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WGTC News Releases & Events

The following articles were released in 2010 by West Georgia Technical College:

WGTC Cosmetology Department: Ready, Set, Roll
AT&T Invests $50,000 in Student Scholarships at West Georgia Technical College
WGTC Welcomes Gary Chasteen as Chief of New Police Department
WGTC’s Project CARE Gives Tons Of Food
WGTC Foundation Welcomes Four New Trustees
Military Veterans Find Skills And Support At WGTC
New Golden Knights Head Coach Brings Major League Experience to WGTC Baseball
Coweta-Fayette EMC Supports New WGTC Coweta Campus
More Students, More Opportunities at WGTC
WGTC Expanding Programs and Presence in Franklin
Doug Stone To Appear In Concert, Benefitting Adult Education
WGTC Homecoming Week An Instant Tradition
Southwire and West Georgia Technical College Form Alliance
More Than 100 Students Graduate at Fall Commencement
2010 Homecoming - Best Week Ever
Technical College Commissioner Visits WGTC Campus
WGTC Announces Resch As New Associate Provost, Carroll Campus
WGTC's Alford Returns to LaGrange with Double Duty
Fifth Graders Experience Technology Firsthand
WGTC VP To Chair March of Dimes Campaign
New Members for WGTC Board
Newnan Hospital, Inc. Pledges $1 Million
YOKOGAWA Invests $40,000 In West Georgia Technical College Foundation
For GED Graduates, Diploma Is Just The Beginning
Piedmont Newnan Hospital Invests in WGTC Foundation
WGTC History Instructor Brings Experience, Expertise to the Classroom
Noted Author and Educator Gary Shelly Visits WGTC
Greystone Power Wins WGTC Foundation Spirit of Giving Award
Babs Russell Named Dean of Business
Record Enrollment At Technical Colleges
WGTC Announces Josh Turner Tickets Sold Out
Kia Donates 2011 Sorento to West Georgia Technical College
Dental Hygiene Students Bring Smiles to Migrant Workers
More Than Just Books: WGTC Bookstore Grows
WGTC SkillsUSA Team Takes National Title
West Georgia Technical College Converting to Semesters
WGTC Athletics Announces New Director, Expands in Fourth Season
WGTC Foundation Accepts Greenville Location
Hit The Road For A Hot New Career
WGTC Students Reopen Kennedy Assassination For Clues and Answers
GED Graduate Gives Back In A Big Way
WGTC Dental Hygiene Department holds annual White Coat Recognition Ceremony
Awards and Honors Abound at WGTC Radiologic Tech Pinning Ceremony
WGTC’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Welcomes Visitors
WGTC Foundation Accepts $1.55 Million Downtown Building
WGTC Unveils 2010 VOICES Creative Arts Magazine
For Medical Assisting Students, Mock Doctor’s Office Is Very Real
WGTC Graduates 26 Dual Enrollment Students
WGTC Health Sciences Students Win Bowdon Hospital Authority Scholarship
WGTC Enrollment Up 15 Percent
New Agreement Eases Transfer of WGTC Students to Columbus State
WGTC Honors Administrative Professionals
New Partnership Brings Childcare to WGTC Campus
WGTC Students Take Gold in SkillsUSA Championship
WGTC Nursing Student Margo Benjamin Wins GreyStone's Clower Scholarship
Josh Turner to Perform at 2010 Black Tie & Boots
WGTC Phi Beta Lambda Students Dominate State Competition
WGTC Announces Yard Sales for Charity
WGTC Students Use Workforce Skills to Protect the Past
Troup County's Best Kept Secret
WGTC Welding Program Celebrates with Tradition, Togetherness
Rachel Strickland Chosen As WGTC GOAL Winner
Dental Hygiene Students Help Screen For Cancer
West Georgia Technical College and Kaplan University Announce Articulation Agreement
ESL Students Learn More Than Language
WGTC Cosmetology Students Show Skills in Competition
Two Foundations Merge to Support Technical Education in West Georgia
West Georgia Technical College Instructor Babs Russell Nominated For Award for Excellence
Tuskegee Drumline to Perform at Callaway Center in LaGrange
WCTC Foundation Announces Redken Gift
Winter Enrollment Up 20 Percent
Butler Gives Commencement Address
Work Ready Region Sponsors WGTC Leadership Academy

WGTC Cosmetology Department: Ready, Set, Roll
Posted: December 20, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

As renovations and improvements are completed, West Georgia Technical College’s Cosmetology Program is ready to roll in Heard County.

Under the leadership of instructor Amina Blackmon, the program will offer day and evening classes to dual enrollment, traditional and adult students. Blackmon, a native of Rochester, New York, earned a Marketing B.B.A. from the University of West Georgia in 2001 and graduated from WGTC’s Cosmetology program in 2003. A salon owner and professional hair educator, Blackmon is excited to bring her skills back to West Georgia Technical College.

The WGTC Instructional Site on Highway 34, donated to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation earlier this year by the Heard County Development Authority, is currently undergoing an extensive interior and exterior renovation. The site will reopen for classes in January, offering students the opportunity to learn in a completely renovated, industry-standard Cosmetology lab, offering spa-quality salon services to the public.

The expanded Cosmetology Program will provide opportunities for students to take advantage of a growing career market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.

In addition to Cosmetology, the newly-renovated facility features a state-of-the-art Welding lab and expanded Adult Education classes. In partnership with Heard County High, both the Cosmetology and Welding programs will be offered to dual enrollment students. The dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credit, jumpstarting their workforce education and providing them with career skills that mean better jobs and better wages.

“West Georgia Technical College is fully invested in Franklin and Heard County,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Our Cosmetology, Welding and Adult Education programs will provide quality workforce education to the people of Heard County, and we’re proud to be an educational partner in this community.”

The WGTC Cosmetology Facility will begin classes on January 5, 2011. There will be an open registration held on January 4, 2011 at the Franklin Site of WGTC, where students can register for classes and/or receive assistance or information concerning a career in Cosmetology. For more information, please contact WGTC Student Affairs at 770-836-6800.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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AT&T Invests $50,000 in Student Scholarships at West Georgia Technical College
Posted: December 20, 2010
CONTACT: Dawn Cook; VP Institutional Advancement; PHONE: 770-537-6010; EMAIL: dawn.cook@westgatech.edu

The AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T*, has committed $50,000 to West Georgia Technical College Foundation in support of student scholarships.


	Pete Meadows, AT&T Regional Manager, Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC President and Dawn Cook, WGTC VP, Institutional Advancement celebrate the AT&T Foundation’s commitment of $50,000 to WGTC for student scholarships with members of the WGTC Local Board, the WGTC Foundation Board of Trustees and Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

West Georgia Technical College has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years as more students turn to technical and workforce education.

"One of the first priorities of the WGTC Foundation's major gifts campaign is student scholarships," said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. "The AT&T Foundation's gift will help literally thousands of students realize their goals, now and in the future. That's a bold investment in our community, and establishes a legacy of excellence and commitment by the AT&T Foundation."

"This is such an exciting gift to the WGTC Foundation's major gift campaign and the student scholarship initiative," said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. "At a time when so many other companies are cutting back on donations because of a tough economic climate, I think an investment this significant says something very positive about AT&T's commitment to education."

Community investment and philanthropy have been cornerstones of AT&T's business model for decades. In 2009, AT&T and its employees contributed more than $8.9 million in the state of Georgia through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs.

Pete Meadows, Regional Manager for AT&T, said that the gift is part of the AT&T Foundation's commitment to education in the communities they serve. "Supporting technical education isn't just good corporate citizenship, it's good business," Meadows said. "Recognizing the connection between success of our communities and the success of our company is one of the reasons why we have been around for generations, and why we'll be here for many more to come. We're pleased to be in a position to support the students of West Georgia Technical College."

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state's 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2009, more than $155 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

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WGTC Welcomes Gary Chasteen as Chief of New Police Department
Posted: December 15, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College has selected Gary Chasteen to head up the College’s new Police Department. Chasteen brings nearly 25 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and instructor to the job, most recently as the Chief of Police at Southern Polytechnic State University.


	Veteran Police Chief Gary Chasteen will direct West Georgia Technical College’s newly-formed Police Department.

"We are thrilled with Chief Chasteen’s experience," said Dr. Skip Sullivan, President of West Georgia Technical College. "His background in our community and his connections to local, regional and statewide law enforcement agencies bring a new level of cooperation and collaboration to our police force."

Chasteen will guide the development of West Georgia Technical College’s newly-formed Police Department, a security force designed to maintain the College’s record of safety across five WGTC campuses and two instructional sites. Partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies, Chasteen will direct a staff of sworn law enforcement officers to implement emergency response strategies, educate the College community and provide student-centered, proactive security at all WGTC campuses and instructional sites.

“We’ve worked with the Georgia State Patrol and the police and sherriff’s departments in our service area for years,” Sullivan said, “and thankfully, we’ve never had a crisis or security breach. But the time to plan for an emergency is before one happens, and the West Georgia Technical College Police Department is part of our commitment to providing a safe environment for our faculty, staff and students.”

“This is a growing college that provides our community with tremendous access to education,” Chasteen said. “As the school continues to grow, the challenge we’ll face is continuing to provide all of our staff, faculty and students with a safe working and learning environment. I’m proud to be here at West Georgia Tech and I’m looking forward to being part of the growth.”

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WGTC’s Project CARE Gives Tons Of Food
Posted: December 13, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Students, faculty and staff at West Georgia Technical College collected more than 13,000 canned and nonperishable food items and $6,500 for needy families this season. The donations, netting several tons, will be distributed to those in need within the WGTC family.

WGTC campuses and programs approached the donation drive as a competition for a good cause, stirring fun-filled rivalry between programs. “Our students really go out of their way to participate because they know it helps people who are part of this institution,” said Jamie Shell, Medical Assisting Program Director, whose Medical Assisting students collected 1,111 cans of food. “When you’re helping your friends, coworkers and neighbors, it’s easy to give.”

Ben Chambers, Marketing Specialist and Dawn Cook, VP of Institutional Advancement pack one of the 200 boxes of food to be distributed to those in need. WGTC collected more than 13,000 cans in the Project CARE food drive.

Assistance is open to current students, faculty and staff of West Georgia Technical College. Families in need applied for assistance through Project CARE, the community assistance initiative of the West Georgia Technical College Foundation. The Foundation raises funds for Project CARE year-round, through employee contributions, cake auctions and other fundraisers.

“In only its second year, Project CARE has proven to be one of the most important initiatives we have at West Georgia Technical College,” said Dawn Cook, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Even when so many people are experiencing hardships of their own, the outpouring of generosity we’ve seen at WGTC has been overwhelming.”

“Our students, faculty and staff create a College culture of perseverance and compassion,” said Dr. Skip Sullivan, President of West Georgia Technical College. “I’ve always known that, but seeing so many thousands of canned goods proves it once again. I’m fortunate to work with such generous people.”

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WGTC Foundation Welcomes Four New Trustees
Posted: November 18, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation is proud to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Trustees. Joining the 23-member board are Page Estes, Bob Harris, Greg Wright and Jeff Dewberry.

“The West Georgia Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees are industry leaders who advocate in the community on behalf of the Foundation and the College,” said Dawn Cook, VP of Institutional Advancement. “We’re proud to add these four professionals to the Board, and we’re grateful for the commitment and experience they bring to the WGTC Foundation.”

Page Estes

Estes, who serves as President of the Troup County Chamber of Commerce, and Harris, owner of Premier Healthcare Solutions, will both represent Troup County. Wright is the president of the Coweta County Development Authority and will represent that county on the Board, and Jeff Dewberry, Plant Manager at Southwire Company, will represent Carroll County.

Bob Harris

A native of Kentucky, Estes received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, master’s from the UK Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, and is a Doctoral Candidate at Auburn University. Estes has served as President of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce since January 2009.

Harris brings decades of experience in the healthcare industry to his new role on the Board of Trustees for the WGTC Foundation. Harris owns Premier Healthcare Solutions, a company that provides home medical equipment to patients in Georgia and Texas. He was a member of the class of 1998 in Leadership Georgia, past director of the Carroll County Council on Aging, past director of the Carrollton Rotary Club and has served as a trustee for the University of West Georgia Foundation.

Greg Wright

Wright’s role as President of the Coweta County Development Authority is to market Coweta for new business and industrial development. He has also served with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and spent seven years as president of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

Jeff Dewberry

Dewberry’s 16 years with Carrollton’s Southwire Corporation gives him intimate experience in the manufacturing industry. Prior to graduating from Southern College of Technology, Dewberry participated in the Cooperative Education Program at Southwire Company, gaining valuable experience in the manufacturing industry.

“The Trustees of the WGTC Foundation have made a commitment to the future of the College through the Foundation that supports it,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “I commend every one of the new Trustees for their service, and I personally thank them for their time and dedication.”

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Military Veterans Find Skills And Support At WGTC
Posted: November 11, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

On Veterans Day, communities across the country honor our Armed Services veterans and take the opportunity to thank them for the contributions they’ve made to the American way of life. As more veterans are pursuing college education than ever before, West Georgia Technical College has taken a new approach: helping prepare vets for the contributions they’ll make in the future.

A 1999 Department of Defense survey found that the number one reason new recruits joined the military was for the educational benefits that their service would earn them. Thanks to the new GI Bill, more young veterans are able to pursue that goal after leaving the armed forces—last year more than 300,000 used the new benefits to enroll in college or graduate school.

Though federal funding makes college more accessible to servicemen and women, it still isn’t easy. The transition from combat to classroom can be a challenge for those who may be unaccustomed to civilian life, feel too old for college or may be with disabilities or trauma related to their service. Veteran’s advocacy groups report that former servicemembers can feel excluded from the traditional university experience. That’s where technical education offers vets a unique opportunity.

With a focus on workforce education, West Georgia Technical College is increasingly more popular with veterans, and the College works closely with former servicemembers to ease the transition and ensure their success. Additionally, the diverse classroom environment at WGTC means that vets are learning with other students from a variety of backgrounds where everyone’s experiences are valued equally.

“We have about 250 students currently using veteran’s benefits for school,” said Ruthie Wheeler, WGTC Financial Aid Coordinator and Veterans Certifying Official. “We have veterans, reservists, widows and children of vets using the programs available to them, and more are enrolling each day. Seeing them succeed is the most rewarding job I could ask for.”

Education benefits more than just the veterans, though. Former servicemen and women make a significant contribution to our local communities and national economy. The Census Bureau estimates that there are 10.4 million veterans in the American workforce today, and that number is expected to grow.

After nearly 20 years of active duty around the world, retired Tech Sgt. Kim Crawford left the Air Force and enrolled at WGTC, where she plans to pursue a Nursing degree. “I love it here,” she says. “The students are all treated with respect and I really feel like my experience counts. Plus, the hands-on approach to technical education feels familiar after all those years in the service.”

“Veterans are an asset to the College and the workforce,” said Ely Elefante, Instructional Designer for WGTC’s School of Distance Learning and a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army. “The leadership, values and work ethic instilled from the first day of service prepares them for the academic challenges and entry into the workforce.”

“We’ve had students, faculty and staff members who have served in every branch of the Armed Services, in combat and peacetime,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “The life experience, discipline and commitment our veterans bring with them absolutely makes this College a better learning environment for everyone. We value their presence, honor their service and work hard every day to help ensure their success—in college and after.”

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New Golden Knights Head Coach Brings Major League Experience to WGTC Baseball
Posted: November 9, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

With a pro baseball career that spans more than two decades, Todd Pratt was an integral part of some of the Major League’s best teams. He played in the 1993 and 2000 World Series championships and has been a standout catcher and a fan favorite for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. Now retired from the majors at 43, Pratt is ready to put on a new uniform—as the first-ever Head Coach of the West Georgia Technical College Golden Knights baseball team.


	Todd Pratt will lead the West Georgia Technical College Golden Knights Baseball team in their inaugural 2011 season.

Pratt’s career began when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in round 6 of the 1985 amateur draft. Since then, he has ridden the highs and lows of professional baseball around the world, through Minor League farm teams all the way up to the World Series. Through it all, Pratt has made his mark on the game with his strong ethic of teamwork and the intensity he brings to the field.

“Todd is a take-charge person who is able to evaluate young players,” said legendary manager Bobby Cox, who just retired after 25 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. “Todd was very helpful in the development of our young catchers and also assisted with the Atlanta Braves’ community efforts. Todd is a true team player and will be instrumental in building WGTC’s new Golden Knights baseball program.”

“We are very excited to have a person of Mr. Pratt’s caliber aboard our coaching staff,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “With his long, successful career in baseball and passion for excellence, I feel confident we are going to have an outstanding baseball program.”

West Georgia Technical College’s athletics program has grown remarkably over the last two years, becoming one of the newest members of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, formerly Georgia Junior College Athletic Association and members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Already offering Women’s Volleyball and Men’s and Women’s Basketball, the WGTC Golden Knights will begin playing baseball in 2011.

“We have solid high school baseball programs in the schools within our service area,” said Walter Dunson, WGTC Athletics Coordinator.” The high school coaches do an outstanding job of teaching kids the game of baseball. With Coach Pratt’s leadership and skill, I feel very confident in our ability to compete on the Junior College level with some of the more established baseball programs.”

Part of that competitive edge will come from a new home field for the Golden Knights at the West Georgia Technical College Murphy Campus in Waco. In partnership with the Haralson County Board of Commissioners, the College will begin construction on a new baseball and softball complex early next year. Students and fans can expect all the amenities, like full-service concessions, stadium lighting and handicap-accessible restrooms. “This really is our field of dreams,” Sullivan said. “When construction is complete, this complex will be a first-class asset to both WGTC and Haralson County.”

Pratt sees his position with the Golden Knights as long-term. Settling in Douglasville with wife Tracy and kids Quade, Jake Ryan, Kolby and Kamille, Pratt is part of the West Georgia community and is here to stay. “This really feels like home,” Pratt said, “I’m glad to be here, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of building a great Golden Knights baseball team.”

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Coweta-Fayette EMC Supports New WGTC Coweta Campus
Posted: November 2, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College’s new Coweta Campus came one step closer to reality today with a $20,000 donation by Coweta-Fayette EMC to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation.

The gift is in support of West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s major gifts campaign, Invest in the Next Generation. The campaign supports major initiatives that are vital to WGTC’s future and growth, including a new campus in Coweta County.

Coweta-Fayette EMC is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative. After more than 65 years of service, CFEMC now has more than 70,000 members and employs 190 people locally.

“Coweta-Fayette EMC has a proven track record of fostering the growth of our community,” said Tony Sinclair, President and CEO of CFEMC. “We’re proud to partner with West Georgia Technical College, and we’re happy to support workforce education in Coweta County.”

West Georgia Technical College has had a presence in Coweta County since 2000, when the Central Educational Center (CEC) opened as a collaborative venture between business and industry, the Coweta County School System, and West Georgia Technical College. The new campus in Coweta County will allow West Georgia Tech to expand its presence to better serve students, business, industry and the community.

“We are tremendously thankful for the support of Coweta-Fayette EMC,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “The support the College continues to receive shows the value that the people of Coweta place on technical education. CFEMC has taken a bold leadership role in supporting WGTC and the service we provide, and we’re so grateful.”

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, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said.

“The first priority of the major gifts campaign is a new stand-alone, full service campus for Coweta County,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “We’ve had a strong presence in this community for years with the Central Educational Center, and now we’re expanding our presence with a new campus to meet Coweta’s needs well into the future.”

Coweta-Fayette EMC is the latest local business to join the WGTC Foundation’s major gifts campaign in support of the new Coweta Campus. The facility will be built on 38 acres of prime Coweta County real estate donated by Orchard Hills Golf Properties. “Coweta County is the fastest growing county in WGTC’s seven-county service area,” Cook continued. “The WGTC Foundation has stepped up to the plate and committed to a state-of-the-art healthcare education facility, and Coweta-Fayette EMC’s generous donation goes a long way toward opening that campus to the community.”

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More Students, More Opportunities at WGTC
Posted: October 27, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The best word to describe West Georgia Technical College these days might be “more”-- More students, more locations and more opportunities.

