WGTC News Releases & Events
The following articles have been released by West Georgia Technical College:
- Walmart.com Donation to Aid Carroll County GED Students
- West Georgia Technical College Adult Education students celebrate end of quarter
- WCTC Foundation Announces Leadership
- Blake Shelton Concert
- Greystone Power Gives to WCTC Foundation
- WCTC Foundation Gets Dollar General Donation
- Ribbon Cutting marks Grand Opening of New WGTC Bookstore
- Radiologic Technology Graduates Receive Pins at Annual Ceremony
- Master The Art of Reading: A Summer Reading Program for Adults
- WCTC, WGTC credits will transfer to Southern Polytechnic
- National Technical Honor Society Inducts New Members
Walmart.com Donation to Aid Carroll County GED Students
Posted: June 25, 2009
The West Central Technical College Foundation and Carroll County LIFT were recipients June 22 of grants from Walmart.com of $1,000 each.
LIFT coordinator Laura Miller and WCTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook were on hand for a presentation ceremony at the Walmart.com distribution center in Carroll County. Both organizations will use the grants to aid the WCTC Adult Education division as it provides GED preparation and testing to Carroll County adults.
In the case of LIFT, the money will be used to provide school supplies to local literacy classes offered free by West Central Technical College.
The WCTC Foundation donation goes toward its Adult Education and Literacy Fund, which supports GED preparation and testing at West Central Tech.
“According to the latest census data, about 18,000 adults in Carroll County lack a high school diploma,” Cook said.
“Last year, West Central Technical College’s Adult Education program produced 849 GED graduates across Carroll, Coweta, Douglas and Haralson counties who decided to take control of their futures and take that first big step. Just based on sheer numbers, there are thousands more who desire this instruction and this most fundamental of education credentials. The Foundation is working to make this possible in our community.”
WCTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan agreed. “When I speak to GED graduations, I often tell them that the GED is the hardest diploma to earn, bar none. There is such a fear and dread of taking that first step and going back to school, that if you can do that, you should know that there is no dream too big for you to achieve,” Sullivan said. “We are proud to work with LIFT and literacy programs like it throughout our area.”
Pictured: Carroll County LIFT Coordinator Laura Miller, WCTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook and WCTC Vice President of Economic Development Peter Snell outside of Walmart.com after receiving checks to support adult education in Carroll County.
West Georgia Technical College Adult Education students celebrate end of quarter
Posted: June 25, 2009
More than 40 students enrolled in the Adult Education program at West Georgia Technical College recently celebrated the end of spring quarter with a pizza party and award ceremony. Troup County Certified Literate Community Program sponsored the event as a sign of appreciation for the work students are doing towards earning their GED.
Debbie Burdette, Executive Director of Troup CLCP commended the students saying, “We appreciate your hard work in the classroom. Earning your GED will not only change your life but the lives of your family and your community.’
“The support our program receives from Debbie and CLCP is invaluable in our efforts to increase the number of GED recipients in Troup County,” said Mary Edmondson, Executive Director of Adult Education at West Georgia Technical College.
Matthew Osborn has recently completed the battery of tests and successfully earned his GED. Osborn, who will start course work in the Health Sciences program at West Georgia Technical College in July, thanked Burdette for her work and also for the GED scholarship which covered the cost of the exams. “I was going through some tough financial times and the GED scholarship made it possible for me to complete the tests and earn my GED. I couldn’t have done it without them,” said Osborn who has dreams of one day becoming a doctor.
Pictured top (l-r): CLCP Board Members Dave Marler and Jane Carwell join student Mary Jim Pierce and Adult Education Instructor Jewel Albright in reviewing Pierce’s successful GED test results.
Pictured bottom: CLCP Board Member Dave Marler and Matthew Osborn review Osborn’s GED test scores. Osborn will receive his diploma at the June 26 GED Graduation Ceremony.
WCTC Foundation Announces Leadership
Posted: June 23, 2009
The West Central Technical College Foundation today announced its leadership team for the 2009-2010 year.
Malcolm Jackson, a retired industry executive from Coweta County, takes the gavel as Foundation President, replacing Douglas County banker Ned Fowler who is term limited from serving again. Retired manufacturing executive Don Moore of Douglasville is the Vice Chairman. Taking the Treasurer’s position is Larry Steed, Senior Vice President, at Tanner Health System.
“I am very pleased that we have such a great slate of officers for the 2010 year,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Each of these men have years of experience in large organizations that will serve them well as the Foundation enters new territory in the coming year.”
The WCTC Foundation has announced a 38-acre land donation in Coweta County that will enable the College to build a stand-alone campus there.
“New ventures for the Foundation in the next year – like the Coweta Campus and the merger of the WCTC Foundation and the West Georgia Tech Foundation – require sound leadership, which each of these men is well-capable of providing.”
