterian Church in Eastman and is currently running for a seat on the Eastman City Council.

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.

Little Bookstore partners with HGTC Foundation

Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation Trustee, Gary Lister of Cochran, has written several books. In a philanthropic spirit, Lister has offered the proceeds of 50 books for the advancement of the HGTC Foundation.

“The Little Bookstore is our local bookstore,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director of the Foundation. “We are excited that the Little Bookstore has agreed to stock Lister’s books with all the proceeds benefiting the Foundation.” The Little Bookstore is located at 1008 Hillcrest Parkway.

Two of Lister’s books, 99 Reasons To Never, Ever Again Run for School Board (or any political office) and Purest Democracy, went on the shelf at the Little Bookstore on October 17. Cost for each book is $20, with all proceeds going to the Foundation.

Lister is a product of Georgia’s public schools and a long-time education advocate. He is a contributing editor for the American School Board Journal. Lister is also the chairman of the Bleckley County Board of Education. Lister is employed by Robins Air Logistics Center as the deputy director of the Commander’s Action Group.

Bleckley County High School students get hands on training about Nutrition and Diet!

Bleckley County High School students are "Making it Happen" early at their high school by enrolling in dual enrollment classes offered through Heart of Georgia Technical College's Patient Care Assisting (PCA) program. The students pictured sampled exotic fruits from around the world while they learned about the nutritional value and the benefits of the fruits. This project was part of their studies in the Diet and Nutrition Therapy course, which is taught by Robin Howell at Bleckley County High School. To learn more about dual enrollment classes in your area, see the high school guidance counselor or call Robbie Hobbs at 478-274-7765.

Over 200 people attended the “Planning for Yourself and Your Estate” seminar that was held at Heart of Georgia Technical College on October 16, 2007. Mr. Johnny Warren, attorney at law, was the presenter for this very informative session.

Students receive scholarship

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

Those receiving the award are Carmen Roland of Eastman, Shiquilla L. Stanley of Glenwood, Christine F. Holliman of Helena, Maxie Moreland of Chauncey, Harley Angel Lake of McRae, and Jennifer Dancy of Eastman.

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.

HGTC student not limited by disability

For Kenneth Deshotel, a position at Warner Robins Air Force Base is a dream come true, “Just about my whole family has worked there. I knew I wanted to be there, but I never thought I would have a chance.”

For Deshotel, his dream came true when he was chosen to work in a Co-op program with RAFB through Heart of Georgia Technical College where he is currently enrolled in the Electronics Program. He first learned to enjoy working in electronics in high school when he worked with a television repair man.

A graduate of Bleckley County High School, Deshotel had worked in a manufacturing environment until he sustained an injury that prohibited him from continuing in his position. Twenty-three years after graduating from high school, Deshotel enrolled at HGTC, with some anxiety about how well he would manage after being out of school for so long. He also has a hearing impairment that could have affected his performance in college. Deshotel’s determination has helped him succeed in his classes. He has been named to the President’s List and made a 4.0 his last quarter.

Lydia Barfoot, Special Needs Facilitator, says, “Kenneth has been totally dedicated to his studies since he began his program the first day; in other words, the work ethic he has shown here has been excellent. He is a pleasure to work with, have in classes, and know in general. He helps other students in any way he can, encouraging younger ones who come in to the program and offering advice when asked.”

The Co-op program allows Deshotel to work every other quarter at RAFB while taking classes each quarter. He has done so well in his position at the base that he was recently promoted. The Co-op program allows the students to work and use their skills to prepare for a full-time permanent position when graduating from college.

Deshotel hopes that his success will be an encouragement to his children, whom he hopes will further their education at a technical college, “I know if they get an education at a technical college, they will have the skills to get a job when they graduate.”

HGTC offers Disability Services including special needs counseling and support services to ensure equal access to all programs and activities at the college. Services are available to those students who may need individual educational plans, assistive technology, specialized equipment or books, or referral services.

Deshotel says he would encourage anyone who is interested in continuing his education to consider HGTC, “It is a good thought to consider. Anyone should go check out the school. It is a great school with great people and very professional. If a student needs help, the instructors and staff really want to help them.”

SIS Program hosts motivational program at

Wilkinson County schools

The Stay in School Program, for the Wilkinson County School System, recently hosted a motivational speaking event for 9-10th graders, and a Career Guidance Workshop for middle school teachers. Mr. Keith Brown, known as the “Motivator of the Millennium,” is a professional speaker and trainer who has been named as one of the top 50 speakers and experts in education today. During his youth, Mr. Brown was labeled special ed, at risk, and a potential menace to society. He dedicated his life to overcoming those obstacles, and today is he an author, presenter, and a successful member of society. The workshops and seminars Mr. Brown delivers foster team building, moral, effective communication, professionalism and success. He is the author of CHITLINS, co-author of Conversations on Success, and co-author of the “303 Solutions” Series. He is a member of the National Speakers’ Association, Who’s Who in Professional Speaking, and Who’s Who among America’s Teachers. Pictured: Keith Brown, presenting, and Dr. Kathy Culpepper, assistant school superintendent, and others, participating in the group activity.