Fall enrollment at WGTC topped 8,096 students, a 10.6 percent increase over last fall quarter. The surge in enrollment has been fueled in part by people who are either out of work or under-employed due to the stagnant economy, and partly by recent high school graduates who see a technical education as a viable way into a lucrative career.

“West Georgians are turning to the technical education we provide for training and skills enhancement in programs where the job outlook is more promising,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Even in a struggling economy, workforce education means jobs, and that’s good for our entire community.”

In order to meet the demand, West Georgia Technical College is expanding its presence to offer more services to more students. WGTC has recently announced plans to expand its presence with a new stand-alone, full service campus on I-85, designed to meet the needs of Coweta County’s growing workforce, including the increasing demand for Health Sciences occupations. Renovations are currently underway on WGTC’s Franklin Site, which will offer expanded Adult Education classes as well as Welding and Cosmetology for the winter quarter in January.


	Senior level EMT students at WGTC’s Murphy Campus practice lifesaving skills they’ll use every day in the workforce.

Though enrollment is booming College-wide, Health Sciences programs are among the most popular classes at West Georgia Technical College. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a projected 26 percent increase in healthcare-related jobs over the next several years. More and more, students are enrolling in courses like Nursing, Radiologic Technology and Emergency Medical Technology at WGTC to prepare them for careers in the booming healthcare industry.

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WGTC Expanding Programs and Presence in Franklin
Posted: October 20, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

“This used to be a sewing facility,” says West Georgia Technical College Welding Instructor Mark Rollins as he walks through the cavernous building, stepping through the steel studs that will soon be classroom walls. “It won’t be long before it’s full of students.”

Rollins proudly points out the features that the West Georgia Technical College Franklin Site will offer to Heard County students. The building on Highway 34, donated to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation earlier this year by the Heard County Development Authority, is currently undergoing an extensive interior and exterior renovation. The site will reopen for classes in January, offering expanded Welding and Adult Education classes as well as a new Cosmetology program.


	WGTC Welding Instructor Mark Rollins tours the Franklin Site, currently under construction. The renovated facility will offer expanded Adult Education and Welding programs as well as Cosmetology.

“The Heard County Development Authority recognized the need for the services the College can offer,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “They made a proactive decision to give this building to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation, and in return, the College is making a solid investment in the community. We’re proud to be here.”

West Georgia Technical is the state-designated provider of Adult Education, Literacy and General Education Development (GED) instruction for Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Troup, Heard, Meriwether and Haralson counties. At the Franklin site, WGTC Adult Education instructors offer free day and evening classes to those pursuing their GED. More than 40 active adult education students are currently learning in a portable classroom while construction is ongoing. When the facility reopens in January, however, more students than ever will have access to the computer labs and learning resources to help them earn the most basic education credential and springboard into a better job.

Though Heard County’s 2008 high school graduation rate exceeded the state average at 80 percent, 2009 federal estimates indicate that there are more than 2,500 people in Heard County over the age of 25 who lack a high school diploma or GED. “This facility is so important to Franklin,” says Linh Wight, WGTC Adult Education Instructor. “This community really needs this resource.”


	WGTC Welding student Taylor Olmsted works on a project in the Franklin Site Welding Shop. After renovations, the program capacity will nearly double.

The renovated Franklin site will offer expanded credit programs, too. With the addition of a spa-quality Cosmetology lab, WGTC students will offer full salon services to the community. On the other side of the building, an expanded Welding shop will nearly double the capacity of the current program. “We’re going to have a shop that mirrors the industry standard,” Rollins says. “Our graduates will be ready to work when they leave here.”

In partnership with Heard County High, both the Cosmetology and Welding programs will be offered to dual enrollment students. The dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credit, jumpstarting their workforce education and providing them with career skills that mean better jobs and better wages.

“West Georgia Technical College is fully invested in Franklin and Heard County,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan says. “When the upgrades are complete, I invite everyone to an open house at the Franklin site to see what resources we’re offering and how proud we are to be part of this community.”

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Doug Stone To Appear In Concert, Benefitting Adult Education
Posted: October 20, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation will kick off the new year with a special performance by country music star Doug Stone on January 22, 2011. The concert will be held at the WGTC Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco and will benefit Adult Education and Haralson County LAMP.

When Doug Stone first made his mark on radio back in 1990 with his debut single, “Better Off in a Pine Box,” listeners were introduced to one of the most distinctive traditional voices ever to hit country airwaves. Now – 17 years, a dozen hit singles and millions of album sales later, Stone is returning to his native West Georgia to help raise money and awareness for Adult Education in Haralson County.

There is a critical need for GED classes and testing in Haralson County; the county-wide 2008 high school graduation rate was 66 percent. In 2009, Census Quickfacts estimated that over 7,000 people in Haralson County over the age of 25 lack a high school diploma or GED. West Georgia Technical College, in partnership with Haralson County LAMP, offers free GED day and evening GED classes and is the state-designated provider of Adult Education, Literacy and General Education Development (GED) instruction for Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Troup, Heard, Meriwether and Haralson counties.

This year, more than 80 Haralson residents have earned their GED through WGTC Adult Education. “Our Adult Education instructors like to say that the GED isn’t a diploma, it’s a passport,” said Karen Kirchler, WGTC Director of Adult Education.” Graduates have – at long last – that most basic of education credentials that can lead to a sense of self-worth, a better job, and other education opportunities.”

GED graduates are welcomed into WGTC’s credit programs on equal footing with high-school graduates. Many go on to obtain technical certificates, diplomas and associate degrees, increasing their earning power exponentially and fostering that educated workforce our community needs.

“We’re making progress,” said Betty Candler, Director of Haralson County LAMP, a Certified Literate Community Program. “This year we’ve had more than 80 Haralson residents pass the GED examination, and this Doug Stone concert will raise the money and awareness we need to continue to provide these free services to those who need them.”

“Doug Stone is from Newnan, right here in West Georgia Technical College’s service area,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “He’s a great example of the kind of deep commitment to community that West Georgia is known for, and we couldn’t be more excited that he’s coming out to help us raise money for Adult Education in Haralson County.”

“Adult Education and GED testing are some of the most critical services we offer as a College,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “A literate and educated workforce is the most important element in economic growth. The money this benefit concert will raise is an investment in the success of our entire community.”

Doug Stone will appear live in concert January 22 at 7:00pm at the WGTC Murphy Campus in Waco. Tickets are $20 each or four for $60. For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Dawn Cook at 770-537-6010 or dawn.cook@westgatech.edu.

NOW AVAILABLE: PURCHASE DOUG STONE TICKETS OR SPONSORSHIPS ONLINE!return to top

Homecoming Week An Instant Tradition
Posted: October 7, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College opened the Fall Quarter with Best Week Ever, the College’s first-ever Homecoming Week. Packed full of events for students, faculty and the public, the week welcomed students back to class and highlight WGTC’s growing athletics program.

An October 11 kickoff party on the LaGrange Campus ushered in a week packed full of activities, including a pep rally, tailgate party, campus decorating contest, fashion show, talent competition and home games for the WGTC volleyball and basketball teams.

The LaGrange Campus won the campus decorating contest, which challenged each of WGTC’s five campuses and two instructional sites to “Paint the Campus Black and Gold.”

“WGTC’s first homecoming was an opportunity for the students, alumni, faculty and staff to show their pride in this College,” said Provost Perrin Alford, who accepted the Campus Spirit Award on behalf of the LaGrange Campus, which won the College-wide campus decorating contest. “There was so much enthusiasm and excitement everywhere you looked.”

Best Week Ever culminated with the Oldens vs. Goldens Basketball Game on Saturday. The game, where WGTC’s student athletes took on a team of faculty and staff players, was held at Central High School in Carrollton and was well-attended by students, staff, alumni and their families.

“We played our hearts out,” said Andra Brantley, WGTC High School Coordinator at the Douglas Campus and the coach for the Oldens, “but the Golden Knights are a great team. They’re driven to win.” The Golden Knights easily picked up the win.

Aricka Snelling, Ms. West Georgia Technical College 2010

WGTC Business Administrative Technology Student Aricka Snelling was named the College’s first Ms. West Georgia Technical College

At halftime, WGTC crowned its first-ever Mr. and Ms. West Georgia Technical College, naming the College’s inaugural homecoming court selected entirely by student vote. With a court of candidates as varied as WGTC’s student body, 36-year-old Aricka Snelling won the Ms. West Georgia Technical College title.

Snelling, a mother of five who serves as President of the Phi Beta Lambda Douglas Chapter, will graduate in January with a degree in Business Administrative Technology. “To be a homecoming queen at my age is just incredible,” Snelling said. “I’m proud of this opportunity to represent my school, but I’m also proud to show my children and the other students that getting involved in student activities is a rewarding part of the college experience, no matter when you pursue your education.”

“I was blown away by the amount of spirit and enthusiasm our students and faculty showed at all five campuses,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “This community really came together and showed so much pride in West Georgia Technical College. I know this excitement is going to continue to grow, and next year’s Homecoming Week will be even better.”

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Contact:

Gary Leftwich Manager of Corporate Communication (770) 832-4884 gary_leftwich@southwire.com	Dawn Cook V.P., Institutional Advancement (770) 537-6010 dawn.cook@westgatech.edu

Southwire and West Georgia Technical College Form Alliance
Partnership includes $1 million gift to create Southwire Center for Manufacturing Excellence

(Carrollton, Georgia – Oct. 14, 2010) – Southwire Company and West Georgia Technical College today announced a new alliance that will establish the Southwire Center for Manufacturing Excellence. Funded by a $1 million gift from the company, the center will build upon the skills possessed by its current maintenance and manufacturing employees, while creating a pool of talent for Southwire and the west Georgia area.

Through the partnership, West Georgia Technical College will develop a curriculum for the new center, which will be housed either at the college’s Carroll Campus or in its own facility.

“Southwire is proud of its enduring relationship with West Georgia Technical College,” said Southwire President and CEO Stu Thorn. “We’re especially excited about this new partnership, which will allow our employees and residents of west Georgia to receive the training needed to advance their careers and enhance their quality of life.”

“We are more than excited about this new partnership that furthers our longstanding relationship with Southwire,” college President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Southwire has a tremendous track record as a corporate citizen, employer and community partner. Together West Georgia Technical College and Southwire are breaking new ground to enhance our community’s most valuable resource – its workforce.”

“Our data shows that there is a great need for certified skilled maintenance personnel,” Sullivan said. “The Southwire Center for Manufacturing Excellence will provide access to the very best training in these areas so that west Georgia residents will among the very best in these highly competitive fields.”

The new center will be staffed by a full-time faculty member serving as a liaison between Southwire and West Georgia Technical College. Plans for next year include the redesigning of Southwire’s written and hands-on certification tests for electrical, mechanical, machinist, senior electrical technician, millwright and senior maintenance positions. Specialized training also is being created to address skill gaps. Curriculum for the center will include online coursework, instructor-led courses and on-the-job assignments.

“The certification program will be open to Southwire’s maintenance employees who desire to move into more skilled jobs as well as those in other areas of the company who want to apply for maintenance positions,” Thorn said. “Training also will be available to those outside the company seeking employment in our maintenance areas.”

The $1 million gift is part of the West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s inaugural major gifts campaign, “Invest in the Next Generation,” college Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said.

“Southwire is among an elite class of corporate citizens,” Cook said. “Some companies talk about giving back to their communities, but Southwire lives it each and every day. With a 60-year history of investing in the success of West Georgia, Southwire continues to set the standard for corporate giving. With Southwire’s generous support, West Georgia Technical College will continue to provide the quality workforce education that powers West Georgia’s economic engine. We are proud to partner with Southwire and could not be more grateful for its support.”

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More than 100 Students Graduate at Fall Commencement
Posted: October 7, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

More than 100 graduates of West Georgia Technical College walked in the College’s Fall Commencement last Thursday.

The commencement address was delivered by C. Dean Alford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Energy Services, who is currently responsible for over $4.3 billion of energy projects across the United States. Alford has long been involved in education initiatives in Georgia: He has served as a member of the State Board of Education, the Governor’s Investing in Excellent Education (IE²) Taskforce and now serves as the Chairman of the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, the governing body that oversees all 26 technical colleges in Georgia.

In his address, Alford congratulated the students on their achievement. “I don’t know any of you,” Alford told the graduates. “I don’t even know your names. But I know your story, and I know the many obstacles you’ve overcome to be here tonight.”

The graduates at Thursday’s commencement represent only a fraction of the more than 1,000 students who completed their degree, diploma or certificate last quarter. West Georgia Technical College has seen 14 consecutive quarters of double-digit enrollment growth, and that number is expected to increase as a nation-wide push for technical education gets underway.

Last Tuesday, the White House announced Skills For America’s Future, a new initiative designed to increase collaboration between technical and community colleges and employers seeking a skilled workforce. The nation-wide initiative has set a goal for community and technical colleges to produce an additional 5 million graduates by 2020.

Calling them the "unsung heroes of America's education system" at Tuesday’s White House summit, President Obama said community and technical colleges "provide a gateway to millions of Americans to good jobs and a better life."

“For some of these graduates, this achievement will lead to a job and the joys and responsibilities of family life,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “Others will go on to further their education. Either way, this is just the beginning for them, and I know they all have bright futures ahead.”

2010 Homecoming - Best Week Ever
Posted: October 7, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College opens the Fall Quarter with Best Week Ever, the College’s first-ever Homecoming Week. Packed full of events for students, faculty and the public, the week will welcome students back to class and highlight WGTC’s growing athletics program.

The week begins with a kickoff celebration on October 11 at the WGTC LaGrange Campus and continues through Saturday, October 16, when faculty and staff will take on student athletes in the popular Olden vs. Golden Basketball Tournament, where Mr. and Ms. WGTC will be crowned during the halftime show.

“This is a really exciting time for us,” said Tjazha Mazhani, WGTC Student Activities Coordinator. “From pep rallies to fashion shows, we’ve got something planned for all five campuses. We’re building spirit and momentum and I know it’s really going to show during Best Week Ever.”

Best Week Ever will feature home games for the WGTC Golden Knights Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Volleyball teams. As their seasons ramp up, the WGTC Athletics Program continues to grow, with Golden Nights Baseball coming soon. “As a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association, WGTC is quickly becoming known for its athletic programs,” said Walter Dunson, Athletics Coordinator. “The activities we’ve got planned for homecoming week will set the tone for the rest of the season, so we’re looking forward to lots of cheers and support.”

“Homecoming Week is a classic college tradition and we’re happy to adopt it,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “The enthusiasm that our students are already bringing to Best Week Ever shows the pride they have in their College and the education they’re earning. I’m proud to serve a college with this much spirit.”

Date	Event(s) & Time(s)
Monday, October 11	Kickoff Celebration @ LaGrange West Campus (12 noon - 2 p.m.)
Tuesday, October 12	Paint the Campus Gold- Wear Gold and Black all day to support the Golden Knights Homecoming Freebies @ Coweta Campus & Carroll Campus (4 - 6 p.m.) Home Volleyball Game vs Andrew College @ Carroll County Rec. Ctr., Students Free, $ 3 General Admission (6 p.m.)
Wednesday, October 13	Fashion Show (Featuring student models, make-up and hair by WGTC Cosmetology department, and performances by WGTC's Got Talent Finalists) @ Murphy Campus Conference Center Free Admission (7 p.m.)
Thursday, October 14	Pep Rally @ Douglas Campus (6-8 p.m.) Live Taping of BET's "The Monique Show" (Pre-Registration Required)
Friday, October 15	Home Volleyball Game vs. Covenant College @ Carroll County Recreation Center., Students Free, $3 General Admission (6 p.m.) Casino Ball @ LaGrange East Campus Callaway Conference Center Admission: Free with Student ID + a Guest (7 p.m.)
Saturday, October 16	Junior Knights Basketball/Cheer Clinic (Pre-Registration Required)
Saturday, October 16	Tailgate Party @ Central High School (2-5 p.m.) Basketball Game: Olden vs Golden (Faculty/Staff vs Students) @ Central High School Gymnasium (5:30 p.m.)

See the schedule and more details on the Homecoming Page!

Technical College Commissioner Visits WGTC Campus
Posted: October 1, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College opened the Fall Quarter with a special guest when Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, visited all of WGTC’s campuses and instructional sites on Tuesday.

Touring the campuses with WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan, Jackson started the day at the Douglas Campus, where a construction project is underway to create a new library and additional classroom space. “This campus is popular with dual enrollment students and our Adult Ed program is growing, too,” said Douglas Campus Associate Provost Lisa Doney. “There’s a real need for more space here, and considering how many people are pursuing their education, that’s a good problem to have.”


	TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson (center) and Dr. Skip Sullivan visit with students on the LaGrange Campus on the first day of the fall quarter.

At the LaGrange Campus, Jackson met with students as they waited in line at the bookstore. The LaGrange Campus has undergone extensive facilities improvements lately, including security and lighting upgrades. “Our next task is to improve the ventilation system on this campus,” said Provost Perrin Alford. “It’s a big undertaking, and I know our students and faculty are thankful that Commissioner Jackson took the time to come visit this campus personally.”

“I was so proud to show Commissioner Jackson our College,” Sullivan said. “On the first day of the fall quarter, he saw what WGTC is all about: helpful, friendly faculty and staff and lots of excited students. This college has a commitment to student-centeredness and that really came through.”

“As the second largest technical college in the state, West Georgia Tech helps to set the standard for workforce education in Georgia,” Jackson said. “It’s clear everyone here takes pride in their job, and that’s great to see.”

WGTC Announces Resch As New Associate Provost, Carroll Campus
Posted: September 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College announced this week that Dr. Teresa Resch will join WGTC as the new Associate Provost of the Carroll Campus.

Resch brings a wealth of experience and education to her new position overseeing the day-to-day operations of WGTC’s Carroll Campus. “Dr. Resch has dedicated her career to technical education,” said WGTC Provost Perrin Alford, who served as Interim Carroll Campus Director until Resch was hired. “We’re fortunate to have her join our team.”

Resch comes to the College from the Technical College System of Georgia, the state agency that oversees the 26 technical colleges in Georgia, where she was Executive Director of Academic Affairs. Prior to serving four years at the state level, Resch was the Dean of Instruction and then Vice President of Academic Affairs at Coosa Valley Tech.

“Having worked in technical education for 20 years, I understand workforce education and the value it holds for students,” Resch said. “Education has the power to change student’s lives.”

,p>Resch earned her Doctorate in Occupational Studies Education from the University of Georgia. Before that, she earned a Master of Science Education in Workforce Education and Development and a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Education Studies from Southern Illinois University. However, Resch’s career began like that of many WGTC students- as a Radiologic Technology graduate.

“Dr. Resch has been a respected instructor and advocate for workforce education,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “She is going to be a strong asset to WGTC, and we welcome her experience to the College family.”

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WGTC’s Alford Returns To LaGrange With Double Duty
Posted: September 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College announced this week that WGTC Provost Perrin Alford will return to the LaGrange Campus to take over the daily operations as Interim Associate Provost. Alford will be filling the position vacated by Tony Jones, who recently retired as the LaGrange Campus Director.


	WGTC Provost Perrin Alford takes on additional responsibilities as Interim Associate Provost at the LaGrange Campus.

As the College-wide Provost for West Georgia Technical College, Alford is already responsible for the day-to-day operations of all five WGTC campuses, and in addition to that role will now also be assuming interim leadership of the LaGrange Campus. With planned facilities upgrades at the campus and the coming Fall Quarter, Alford’s daily presence on the LaGrange Campus will ensure that students, faculty and staff have a responsive contact to answer any questions and address concerns.

Alford is up to the task of the added responsibility, said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “Perrin knows the LaGrange community well and he’s been a tireless advocate of West Georgia Technical College. College Provost and Interim Associate Provost are both challenging full-time jobs with big responsibilities, but if anyone can pull double duty, it’s Perrin. I have got full confidence in him.”

Before West Georgia Technical College merged with West Central Tech a year ago, Alford served as the acting President at West Georgia Technical College and was previously the Vice President of Student Affairs.