Jackson served on the College’s local board of directors for nine years before taking a seat as a Foundation Trustee in 2008.
“This is an exhilarating time to be a part of the College and the Foundation,” Jackson said. “After many years of work, we are moving forward on a new Coweta Campus, and the merger with West Georgia Tech is providing our students with many more opportunities. I look forward to helping lead this great Foundation forward.”
Moore recently retired after 38 years in the manufacturing field including 11 at Southwire Co. and 25 at various levels of management with Bonnell Manufacturing Co. His last 12 years at Bonnell were as plant manager of the Newnan facility.
Moore has been active in support of Douglas County’s new College and Career Institute, which will open in the fall on the Douglas Campus of the College. The CCI is a charter career academy which will provide classes for dually enrolled high school students as well as adult learners.
“I look forward to this leadership role for the Foundation,” Moore said. “We have much work to do, but I think we have a great team in place to accomplish our goals over the next year.”
Steed brings years of experience in the healthcare industry to his role as Foundation Treasurer.
“I look forward to the work of merging the WCTC Foundation and the WGTC Foundation, as both boards have voted to do,” Steed said. “Complying with federal, state and our own internal regulations for these nonprofit organizations makes the merger challenging, but it will result in a strong Foundation that will be prepared to support West Georgia Tech as it fulfills its mission in seven counties.”
Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said that though the Colleges officially merge July 1, the Foundation merger is following a different timeline due to federal guidelines for nonprofit agencies.
“We are working concurrently with both Foundation boards to get our processes, bylaws, policies and all our internal controls in place to make the merger go smoothly,” Cook said. “I’m very appreciative to Malcolm, Don and Larry for committing to the work ahead for the next year.”
Cook said once the Foundation merger is complete, the newly merged board will elect new officers.
“This will likely be the last slate of officers for the West Central Technical College Foundation as we know it,” she said.
Blake Shelton Concert
Posted: June 18, 2009
West Georgia Technical College is proud to welcome country music superstar Blake Shelton to our Eighth Annual Black Tie & Boots benefit Saturday, August 15, 2009.
Corporate sponsorships which include concert tickets and admission to a ‘meet and greet’ reception with Black Shelton are now available. Corporate sponsors will also receive acknowledgment in concert advertising, preferred seating and other benefits, depending on level of sponsorship.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public July 1 for $125 per person or $950 for a table of eight. Tickets include a seated dinner beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m.
Black Tie & Boots is held at the Murphy Campus Conference Center, 176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, Georgia 30182.
For more information on corporate sponsorships, tickets or any aspect of the event, contact Dawn Cook at dawn.cook@westgatech.edu or 770-537-6010.
GREYSTONE POWER GIVES TO WCTC FOUNDATION
Posted: June 12, 2009
The West Central Technical College Foundation today announced a $250,000 donation by GreyStone Power Corporation and the GreyStone Power Foundation, both headquartered in Douglasville.
The gift is part of the WCTC Foundations major gifts campaign “Invest in the Next Generation.”
“We are tremendously thankful for the support of GreyStone Power Corporation and its Foundation,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “GreyStone is a leader in our community, and they are proving it by supporting local causes like West Central Tech.”
“For our part, we recognize the incredible impact West Central Tech has in our community,” GreyStone President/CEO Gary Miller said. “The work of the College changes the lives of real people in our community. As a community, we need to stand up and support that effort.”
Miller also is serving as Chairman of the Invest in the Next Generation campaign, which had its public kickoff April 30 at the College’s original campus in Carrollton.
GreyStone Power Corporation is a member-owned electric cooperative which serves portions of eight metropolitan Atlanta counties including Douglas, Paulding, Fulton, Coweta, Cobb, Fayette, Carroll, and Bartow.
“Our College is in the economic development and workforce development business,” WCTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said. “Garry Miller and GreyStone Power recognize that our students are fuel for West Georgia’s economic engine. They live, work, play and pay taxes here. They have homes and businesses that use electricity supplied by GreyStone. Supporting this campaign is all about this community helping itself.”
The Invest in the Next Generation campaign is raising funds in four areas, the Coweta Campus Fund, the Student Scholarship and Grant Fund, the Healthcare Fund and the Adult Education and Literacy Fund, Cook said.
The WCTC Foundation has divided the campaign into county regions, with Julian Carter heading the Douglas County effort. Carter was recently named CEO of the College and Career Institute, a collaborative partnership between West Central Tech and Douglas County Schools.
“I can’t say enough about the fine job Gary Miller is doing leading this campaign,” Carter said. “For his organization to come back to us with this level of support – a lead gift – is really terrific.”
Cook said teams in each county are beginning the process of making proposals for support to numerous businesses, organizations and individuals.
Bremen realtor Delores Goldin is serving as co-chair for Haralson County. Georgia Power area manager Jan Alligood is heading the Coweta County area. Sullivan and Cook are co-chairs for Carroll County.
