WGTC News Releases & Events
The following articles have been recently released by West Georgia Technical College:
- WGTC Announces 2012 GOAL and Rick Perkins Winners
- WGTC Names 2012 EAGLE Winner
- Celebrity Casino Royale Scores Big for WGTC Foundation
- Dental Hygiene Unites with GA Dental Association for Free Clinic for Kids
- WGTC National Technical Honor Society Inducts New Members
- WGTC Graduation is a Family Affair for Father and Daughter
- ACBSP Awards West Georgia Technical College Initial Accreditation
WGTC Announces 2012 GOAL and Rick Perkins Winners
Posted: February 4, 2012
CONTACT: Anitra Ellison, PHONE: 678-664-0523
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| David Crawford, 2012 WGTC GOAL Winner |
West Georgia Technical College named David Crawford, a Computer Support Specialist student from Hiram, as its Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership winner and Computer Information Systems instructor Lee Bradley as its Rick Perkins Award winner.
GOAL is a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia which honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. The Rick Perkins Award is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.
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| WGTC Rick Perkins Winner - Lee Bradley |
Both Crawford and Bradley will go on to compete against other winners in the northern region on February 21, 2012, at Lanier Technical College. They will then go on to compete in the statewide competition to be held on April 25-26 in Atlanta.
“These winners embody our core values and we congratulate their victories,” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “I know that they will represent the College well in the upcoming competitions.”
Crawford, who enrolled on the Douglas Campus in 2010, was nominated by English instructor Dr. Judy Jackson. After graduation, Crawford plans to start his own business and develop new and improve existing technology.
Bradley was one of seven instructor nominees from across the College to compete before a panel of local leaders. Bradley teaches in the Game Development Specialist program in the Computer Information Systems department at the Coweta Campus. He has been with West Georgia Technical College since 2007.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 Tech is the second largest of the state’s 25 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
WGTC Names 2012 EAGLE Winner
Posted: February 2, 2012
CONTACT: Anitra Ellison, PHONE: 678-664-0523
West Georgia Technical College has named Crystal Ogburn as its 2012 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) winner.
The EAGLE Leadership Institute is a two day event designed to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of each of the EAGLE delegates and provide professional development sessions focused on increasing leadership, communication and life management skills.
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2012 EAGLE winner Crystal Ogburn with WGTC Adult Education Program Manager Jackie Lowe |
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As West Georgia Technical College’s EAGLE winner, Ogburn will compete February 13-15 in Atlanta in the EAGLE Leadership Institute. The EAGLE Leadership Institute is a two day event designed to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the EAGLE winners. The two day event also provides professional development sessions focused on increasing leadership, communication and life management skills.
“Adult education is a critical program at West Georgia Technical College that has a positive impact not only on our students but also in our communities,” said President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “We commend her achievement and I wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.”
Ogburn was speechless when she found out she won.
"I wasn’t expecting to win,” said Ogburn, who attends classes in Luthersville. “I was just having fun writing about my family and this is where it brought me.”
Ogburn decided to pursue her GED after realizing she wanted a more one on one approach to her education. After she receives her GED, Ogburn plans to attend West Georgia Technical College and pursue a degree in Radiologic Technology.
“I’m excited, nervous and anxious about the Leadership Institute,” said Ogburn. “I’m just happy that I won.”
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 Tech is the second largest of the state’s 25 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
Celebrity Casino Royale Scores Big for WGTC Foundation
Posted: January 28, 2012
CONTACT: Anitra Ellison,
PHONE: 678-664-0523
The West Georgia Technical College Foundation’s highly anticipated “Celebrity Casino Royale” fundraiser won over sports fans from the West Georgia area. The January 27 sold-out event in Douglasville was billed as the largest single gathering of famous sports stars to come to this area in years.
The evening began with a private VIP dinner, where corporate sponsors and their guests had the opportunity to mix and mingle with the celebrities in a more intimate setting. Former UGA head football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley and his wife Barbara entertained guests during their presentation in the private VIP dinner.