During his career, Alford’s responsibilities have included oversight of admissions, financial aid, marketing and advancement. Alford completed his Master of Business Administration from Mercer University and currently is a doctoral candidate at the University of Alabama. Alford is a TCSG Executive Leadership Academy graduate and is active in his community.

“Working from the LaGrange Campus will be both a big change and a return to the familiar,” Alford said. “I love seeing how WGTC is thriving in Troup County, and I’m excited to be part of the daily activities here.”

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Whitesville Road 5th Graders Experience Technology Firsthand
Posted: September 23, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

More than 50 fifth graders from Whitesville Road Elementary in LaGrange got a chance to see how ideas become reality behind the scenes at West Georgia Technical College’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing.

The students, who visited the center as part of their school’s Career Week, traced the evolution of a product from concept to creation. “It was a great opportunity for the kids to see how something goes from blueprint to final product,” said Susan Wooldridge, a counselor at Whitesville Road Elementary. “They got to touch, handle and explore to see how everything worked. They really loved it.”


	Whitesville Road Elementary students Jordan Bragg and Klotin Williams check out a robot at West Georgia Technical College’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing in LaGrange. Background students: Callie Wimberly and Alyssa Jones

The Center for Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) at West Georgia Technical College is a direct result of LaGrange’s new manufacturing environment and provides a unique educational experience to students studying one of nine trade programs. In a bright open laboratory, WGTC students are busy drafting designs, creating rapid prototypes, operating milling machines, overseeing extraction robots, repairing equipment and preparing to join Troup County’s skilled manufacturing workforce. The Whitesville Road fifth graders got a chance to see the various stages on manufacturing and the career possibilities it offers.

“The Center for Integrated Manufacturing is a state-of-the-art facility,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “The CIM offers the chance for a student to put their hands on every aspect of the industry and gain real, practical experience. We’re happy to open it up and share it with younger learners. We hope they’re inspired to pursue a career in manufacturing.”,/p>

The fifth graders explored Applied Manufacturing, Drafting, Electronics, Electrical Control Systems, Industrial Mechanical Systems, Machine Tool Technology and other technical education programs, where WGTC students learn the practical skills they’ll need to join the growing workforce.

Troup County Chamber of Commerce reports that there are currently 66 industrial and manufacturing businesses operating in the county, employing approximately 10,000 workers, and more are needed. In 2005, the National Association of Manufacturers reported a severe and widespread shortage of qualified workers, impacting companies regardless of size, industry or geographic location.

“By exposing these kids to the entire manufacturing process, they get to see how the things they use every day are made,” Jim Biagi, WGTC Industrial Mechanical Systems Instructor said. “They see the production flow, the exchange of ideas. We teach these programs with a comprehensive approach, and I think the kids found it fascinating. It was a real joy to share it with them.”

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WGTC VP To Chair March of Dimes Campaign
Posted: September 16, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

In her role at West Georgia Technical College, Dawn Cook raises funds to support student scholarships, faculty development and facility enhancements. But for the next year, Cook is volunteering to raise money to benefit a younger clientele – babies.

Cook – the College’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement – has accepted the role of chairperson of the March of Dimes 2011 March for Babies.

WGTC Vice President Dawn Cook

“I am extremely honored to be asked to serve as chairperson of the 2011 March for Babies,” Cook said. “Rarely do I get an opportunity to raise money to support the most vulnerable and helpless among us. It is a great gift to be able to use my skills and resources to help improve the health of babies.”

The March of Dimes’ mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, community services, education and advocacy. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates cooperate to give all babies a fighting chance.

“As a vice president of one of the fastest growing technical colleges in the country, Dawn Cook’s commitment and community visibility mean that we’ve got a strong, dedicated advocate for babies in West Georgia,” Carla Starling, Senior Community Director for March of Dimes’ Southwest Georgia Division, said.

Landing Cook to head up the March for Babies will benefit the entire community, Starling said.

West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said that Cook’s service to March of Dimes is one example of the way the College and its employees contribute to the community.

“I applaud Dawn’s willingness to invest in our community by helping the March of Dimes,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “She is just one of a number of the College’s faculty and staff members who volunteer across our seven-county region, but among our employees, Dawn serves as a good example of the way we put service before self and invest in the lives of others on many different levels.”

The March of Dimes has long ties to West Georgia, being founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Roosevelt himself contracted polio at age 39, and spent much of his time in the therapeutic waters of Warm Springs, Georgia, site of his “Little White House.”

In 1958, after achieving the goal of eradicating polio, the March of Dimes shifted its charitable focus to promoting healthy infants and mothers. Even 50 years later, the need remains great – in an average week, 402 babies are born prematurely in Georgia. As many as 22 Georgia babies die before their first birthday each week.

To learn more about the upcoming events or to find out how you can help, contact Cook at 770.537.6010.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 110 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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New Members for WGTC Board
Posted: September 13, 2010
CONTACT: Ben Chambers, 770.537.5756

The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia has approved the addition of two new members to the West Georgia Technical College Board of Directors.

Joining the 11-member board are Chip Jakins, President and CEO of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative, and Rochelle Robinson, a Douglasville community leader and former Douglasville City Councilmember. The directors will have three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2013.

“We are honored to have these highly qualified members of our community on our board,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We look forward to their service in leading our College.”

Jakins has served in his current role with Carroll EMC since 2002. He has a long résumé of experience in the utilities industry across the South. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.

Rochelle Robinson Robinson, who served on the Douglasville City Council from 2002 to 2006, sits on a number of civic and community boards including the Douglasville Zoning Board, the Douglasville/Douglas Co. Water and Sewer Authority, the Douglas Co. Board of Elections and Registration, the WellStar Douglas Regional Health Board and the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas Co.

Her work experience includes time at the Central Intelligence Agency, Clayton Co. Mental Health and the U.S. Army National Guard. She is an ordained minister in the Church of God.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 110 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

Newnan Hospital, Inc. Announces $1 Million Donation to WGTC Foundation to Support Construction at New Coweta Campus
Posted: September 2, 2010
CONTACT: Tom Moat, 678.378.3756; Dawn Cook, 770.537.6010

Newnan Hospital, Inc. announced that it has committed a $1 million donation to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation.

The donation – the largest cash gift to date in the WGTC Foundation’s inaugural major gifts campaign – will be used exclusively to fund a portion of the cost of construction of an allied health services building named the “Newnan Hospital, Inc. Allied Health Services Building.”


	President Dr. Skip Sullivan (left) and Dawn Cook, Vice President of Institutional Advancement (right), accepted a ceremonial check from Tom Moat, President of the Board of Directors of Newnan Hospital, Inc., September 7. The donation will be used for construction of West Georgia Technical College’s new Coweta Campus.

“The Board feels strongly that funds which were generated by the sale of the former Newnan Hospital and the Newnan Hospital Nursing and Rehabilitation Center should be used to support programs in the community that will help to carry on the Newnan Hospital tradition of caring for all members of the community,” Tom Moat, President of the Board of Directors of Newnan Hospital, Inc., said.

“By supporting West Georgia Technical College, we will help to prepare future health care workers who will care for all of us just as Newnan Hospital did in the past. We are fortunate to have this money available to give back to the community and it is available because the community supported Newnan Hospital,” Moat said. “WGTC will be an even more important part of our community with the development of the new campus and we are honored to have the opportunity to support our local campus.”

“The first priority of the major gifts campaign is a new stand-alone, full service campus for Coweta County,” Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement, said. “Newnan Hospital, Inc.’s gift translates into a state-of-the art facility where future healthcare providers will get an outstanding education and start high-paying careers close to home. That’s a bold investment in unrivaled healthcare education, and establishes a legacy of excellence and commitment by Newnan Hospital, Inc.”

“With two new hospitals coming to Newnan and bringing new economic opportunities to the community, WGTC is proud to be a premiere educational resource for healthcare careers,” Cook said. “Newnan Hospital, Inc.’s investment in the new Coweta Campus is, without question, one of the biggest investments ever made in the future of healthcare education in Coweta County. The new facility will be built on a 38-acre tract and will offer the most advanced healthcare education in West Georgia.”

“This is the largest cash gift to date in the WGTC Foundation’s capital campaign,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “At a time when so many other institutions are suspending their fundraising because of a tough economic climate, I think an investment this significant says something very positive about Newnan Hospital, Inc.’s commitment to healthcare education in our community, about the work that WGTC has done in providing healthcare education in the past and our vision for the future with the new Coweta Campus.”

West Georgia Technical College has had a presence in Coweta County since 2000, when the Central Educational Center opened as a collaborative venture between business and industry, the Coweta County School System, and WGTC. WGTC offers over 110 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study.

YOKOGAWA Invests $40,000 In West Georgia Technical College Foundation
Posted: September 2, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Officials from YOKOGAWA Corporation of America announced today that the company will donate $40,000 to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation, in support of its major gifts campaign, Invest in the Next Generation.

YOKOGAWA is an international electrical engineering and software company, with businesses based on its technologies in measurement, control, and information. It has a workforce of over 19,000 in its 80 companies worldwide, operating in 33 countries. YOKOGAWA North America headquarters is located in Sugarland, Texas with Manufacturing and Distribution in Newnan, Georgia.


	Rich Westerfield, VP Sourcing and Manufacturing, YOKOGAWA Corporation of America

The gift, payable over three years, is in support of West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s Coweta Campus Fund, an initiative to build a new state-of-the-art, full-service facility in Newnan.

Rich Westerfield, YOKOGAWA VP of Manufacturing said that YOKOGAWA’s corporate citizenship is rooted in the company’s philosophy of being pioneers and good citizens. “YOKOGAWA sees its fundamental duties as going above and beyond benefiting society through its normal business activities and complying with the law―it is actively engaged in addressing serious social issues, regional revitalization efforts, etc. “

“From all the employees that work for YOKOGAWA Corporation of America we are proud to invest in West Georgia Technical College and Coweta County,” Westerfield continued. “ We feel that the addition to the community will only enhance opportunities for our residents and employees.”

“YOKOGAWA’s significant investment in the WGTC Foundation shows that education is an important priority in this community,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “The West Georgia Technical College Foundation is tremendously grateful for their support of technical education and our students.”

WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan agreed. “We’re happy to be the premier education partner in for manufacturing in West Georgia, and we’re just getting started. This generous donation will help the College to invest educate a skilled workforce in our community for many more years to come.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

For GED Graduates, Diploma Is Just The Beginning
Posted: September 2, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

“Be a good example,” West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan told the crowd of graduates and their families in his commencement address. “Be a good example to those around you, to those who look up to you and to those who depend on you.” By all accounts, the graduates celebrating their achievement at the Carroll County GED Graduation Ceremony last Thursday evening have already set a good example, earning a GED diploma that, for many of them, was decades in the making.

The 39 graduates represented a fraction of the more than 200 Carroll County residents who earned their GED diploma through West Georgia Technical College last year, and range in age from 17 to 67 years old.


	2010 GED Graduate Susan Stegall addresses the crowd at WGTC’s Carroll County GED Graduation at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Thursday, August 26.

West Georgia Technical College is the state-designated provider of Adult Education, Literacy and General Education Development (GED) instruction for Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Heard, Meriwether, Troup and Haralson counties. Across the seven-county service area, more than 1,000 people earned their GED diplomas through WGTC’s Adult Education division.

“I did this to prove to my 13 grandchildren that anything is possible,” said Lynda Smith, the oldest graduate participating in the commencement exercises. “If I can finish and earn and GED diploma, they can do anything they set their mind to. I wanted to give them a legacy of courage.”

According to the State of Georgia’s Governor’s Office on Student Achievement, the 2008 graduation rate for Carroll County was only 69 percent, well below the state average. Based on 2009 census Quickfacts estimates, there are more than 20,000 people over the age of 25 in Carroll County who lack a high school diploma.

“We’re so proud of our graduates, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Dr. Richard Robinson, WGTC Vice President of Adult Education. “By improving literacy levels and educating people to successfully pass the GED exam, we increase the likelihood that they can manage their finances, understand their prescriptions, and on the whole, make better choices. The GED diploma is the foundational credential from which any individual can build a life of success and opens the door to higher education and better jobs.”

For many of the graduates, this achievement will define their lives, change their outlook and open the door to a world of possibilities. GED graduates are welcomed into West Georgia Technical College’s credit programs on equal footing with high-school graduates. Many go on to obtain technical certificates, diplomas and associate degrees, increasing their earning power exponentially and fostering that educated workforce our community needs. The Bureau of Labor statistics have shown that over the course of a working lifetime, simply by attaining a GED diploma, an individual will increase lifetime earnings by as much as $200,000.

“Being a single mother, life always got in the way, and even though I wanted to earn this diploma, I struggled,” said student speaker Susan Stegall, addressing her fellow Class of 2010 graduates. “I saw my three daughters through school, and now my oldest has a master’s degree. My daughters encouraged me and said, ‘Mom, it’s your time now.’ With the help of these instructors and the support of my fellow students, I feel like I achieved a life dream.”

“For individuals who didn’t complete high school, the GED diploma is a necessary foundation on which opportunity is built,” said Karen Kirchler, Director of Adult Education at West Georgia Technical College. “It’s a springboard to higher education, better employment, and increased self-confidence. The commencement ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate the importance of this accomplishment and recognize those who committed themselves to doing the hard work and making the sacrifices that it demands.”

“A lot of their families didn’t finish high school, let alone apply to college,” Robinson said. “We put a lot of energy and effort into this idea that GED graduation isn’t the end but the beginning to your next level of education.”

In his commencement address, Dr. Skip Sullivan spoke about the advice that we receive throughout our lives from family and friends, and shared some of the best advice he has ever heard: “Six words,” Sullivan told the crowd. “Six simple words that will carry you through some of your hardest challenges: Don’t quit. Don’t quit. Don’t quit.”

“I won’t stop here,” said mother and newlywed Mary Folds, who found that earning a GED diploma gave her the confidence to pursue a higher degree at West Georgia Technical College. “I had to have my heart and my mind connected and I had to do it for myself. I’m definitely going to keep going, too. I’ll be enrolling in the Criminal Justice program next. This is just the beginning for me.”

The Adult Education Program at West Georgia Technical College has both the flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of students with different skills, backgrounds and needs with no-charge classes in both the day and evening. For more information about obtaining a GED diploma, please call 770-838-3192.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Invests in WGTC Foundation
Posted: August 25, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Piedmont Newnan Hospital has renewed its commitment to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation with an annual $60,000 gift in support of its major gifts campaign. This gift will benefit the nursing education program at WGTC, which provides nursing education and certification for future nurses.


	Piedmont Newnan Hospital CEO Michael Bass, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook, WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan, Central Educational Center CEO Mark Whitlock.

“Piedmont Newnan Hospital and WGTC are both vital members of this community,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “This partnership between the College and Piedmont Newnan has always been a perfect fit.” As Coweta County experiences unprecedented economic growth and development, both West Georgia Technical College and Piedmont Newnan Hospital have plans underway to build new facilities in the area.

WGTC has recently announced plans to expand its presence with a new state-of-the-art, stand-alone, full service campus on I-85, designed to meet the needs of Coweta County’s growing workforce, including the increasing demand for Health Sciences occupations. Piedmont Newnan Hospital plans to open the first LEED-certified healthcare facility in the Southeast, a nine-story cutting-edge facility that will employ about 1,100 workers when operating at full capacity.

“Piedmont Newnan Hospital has enthusiastically supported West Georgia Technical College for many years with its annual donation,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “We anticipate that level of commitment to continue in the years ahead.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

See editorial in Newnan Times Herald about partnership between WGTC and Piedmont Newnan Hospital

WGTC History Instructor Brings Experience, Expertise to the Classroom
Posted: August 25, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

With a remarkable career as a lawyer, judge and historian, Eddie Hulsey has just added another title to a long list of community roles. The Haralson native is now one of West Georgia Technical College’s most popular professors of history and government, bringing years of experience to the classroom and inspiring enthusiasm among his students.


	Judge Eddie Hulsey in his chambers at Haralson County Courthouse, surrounded by his extensive collection of local historical artifacts.

Mentored and encouraged by some of Georgia’s most iconic governors and political figures and one of the youngest elected judges in Georgia when he took the bench in 2001, Hulsey’s unparalleled experience makes him a unique resource for students of history and government. As a part-time evening instructor at West Georgia Technical College, he brings his insight and expertise to the classroom teaching U.S. History and American Government on WGTC’s Murphy Campus in Waco; general education classes required for every degree-seeking student of West Georgia Technical College. Many non-degree students enroll in the courses as electives, though, and the classes are popular among students who intend to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Not unlike his courtroom, Hulsey’s classroom is packed with students at every point in their educational progression and at every stage in life.

In the courtroom, Hulsey’s job is to interact with people when they need the intervention of government, from traffic disputes to birth registrations and everything in between. The work is difficult at times; Hulsey admits that he often sees people when they’re facing a major challenge in their lives, like when a loved one has died or after a run-in with authorities. But the good parts of the job make it worthwhile, he says with a slight smile. “I’ve performed over 700 weddings, too.”

In the classroom, Hulsey’s goal is to encourage his students to take an interest in the mechanics of government and their role in it by examining the constitutional framework, civil liberties and rights, public opinion and the election process. “I want my students to understand that government isn’t something that happens to us,” he explains. “It’s something we are all a part of. By understanding how it works, how it influences our lives and how we influence the government, we create an empowered and involved community.”

As a Tallapoosa native with seven generations of family here, Hulsey’s ties to the community run deep. A veteran organist at First Baptist Church of Tallapoosa, Hulsey is also a member of the Planning Commission, the Boy Scout Troop Committee and is co-chairing the Worship Committee for Tallapoosa’s upcoming 150th Anniversary festivities.

“There’s nobody more committed to the people of Haralson County and West Georgia,” said Betty Candler, retired schoolteacher and Executive Director of Haralson County’s Certified Literate Community Program. “Eddie Hulsey has been a great advocate for education in this county, and teaching at West Georgia Technical College is a perfect fit for his expertise and experience.”

Even though he’s involved in so many aspects of Haralson County, Hulsey says one of his favorite roles is still that of instructor at West Georgia Technical College. “My job isn’t to tell the students what to think,” Hulsey says. “I try to get them to recognize the impact that our nation’s history and government have on their daily lives, and to encourage them to make informed choices about their involvement in the legislative process.”

Simply doing what you love benefits others as well. "Our students are fortunate to learn from Eddie Hulsey,” said Ken Smith, WGTC Director of Instruction for the Murphy Campus in Waco. “His experience helps him relate the material to students in a way that does more than explain it to them. It adds context and shows them why it’s important to know history and understand government.”

Hulsey’s students agree. “As an instructor, he’s definitely passionate and knowledgeable about the material,” said Van Brown, a Buchanan native entering WGTC’s Associate Degree Nursing program in October. “He adds a lot of information that’s not in the text, particularly about this area. These things are important to our history as a community, and I really enjoy that part of class.”

Carla Bradley, Administrative Assistant on the WGTC Carroll Campus and another of Hulsey students, said that Hulsey’s knowledge adds a more personal element to the material. “I enjoy the extra little tidbits he brings to his teaching,” Bradley said. “He completes a lot of the background that the book doesn’t reveal. His manner of weaving history together helps you to understand history as more than facts and dates.”

WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said that having distinguished faculty isn’t an accident; the College actively recruits instructors who have achieved uncommon levels of success and expertise in their chosen fields. “West Georgia Technical College has some of the most credentialed and qualified faculty anywhere,” Sullivan said. “Eddie Hulsey has the real-world experience to engage and involve the students unlike anyone else. They leave his classroom empowered about how our system works and where they fit into it.”

Of his role as an educator, Hulsey is both humble and optimistic. “I don’t know that I bring anything exceptional to the classroom,” he says, “but I do know that it’s an honor to teach at West Georgia Technical College. This is such a powerful resource for our community, and we’re extremely fortunate to have a college like this one here in Haralson County. I hope to continue to be involved for many years to come.”

Noted Author and Educator Gary Shelly Visits WGTC
Posted: August 20, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Gary Shelly speaks to WGTC Faculty and Staff about new features in Microsoft Office 2010. Gary Shelly literally wrote the book on computing in the digital age.