Cook encouraged those interested in the campaign to contact their county’s co-chair, or to visit the College’s website, www.westgatech.edu, to give online.
Pictured: GreyStone Power Corporation and the GreyStone Power Foundation are donating $250,000 to the West Central Technical College Foundation. Douglas County Vice Chair Julian Carter and WCTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook are shown with GreyStone Power President/CEO Gary Miller.
WCTC Foundation Gets Dollar General Donation
Posted: June 10, 2009
The West Central Technical College Foundation has been awarded a $12,000 Adult Literacy Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
“We are so grateful for Dollar General’s support of our adult literacy and education programs,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Our adult literacy and GED preparation classes empower real people to change their lives through education.”
Dawn Cook, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, said the grant will support the Adult Literacy and Education Initiative of the Foundation’s Major Gifts Campaign.
“The College’s Adult Education Division has put together a plan to develop a GED FastTrack program that would prepare students who are at or near test readiness in an accelerated fashion – like a boot camp for adult education,” Cook said. “The grant will help with this.”
Ribbon Cutting marks Grand Opening of New WGTC Bookstore
Posted: June 10, 2009
Students on West Georgia Technical College’s LaGrange Campus now have a College-owned and operated retail center.
WGTC’s newest bookstore celebrated its grand opening on the LaGrange west campus June 8.
“We are delighted that students in LaGrange now have access to a wide variety of products in addition to their class textbooks,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We hope they will see this as ‘their bookstore,’ as we commit to providing affordable, high-quality merchandise West Georgia Tech can be proud of.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks by Provost Perrin Alford and Vice President of Administrative Services Greg Nelson in front of the bookstore.
Bookstore Assistant Earnestine “EJ” Jones and Bookstore Manager Barbara Treadwell used ceremonial scissors to open the doors of the new college bookstore.
Following the ribbon cutting, faculty, staff, students and community members were able to tour the spacious new facility located just off the main lobby. The bookstore was open for business and Registered Nursing student Louis Jimenez made the first purchase. Jackie Earnest, another RN student, made the second purchase.
“I think the new bookstore is great,” Earnest said. “There is more merchandise to select.”
The bookstore is open to the public and offers textbooks, giftware, clothing and other supplies. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. each day for lunch.
Pictured (l-r): EJ Jones, Bookstore Assistant and Barbara Treadwell, Bookstore Manager.
Radiologic Technology Graduates Receive Pins at Annual Ceremony
Posted: June 10, 2009
Graduates of West Georgia Technical College’s Radiologic Technology program received pins signifying successful completion of their academic and clinical coursework at a pinning ceremony held at the Callaway Conference Center June 4th.
Students receiving pins include: Megan Barber, Marcia Boutte, MeLinda M. Brunair, Cindy Crawley, Abimbola O. Daramola, Jann Dawe, Victor A. Emekwue, Levi Graves, Ian Mathews, Kim Metzger, Jo Lynn Rosemas, Jesse Slaughter and Dessrae Smith.
Awards for academic excellence in the program were also presented during the evening. Jesse Slaughter received the CT Cowart Best All Around Award. Marcia Boutte received the Edward Mallinckrodt Award of Excellence for highest scholastic achievement. The JT Mitchell Clinical Award for highest clinical achievement was presented to Cindy Crawley.
MASTER THE ART OF READING: A SUMMER READING PROGRAM FOR ADULTS
Posted: May 28, 2009
WHAT: “Master the Art of Reading” Summer Adult Reading Program sponsored by West Georgia Technical College
WHERE: WGTC campuses and libraries throughout Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties.
WHEN: June 6th through July 24th
CONTACT: Karen Kirchler, 770-838-2541
Summer reading’s not just for the kids anymore.
With a goal of promoting literacy throughout its seven-county area, West Georgia Technical College is launching a summer reading initiative, “Master the Art of Reading.”
The College, which officially forms July 1 from West Central Technical College and the current West Georgia Technical College, hopes to encourage the community at large – not just students – to read this summer.
The College is partnering with the West Georgia Regional Library System, the Coweta County Library, and other area libraries and literacy providers to increase public access to the program.
“Reading is an essential skill in our society,” President Skip Sullivan said. “As a College, our mission is workforce development. A workforce can’t be prepared unless it can read. But even beyond that, reading opens us to new ideas, thoughts and possibilities we might never have considered. It is extremely important.”
While area libraries have typically run summer reading programs for kids, Roni Tewksbury of the West Georgia Regional Library System said their system has wanted to run an adult summer reading program for years.
“It’s always been about resources – not having enough of them to do everything we want,” she said. “But the partnership with West Georgia Tech makes it possible for us to do it this year.”