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Front row: WGTC VP of Institutional Advancement Dawn Cook, WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan, WGTC baseball coach Todd Pratt
Back row: Vince Dooley, Barbara Dooley, Sharon Perkins, Fredi Gonzalez, Ovie Mughelli, Roger McDowell
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“As one who has been on a technical college board, I have a great appreciation for Dr. Sullivan and his staff,” said Vince Dooley. “This is a first class event. I am pleased to see so much support for sports and technical education.”
Braves skipper Fredi Gonzalez, Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, and Georgia Tech’s softball coach Sharon Perkins also made an appearance, autographing items and serving as guest dealers at the casino tables.
The night’s festivities also included gaming with casino cash at various casino tables such as blackjack, craps, poker and roulette, where attendees had an opportunity to play the games with one of the sports celebrities serving as a guest dealer. Attendees were treated to hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a DJ, door prizes, and a silent auction which included several sports memorabilia pieces, vacations, tickets to shows and other high-demand items.
“Where else are you going to be able to rub elbows and meet these renowned sports figures than at this event?” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “We are very appreciative of them for their commitment to helping us raise much-needed funds for our student-athletes, and we want to thank the community for helping us with this cause.”
All proceeds will support the athletic programs at West Georgia Technical College. West Georgia Tech started its athletic program in 2006 with volleyball and has since added men’s and women’s basketball, cheerleading, baseball and, most recently, fast pitch softball. “This is the first time we have undertaken a fundraiser of this magnitude for our athletic programs,” Cook said. “We are so grateful to our friends in the community and our celebrities for their assistance and commitment to help raise the much-needed funds which will go directly to helping our local student-athletes achieve their goals.”
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 Tech is the second largest of the state’s 25 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
Dental Hygiene Unites with GA Dental Association for Free Clinic for Kids
Posted: January 26, 2012
CONTACT: Anitra Ellison,
PHONE: 678-664-0523
The West Georgia Technical College Dental Hygiene program is teaming up with the Georgia Dental Association to hold a free dental clinic for local qualifying children from underserved families on February 3. West Georgia Technical College is hosting this event for the first time.
“These opportunities help our students to not only be successful in the classroom, but also in life,” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “West Georgia Technical College fully supports community involvement and we are proud of their efforts.”
The clinic is a part of the national yearly event, Give Kids a Smile, which was started by the American Dental Association. Dental professionals and community volunteers will work together to provide children with basic dental care as well as working to educate them on the importance of good oral health habits.
The clinic will provide exams, cleanings and sealants to under privileged elementary school children and also to provide information on maintaining proper oral health. Local dental hygienists along with first and second year dental hygiene students will be volunteering at the clinic.
“We try to expose our students to different enrichment experiences,” said Dental Hygiene Program Director Cherie Rainwater. “This is a really rewarding experience and we’re also serving the public.” The Georgia Give Kids a Smile Free Dental Clinic will be held on February 3 at the Douglas Campus on 4600 Timber Ridge Drive from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The clinic is by appointment only and appointment times are limited. Signed parental permission is required and may be obtained on-site the day of the event. To make an appointment, please call 404-447-8556.
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 Tech is the second largest of the state’s 25 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
WGTC National Technical Honor Society Inducts New Members
Posted: January 19, 2012
CONTACT: Anitra Ellison,
PHONE: 678-664-0523
West Georgia Technical College welcomed 30 new inductees into the National Technical Honor Society January 17 on the LaGrange Campus.
To be considered for membership in the National Technical Honor Society, students must have a 3.5 GPA and be enrolled in a diploma, degree or degree core certificate program. Additional requirements include having a 2 or better in Work Ethics, involvement in school, church or community organizations, the completion of 20 quarter credit hours or 18 semester credit hours, and an instructor nomination.
The induction ceremony included the “lighting of the candles,” a tradition where a candle is lit representing the attributes of knowledge, skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship and leadership. The ceremony also included the pinning of inductees and ended with the National Technical Honor Society pledge.
Upon graduation, members of the National Technical Honor Society receive three letters of recommendation from the national office to take with them on job interviews. In addition to this, members also have access to the National Technical Honor Society Online Career Center to aid in finding employment. Members also have the opportunity to pursue scholarships as well, some of which are in conjunction with other student organizations at West Georgia Technical College. A total of $91,000 in scholarships is available.
“These students are an example of the excellence we bring in the classroom and in the workforce,” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “I am proud of every one of them and congratulate them on their achievements.”