Noted author and educator Gary Shelly visited the West Georgia Technical College Murphy Campus on Thursday. Long considered an authority on computer education, Shelly has co-authored some of the most widely-used textbooks in computing classes worldwide. Speaking to several dozen WGTCfaculty and staff members, Shelly took the opportunity to highlight some of the biggest advances in Microsoft Office 2010. WGTC will convert its users to the new software next year.

“Gary Shelly’s visit to our College is an honor, but it’s also a learning opportunity,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “We take professional development very seriously here, and always look for new ways to expand our skills. The decades of experience he brings with him will help to ensure that our staff and faculty are well-trained on all the latest applications.”

Together with co-author Tom Cashman, Shelly wrote and published his first computer education textbook in 1969. Since then, more than twenty million copies of Shelly Cashman textbooks have been sold. Shelly and Cashman soon became the best-selling authors in computer and computer programming education, and over four decades, Gary Shelly’s influence in the way we learn, use and understand computers has been extensive.

“Having Mr. Shelly here is very exciting,” said Tracey Thompson, WGTC Computer Information Systems program chair. “The books and instructional materials that he has co-authored have helped to define how we teach computing to an entire generation of computer users. By all accounts, Gary Shelly has set the standard for computer education.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Greystone Power Wins WGTC Foundation Spirit of Giving Award
Posted: August 20, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation honored GreyStone Power, the GreyStone Power Foundation and GreyStone CEO Gary Miller with the third annual Spirit of Giving Award, recognizing outstanding commitment and generosity to the WGTC Foundation and technical education. The award was presented by WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan on August 14 at Black Tie & Boots, a sold-out gala fundraising event featuring country music superstar Josh Turner.


	GreyStone Power CEO Gary Miller accepts the 2010 West Georgia Technical College Foundation Spirit of Giving Award. L-R: WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan, Jim Mottola, representing 2009 Spirit of Giving winner Orchard Hills Golf Properties, Gary Miller, GreyStone Board of Directors members Jennifer DeNyse and Burnell Redding, WGTC Foundation Board President Malcolm Jackson, and Ronnie Jordan of Jordan Truck Sales, the 2008 Spirit of Giving Award winner

“Nothing exemplifies the spirit of giving more than GreyStone Power’s dedication to our students,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “It’s our honor to be able to recognize them with this well-deserved award.”

In addition to these significant contributions to the WGTC Foundation, the GreyStone Power Foundation also funds the Clower Scholarship for technical education students. “GreyStone is a leader in our community,” Sullivan continued, “and they are proving it by supporting local causes like West Georgia Technical College.”

The award was accepted by GreyStone CEO Gary Miller and GreyStone Power board members Jennifer DeNyse and Burnell Redding. “For our part, we recognize the incredible impact the WGTC Foundation has in our region,” Miller said. “The work of the Foundation and the College makes positive change in the lives of real people. As a community, we need to stand up and support that effort.”

Miller also serves as Chairman of the WGTC Foundation’s major gifts campaign, Invest in the Next Generation. The campaign is an ambitious effort to raise funds in four areas, the Coweta Campus Fund, the Student Scholarship and Grant Fund, the Healthcare Fund and the Adult Education and Literacy Fund, all in support of West Georgia Technical College.

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,” WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said. “Gary Miller and GreyStone Power recognize that our students are fuel for West Georgia’s economic engine. They live, work, play and pay taxes here. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring the future success of this College and the students we educate.”

The WGTC Foundation awarded last year’s Spirit of Giving Award to Orchard Hills Investment Group, who donated 38 acres of prime Coweta County real estate to the WGTC Foundation for the construction of a new full-service, stand-alone campus in Newnan. The inaugural winner was Ronnie Jordan of Jordan Truck Sales in Carrollton, a long-time advocate of West Georgia Technical College.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Names New Dean of School of Business
Posted: August 5, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College announced this week that Business Administrative Technology instructor Babs Russell will be the new Dean of the WGTC School of Business.

Russell replaces longtime Dean Robert Curry, who was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The School of Business instructors have worked hard to really grow those programs and provide a world-class education to the students,” Curry said. “I’m absolutely confident in the new Dean Russell, and I know she can keep that forward momentum going.”


	Babs Russell named Dean of WGTC School of Business

West Georgia Technical College’s School of Business offers degrees, diplomas and certificates in Marketing Management, Accounting, Business Administrative Technology, Computer Information Systems and Management and Supervision.

“Mrs. Russell is a true professional, and she’s shown deep commitment to this College,” said Pat Hannon, WGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Our Business faculty are outstanding, and under Mrs. Russell’s leadership, they’re going to be a powerhouse team of business education.”

Russell has been recognized for her commitment to education before. This year, she was selected by a committee of her peers to serve as West Georgia Technical College’s nominee for the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence, honoring technical education’s most outstanding instructors. The award, given by Technical College System of Georgia, recognizes and honors technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

Named in memory of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Georgia Technical College who received the TCSG’s Commissioner’s Award of Excellence prior to his untimely death, the award is the Technical College System of Georgia’s version of an “instructor of the year” award.

“West Georgia Technical College is fortunate among our peer colleges for having some of the most dedicated and credentialed faculty anywhere,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “The fact that the Rick Perkins Award is named for one of our instructors proves that we have a legacy of excellence in our faculty, and Dean Russell is no exception.”

Russell, a Villa Rica resident and 15-year veteran of West Georgia Technical College, has served as the Program Chair for the Business Administrative Technology program. She is an alumna of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Russell also holds a Masters in Business Education from University of West Georgia and serves on the Business Education Advisory Board for Villa Rica High School.

“I’ve long maintained that we’ve got the finest faculty anywhere, and Dean Russell is among the best of the best,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Our entire College community congratulates her on this well-deserved promotion.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

Technical Colleges Set Enrollment Record with Highest-Ever One-Year increase
Posted: August 5, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

ATLANTA - An unprecedented 22 percent jump in the number of students attending the state’s technical colleges has set a new annual enrollment record for the Technical College System of Georgia.

The system’s 26 colleges enrolled 190,842 students in fiscal year 2010, which ended on June 30. The total smashes the previous record high enrollment set in 2009 by more than 34,000 students.

West Georgia Technical College saw a significant jump in enrollment with 11,886 students, a 14.8 percent gain over FY2009. “This is the second year in a row we’ve seen remarkable gains,” said WGTC Vice President of Student Services Eddie Gore. “And we have the capacity, the faculty and the resources to welcome even more students. We’re the second largest technical college in the state and we’ve got room to grow.”

The surge in enrollment has been fueled in part by people who are either out of work or under-employed due to the stagnant economy. “West Georgians are turning to the technical education we provide for training and skills enhancement in programs where the job outlook is more promising,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Even in a struggling economy, workforce education means jobs, and that’s good for our entire community.”

“Even as the state grapples with its own budget issues, our technical colleges have accepted a record number of new students in search of the skill sets and knowledge that will better situate them for employment in today’s tough job market,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “This amazing ability of the TCSG to welcome tens of thousands of new students during an economic downturn is a reflection of the high quality and immense dedication of the faculty and staff at each college.

“I commend West Georgia Technical College’s commitment to deliver the very best in technical education programs and provide every West Georgia Technical College student with the ability to find success in the Georgia workforce even in these most difficult of times,” said Jackson.

The 26 technical colleges delivered 4.39 million credit hours of instruction in 2010, up from 3.49 million hours in 2009.

The effect of the economy is apparent among the student age groups, where the percent of enrollment increase rose as the ages got older:

Under 21: up 11% to 46,910 students

21-25: up 22% to 46,377 students

26-30: up 25% to 28,780 students

31-35: up 26% to 20,597 students

36-40: up 30% to 16,916 students

Over 40: up 32% to 31,262 students

Tuition at the TCSG colleges is among the lowest in the Southeast, averaging about $2700 a year. Almost 9 of every 10 TCSG students use federal and state grants to reduce a large portion of the out-of-pocket cost of their college education.

According to Jackson, two factors are at work that will determine the level of continued enrollment growth at the TCSG colleges. “What happens with the national and state economy is most certainly a wild card in our future enrollment. Also, more and more high school graduates and their parents are making the TCSG their first choice for a college education,” said Jackson. “Long gone are the days of our technical colleges being Georgia’s best-kept secret for quality higher education and a pathway to a better career.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

WGTC Announces Josh Turner Tickets Sold Out

Posted: August 3, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

If you haven’t already secured your ticket to see Josh Turner live in concert on August 14 in Waco, that long, black train has left without you. West Georgia Technical College Foundation announced today that its ninth annual Black Tie & Boots concert has sold out completely.

“This year the tickets went faster than ever,” Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said. “Our community continues to embrace Black Tie & Boots as one of the premiere events in West Georgia. We believe this year’s concert will be one of the best we’ve ever had.”

As in years past, Cook emphasized that Black Tie & Boots isn’t about arena-sized crowds with binoculars from the back row.

“We pride ourselves on putting our guests in a very special, intimate environment with the artist,” Cook said. “We could set up 1,000 chairs in the conference center and hold a concert, but part of the elegance of the evening is in the atmosphere, the beautiful meal, the decorations, the professional photography, the valet parking. We really, literally roll out the red carpet for our guests,” Cook said.

Turner, known for his hits “Long Black Train,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Your Man,” is one of Nashville’s hottest young performers. He’s currently joining Chris Young and Newnan native Alan Jackson for this year’s 15-city Freight Train Tour, before riding to Waco for WGTC’s Black Tie & Boots on August 14 at the Murphy Campus Conference Center.

Past country artists who have performed at the annual concerts are Mark Wills, Patti Loveless, Diamond Rio, Collin Raye, Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood, Jo Dee Messina, Sara Evans and Blake Shelton, who rocked the crowd at last year’s event.

Cook credits corporate sponsors for enabling the WGTC Foundation to land such big-name talent. “I can’t thank our sponsors enough. They have caught the vision of technical education and what it means to our communities,” Cook said. “Having their support gives the Foundation the resources needed to support the College as it offers students the education and skills needed for high-tech, 21st century jobs.”

WGTC President Skip Sullivan said the concert is certainly unique among the Technical College System of Georgia.

“Some of our sister colleges have big fundraising galas and events, but no one else does what we do with the level of celebrity we are bringing to the state, and the response is always positive” Sullivan said. “As soon as one concert is over, people want to know who will be there next year,” he said. “It has definitely become something the community and our sponsors look forward to each year. We’re very happy we can contribute to the fabric of our community.”

With the tickets sold out and another incredible performance to look forward to, Cook stressed that even though Black Tie & Boots is one of West Georgia’s premier entertainment events, it’s about more than a good time.

“This event is vital to our College,” she said. “The proceeds go toward student scholarships, program improvements, facility upgrades and faculty development. Our Foundation is giving $20,000 in student scholarships this year because of Black Tie & Boots and events like it.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Kia Donates 2011 Sorento to West Georgia Technical College
Posted: August 3, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Dr. Skip Sullivan gets Kia ‘key to the future’ in ceremony in West Point, Ga.


	(L-R) K.S. Kim, Senior Vice President, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc., Dr. Skip Sullivan, West Georgia Technical College President, Doug Hulsey, WGTC Automotive Technology Program Chair, and Ron Jackson, Commissioner, Technical College System of Georgia.

West Point, Ga. -- West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan received a Kia “key to the future” during a special event held July 28 at the Kia Georgia Training Center in West Point, Ga. Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc. (KMMG) donated 20 of the all-new Kia Sorentos to the Technical College System of Georgia. The colleges receiving the cars were chosen based on the size of enrollment in their automotive programs.

“KMMG deeply appreciates the support we continue to receive from the State of Georgia, Governor Sonny Perdue, Commissioner Ron Jackson and the entire Technical College System Board of Directors,” said KMMG President and CEO Byung Mo Ahn. “The donation of these vehicles is just one expression of our deep appreciation for all that Georgia’s technical college system has done to support our success.”

“The Technical College System of Georgia has been an important partner for Kia Motors Manufacturing from the very beginning,” said Mr. K.S. Kim, senior vice president of KMMG, during the presentation ceremony. “Many of the technical colleges have provided support for our endeavor, and most especially Georgia Quick Start has been critical to our success, as they have developed and delivered workforce training that is the new global benchmark in our industry of advanced automotive manufacturing.

“The donation of these vehicles is just one expression of our deep appreciation for all that Georgia’s technical college system has done to support our success,” Mr. Kim added. “We consider the keys to these Kia Sorentos to also be the keys to the future for technical college students across the great state of Georgia.”

“This new Sorento will be delivered to the WGTC Coweta Campus in Newnan,” said Doug Hulsey, Program Chair for WGTC’s Automotive Technology program. “Dual Enrollment students there are going to study electrical, air conditioning and engine repair on a brand new vehicle built right here. It’s an incredible learning opportunity for them.”

Kia first announced it was going to build an automotive manufacturing facility in Georgia in 2006. The Kia Georgia Training Center, operated jointly by Kia and Georgia Quick Start, opened its doors in 2008, and since then, KMMG has hired more than 1,700 team members who began producing the best-selling, award-winning Sorento last November.

“This donation represents a great partnership between Kia and the College,” said Jim McNair, WGTC Dean of Trade and Technology. “The Kia plant employs graduates from our Automotive Manufacturing, Machine Tool Technology and Industrial Maintenance programs. I’m glad we’re helping to educate the workforce they need to produce a quality product right here in West Georgia.”

Commissioner Ron Jackson received the donation on behalf of the TCSG. “Students across the state will have the opportunity to experience some of the most sophisticated automotive technology on the market today,” Jackson said. “KMMG’s generous donation will help prepare our graduates with the knowledge and experience to compete in the world of advanced automotive manufacturing.”

“Since the day they announced plans to build a facility in our service area, Kia has been a great partner and advocate of West Georgia Technical College,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “This recent donation proves the company’s generosity and commitment to technical education, and we’re so thankful.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Dental Hygiene Students Bring Smiles To Migrant Workers
Posted: July 21, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

For the migrant workers in Colquitt County, Ga., life is hard. Making a living means farming in the hot sun thousands of miles from home in harsh conditions with few comforts and no healthcare. Thanks to a group of West Georgia Technical College Dental Hygiene students, a group of migrant farm workers, and their families, received the care they needed.


	WGTC Dental Hygiene students Ashley Tinker, Brenda Shoemaker, Stacey Wells, Miranda Fennell, Felicia Green, Stacie Mayfield and Michelle Kneubuhler take a break with Instructors Lois Manning and Cherie Rainwater. The students spent two weeks in Moultrie, Ga. Providing dental screenings, fluoride treatments and education to a community of migrant laborers.

This June the team of eight students and two instructors traveled to Moultrie, Ga., in the southwestern part of the state as part of a two-week collaborative project to improve the health of migrant workers and their families. Health Sciences faculty and students from Georgia State University, Emory University, Clayton State University and Valdosta State University also participated, providing what is in many cases the only healthcare the workers will receive all year.

Family Farm Worker Health Program was developed as a student service program in 1994 by Georgia State University, and included a diverse group of allied health students and faculty. Through the program, now run by Emory University, students and faculty provide care to the migrant community while learning to face real world challenges, like working with interpreters and collaborating with practitioners of other disciplines.

“Dental Hygiene has been an important part of the program since 2001,” WGTC Dental Hygiene Program Chair Cherie Rainwater said. “The top five nursing diagnoses here are dental cavities, ear wax, ear infections, dental pain and lice. Good oral care will go a long way toward the workers’ overall health and comfort.”

The group of WGTC Dental Hygiene students provided dental screenings, education, fluoride treatments and sealants for both the workers and their children. The students and professors aided a population which is almost invisible compared to the entire community at large and for which there are very few resources.

“This kind of experiential learning is a great experience for our students,” Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC President said. “Treating a vulnerable and underserved population helps to give our students the skills they need to be compassionate, capable healthcare providers in the workforce.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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More Than Just Books: WGTC Bookstore Grows
Posted: July 15, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

When new and returning students arrive at the West Georgia Technical College Murphy Campus, one of the first places they stop is the Bookstore. This year, they’ve found more than just the required textbooks and basic supplies waiting for them. An ever-growing list of inventory has made the WGTC bookstore a full-service resource for students, staff and faculty.

“There’s a lot more here than just books,” said Rebekah Witcher, a recent high school grad and former WGTC Dual Enrollment student, now beginning her first term as a full-time college student. “There’s everything from jewelry to ice cream. It’s nice to have this on campus.”

After a comprehensive needs assessment survey, WGTC leadership made a conscious effort to make the bookstore a full-service resource for students, faculty and staff. Nearly doubling in size to 5,000 square feet, the WGTC Bookstore at the Murphy Campus has become a testing ground for new products and services. “We’ve installed a fountain beverage bar and hot food services,” said Ely Elefante, Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services, “and so far, the response has been very positive. We’re constantly looking for new ways to meet the needs of our students.”

The bookstores are more than just a resource for textbooks and WGTC shirts, though. The retail operations bring revenue back into the College. With state-wide budget cuts, it’s more important than ever that WGTC be as financially self-sufficient as possible, and the money that the bookstores generate is reinvested back into the College. The student center on the Murphy Campus was recently renovated and the outdoor patio was expanded. The biology lab was overhauled and so was the Nursing wing. All of that was funded by bookstore revenue.

“College-wide, our bookstores earned about $400,000 in 2008,” said Greg Nelson, WGTC Vice President of Administrative Services. “This year, it’ll be just over $1 million. That’s a 100 percent increase in two years, and it shows that we’re headed in the right direction.”

“A college bookstore has one main goal,” said Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC President. “It should provide the essentials for every course the college offers. The fact that we can do that, as well as provide additional conveniences and generate revenue to reinvest back into our students shows that our bookstore staff and leadership are working hard and getting it right.”

And so far, there have been no complaints. “Having a bookstore with this kind of selection is a great resource for us,” said LaTonia Williamson, WGTC Administrative Assistant on the Murphy Campus. “I was a student here, too, and I’m impressed with the way the bookstore has taken off. I’m excited to see what they’ve got planned next.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC SkillsUSA Team Takes National Title
Posted: July 14, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Students from West Georgia Technical College’s SkillsUSA team brought home a national bronze medal from the annual SkillsUSA National Championships, held in Kansas City, Mo. in June.

WGTC’s SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl team was composed of students James Sparkman, Tom Mullins, Ryan Daughtery, Cathy Miller and Raven Rice. The team competed against other statewide semifinalists from all over the country.


	WGTC’s SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl team shows off their national third place medal. L-R: Cathy Miller, Ryan Daughtery, Raven Rice, Tom Mullins, WGTC instructor Jan House, James Sparkman and WGTC Vice President of Student Affairs Eddie Gore.

State-wide championships were held at Augusta Tech in April. WGTC’s team demonstrated their knowledge and aptitude in a variety of technical events and brought home the state-wide gold medal in Quiz Bowl, an energetic event that requires fast thinking and teamwork. Quiz Bowl teams must answer questions in academic knowledge, professional development, technical skills and current events, and the WGTC team edged out the competition to take first place, an achievement that took them to the SkillsUSA National Championships.

More than 5,600 students from every state and three territories competed in 96 contests in technical, skilled and service occupations at the National Championships, including 195 postsecondary students and advisers from Georgia.

“I’m so proud of the effort our students put into this competition,” WGTC Science Instructor and SkillsUSA advisor Jan House said. “They studied hard and showed that they have what it takes to compete. West Georgia Tech has a long tradition of performing well at SkillsUSA, and this team kept it up, all the way to nationals.” In addition to mastering English, Math, History, Current Events and Skills USA rules and regulations, the Quiz Bowl competition is excellent training for quick thinking and developing correct responses in life situations such as job interviews.

The SkillsUSA Championships are considered the largest single day of corporate volunteerism in America and valued at $35 million in industry support of donated time, equipment, cash and materials. All contests are run and judged by industry, using industry standards for employment.

“The skills that we used in competition—teamwork, problem-solving, research, strategy—are the same skills we’ll take into the workforce when we leave West Georgia Tech,” said team member James Sparkman. Sparkman plans to begin the Clinical Lab Technician Program in the fall at WGTC. Tom Mullins began the Radiologic Technology program this summer quarter. Cathy Miller and Ryan Daugherty are in their second quarter as Registered Nursing Students. Raven Rice plans on completing her program in Marketing/Management at the end of this year.