Program events include book talks and presentations by a number of regional writers including Georgia Writers Hall of Fame member Terry Kay, the Dixie Darlins (authors Patricia Sprinkle, Karen Gillespie, Jackie Miles and Julie Cannon), mystery writer Fran Stewart, Native American author Billie Jane McIntosh, and local author Shirley Garrett. Other events will be added as the project grows.
The program also requires participants to take a pledge – to read at least one book this summer. For avid readers, that may sound like a small commitment, but as Sullivan pointed out, “reading is a real luxury for some, especially in terms of time. When we get away from reading, we forget how much it enriches us.”
Sullivan said for busy people, months may pass without picking up a book. He said he hopes the program will remind people of the importance of taking the time to read.
Program participants can sign up and pledge through the West Georgia Regional Library System website, www.wgrl.net/Home/AdultSummerReadingClub.htm. A full listing of program events can be found at the website and individuals who attend program events and pledge to read a book are entered into drawings for door prizes.
WCTC, WGTC credits will transfer to Southern Polytechnic
Posted: May 28, 2009
The leadership of the Technical College System of Georgia, Southern Polytechnic State University and the University System of Georgia have signed an agreement which expands transfer credits between TCSG colleges and SPSU.
Locally, students at West Central Technical College and West Georgia Technical College are covered under the agreement.
TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, SPSU President Lisa Rossbacher, USG Chief Operating Officer Rob Watts and presidents from 22 TCSG colleges added their signatures to the agreement that allows TCSG students to apply their associate’s degree credits to one of five technology-focused baccalaureate degrees at SPSU. To qualify, students will have to graduate in designated programs from any of the 22 TCSG colleges that are regionally accredited by the SACS - Commission on Colleges.
The five degrees from SPSU are industrial engineering technology, mechanical and electromechanical engineering technology, and bachelor of applied science in manufacturing process, information technology, or management.
“This is an exceptionally important partnership because it expands and strengthens seamless access to higher education opportunities for college students throughout Georgia,” Jackson said. “I’m very grateful to SPSU President Lisa Rossbacher and the University System of Georgia for their commitment to working with the TCSG to strengthen articulation between our systems. We’re collaborating to create learning avenues that better serve our students and contribute to a more educated and prosperous Georgia.”
West Central Tech and West Georgia Tech are merging July 1, and students from both colleges will be covered by the agreement
“We believe it is extremely important that our graduates have many opportunities in the job market and in other institutions of higher learning,” WCTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We stay in touch with many colleges across the state – both within the University System and without – and we continue to pursue additional articulation agreements.”
WCTC currently has articulation agreements with several college and universities including Brewton-Parker College, Mercer University, Strayer University and the University of West Georgia. Articulation agreements define course credit that can be transferred from one college to another.
National Technical Honor Society Inducts New Members
Posted: May 14, 2009
West Georgia Technical College inducted 35 students into the National Technical Honor Society on Tuesday, May 12. NTHS has a long history of recognizing outstanding career and technical students. The society was founded in 1984 and continues today to carry out its mission to lift up and publicly acknowledge students committed to excellence, values, courage, and achievement.
Students inducted into NTHS are recognized as honest and responsible student-citizens who have made a personal commitment to excellence through academic, leadership and service achievements and contributions.
New Officers for 2009 - 2010 are: Sherry Williamson, President; Candy, Vice President; Delondia Nelson, Secretary and Linda Sykes, Treasurer.
New inductees are: Candy, Accounting; James Aaron, Fire Science; William Anderson, Industrial Mechanical Systems; Kristy Atterberry, Business Administrative Technology; Marcia Boutte, Radiologic Technology; Christian Brown, Business Administrative Technology; Dewey Brown, Applied Manufacturing Technology; Amanda Bulloch, Nursing; Bruce Clair, Network Systems; Jennifer Copeland, Business Administrative Technology; Cynthia Crawley, Radiologic Technology; Janice Dawe, Radiologic Technology; Lauren Elliott, Accounting; QiaoLing Greer, Accounting; Patricia Hamre, Accounting; Jennifer Harris, Accounting; Tyron Harris, Machine Tool Technology; Yulanda Holloway, Accounting; Joshua Hudson, Drafting; Mae Kurihara, Health Occupations; Barbara Larson, Accounting; Alisha McClellan, Business Administrative Technology; Jeffrey McKenzie, Fire Science; Kimberly Metzger, Radiologic Technology; Delondia Nelson, Business Administrative Technology; Ken Pangle, Applied Manufacturing Technology; Jo Lynn Rosemas, Radiologic Technology; Chad Schaefer, Fire Science; Jesse Slaughter, Radiologic Technology; Coleman Strother, Industrial Mechanical Systems; Linda Sykes, Accounting; James Vickers, Fire Science; Thomas Waldroup, Fire Science; Sherry Williamson, Business Administrative Technology and Kevin Wynn, Fire Science.