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 Tech is the second largest of the state’s 25 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
WGTC Graduation is a Family Affair for Father and Daughter
Posted: January 13, 2012
CONTACT: Anitra Ellison,
PHONE: 678-664-0523
Graduations are usually a joyous time for parents to celebrate their children’s scholastic achievements, but for Brandy Turner and Donald Dentmon, graduation comes with a twist. Both Dentmon and Turner, father and daughter, will be graduating together from West Georgia Technical College January 19.
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Brandy Turner and Donald Dentmon at the WGTC ADN Pinning Ceremony |
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“Technical education can help change the lives of families and their futures,” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “We congratulate both Brandy and Donald on their accomplishments.”
Dentmon and Turner began contemplating going back to school when Turner was given a third round lay off in December 2008 and had a hard time finding work. Dentmon is working as a temporary employee at Sony through a staffing agency but lacked the qualifications for a more permanent position.
“I kept telling Brandy that she needed to go back and get her degree,” said Dentmon who resides in Tallapoosa. “She said ‘I will if you will!’ So we did.”
After making the decision to go back to school, Dentmon and Turner began studying for the COMPASS exam.
“We knew we could start on level if we just did well on that test and we did! We both did great,” said Turner who lives in Temple. “I am so proud of him especially; he had been out of school much longer than I had.”
After getting accepted in April 2009, Turner enrolled in the Registered Nursing program on the Murphy Campus and Dentmon enrolled into the Electronics Technology program on the Carroll Campus. Both Dentmon and Turner continued working during school and encouraged each other when times got tough.
“I’ve encouraged her and she’s encouraged me. It’s been fun,” said Dentmon.
Turner recalls the challenges her father faced when he took his first required computer class. “He found a great deal on a computer and then had [Microsoft] Vista installed on it; so he had to teach himself not only how to use Vista but also find out how to convert that knowledge over to the computer class,” said Turner. “I was worried for him. He would tell me that he stayed up until 4 and 5 a.m. just to get it all done, plus at that time he only had dial-up service. Talk about dedication!”
Dentmon faced the biggest challenge when his mother passed away after he took a quarter off from school to help take care of her when her health began to deteriorate.
“She’d be real proud that I finished,” said Dentmon.
Despite the challenges they faced, Dentmon and Turner surpassed all of their expectations together. Dentmon made the President’s List every quarter and finished with a 4.0 GPA while Turner accepted a position with Tanner Health System in the Villa Rica emergency department as a Registered Nurse. Both Dentmon and Turner are proud of their accomplishments and even more proud that they were able to do it together.
“She always manages to come through for me,” said Dentmon. “She’s a great person; I’m so proud of her.”
Graduation will be held January 19 on the Murphy Campus at 7 p.m. West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan will be the keynote speaker.
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 Tech is the second largest of the state’s 25 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
ACBSP Awards West Georgia Technical College Initial Accreditation
Posted: December 15, 2011
CONTACT:
Melinda Dorning, Communications Coordinator, mdorning@acbsp.org
Babs Russell, Dean, School of Business, babs.russell@westgatech.edu
ACBSP Awards West Georgia Technical College Initial Accreditation of its Business Programs
Overland Park, KS — The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Associate Degree Board of Commissioners recently awarded West Georgia Technical College, in Douglasville, Ga., initial accreditation of its business programs.
ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business school at West Georgia Technical College meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.
“West Georgia Technical College has shown their commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Director of Accreditation Steve Parscale, who will present the Certificate of Initial Accreditation at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md., June 17. “This accreditation is evidence that West Georgia Technical College is committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students.”
“West Georgia Technical College is continually striving to improve our quality of education and services,” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “This accreditation is another step toward our commitment to excellence.”
ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only business accrediting organization for all associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs. Its mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize excellence in the accreditation of business education programs around the world.
ACBSP continues to grow, having recently added its 10th region to better serve member institutions in South Asia. ACBSP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a specialized accreditation agency for business education. ACBSP currently has 1,051 member campuses, 157 of which are located outside of the U.S. Of those campuses, 541 have achieved accreditation and more than 415 are in candidacy for accreditation. Individual members on these campuses now exceed 9,500.
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