“Our students are top competitors and they represented the College well,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “They brought home a national medal, proving once again the excellence that our students bring to the workforce. I’m proud of them all, and congratulate them on a job well done.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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West Georgia Technical College Will Convert from Quarters to Semesters Starting Fall 2011
Year-Long Student Advisement Period to Begin at West Georgia Technical College
New Website TCSGSemester411.com Helps with Info and Answers

Posted: July 12, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

ATLANTA -- Georgia’s 26 technical colleges, including West Georgia Technical College will convert from the quarter to semester system, beginning with the fall semester in August 2011, a change that furthers seamless education in Georgia and improves the state’s workforce development.

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has made a strong commitment to its 190,000 students to assist them through the conversion with minimal disruption to their studies. Beginning in the summer of 2010 and continuing through summer 2011, West Georgia Technical College and its 25 sister colleges will offer one-on-one advisement sessions and individualized academic plans to all affected students. Emphasis will be made on easing any student concerns about the conversion and their course credits, graduation dates and financial aid.

The start of the student advisement also signaled the launch of a comprehensive new website, TCSGSemester411.com which features a series of entertaining video messages about the quarters to semesters conversion, plus a Frequently Asked Questions page, the new academic calendar and host of other information for current and prospective TCSG students.

WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan confirmed the importance of the conversion. “This is a significant step and every technical college in the state is taking it because it’s in the best interest of our students. We’ve planned carefully and we’ll be implementing extra support to advise our students and make the transition smooth.”

Moving from quarters to semesters will align the technical college academic calendar with those of the state’s K-12 school systems, the University System of Georgia and most of the state’s private colleges and universities. Eighty (80) percent of public and private colleges and universities in the U.S. follow a semester calendar.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Athletics Announces New Director, Expands in Fourth Season
Posted: July 6, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College is kicking off a fourth season of intercollegiate athletics with new faces, new sports and bigger goals than ever before.

The Golden Knights Men’s Basketball team closed their third season on a high note, finishing fourth in the state with a 4-6 overall record and 2-5 TCSGAA league record. As tryouts for men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball get underway, new WGTC Athletic Director Walter Dunson has big plans for West Georgia Tech Athletics.

“We’re going to continue the tradition we started last year with Spirit Day, and we’re expanding it to a complete Homecoming event,” Dunson said. “Spirit Day is a great way for us to introduce the teams and coaches to our students and the community, and to show off the growing Athletics program we offer here at WGTC.”

Longtime Carroll County residents will recognize the name of Walter Dunson, who served as the Golden Knights Men’s Basketball head coach last year.

Dunson is a native of Carrollton and graduate of Central High School where he began a sports career that saw him drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of high school. Instead of baseball, though, Dunson chose to play college football on a full scholarship to the Middle Tennessee State University. He was drafted in the National Football League by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round in 1993 and later signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Cardinals for legendary coach Buddy Ryan.

After leaving the field, Dunson worked as Director of NFL Youth Programs for the Atlanta Falcons, leading the youth football program from a few hundred participants in metro Atlanta to over 40,000 participants statewide.

The Boston Herald has called Dunson one of the nation’s most outstanding young motivational speakers, and he joins the Golden Knights after 34 years as a player, coach, director or official from youth sports to the professional level.

President Dr. Skip Sullivan said he believes Dunson can take the Golden Knights to a new level.

“One of the College’s core values is professionalism,” Sullivan said. “We wanted someone who had a wide spectrum of experiences and who could teach the players not only about basketball, but about what it means to be a professional and represent our College.”

Dunson feels that Athletics are a vital part of the collegiate experience, and a great way to show West Georgia Technical College off to the community. “We’re coming into our fourth year, so we’re working hard to build a fan base and let everyone know that the Golden Knights are out there,” Dunson said. “We’re gearing up for intramural softball, flag football and volleyball this year, and we’re even looking at baseball, tennis and golf.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

TRYOUT DATES:
Men’s Basketball:
Wednesday, July 7, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m.-Noon
Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Women’s Basketball:
Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday, July 24, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday, August 7, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball:
Monday, July 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 28, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, July 30, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

All Tryouts held at East Carrollton Recreation Center
located at 410 Northlake Drive in Carrollton, GA

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WGTC Foundation Accepts Greenville Location
Posted: June 29, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The Meriwether County Commission last week voted to donate the instructional site on Roosevelt Highway to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation.

The facility, currently owned by the County, currently serves as an instructional site for West Georgia Technical College, which operates the location as an instructional site and Workforce Development Center. After a contract is drafted, the West Georgia Technical College Foundation will take ownership of the building.

With the Meriwether County Commission’s recent vote to turn the facility over to West Georgia Tech, the College will expand program offerings at the location. “We offer dual enrollment classes here, as well as GED, Patient Care Assisting and math and English classes,” said Susan Cross, WGTC Greenville Site Manager. “The Greenville site is a great learning environment with excellent instructors, and I’m excited to see the College expand to serve this community.”

“The County Commission’s vote shows that education is an important priority in this community,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “The West Georgia Technical College Foundation is tremendously grateful for their support of technical education and our students.”

“When all aspects of government are working together then we are really serving the people,” said Rita Rainwater, Meriwether County Administrator. “This is a giant step in helping a lot of people to find employment and to be trained for jobs that will support their families.”

Freddie Hines, Chairman of the Meriwether County Commission felt that the choice was an easy one to make. “West Georgia Technical College provides a valuable service to our citizens and the entire community.”

WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan agreed. “We’re happy to be the premier education partner in Meriwether County, and we’re just getting started. This generous donation will help the College to invest in that community for many more years to come.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Hit The Road For A Hot New Career
Posted: June 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

National news outlets like CNN reported recently that a trucker shortage was on the horizon as the economy bounces back, and West Georgia Technical College is prepared to help meet the need.

The U.S. trucking industry will need to hire about 200,000 drivers by the end of this year, and will need to add another 200,000 by the end of 2011, according to the state of logistics report from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. As the economy is expected to improve, more goods and materials will need to be moved over land, and that requires qualified drivers. West Georgia Technical College is rapidly helping to meet the coming need.

WGTC offers classes in Commercial Truck Driving and Commercial Straight Truck and Passenger Driving. Classes are taught at the Carroll and Lagrange Campuses, as well as the CEC in Newnan and instructional sites in Greenville and Columbus, and vary by location. Students must be 18 years old to driving within the state, and 21 for interstate driving.


	WGTC Commercial Truck Driving graduates (L-R) Jonathan Byrd, Zach Teal, Levi McConnell, Josh Patterson, Rusty Perren, Jeffrey Bray and Mike Courson are ready to take the wheel and drive into a career that’s in demand.

“Commercial Truck Driving is an important part of West Georgia Tech’s academic offerings,” said Program Chair Ray Benefield. “We’ve got 28 tractors and 30 trailers, which makes ours the largest instructional fleet in the state, and in a region like West Georgia that depends on manufacturing, truck drivers are essential to economic success.”

“Our program is 10 to 15 weeks long,” said Terry Turner, CDL Instructor at WGTC Carroll Campus. “When students graduate, they’ll have all their hours and will have finished the state tests. They’re ready to hit the road and make a good living.” In 2008, the trucking industry in Georgia provided 243,477 jobs, or one out of 14 in the state, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. Total trucking industry wages paid in Georgia in 2008 exceeded $11.9 billion, with an average annual trucking industry salary of $49,006.

“We’ve been teaching Commercial Truck Driving here for nearly 20 years,” said Jim McNair, WGTC Dean of Trade and Technology, ”and we’ve got a tradition of excellence here. Our standards are high, we make safety our first priority and our faculty are the best in the business.”

On Thursday, West Georgia Technical College graduated seven more new truckers ready to join the transportation workforce. Among the graduates was trucker Mike Courson, a 13-year veteran of the road. After losing a leg to complications from diabetes, Courson returned to WGTC to earn his recertification and get back behind the wheel doing what he loves.

“Trucking is a great career and I wouldn’t do anything else,” Courson said, smiling. “Like I told my wife, climbing back up into the cab of a truck was like coming home. I’m strong, healthy, and ready to get back to work doing what I love.”

“The transportation workforce is important to me because I’ve been a truck driver myself,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “There are over 34,000 trucking companies in Georgia, and most of them are small, locally-owned businesses. Trucking is absolutely vital to our economy, and I’m personally proud that we’re helping to fuel West Georgia’s economic engine.”

To find out more about West Georgia Tech’s Commercial Truck Driving Program, contact WGTC Admissions at 770-537-6000.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

IN THE NEWS: http://money.cnn.com/2010/06/09/news/economy/truck_driver_shortage/

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WGTC Students Reopen Kennedy Assassination For Clues and Answers
Posted: June 17, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

A presidential motorcade rolled slowly through a green park. The admiring public cheers as the President and First Lady wave to the crowds from the long black convertible. A 1958 Cadillac follows the Presidential car, led by a chrome cavalry of rumbling motorcycles. Secret Service agents watch from behind mirrored sunglasses, past a grassy knoll. Suddenly, shots ring out from a book depository window, and the course of American history is changed forever.

This time, however, the event didn’t take place in Dealey Plaza in Dallas and nobody was hurt. Last Tuesday, students from West Georgia Technical College meticulously recreated the events of November 22, 1963, staging a reenactment of the Kennedy Assassination on the WGTC LaGrange Campus as part of the College Composition and Rhetoric class.


	WGTC student Terra Taylor reacts as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in a reenactment of the Kennedy Assassination. Peter Pardue plays President Kennedy while Rebaz Dezayee and Derek McDowell play Secret Service agents. CPR dummies take the roles of Governor and Mrs. Connally.

With teamwork and collaboration, the students put on a realistic recreation of the assassination scene in the circular drive at the WGTC LaGrange Campus. Each student was assigned a role to play and understood how their character influenced the events that unfolded in Dallas that day. “It was great to see the students really put themselves into it,” said WGTC Automotive Technology Instructor Russ Cook, who drove fellow instructor Jim Biagi’s 1958 pink Cadillac in the student motorcade. “They really went to every possible length for accuracy and worked out the challenges among themselves. It was great to watch their process.”

College Composition and Rhetoric is a required class for all WGTC degree-seeking students, and explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. “My students learn with unique assignments like this one,” said English Instructor Trish Ivey, who uses these historical events as a teaching tool. “The Kennedy Assassination gives the students plenty of material to research and investigate. Now they’ll write a nine paragraph in-class essay – giving their hypotheses about the people or entities that they believe assassinated President Kennedy.”

WGTC student Peter Pardue played the role of President Kennedy and found new insight into the assassination. “I was twelve years old when President Kennedy was killed,” Pardue said. “It’s one thing to view the film and read the reports, but actually sitting there in the car, thinking about what the shots sounded like, really humanized the whole thing for me. I won’t ever forget this.”

Students in College Composition and Rhetoric spent the entire term investigating the assassination. From the Warren Commission Report to the most far-fetched conspiracy theories, students pursued every lead to determine who had the resources, opportunity and motivation to kill an American president. “It’s a writing class,” Ivey said. “They’re learning how to organize ideas and communicate them clearly on paper. The JFK assassination is just the topic; the purpose is to make them good communicators.”

“I’ve never done anything like this in school,” said student Terra Taylor, who played the role of Jacqueline Kennedy. “Learning this way really grabbed me! Ms. Ivey encouraged us to dig into the research and find our own answers, and the whole process was so fun and insightful for everyone. You can tell she cares about her students and pushed us to work hard for the grades. She really brought out the excitement in everyone.”

“Experiential learning is one of the best ways we can reach a student,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “In technical education, students learn by doing, and at WGTC, we’re proud of taking that to the next level. Our faculty are always coming up with new and creative ways to engage the students, and I’m proud of their innovation.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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GED Graduate Gives Back In A Big Way
Posted: June 10, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

In 2009, Jamel McLeod found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Expelled from Alexander High School in Douglasville and facing criminal charges, Jamel, just 17 years old, was forced to make the sort of decisions that can change the course of a life.


	WGTC GED instructors Betty Storer (left) and Laurie Blackwood (right) are thrilled to have recent GED grad Jamel McLeod as a volunteer tutor.

“I told him that he was caught in a bad situation,” said Jamel’s mother Dionne McLeod, “but there was no reason to believe that his life had to be over. He just needed to make some big changes.”

That change began when Jamel enrolled in the Adult Education GED program at West Georgia Technical College’s Douglas Campus. For five months, Jamel studied writing skills, social studies, literature and mathematics, preparing to pass the series of five tests that stood between him and a GED diploma. Successfully passing these tests demonstrates that a student has acquired a level of learning comparable to that of a high school graduate.

“He was such a driven student,” GED examiner Laurie Blackwood said. “Jamel studied hard and applied himself, and passed the GED test in April.” Then Jamel did something that surprised everyone, including his parents and instructors – he asked to come back as a volunteer tutor.

“I saw so many kids my age not trying as hard as they should,” he said. “This is important, and I felt like they should work hard, and maybe just needed some encouragement. I thought that if I could do it, anyone could. So I volunteered.”

WGTC’s Adult Education program uses volunteers to help students with reading comprehension, writing skills, math and other basic skills they need to pass the GED test. Typical volunteers are retirees, former teachers and WGTC staff. “He’s the youngest volunteer tutor we’ve ever had,” Director of Adult Education Karen Kirchler said. “It speaks highly of his character that he felt compelled to serve other students like he did.”

The need for GED education is overwhelming: Well over 80,000 adults in West Georgia Technical College’s seven-county service area lack a high school diploma, with thousands of those unable to read at even the most basic level. In Georgia, 25,000 16- and 17-year-olds drop out of high school every year. Without basic language skills and a GED diploma, many of these people live with few job prospects and little hope for the future.

In 2009, over 4,000 adults enrolled in classes through WGTC’s Adult Education program. GED tests were administered to about 1,400 people and 1,007 received their GED diplomas. For Jamel and many others, this achievement has defined their lives, changed their outlook and opened the door to a world of possibilities.

With his inherent ambition, new-found focus and the GED that he earned, Jamel sees a bright future for himself. “I want to sing professionally,” he says, “but I know that’s not guaranteed, so I’m thinking about a technical education for my next step. Maybe heating and air conditioning. That’s a good career, and I like to work with my hands.”

Though Jamel’s story is inspirational, it’s not uncommon. “Our instructors like to say that a GED isn’t a diploma, it’s a passport,” WGTC Vice President of Adult Education Dr. Richard Robinson said. “Graduates have – at long last – that most basic of education credentials that can lead to a sense of self-worth, a better job and other educational opportunities. Every instructor in our Adult Ed program can tell you stories of extraordinary students who overcome huge personal challenges to succeed. They’re all an inspiration to us and keep us dedicated to what we do.”

Even returning as a volunteer tutor to other students, Jamel thinks he’s taken more out of the GED program than he’s put into it. “It changed my life, really. If all of this hadn’t happened, I’d still be in high school, barely passing. I had the support of my mom, my stepdad and my grandmother, though, and I couldn’t have done it without them, and the instructors at WGTC, too. Laurie Blackwood and Betty Storer gave me the help and direction I needed to turn a bad situation into a good one.”

“I’m so proud of him,” Jamel’s mother Dionne said. “He was always a reserved and quiet kid, but now he’s outgoing and excited about his future. He’s really done well for himself.” His mother isn’t the only one impressed with Jamel’s startling change – when his criminal case went to court, the judge expressed her surprise and delight at his progress.

“Adult Education is one of the most important programs we offer at West Georgia Tech,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We all feel fortunate to meet so many brave and ambitious students like Jamel, and I know with the skills and knowledge he’s earned here, he’ll succeed at whatever he does. I wish him the best for his bright future.”

In addition to GED testing, West Georgia Tech also offers English As A Second Language, Workplace Education classes and GAP training for Georgia WorkReady Certification. For more information about West Georgia Technical College’s Adult Education Program, please call 770-838-3192.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Dental Hygiene Department holds annual White Coat Recognition Ceremony
Posted: June 8, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The WGTC Dental Hygiene Department held the annual White Coat Recognition Ceremony Thursday May 27 at the Douglasville First Baptist Church. The ceremony was attended by family and friends of the graduates as well as members of the Advisory Committee, WGTC Administration, faculty, local hygienists and dentists. The community honored the 15 WGTC students who have earned an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Dental Hygiene.


	Graduating Dental Hygiene students (L-R) front row: Lisa Melvin, Michelle Kneubuhler, Heather Boyles, Meg Mowery, Stephanie Childs, Erika Raye Back row: Kendall Freeman, Nicole Winske, Sherita Scott, Khuong Tran, Vanessa Childress, Amanda Raines, Martha Dignan, Tiffany Kessler, Erica Tessereau

“As Clinic Coordinator of this program I want to acknowledge every one of these students for their commitment to quality care, for their hard work getting to this day, for the teamwork, and for excelling on so many levels," said Cherie Rainwater, Program Director and Clinical Coordinator.

The ceremony is one of long tradition in the hygiene profession. In the beginning graduates received white caps as a symbol of entry in the profession and their completion of this phase of their education. The school program pin has been that symbol for many years. Now the white lab coat with the pin is the standard of recognition. It was a momentous ceremony with not only accomplishments of students being recognized with awards but the “passing of the light” and all graduates and hygienists repeating the hygiene oath.

“Many of the Health Sciences programs have ceremonies like this,” said Cecilia Owens, WGTC Dean of Health Sciences. “It’s a way of marking the achievement and reminding the students that being a healthcare provider is an important responsibility. I congratulate all of these students on their determination.”

“I’m proud of these graduates for making a great career choice in their education, and I commend the hard work they invested to achieve their goal,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “They have bright careers ahead of them, and I know they’ll represent West Georgia Technical College well.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Awards and Honors Abound at WGTC Radiologic Tech Pinning Ceremony
Posted: May 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Radiographers, alumni and friends gathered as graduates of West Georgia Technical College’s Radiologic Technology program received the pins that signify their successful completion of the program on May 13. The ceremony, held at the Callaway Conference Center on WGTC’s East Campus in LaGrange, honored the 14 WGTC students who have earned an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Radiologic Technology.

2010 WGTC Radiologic Technology Graduates

Several local radiographers, many of whom are WGTC alumni, were on hand to welcome their new colleagues to the growing field. Jamie Roberson, President of the Radiological Association for the Development of Students (RADS), thanked the radiographers attending from the affiliated clinical sites that have served as mentors and clinical instructors as the students completed clinical rotations in their facilities during the past two years.

Special guest speakers Peggy Chapman, instructor at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, Georgia, and her daughter, radiographer Jessica Brooks, shared the unique story of how technical education affected their lives and family. Brooks works as a weekend radiographer, which allows her the freedom to stay home and care for her children, while her brother Jason Chapman, also a WGTC Radiologic Tech graduate, pursued a medical degree and is now a physician, completing his surgical residency.

“While Jason’s career allowed him to complete his ambitious goal of becoming a doctor, I’ve been able to achieve my goal of spending time with my children while pursuing a career that I feel is challenging and rewarding,” said Brooks. “Technical education allows you the freedom to achieve any goal, and you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams.”

Wanda Barbee, Program Director of the LaGrange Radiography Program, recognized the students that were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society this year at West Georgia Technical College. Students must have a 3.5 overall GPA, an acceptable work ethics grade, and be nominated by one of their instructors to be inducted into the honor society. Radiography students inducted this year were Amanda Bowie, Chasity Garrett, Jonathan Gianangeli, Erica Plotner, Meagan Vann, and Patricia Wyble.

Rebecca Levens, Radiology Manager at West Georgia Health, congratulated the graduating class on their accomplishments and the level of educational excellence they received. “Of the 33 radiographers presently on staff at West Georgia Health, 28 are graduates of West Georgia Tech,” she said. “The skills you’ve earned here make you a vital part of the healthcare industry.”