Carl Swearingen, board chair, Technical College System of Georgia, keynote speaker at HGTC Graduation

Carl Swearingen, board chair of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), will be the keynote speaker at the Heart of Georgia Technical College graduation ceremony to be held October 11, 2007.

Mr. Swearingen began his career with Southern Bell in 1972 and held various positions in the company. In 1998, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary for the BellSouth Corporation, from which he retired in 2001.

Swearingen is a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism. He also received a master’s of science degree in management from MIT. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force and served on active duty as an Air Intelligence Officer in Cam Rahn Bay and Saigon, South Vietnam and at Homestead AFB, Florida. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.

His community involvement has been extensive with him serving as a member of the Atlanta Kiwanis Club and on the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the University of Georgia Foundation, and Berry College. He has chaired Governor Miller’s Advisory Council on Science and Technology, the University of Georgia National Alumni Association, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, and the National Board of Advisors of the Museum of Aviation. He has also been involved in fundraising projects such as the United Way, Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, and Zoo Atlanta. He served as the Chairman for Governor Sonny Perdue’s Transition Team and was appointed as Special Advisor to Governor Perdue on military affairs. Mr. Swearingen was appointed by Governor Perdue to the Commission for a New Georgia in June 2003 and to the Technical College System of Georgia board in August 2006. He began serving as Chairman in July 2007.

The graduation ceremony, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Heart of Georgia Technical College DuBose Porter Center, is free and open to the public.

Going back to college makes difference for graduate

When Tisha McDonald chose her field of study for college, she decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother, Warnell Martin, had earned a diploma in Business Office Technology at Heart of Georgia Technical College.

McDonald had worked in the restaurant business for five years after graduating from Dublin High School but wanted to make a change into an office environment with a position with consistent day work hours. She was concerned that the courses would be difficult since she had been out of school for several years, “I started school full-time while working full-time and I thought going back to school would be hard, but I did it!” says McDonald.

The mother of three children, McDonald had to be very disciplined to work and go to school at the same time. She excelled in her classes and was on the President’s list every quarter. She eventually decided school was most important and resigned her position to pursue her education. In just fifteen months, she earned the same diploma as her mother and had the opportunity to work her internship at the college in the Adult Education department.

McDonald’s education equipped her for the position she now holds as Human Resources Clerk at Farmers Furniture. In her course of study, she learned computer software applications that she uses all day long at work. The courses are designed to prepare the graduate for an office position and are useful in everyday work. McDonald’s supervisor, Leann Starley, is complimentary of her, “As one of the newest full-time employees at Farmers Furniture Tisha has a great attitude. Tisha is our new Human Resource Clerk; she was hired full-time on 8/13/07. We at Farmers Furniture are very excited to have her come aboard. Tisha has hit the ground running and has caught on very quick. Tisha's personality is by far the best. She will be an asset to Farmers for many years to come. Tisha handles the Worker's Comp. and the FLMA. She has done a great job and I am very pleased.”

Having experienced the benefits of her college education thus far, McDonald has plans to continue her education at HGTC and earn a degree in Business Office Technology. This continued education will only take her three more quarters to complete. Instructor Beth Duggins says, “Tisha is a very self motivated student. She has a wonderful work ethic. She has a very pleasant personality and was a joy to teach! She will definitely be successful in her new career.”

During her time in college, McDonald enjoyed the relationship with her instructors, “I had an overall good experience. The instructors were always willing to help if a student had any problems. I feel my education has prepared me well for my current position that I love.”

McDonald’s family was supportive of her decision to go to college, “My kids were great. A lot of times my oldest child and I would sit at the kitchen table and do our homework together!”

Heart of Georgia Technical College recently held Advisory Meetings for all of the programs offered at the school. Members of the committee representing the HGTC Criminal Justice Program, which is housed at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center, are pictured with HGTC officials. L-R: Ralph Kemp, warden, Wheeler County Correctional Facility; Betsy Thomas, office manager, McRae State Probation Office; David Taylor, criminal justice program chair, HGTC; Russell Spivey, assistant district attorney, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, Dodge County; Keith Golden, major (chief deputy), Laurens County Sheriff’s Department; and Kevin Corbin, criminal justice instructor, HGTC. Not pictured: Robert Gibson from CCA in McRae; Wayne Cain, Dublin Police Department.