Several students were recognized with awards for achievement and excellence. Levens presented Amanda Bowie the Edward Mallinckrodt Award of Excellence for having the highest scholastic average in the class. The award had been presented nationally for many years by the Covidien Pharmaceutical Company in recognition of outstanding students in radiography. The J. T. Mitchell Award for High Clinical Achievement, named in memory of the first medical director of the radiography program, was given to Patricia Wyble. Kimberly Whitaker, Clinical Coordinator of the LaGrange Radiography Program, presented the C. T. Cowart Best All Around Award to Jonathan Gianangeli. This award is named in memory of Dr. C. T. Cowart a dedicated physician who taught in the early program.

The WGTC Radiologic Technology program boasts a 100 percent pass rate for graduates on the American Registry of Radiologic Technology certification examination. WGTC grads are currently employed in radiology departments in the LaGrange, Atlanta, Newnan, Columbus, and Carrollton areas, as well as Alabama. Some choose to continue their education in post-certification areas such as radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, sonography, and mammography.

“These graduates made a great career choice in their education, and they worked hard to achieve their goals,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “I congratulate every one of them.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, WGTC is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Welcomes Visitors
Posted: May 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing held its first-ever open house this week. Recent high school grads as well as adult learners toured the 25,000-square-foot facility at WGTC’s East Campus in LaGrange.

The CIM provides a unique educational experience to students studying one of nine trade programs. In a bright open laboratory, potential visitors saw technical education in action and had the chance to speak with instructors and learn more about programs like Applied Manufacturing, Drafting, Electronics, Electrical Control Systems, Industrial Mechanical Systems and Machine Tool Technology. Taught in one integrated facility, these and other technical education programs teach students the practical skills they’ll need to join Troup County’s growing workforce.

“By exposing students to the entire manufacturing process, they get a more complete education,” Jim McNair, WGTC Dean of Trade and Technology said. “They see the production flow, the exchange of ideas. It’s a far more comprehensive approach to teaching the subject than we were doing before.” Since opening in 2006, the CIM has boasted a 100 percent graduate job placement rate for all of the trade and technical programs offered at the center.


	WGTC Instructor Billy Garrett (left) speaks with George Williams about the programs offered at the CIM.

“I’m just looking for something for the future,” said George Williams, who found out about the CIM through the Department of Labor. “I like everything I see here.”

“The CIM’s integrated approach to technical education doesn’t just benefit the students,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “It also benefits the manufacturers. We’re proud to a partner to Troup County industry, and we’ll keep training a skilled workforce to fuel West Georgia’s economic engine.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, WGTC is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Foundation Accepts $1.55 Million Downtown Building
Posted: May 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the Peoples Bank building on Adamson Square. The Carrollton City Council voted last month to purchase the building and transfer it to the Carrollton Payroll Development Authority, which will then lease the property to the WGTC Foundation. Details of the lease are being finalized at this time.

Renovations on the historic property will begin when the lease agreement is signed. West Georgia Technical College will use the facility as executive, administrative office and classroom space, with an economic development presence. A recent appraisal valued the property at $1.55 million, making this the largest building donation in West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s history.

“The City of Carrollton and the partners involved recognized a great opportunity, and they worked very hard to make this happen,” said Dawn Cook, WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “On behalf of the students we serve, I want to thank them for their generosity.”

Carrollton Mayor Wayne Garner said bringing WGTC into the downtown area will be an economic boost for local businesses and bring the heart of the WGTC organization back into Carrollton where it originally had its roots. The College’s administration moved to Waco about 10 years ago, and in 2009 it merged with West Georgia Technical College in LaGrange. “We’re excited about bringing West Georgia Tech back into Carrollton where they should have been all along.”

WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan agreed. “The City of Carrollton has been proactive about investing in the economic vitality of downtown Carrollton,” he said, “and the College is going to be strategically positioned at the heart of our growing seven-county service area for many years to come. This is good for Carrollton and it’s good for our students. Everyone benefits.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, WGTC is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Unveils 2010 VOICES Creative Arts Magazine
Posted: May 19, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College unveiled the seventh annual issue of VOICES, the College’s creative arts magazine. VOICES showcases the original poetry, prose, nonfiction, sculpture, photography and art by 41 WGTC students and five staff members. VOICES has been published every year since 2004 and is the only creative arts magazine produced by a Georgia technical college.


	WGTC English instructor Kyle Taylor (left) congratulates Digital media student Lisa Lynn Ramos on winning first prize in the art category.

The reception took place at the WGTC Douglas Campus. Faculty, staff and students all gathered to see the 2010 cover unveiled, congratulate this year’s winning contributors, hear recitations of some of the published work and enjoy refreshments. The readings showed the literary spectrum of the work published in the 2010 VOICES and ranged from Linda Geiger’s emotional poem “A Measure of Wealth” to Lisa Lynn Ramos’ humorous “Jamona (Old Maid).”

“West Georgia Tech is the only technical college in Georgia that publishes an annual creative arts magazine,” said WGTC Vice President of Student Affairs Eddie Gore. “It shows that we have some of the brightest and most talented students in the state and I’m personally very proud of this year’s edition of VOICES.” The 2010 issue of VOICES will compete in the Community College Humanities Association annual literary magazine competition, which recognizes the best creative arts publications from community and technical colleges around the country.

April Jennings of Franklin found her original photography published for the first time. “I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures,” said Jennings, who will start WGTC’s Dental Hygiene program in the fall, “but I’d never thought of it as more than a hobby. When I saw the call for submissions, I entered some of my photographs. It feels good to be published.”

Choosing the winning entries was a difficult task, said Carol Pearson, WGTC English Department Chair. “Every entry we got was original and interesting. Some were funny and some were heartbreaking, but they were all expressive.” First, second and third place prizes were awarded in the categories of Art, Poetry and Prose.

“The magazine continues to showcase the creative spirit that is alive and well at our College,” said Kyle Taylor, WGTC English Instructor and VOICES Editor-in-Chief. “The entire editorial staff is very proud of this year’s issue of VOICES.”

WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan agreed. “We have some of the brightest and most creative students in the state, and we encourage their expression,” he said. “The life experiences and creativity that our students bring is part of what makes this such a dynamic and successful college, and I congratulate all of them.”

Copies of the 2010 VOICES are available at all five WGTC campuses.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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For Medical Assisting Students, Mock Doctor’s Office Is Very Real
Posted: May 17, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College’s 14 Medical Assisting students participated in a simulated doctor’s office training exercise last week, in preparation for their upcoming clinical education, where they will see real patients in the offices of local physicians.

The event was designed to bring the students’ classroom education into a practical setting and help them feel confident for their first day of training at a clinical site.

Students took turns playing the role of patients, each with a unique collection of symptoms. WGTC Health Sciences faculty and staff filled in other roles, playing doctors, nurses and other support personnel.

Medical Assisting students practice skills.

WGTC Medical Assisting student Tanya Richards (left) checks the temperature of fellow student Sherie Ray during a doctor’s office simulation exercise on the WGTC Murphy Campus.

“Everything they’ll have to do in a doctor’s office, they did it here today,” said WGTC Medical Assisting Program Chair Jamie Shell, who organized the event on WGTC’s Murphy Campus. “They took vital signs, collected blood and urine specimens, gave injections, took accurate notes, made critical decisions and even coped with a simulated emergency. We want them to be ready.”

“We want to see these students treat their patients with courtesy, respect their privacy and make important decisions quickly and accurately,” said Cecilia Owens, WGTC Dean of Health Sciences. “These exercises help them to perform the tasks assigned to them by their supervising physician and to be a benefit to the healthcare profession on the whole.”

Ken Smith, Director of Instruction for the WGTC Murphy Campus, played the role of the doctor and enjoyed the acting challenge. “These students did great,” he said, “Even under the stress of the simulation, they all kept their cool and performed the tasks at hand. I was barking orders like a real doctor might, and I couldn’t fluster them.”

“This hands-on experiential education is critical to technical education,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “Exercises like this one are just another way we make sure that our graduates are workforce-ready.
I know that when these students leave West Georgia Tech, they’ll have the skills they need to provide great healthcare in our community.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Graduates 26 Dual Enrollment Students
Posted: May 13, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Dual enrollment students from area high schools were awarded certificates from West Georgia Technical College on May 5, 2010. Twenty-six students earned technical certificates of credit in Criminal Justice or Patient Care Assisting.

“Dual enrollment is designed for high school students who want to pursue a career that requires technical training, allowing students to jump-start their college education while still in high school,” said Eddie Gore, WGTC Vice President of Student Affairs. Students acquire valuable experience while preparing for gainful employment in business and industry, and earn credit at both the high school and college levels. Classes are taught by college-level instructors from WGTC.

Rebekah Witcher, a senior at Haralson County High who just earned a technical certificate in Patient Care Assisting, said deciding to enroll was an easy decision. “I wanted to work with patients and see if a career in nursing is right for me, and I’m glad I did it. I feel like I accomplished something important.”

“All of the dual enrollment students work very hard,” Pat Sailors, WGTC Patient Care Assisting instructor said. “For nine months, they do what most people consider the most menial jobs in nursing homes, but these are important jobs. The work these students do brings a quality of life and comfort to the patients, and they should be proud of the work they did.”

Though dual enrollment technical certificates are designed to give students the job skills and training they need to be workforce-ready, many will pursue further education in their field. Joshua Wilburn, a 2006 WGTC Dual Enrollment alumnus told the graduates that they’ve taken the first important step toward a rewarding career. “You can go as far as you want to in the medical field,” said Wilburn, who will enter Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon this fall, pursuing a career as a pediatric surgeon. “This experience you’ve earned in high school gives you a distinct advantage when you apply for a university or technical college.”

West Georgia Technical College offers dual enrollment options for high school students at all five WGTC campus locations, as well as instructional sites in Greenville and Franklin. High school students can pursue certificates in more than 20 programs, including welding, automotive technology, video game design, computer repair and dental assisting.

“Dual enrollment takes dedication,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “These students have pushed themselves and accomplished something truly remarkable. They have leveraged their time in high school to get a College certificate they can continue to build on at West Georgia Tech or use to get a job right now. Each one of these 26 graduates deserves to be commended for the hard work they put into their education.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Health Sciences Students Win Bowdon Hospital Authority Scholarship
Posted: May 7, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

WGTC students Beverly Thompson and Lauren Brock have won the Bowdon Hospital Authority Scholarship, which awards $500 to two students each quarter in West Georgia Technical College’s Health Sciences programs.

Brock, a 2008 graduate of Bowdon High, plans to enroll in WGTC’s Dental Hygiene Program. Thompson, a former science and mathematics teacher at Carrollton Junior High, is earning her Associate Degree in Nursing. Both Thompson and Brock live in Bowdon.

“We have exceptional students here,” WGTC Health Sciences Dean Cecilia Owens said. “Lauren and Beverly are great examples of the determination, commitment and excellence we see in all of our students, and I congratulate them both.”

Beverly Thompson, 2010 BHA Scholarship winner

In a weakened economy, more people turn to technical education for job training that prepares them for the workforce, but paying for an education remains a challenge. Even with federal financial aid and Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship, ancillary costs can prevent a student from pursuing the training they need for a good career. For programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene and Automotive Technology, the cost of specialized tools, uniforms and supplies can add up and scholarships can help bridge the gap.

The scholarship was established by a 2009 endowment of $100,000 by the Bowdon Hospital Authority to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation to fund scholarships for students in Health Sciences programs. Scholarship applicants must be a resident of Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, or Haralson County in Georgia or Cleburne or Randolph County in Alabama. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and meet the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. All other factors being equal, preference may be given to a resident of the 30108 ZIP code.

“Bowdon Hospital Authority is committed to doing all it can to help our citizens and the citizens of this area receive quality healthcare,” said Michael Steed, Chairman of the Bowdon Hospital Authority. “Our members are honored to support the students of the Allied Health curriculum provided by West Georgia Technical College. We face shortages in nurses, technicians and basically every healthcare job,” he said. “West Georgia Tech’s graduates excel and they stay in this area for their careers.”

Lauren Brock, 2010 BHA Scholarship winner

Brock confirmed Steed’s statement. “I love WGTC,” she said. “I’m going to finish my education here, work in a dental practice and stay right here in my hometown of Bowdon, Georgia.”

“We are so thankful for the support of the Bowdon Hospital Authority,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “They understand that in order to have adequate healthcare, our community has to have people trained to provide it. WGTC has 13 great healthcare programs filled with bright, motivated students who will provide their community with quality care someday. The Bowdon Hospital Authority’s investment in healthcare education means we all benefit.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Enrollment Up 15 Percent
Posted: May 4, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Spring Quarter classes are underway at West Georgia Technical College, marking 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth for West Georgia Technical College.

Preliminary figures show a 15.6 percent increase over the combined spring 2009 enrollment of West Central Technical College and West Georgia Technical College. The two colleges merged July 1. Prior to last year’s merge, West Central saw eight consecutive quarters of double digit enrollment increases, and the upswing has continued for the four quarters since the merger.

Raw numbers show a total of 6,945 students enrolled at Georgia’s second largest technical college, a 951 student increase over spring 2009. “We continue to see remarkable growth, notably at our Douglas and Coweta Campuses this quarter,” Vice President of Student Affairs Eddie Gore said. WGTC’s Douglas and Coweta Campuses both saw enrollment increases of about 40 percent over spring 2009, a significant jump that proves a growing need for technical education.

“The enrollment increases we’re seeing are significant and we only expect them to increase,” said Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC President. “We’re doing everything we can to meet those needs, including building a new campus in Coweta County.”

The current West Georgia Technical College facility in Coweta County is home to the CEC, a unique partnership between WGTC, the Coweta County School System and local Coweta businesses. Through dual-enrollment, Coweta County high school students are earning technical college certificates of credit that propel them into living wage occupations. Fueled by the West Georgia Technical College Foundation, WGTC will expand its presence in Coweta County and build a new full-service, state-of-the-art campus. Groundbreaking on the new facility is expected this summer.

With unemployment still high, more people are seeking the kind of workforce education that a technical college provides, and technical colleges are experiencing unprecedented growth. The Technical College System of Georgia reports a 19.3 percent increase in enrollment statewide over spring 2009. “We are offering the type of fast-paced, hands-on, real world education that people need to be competitive in today’s job market,” said Sullivan. “Our economy demands a skilled workforce and our students come here for those skills. Many of our programs have a 100 percent job placement rate, and I think that proves that technical education is a smart choice in this economy.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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New Agreement Eases Transfer of WGTC Students to Columbus State
Posted: May 4, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Technical college students will be able to more easily further their education, thanks to an agreement signed Monday between presidents of Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College and West Georgia Technical College.

Articulation agreement signing by Presidents of Columbus State University, Columbust Technical College, and West Georgia Technical College.

L-R: Presidents Skip Sullivan of West Georgia Technical College, Timothy Mescon of Columbus State University and Bob Jones of Columbus Technical College sign articulation agreements Monday, April 26 at Columbus State. (Columbus Technical College Photo by Scott Gossard)

“As a taxpayer in Georgia, I believe we sit in the same boat,” Columbus State President Tim Mescon said. “We’re providing seamless education for our students. It’s incumbent for us to provide as many options to students as we can.”

The articulation agreement signed by Columbus Technical College President Bob Jones, West Georgia Technical College President Skip Sullivan and Mescon ensures that students can transfer academic credit from the two-year colleges to Columbus State. The agreement expands articulation agreements that had been in place between various departments at the schools. Under the new agreement, technical college students approved for admission to Columbus State will be able to select a degree plan before transferring and ensure their academic credits go with them.

“Students who go to Columbus Tech and West Georgia are, by and large, local and, by and large, stay local,” Jones said. “We want to make it possible for them to get higher education credit.”

Sullivan called it a “red letter day for our students. It’s an excellent example of putting our students first.”

Academic affairs leaders from the three schools had been working on the concept of the articulation agreement for nearly two years. Work intensified this year with deans, department chairs and faculty helping finalize specifics.

Inessa Levi, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State, said she wanted to thank the following CSU faculty for their work on details of the agreement related to their academic areas: Tina Butcher, associate provost for undergraduate education; Dorinda Dowis, chair, Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology; June Goyne, director, School of Nursing; Linda Hadley, dean, D. Abbott Turner College of Business and Computer Science; Vicky Langston, chair, Department of Accounting and Finance; David Rock, dean, College of Education and Health Professions; and Glenn Stokes, interim dean, College of Letters and Sciences.

The agreement covers about 40 technical college courses where credit can be transferred more easily to Columbus State, with an emphasis on core courses.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Honors Administrative Professionals
Posted: April 26, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College recognized its 67 administrative and support staff with a luncheon on Wednesday, April 21 as part of the national commemoration of Administrative Professionals Day.

“Administrative and support staff are critical to the continued success of the College,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “Without these talented and dedicated employees, we wouldn’t have students to teach. This event is just one way we’re making a College-wide effort to show appreciation for the extraordinary work they do.”

The luncheon, held on the Murphy Campus in Waco, included a reading by keynote speaker Lauretta Hannon, award-winning Georgia humorist, writer and public radio commentator. Hannon, author of The Cracker Queen—A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life, spoke about the commitment that technical education demands from support staff. “Technical education serves everyone, and you’re the first line of contact for so many people,” Hannon told the crowd. “What our students see in you will set the tone for their experience with the College, and I know it’s not an easy job.”

Hannon, who served as Director of Communications and Marketing for Atlanta Technical College before her critically-acclaimed memoir was published in 2009, commended the WGTC administrative and support staff for the work that they do. “Even a bad day at work here is a good day,” Hannon said. “On a bad day, we understand the urgency of our mission, we remember the students we serve and we hold each other up.”

Susan Belcher receives Admin Professional of the Year Award from Dr. Skip Sullivan

Susan Belcher of the WGTC LaGrange Campus accepts Administrative Professional of the Year Award from WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan.

West Georgia Technical College’s Administrative Professional of the Year Award was also announced at the luncheon. The 2010 winner is Susan Belcher, administrative assistant to the Provost and Campus Director in LaGrange and a 13-year veteran of WGTC. Chosen by College faculty and staff via secret ballot, the Administrative Professional of the Year Award recognizes exemplary dedication to the College. “Susan has been a loyal WGTC employee for years and has set a high standard for dedication,” Said Dawn Cook, VP of Institutional Advancement. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize her hard work and commitment to our College.”

“Thank you,” an emotional Belcher told her colleagues. “Knowing this award came from you means more than you know.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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New Partnership Brings Childcare to WGTC Campus
Posted: April 26, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College and Community Action for Improvement have entered an innovative agreement that will bring childcare back to the WGTC LaGrange Campus. CAFI will offer Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the Fort Drive facility, serving children from six weeks to five years old.

The childcare center, located across from the Callaway Conference and Testing Center on WGTC’s East Campus, is expected to open May 1. “We’re a vested member of this community and we’re responsive to LaGrange’s needs,” Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC President said. “We’ve worked hard to find a way to utilize this facility’s full potential as a full-service center for early child development. This new partnership with CAFI is a great way to do that.”

CAFI Executive Director Jerome Anderson agreed. “This partnership has so many far-reaching benefits,” he said. “There’s a real need for quality childcare for underserved families here and we’re happy to have the chance to provide it. The West Georgia Technical College staff has gone out of their way to make sure this happens for the community.”

Head Start is a nation-wide program that promotes school readiness for children from low income families by enhancing their social and cognitive development. The program focuses on early education, positive self-worth and nutrition. CAFI already runs an existing Head Start facility in LaGrange, serving more than 200 children.

Founded in 1966, CAFI also runs community-based programs to prevent homelessness, provide the elderly with energy assistance and offer home weatherization to low income families and the handicapped.

“We’re so excited to join up with WGTC to expand our childcare operations,” Anderson said. “In fact, we’re looking forward to serving the families of WGTC students. If we can help remove one barrier from higher education by providing affordable childcare, we’re happy to do it.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Students Take Gold in SkillsUSA Championship
Posted: April 22, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Students from West Georgia Technical College’s SkillsUSA team won four medals at the state-wide competition, including a first place win that will take the competitors to the national championships.

WGTC students and SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl gold medalists (from left): Tom Mullins, James Sparkman, Raven Rice, Ryan Daughtery and Cathy Miller.

SkillsUSA, formerly known as VICA, is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, holding championships that showcase the best in technical education students. Participants demonstrate their excellence in several events at contests that begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. Contests are run with the help of industry, trade associations, and labor organizations, and test competencies are set by industry.

State-wide championships were held at Augusta Tech April 16-17. WGTC’s team demonstrated their knowledge and aptitude in a variety of technical events and brought home the state-wide gold medal in Quiz Bowl, an energetic event that requires fast thinking and teamwork. Quiz Bowl teams must answer questions in academic knowledge, professional development, technical skills and current events, and the WGTC team edged out the competition to take first place.

“I’m so proud of the effort our students put into this competition,” WGTC Industrial Mechanical Systems Instructor and SkillsUSA advisor Jim Biagi said. “They studied hard and earned the right to compete at the national level. West Georgia Tech has a long tradition of performing well at SkillsUSA, and this team kept it up. ”

WGTC’s SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl team includes James Sparkman, Tom Mullins, Ryan Daughtery, Cathy Miller and Raven Rice. The team will advance to compete in the national championships in June, held in Kansa City, MO. More than 5,400 students come from throughout the country to compete in 91 occupational and leadership areas at the national level SkillsUSA championships.

Other WGTC medalists include Christian Brown, who won second place in Employment Applications, Chris Little, who won third in Criminal Justice, and Joseph Johnson, who earned a bronze in HVAC.

“Our students are top competitors and they represented the College well,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “As graduates, they’ll take their skills and determination into the workplace and apply them in ways that help drive economic growth in our community. I’m proud of them all, and congratulate them on a job well done.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Nursing Student Margo Benjamin Wins Greystone's Clower Scholarship
Posted: April 22, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College student and Douglasville resident Margo Benjamin was awarded GreyStone Power’s 2010 Tim B. Clower Scholarship. The Clower Scholarship, which awards $2,500 each to two deserving technical college students, is made possible by GreyStone Power’s Operation Round Up program. Operation Round Up is funded by GreyStone Power members who volunteer to round up their electric bills to the next dollar. Margot Benjamin

“I’m grateful to the GreyStone members who chose to give back,” Benjamin said. “This scholarship makes a big difference for me and I know it does for every other recipient, too.”

“We are so pleased to present these technical school scholarships to such worthy students,” GreyStone Power President/CEO Gary Miller said “The scholarships are in the honor of former President/CEO Tim B. Clower, who served as an advocate of technical education for over 25 years and was instrumental in bringing technical education schools into the areas that GreyStone serves.”

“This affords some students the opportunity to go to school,” said WGTC Financial Aid Director David Robinson. “Through this scholarship, GreyStone’s members are giving back to the community, and we hope our students will in turn give back to our community in the future!”

“GreyStone Power sets the standard for giving back in the community where they operate,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “The Clower Scholarship is just one example of how the leadership, staff and members of GreyStone Power are committed to education, and West Georgia Technical College is proud to have them as a premiere community partner.”

Benjamin, who holds a bachelors degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and maintains a 4.0 GPA, expects to graduate from the Associate Degree Nursing program in December 2011 and continue her nursing education. “I have big goals,” Benjamin said, “And the Clower Scholarship from GreyStone Power will go a long way toward helping me reach them.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Josh Turner to Perform at 2010 Black Tie & Boots
Posted: April 21, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Ending the suspense, West Georgia Technical College Foundation announced today that this year’s entertainer for the annual Black Tie & Boots fundraiser will be country superstar Josh Turner.

Country Music Superstar Josh Turner, featured entertainer at West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s 2010 Black Tie & Boots

“We’re pleased to welcome Josh Turner to West Georgia Technical College,” said Dawn Cook, VP of Institutional Advancement. “The community has come to expect an elegant and exciting event from us, and Josh Turner will make our ninth annual Black Tie & Boots one of the best ever.”

Turner, known for his hits “Long Black Train,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Your Man,” is one of Nashville’s hottest young performers. He’s joining Chris Young and Newnan native Alan Jackson for this year’s 15-city Freight Train Tour, before riding to Waco for WGTC’s Black Tie & Boots on August 14 at the Murphy Campus Conference Center.

The concert includes valet parking, a professional photographer, and a seated dinner. Corporate sponsorships which include concert tickets and admission to a ‘meet and greet’ reception with Josh Turner are now available. Corporate sponsors will also receive acknowledgment in concert advertising, preferred seating and other benefits, depending on level of sponsorship.

“As our sponsors know, this is an unforgettable evening,” Cook said. “It is a black tie event with a wonderful meal and a stellar performance from one of today’s top performers in country music. It is a great way for organizations to reward their employees for a job well done or simply to share an evening with family and friends.”

Past Black Tie & Boots events have sold out, Cook said. A limited number of individual and group tickets will go on sale July 1 at $125 per person or $950 per table, but corporate sponsorships which include tickets are available now.

“Black Tie & Boots is one of our premiere fundraising events of the year,” Cook said. “The proceeds go toward student scholarships, program improvements, facility upgrades and faculty development. In this economic climate, more students are seeking a technical education that prepares them for the workforce and the need for scholarships is greater than ever. Our Foundation is committed to supporting the College by giving $20,000 in student scholarships this year because of Black Tie & Boots and events like it.”

The Foundation will also award its third annual “Spirit of Giving Award.” Last year’s award went to Orchard Hills Investment Group, who donated 38 acres of prime Coweta County real estate to the WGTC Foundation for the construction of a new full-service, stand-alone campus.

President Dr. Skip Sullivan said the College has come to rely on the Foundation’s support.

“When you look at the way they are supporting our students with scholarships, our faculty with reimbursement for continuing education, our plans for future growth through facility improvements, the WGTC Foundation is an essential part of our College going forward. We cannot do what we need to do for students without the Foundation and its support.”

For more information about becoming a sponsor or to purchase tickets, contact Cook at dawn.cook@westgatech.edu or (770) 537-6010.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Phi Beta Lambda Students Dominate State Competition
Posted: April 14, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Students from West Georgia Technical College’s two Phi Beta Lambda chapters excelled at the state competition in Atlanta, April 9 – 11. Phi Beta Lambda, a division of Future Business Leaders of America, hosts annual competitions for post-secondary students studying business. Competing students demonstrated their knowledge, professionalism, and leadership potential in a variety of business-oriented events, including Hospitality Management, Accounting, Cybersecurity and Macroeconomics.

Of the 24 WGTC Phi beta Lambda students who attended, 21 students placed in at least one event, with 11 students earning awards in both of their competitive events. In addition, of the 21 students who placed, 13 students qualified to attend the national competition in Nashville, Tennessee July 8 – 12. Under the leadership of WGTC faculty advisors Jeremy Eason, Carol Pearson, Karen Carpenter and Joey Sanders, WGTC students brought home a combined 29 awards in 21 different events. The WGTC South Chapter Phi beta Lambda also brought home state-wide placements, including first place for chapter contributions to the March of Dimes.

“I’m so proud of the effort our students put forth,” WGTC Business Administrative Technology Instructor Karen Carpenter said. “Up against tough competition, they represented the College well and proved their skill.”

Phi Beta Lambda’s National Awards Program recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. Through state-based competition at the spring State Leadership Conferences, students compete in events testing their business knowledge and skills. Top state winners then are eligible to compete for honors at the National Leadership Conference each summer.

“These students are a great example of the value we place on academic excellence,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “As graduates, they’ll take these skills into the workplace, and apply them in ways that help drive economic growth in our community. I’m proud of them all, and congratulate them on a job well done.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Announces Yard Sales for Charity
Posted: April 14, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

West Georgia Technical College students, faculty and staff will hold yard sales on the WGTC Carrollton and LaGrange campuses to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The yard sales are scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at both campus locations, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The yard sales, organized by student and staff volunteers, are open to the public. Interested sellers can rent space in the open parking lots on either of the two WGTC campuses and sell their goods, keeping their earnings. WGTC will collect the rental fee for the spaces as contributions to Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is the main volunteer-driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. Relay events are held in local communities, campus universities, military bases, and online. Although the main objective of Relay is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, the event is held to spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and unite a community in the fight against cancer.

“Relay for Life is just one of the ways our students volunteer,” said Tjazha Mazhani, WGTC Student Activities Coordinator. “Students give time and raise money for the Special Olympics, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and the March of Dimes.”

“The popularity of Relay for Life here at West Georgia Technical College shows how important community involvement is for our students,” Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC president said. “They live in these communities and see the importance of service. I know that WGTC graduates make great additions to the workforce precisely because of this altruistic spirit, and I’m proud of them.”

Last year, WGTC’s student, faculty and staff Relay for Life efforts raised approximately $3,500 towards cancer research and prevention. This year, organizers expect to top that figure.

For more information on Relay for Life and ways to get involved, contact Tjazha Mahzani at 770-537-5722.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Students Use Workforce Skills to Protect the Past
Posted: April 9, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

On Broad Street in Manchester, a long-neglected landmark is coming back to life, thanks to the help of West Georgia Technical College students. With hundreds of volunteer hours from WGTC students and local contractors, The President Theatre is being restored to its original mid-century beauty and will serve as a community arts center for Meriwether County.

Built in 1935, The President Theatre served the Manchester community as a source of news, entertainment and civic pride. Originally operated by the Martin Company of Columbus, The President was named in honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who maintained a favorite personal residence in nearby Warm Springs. First elected in 1932, President Roosevelt would serve three presidential terms, returning to his Little White House in Meriwether County for therapeutic polio treatment.

“As the community changed, the popularity of the hometown theatre waned,” President Theatre Community Arts Center Director Regina Garrett said. Before it was abandoned, the last thing the old vaudeville and cinema theatre hosted was a church. “It just sat dormant for years, and now we’re going to make it a community arts center again.”

Under the guidance of Trades & Technology Instructor Jim Biagi, West Georgia Technical College students volunteered their time to run temporary electrical systems throughout the building. The roofing and flooring contractors will use this power system to complete renovations to the 75 year-old building. “Helping out on a project like this is good for our students,” Biagi said. “Not only is it good for our community in Meriwether County, but it gives our students the kind of real world experience they can use when they join the workforce.”

West Georgia Technical College students have a long tradition of volunteering their services. Drafting students have created museum-quality replicas of historic buildings, Dental Hygiene Students have screened race fans for oral cancer at a NASCAR event and Nursing students have performed free blood pressure checks. “Our students are members of this community and their dedication to it shows,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We’re proud of our presence in Meriwether County, and we’re proud to be able to contribute to a project that’s going to enrich the arts here for decades to come.”

The President Theatre Community Arts Center is expected to open in early 2011. The facility will seat 300 people and will be home to cultural and community events.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Troup County's Best Kept Secret
Posted: April 9, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Secluded among the trees in the LaGrange Industrial Park, a 25,000-square-foot facility sits on the cutting edge of technology, humming with the sound of economic growth.

For years, LaGrange proudly laid claim to being Georgia’s textile capitol, though the last three decades have brought change to the community’s industrial landscape. A new economic era came to West Georgia when Kia Motors began operations in Troup County, and the auto manufacturer—along with Hyundai in neighboring Alabama and all of their respective first and second-tier suppliers—brought new economic opportunities to the area. West Georgia Technical College responded to the need for manufacturing technicians with the innovative Center for Integrated Manufacturing.

The Center for Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) at West Georgia Technical College is a direct result of LaGrange’s new manufacturing environment and provides a unique educational experience to students studying one of nine trade programs. In a bright open laboratory, students are busy drafting designs, creating rapid prototypes, operating milling machines, overseeing extraction robots, repairing equipment and preparing to join Troup County’s skilled manufacturing workforce.

“The Center for Integrated Manufacturing is an asset for local businesses,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “The CIM offers the chance for a student to put their hands on every aspect of the industry and gain real, practical experience.”

Students in Applied Manufacturing, Drafting, Electronics, Electrical Control Systems, Industrial Mechanical Systems, Machine Tool Technology and other technical education programs learn the practical skills they’ll need to join the growing workforce. Troup County Chamber of Commerce reports that there are currently 66 industrial and manufacturing businesses operating in the county, employing approximately 10,000 workers, and more are needed. In 2005, the National Association of Manufacturers reported a severe and widespread shortage of qualified workers, impacting companies regardless of size, industry or geographic location.

“West Georgia Tech’s CIM program has been tremendous for us,” said Eddie Mabe, Human Resources Manager for Emerson Network Power. “The deans and faculty have bent over backwards and gone above and beyond to help Emerson with our need to fill skilled positions.” In addition to credit classes for WGTC students and dual enrollment options for high school students, the CIM offers industry training through partnerships with local businesses. “Not only has WGTC assisted with training potential candidates for hire,” Mr. Mabe continued, “but they also help with training our current workforce and set schedules to accommodate us and our production schedules.”

“Academically, these programs were taught in isolation,” said Jim McNair, WGTC Dean of Trades and Technology. “We’ve removed the barriers and reenvisioned how we train for industrial technology. Now the students learn how their expertise fits into the greater context of manufacturing from start to finish. Better yet, we can show employers and business partners how we teach from a holistic viewpoint. It makes our students desirable employees.” Since opening in 2006, the CIM has boasted a 100% graduate job placement rate for all the trade and technical programs offered at the Center.

“By exposing students to the entire manufacturing process, they get a more complete education,” Jim Biagi, CIM Director said. “They see the production flow, the exchange of ideas. It’s a far more comprehensive approach to teaching the subject than we were doing before.”

“We’ve got space available in the CIM,” Dr. Sullivan continued, “And there are jobs in those fields. This is an asset to Troup County and we’re proud to be providing the workforce training that’s fueling West Georgia’s economic engine.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Welding Program Celebrates with Tradition, Togetherness
Posted: March 17, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Students in West Georgia Technical College’s Welding Program celebrated the end of a successful term with a barbeque on Tuesday, March 16. The event, held at the end of each academic quarter, has become a popular tradition among students and instructors. Many former students return to visit and share news, and current students are often joined at the barbeque by family members.

“Our students work so hard,” said Welding Program Instructor Scott Eidson. “We all look forward to this event because it lets the students and faculty interact in fellowship. We’re celebrating the end of a long but safe and successful quarter and starting a new one. This is our 14th time doing this, and it’s a tradition we all love.”

With 80 students, including dual-enrollment students from five area high schools, WGTC’s Welding and Joining Program is a popular part of the College’s School of Trade and Technology. Tuesday’s barbeque was attended by nearly 150 people, including Carroll County leaders and program directors from other Georgia technical colleges. Students and faculty cooked more than 100 pounds of beef, pork and chicken on smokers designed and built by students.

“Events like this show how important teamwork is here at West Georgia Tech,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “When you work hard together and learn together, you develop a kind of family bond, and we encourage that. These students are going to join the workforce and be valuable contributors to their team, and we want to reinforce how important that is and show them that we’re proud of their achievements.” Other WGTC programs celebrate student accomplishments in similar ways. The Commercial Truck Driving program holds a quarterly cookout as part of their graduation festivities.

West Georgia Technical College’s Welding and Joining Technology program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare a graduate for entry-level employment in welding and joining. The program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to retrain and upgrade present knowledge and skills.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Rachel Strickland Chosen As WGTC GOAL Winner
Posted: March 15, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Rachel Strickland, a Registered Nursing student at West Georgia Technical College, has been named as the College’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership. Strickland was chosen by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees for the award.

“Rachel brings so much to her Nursing classes; she’s a critical thinker and her professionalism really shines,” said Laura LaCagnina, a nursing Instructor, who nominated Strickland for the honor. “Her fellow students recognize her talents and look up to her as a leader, and I was proud to nominate her for this honor. She’s an exceptional young lady.”

Strickland, a resident of Douglasville, came to the WGTC Associate Degree Nursing program from an unconventional background. The child of missionaries, Strickland lived in more than a dozen countries through Asia and South America and was homeschooled. “I speak three languages, but my very first day in a classroom was the day I started college,” Strickland said. “With my background, technical education was a good option for me.” Strickland will graduate West Georgia Technical College’s Associate Degree Nursing program in June 2010, and plans to continue her education to become a nurse anesthetist, using her skills to help the world’s most vulnerable people. “I think nursing is a calling, just like missionary work,” Strickland explained. “I definitely feel called to help those who need it.”

“You can see why I am always very proud of all of our students,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “West Georgia Technical College students are driven to excel and passionate about their education. Many of them overcome incredible challenges to reach their goals, and Rachel is a perfect example of that commitment.”

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 27 technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

Strickland will be competing on March 30 at Middle Georgia Technical College to represent the Central Region in the state GOAL competition. The statewide GOAL winner participates in a variety of speaking engagements including graduations and appearances at the Georgia General Assembly.

A mother of two daughters, Strickland said she is using this award to show her children that anything is possible if you work for it. “I’ve lived all over the world,” Strickland said, “and I believe that this is the only country where you can achieve anything with hard work. I tell my girls to aim for the stars, even though you might hit the ceiling. If you aim for the ceiling, you’ll never get off the ground.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Dental Hygiene Students Help Screen For Cancer
Posted: March 15, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Students from West Georgia Technical College’s Dental Hygiene Program assisted physicians from the Atlanta Head and Neck Cancer Coalition perform free cancer screenings at Atlanta Motor Speedway March 6 and 7. Dental Hygiene Students Stacie Wells, Tarren Beavers, Nicole Winske, Tasha Daniel and Brenda Shoemake volunteered for two days during the E-Z-GO 200 and Kobalt Tools 500 races.

Early detection of oral, head and neck cancers is a priority of the racing community. NASCAR legend Bobby Hamilton died in January 2007 from complications of head and neck cancer at the age of 49. According to the American Cancer Society, this year more than 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck – which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx – and 7,550 will die.

WGTC Dental Hygiene students take a break from helping to screen race fans for head and neck cancers on March 7 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Pictured are Stacie Wells, Tarren Beavers and Cherie Rainwater, Director for Dental Hygiene. Other students who volunteered were Nicole Winske, Tasha Daniel and Brenda Shoemake.

"When Bobby was diagnosed he immediately became an advocate of early detection of head and neck cancer," said Lori Hamilton widow of driver Bobby Hamilton and head and neck cancer advocate. "He asked everyone around him to get tested, promoted it to anyone who would listen and became a huge believer in the screening process. It doesn't hurt, is free and the 10 minutes it takes to do it could save your life."

“We encourage our students to become involved in the community,” said Cherie Rainwater, Director of West Georgia Technical College’s Dental Hygiene Program. “Volunteering to help screen for cancers is not only a good way to help the public, but students gain valuable experience they’ll use again in their careers.”

The screening event was organized by Dr. Edie Hapner, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine. “The Dental Hygiene students participated as room assistants to the surgeons, physicians, and dentists who completed the medical screening,” Dr. Hapner said. “The West Georgia Technical College Dental Hygiene students and their instructor, Cherie Rainwater, were integral to making the largest free head and neck cancer screening in Georgia successful.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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West Georgia Technical College and Kaplan University Announce Articulation Agreement
Posted: March 10, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

A new agreement between West Georgia Technical College and Kaplan University offers students more options for continuing their education than ever before.

Articulation agreements are designed to help students make a smooth transition from an associate degree program to a bachelor program without experiencing duplication in learning. Qualifying students who earn an associate degree at WGTC in an articulating program may be eligible to begin a baccalaureate degree at Kaplan with junior status.

“We have some of the most motivated and ambitious students in the state,” WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We’re always looking for new ways to give them more opportunities to build on the skills they learn here at West Georgia Technical College.”

Pat Hannon, WGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs agreed. “The mission of West Georgia Technical College is workforce and economic development. We have a responsibility to our students to find opportunities where the knowledge, skills and competencies they learn here are transferrable to senior colleges. This agreement with Kaplan University is a great option for our students looking to continue their education.”

The articulation process applies to graduates of WGTC’s Criminal Justice Technology and Accounting programs and can result in a savings of money, time and effort. West Georgia Technical College alumni and employees will receive a 10 percent discount on their tuition at Kaplan University.

“With the cost of college increasing precipitously, this agreement provides greater access to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for West Georgia Technical College students and staff who are interested in continuing their education at a regionally accredited university,” said Jaime Cocuy, Vice President for Kaplan University’s Strategic Alliance Organization. “Many Kaplan students, like those at West Georgia Technical College, are working adults who appreciate our rigorous academic programs, student-centered services and convenient online platform.”

The articulation agreement is one more in a long series of such partnerships for West Georgia Technical College. WGTC alumni are already taking advantage of articulation agreements with Mercer University, Southern Polytechnic State University, Strayer University and University of West Georgia.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

Click here for more information on Articulation Agreements

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ESL Students Learn More Than Language
Posted: March 4, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

ESL students at West Georgia Technical College learn about local history and culture at LaGrange Art Museum LaGrange, Georgia—For many immigrants and visitors, learning English can be a daunting task, but instructors at West Georgia Technical College use local arts and culture to build confidence in students learning English as a second language.

West Georgia Technical College’s English As A Second Language Program (ESL) assists immigrants with limited English proficiency in acquiring the basic skills necessary to navigate governmental, educational, workplace, banking, healthcare, and other key American institutions. “Part of teaching ESL is preparing the students to be good citizens,” WGTC Adult Education Director Mary Edmondson said. “LaGrange offers so much in history, culture and the arts, and we expose the students to that so they feel invested in the community where they live, work and raise children.”

ESL students at West Georgia Technical College learn about local history and culture at LaGrange Art Museum Led by instructors Nancy Smathers and Deborah Bailey, 16 ESL students from West Georgia Technical College visited the LaGrange Art Museum on February 2 for artist Annie Greene’s exhibit Spinning Yarns: Southern Stories From the Past. The students, natives from Brazil, Korea, El Salvador, Mexico and Guatemala, each chose a favorite piece of work from the exhibit to present to the group. “Annie Greene’s yarn art shows everyday scenes, like shopping or eating a meal with family,” ESL instructor Nancy Smathers explained. “It lends itself well to the vocabulary the students are learning, and really stimulates conversation.”

ESL students at West Georgia Technical College learn about local history and culture at LaGrange Art Museum. Adults of all nationalities are welcome to attend ESL classes at West Georgia Technical College. Students must be at least 16 years of age and speak a language other than English as their native tongue.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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WGTC Cosmetology Students Show Skills in Competition
Posted: March 3, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Winners were announced on the West Georgia Technical College’s Lagrange Campus for the SkillsUSA Competition on Tuesday February 2, 2010. Twenty-five juniors and seniors in the cosmetology program competed for the chance to advance to the SkillsUSA Championship held in Augusta, Georgia.

WGTC Cosmetology students compete in Skills USA

From left to right: WGTC Cosmetology students Michi Clay, Latrina Cameron, Amanda Mallory show their competition entries.

The contestants had six hours to prepare their entry, and some entries came in the final minutes. Students were judged on the cut, color, and style of their entry. The top three finalists were Michi Clay, Latrina Cameron, and Amanda Mallory. Michi Clay, the overall winner, will advance to the final championship in Augusta, competing against students from 27 other technical colleges.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA Championships showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. Students at West Georgia Technical College compete in SkillsUSA competitions in a variety of events.

Cosmetology instructor Vanessa Clark said, “I am very proud of all our students. They each displayed a well-planned presentation. They had been made aware of the contest a week in advance and each used the time to create some very unique combinations. I am very proud and pleased with their creative approach to the contest.” The judges for the competition were local professionals and former graduates of West Georgia Technical College’s Cosmetology Program and include Renee Winslow and Tabatha Cummings, both from Farasha Spa, and Kimberly Hurston, manager at Great Clips Salon, both in LaGrange.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Technical College is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Two Foundations Merge to Support Technical Education in West Georgia
Posted: February 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

In the final act precipitated by last year’s college merger, the West Central Technical College Foundation was cleared Wednesday by the Georgia Secretary of State to begin operating under the West Georgia Technical College Foundation name.

Last year, two state technical colleges, LaGrange-based West Georgia Tech and Waco-based West Central Tech, merged to form West Georgia Technical College, the state’s second largest technical college.

This approval completes the merger of the colleges’ two separate private, non-profit, fundraising organizations under the West Georgia Technical College Foundation.

The new college has campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties. Last fall more than 7,300 students were enrolled in degree, diploma or certificate programs.

“While the College merger took about 10 months to complete, the Foundation merger was a separate process taking over a year,” Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said.

“This is truly a milestone, as the West Georgia Technical College Foundation, Inc. is the first foundation within the Technical College System of Georgia to complete its merger,” Malcolm Jackson, West Georgia Technical College Foundation President, said.

Beverly Smith, Executive Director of Stewardship and Development for the Technical College System of Georgia agreed. “I commend the excellent work of both the West Central and West Georgia Technical College Foundation Boards during the merger process,” Smith said.

Cook said the merger means the Foundation is ready for the future. “Merging the foundations of West Central and West Georgia Tech ensures that the College is poised to meet the economic growth needs throughout our seven county service area,” Cook said. “Through our inaugural major gifts campaign, Invest in the Next Generation, the West Georgia Technical College Foundation is raising funds to build a new Coweta County Campus, provide more scholarships and grants to students, create a Healthcare Fund and expand the adult education and literacy programs.”

The new West Georgia Technical College Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation whose purpose is to solicit, receive, invest and administer gifts for the benefit of West Georgia Technical College. The Foundation is administered by a Board of Trustees comprised of business and community leaders within the West Georgia region.

“The Foundation plays an integral role in making a difference in the lives of the students we serve in West Georgia,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “I commend them on their hard work to complete the merger and their dedication to continue to support the College.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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West Georgia Technical College Instructor Babs Russell Nominated For Award for Excellence
Posted: February 24, 2010
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist; PHONE: 770-537-6056; EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

Babs Russell, Business Administrative Technology Instructor, was selected by a committee of her peers to serve as West Georgia Technical College’s nominee for the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence, honoring technical education’s most outstanding instructors. The award, given by Technical College System of Georgia, recognizes and honors technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Annually, all 28 technical colleges, plus the four Regents system schools with technical divisions, each nominate an instructor to represent their college for the statewide honor. Nominees then compete on a regional basis.

The state Rick Perkins Award winner serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia. He or she will make many public appearances throughout the year, including addresses to the Georgia General Assembly, Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Technical College System Leadership Conference.

“Mrs. Russell is a dedicated professional,” Pat Hannon, West Georgia Technical College Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “She goes above and beyond, inside and outside of the classroom, and I know she’ll represent our faculty and our College well.”

“Being the Rick Perkins nominee, representing our College's committed, student-centered faculty who are professionals in their chosen fields, is truly the highest honor of my career,” Russell said. Russell, a Villa Rica resident and 15-year veteran of West Georgia Technical College, serves as the Program Chair for the Business Administrative Technology program. She is an alumna of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Russell also holds a Masters in Business Education from University of West Georgia and serves on the Business Education Advisory Board for Villa Rica High School.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Tuskegee Drumline to Perform at Callaway Center in LaGrange
Posted: February 22, 2010

WHAT: Eighth Annual Tuskegee University Percussion Showcase
WHERE: West Georgia Technical College, LaGrange East Campus, Callaway Conference Center, 303 Fort Drive, LaGrange, Georgia 30240
WHEN: Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 7 p.m.
CONTACT: Angela Warner, WGTC Marketing Specialist
PHONE: 770-537-6056
EMAIL: angela.warner@westgatech.edu

The Tuskegee University Marching Crimson Piper Drumline will be performing on Thursday, February 25 at 7:00 at the West Georgia Technical College LaGrange East Campus Callaway Conference Center. As part of WGTC’s Black History Month celebration, the Percussion Showcase will feature a variety of classic band cadences, choreography and step performances by members of the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma band honor societies. The event is free to the public.

Founded in 1881, Tuskegee University has a long tradition of excellence in music. Known for their exceptional showmanship and precision, the Marching Crimson Pipers have been perennial favorites at the Honda Battle of The Bands in Atlanta, where the 10 best marching bands from historically black colleges gather to show their musical skill.

“We’re proud to bring the Crimson Piper Drumline to LaGrange,” said Warren L. Duncan, Tuskegee University Director of Bands and Chairman of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. “This is our eighth year playing at the Callaway Center, and we look forward to returning every year.”

“We are very excited to have Tuskegee University Drumline performing at West Georgia Tech,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “There is always something entertaining happening at the Callaway Center, but having the Drumline from Tuskegee University is a treat for our guests.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

For more information, please contact Grover Sims, WGTC Georgia Fatherhood Coordinator at 706-756-4588.

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WCTC Foundation Announces Redken Gift
Posted: February 1, 2010
Contact Ben Chambers, 770.537.5756

The West Central Technical College Foundation today announced a $25,000 donation by Redken, a global hair care products leader headquartered in New York.


Redken representative Steve Broader (center) presents a ceremonial check to WGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook in the College’s Carroll Campus salon. The two are flanked by students and instructors from the College. College students provide cosmetology services at reduced rates at each of West Georgia Tech’s campuses.

The gift is part of the WCTC Foundation’s major gifts campaign, “Invest in the Next Generation.”

“We are tremendously thankful for the support of Redken,” College President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “We have a longstanding relationship with the company through the use of its products in our cosmetology program and in the College’s retail salons at each campus. This gift solidifies that friendship and partnership.”

Redken has also recognized West Georgia Technical College as a Redken Premier School. West Georgia Tech joins North Georgia Tech
as the only two Premier Schools in Georgia.

“We are particularly honored to be given the title ‘Redken Premier School’ as it gives our instructors and students access to more cutting-edge training directly from Redken experts – the best in the business,” cosmetology program chair Gail Conaway said.

The Premier School program puts Redken specialists in contact with instructors in “train the trainer” events that prepare instructors to teach the most advanced hair care and styling techniques in the industry.

WGTC Cosmetology instructors in training with a Redken colorist.

West Georgia Technical College cosmetology instructors, clockwise from bottom, Denise Boykin, Dale Patterson, Vanessa Clark, Gail Conaway and DeeDee Patterson share information during a training session with a Redken colorist.

Conaway said she and four other WGTC instructors have already begun training with a Redken colorist.

Redken representative John Miller said Redken values its longstanding relationship with West Georgia Tech.

“West Georgia Technical College has a great program,” Miller said. “With a retail salon on each of their five campuses, West Georgia Tech is teaching a huge number of new cosmetologists every year. We could not be more pleased that we have cemented our relationship with the College with this gift and with the Premier School program. As a Premier School, they have access to a tremendous amount of expertise and skill which will keep them on the very forefront of our industry.”

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, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook said.

Cook said teams are now in the process of making proposals for support to numerous businesses, organizations and individuals.

Cook encouraged those interested in the campaign to visit the College’s website, www.westgatech.edu, to give online.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Winter Enrollment Up 20 Percent
Posted: January 21, 2010
Contact Ben Chambers, 770.537.5756

Winter Quarter classes are underway at West Georgia Technical College, and students again are enrolled in record numbers.

Preliminary figures show a 20.9 percent increase over the combined winter 2009 enrollment of West Central Technical College and West Georgia Technical College. The two colleges merged July 1.

Raw numbers show a 1,252 student increase for a total of 7,250 students enrolled at Georgia’s second largest technical college. The total is just 65 students shy of the College’s record-breaking fall quarter which just ended.

“We continue to see remarkable growth, notably at our Douglas Campus this quarter, but really across several campuses,” Vice President of Student Affairs Eddie Gore said.

“The opening of the College and Career Institute on the Douglas Campus last fall continues to attract dually enrolled high school students,” Gore said, “and that led the College to an all-time high of 392 high school students who are also taking college courses at West Georgia Tech.”

The number of students taking classes at the Douglas Campus, including CCI, is up over 43 percent to 1,720 students, making it the brick-and-mortar campus which serves the most students.

Interestingly, Gore said, the College’s number one campus by students served this quarter is online.

“Our by-campus student count shows that more students are taking classes online than at any single location the College has,” Gore said. “Enrollment in online classes more than doubled over last winter to a total of 1,919 students. That figure puts West Georgia Tech’s online enrollment in the top five statewide.”

President Dr. Skip Sullivan said the growth in the first three quarters of the merged West Georgia Tech has continued a trend that the old West Central Tech was already seeing.

“Prior to the merger, West Central had eight consecutive quarters of year-over-year, double-digit enrollment growth. The first three quarters as a merged College have continued that string,” Sullivan said.

“We are offering the type of fast-paced, hand-on, real world education that people are demanding in today’s economy,” he said.

Gore said that these preliminary numbers would continue to fluctuate as students get settled into classes.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Butler Gives Commencement Address
Posted: January 19, 2010
Contact Ben Chambers, 770.537.5756

District 18 State Representative Mark Butler (R-Carrollton) delivered an uplifting address to West Georgia Technical College graduates January 14, encouraging them to stay grounded and invest in relationships.
Butler, a Carrollton resident, addressed graduates at the College’s winter commencement exercises just four days into the state’s legislative session and a day after Governor Sonny Purdue delivered his State of the State address in the House chambers in Atlanta.

“I believe it was a great signal to our graduates that Rep. Butler took time out of a very busy and hectic legislative calendar to honor them,” President Dr. Skip Sullivan said. “As a College, we certainly work to honor the hard work of our graduates, and we deeply appreciate Rep. Butler for being here to celebrate these achievements with us and sharing such appropriate thoughts. He is a true friend to the College and steadfast supporter of technical education across the state.”

First elected in 2002, Butler has worked on and supported several legislative initiatives including the newly created Mental Health Ombudsman. This new position will protect the rights of citizens and work to make the mental health delivery system in Georgia more effective and efficient. He was also asked by Governor Sonny Purdue to co-chair the Human Resources taskforce. The work of this taskforce led to the largest restructuring of state government in 30 years after Representative Butler was asked by the Governor to carry this historic legislation to successful passage.

Through his position on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Representative Butler has been able to successfully advocate for over $100 million to build reservoirs which are much needed in the West Georgia area and tens of millions of dollars for public building projects in the 18th district.

Representative Butler earned his college degree from Auburn University in Public Administration. Locally, he is a member of Kiwanis Club and the Carroll County and Haralson County Chambers of Commerce. He is self-employed as a real estate appraiser and is a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Butler spoke just before West Georgia Tech awarded about 100 associate degrees and technical diplomas. An additional 250 students were recognized for completion of a technical certificate of credit.

Graduation was held on the College’s Murphy Campus in Waco, Georgia. For more information, visit www.westgatech.edu.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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Work Ready Region Sponsors WGTC Leadership Academy
Posted: January 12, 2010
Contact Ben Chambers, 770.537.5756

About 20 employees from several Troup County manufacturers recently earned their Managerial & Supervisory Leadership Certificates through the Leadership Academy at West Georgia Technical College thanks to the state’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Certified Work Ready Region.

AMP sponsored the program at the request of Troup County leaders who were concerned about preparing the next generation of leaders in business and industry.

Dr. Peter Snell, West Georgia Tech’s Executive Director of Economic Development, said that today’s economic climate poses a growing challenge for organizations and their succession management.

Snell said estimates are that about 1 in 5 executives at Fortune 500 companies currently are eligible for retirement and about 80 percent of the managers in the federal government currently are eligible for retirement. Percentages of those eligible for retirement in state, local, and municipal governments are unknown, Snell said, but expected to be alarmingly high.

“Many prospective retirees are postponing retirement just long enough for the market to recover so that they can afford to retire,” he said.

Snell said this means is that there will be a recruiting war for supervisory, managerial and leadership talent when the economy improves.

“Many, if not most, organizations are unprepared or underprepared as they attempt to delay the identification of replacements for executive,” he said. “Some will be forced to recruit externally and be faced with bidding wars with others who are also trying to recruit scarce supervisory, managerial and leadership talent. Many will look internally only to realize that their pool of succession candidates are severely lacking with skills necessary for these roles.”

The Leadership Certificate program offers employees of Troup County manufacturers an avenue to prepare for future leadership roles that are certain to percolate from an improving economy.

The sponsorship of AMP allowed West Georgia Tech to offer the Managerial & Supervisory Leadership Certificate through the College’s Leadership Academy.

The mission for the Technical College System of Georgia and each of its technical colleges is to facilitate economic and workforce development, President Dr. Skip Sullivan said.

“We are committed to the economic and workforce development of Troup County. Our collaboration with Troup County Certified Work Ready Community and the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Certified Work Ready Region illustrates that commitment,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan credited Diethard Linder, who serves as chairman of the LaGrange Development Authority, and others with the hard work to provide employees of manufacturers in Troup County the luxury of participating in the Leadership Academy at no charge, compliments of AMP.

Snell said WGTC’s Leadership Academy collaborated with Linder to develop a Managerial & Supervisory Certificate program that was tailored to the request of AMP and included seven customized courses: 1) Frontline Leadership & Mentoring, 2) Managerial Leadership, 3) Leadership Overview, 4) Effective Meetings & Presentations, 5) Organizational Behavior & Communication, 6) Professional Ethics & Etiquette and 7) Project Management, Teams, & Participation. The success Mr. Linder’s efforts and the Leadership Academy have also led to its duplication in Upson County and scheduled to begin in January, again, compliments of AMP.

The Georgia Work Ready initiative was launched in August 2006 by Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to improve the job training and marketability of Georgia’s workforce and drive future economic growth for the state.

Work Ready Certificates are available to individuals in Troup County for free and are designed to provide employers with valuable documentation that illustrates they have met a minimum set of education and skill standards. This documentation may then be used by an employer to match an employee’s skills to current and future job opportunities through an occupational profile.

There are four assessments including Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, Locating Information and Work Habits (Talent Assessment). For more information about free Work Ready Certificates, please contact the WGTC Economic Development Division at 706.756.4586 or visit www.westgatech.edu.

Customized Job Profiles also are available to employers for free and designed to provide valuable documentation that illustrates the minimum set of education and skill standards for a specific position. A trained profiler works collaboratively with groups of employees to complete a job analysis. This collaboration includes selecting the most critical job tasks, then analyzing these tasks to identify the minimal and optimal skills and skill levels required for an employee to perform effectively.

By matching the customized job profile with an employee’s Work Ready Certificate, an employer can make reliable decisions about hiring and training. Results are typically associated with decreased employee turnover, decreased training, decreased cost for training, increased productivity, and ultimately increased revenue.

Skills Gap Training is also available for free for individuals in Troup County who want to improve their scores and gain a higher-level certificate. For more information about free Skills Gap Training, please contact the WGTC Adult Education Division at 706.756.4587 or visit www.westgatech.edu.

Certified Work Ready Community provides Troup County with a means to illustrate to employers their commitment to economic and workforce development with its “validated” local workforce that is ready for employment. More simply stated, when a new business inquires about locating in Georgia, they will be inclined to begin with looking at those counties that are CWRC. Those that have not achieved CWRC may be overlooked. CWRC is being accomplished in Troup County through collaboration between WGTC, LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, Development Authority of LaGrange, local business and industry and Troup County School System. This collaboration required a formal plan to improve the community’s work ready status and minimum percentages of the workforce obtaining the WRC.

Certified Work Ready Region helps Troup County build upon its CWRC status with participation in AMP that was developed as a strategic manufacturing partnership between Coweta, Heard, Meriwether, Talbot, Troup and Upson. AMP promotes regional manufacturing resources.

“Coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, the Georgia Work Ready initiative will be the catalyst that will cement in place the linking of education, workforce and economic development together and will ensure our state has the talent to fill the jobs of the 21st century economy,” Snell said.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 130 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second largest of the state’s 28 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.

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News & Events Archive

2009 News - News Releases and Events from 2009

Information For:

2010 News Releases

WGTC News Releases & Events

Date

Event(s) & Time(s)

Monday, October 11

Kickoff Celebration @ LaGrange West Campus (12 noon - 2 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 12

Wednesday, October 13

Thursday, October 14

Friday, October 15

Saturday, October 16

Saturday, October 16

News & Events Archive

Under 21:	up 11% to 46,910 students
21-25:	up 22% to 46,377 students
26-30:	up 25% to 28,780 students
31-35:	up 26% to 20,597 students
36-40:	up 30% to 16,916 students
Over 40:	up 32% to 31,262 students