South Georgia Tech President speaks to Americus Rotary Club

South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford was the guest speak for the Americus Rotary Club recently and he thanked the group for their support of South Georgia Technical College, its faculty and staff, and students.       “South Georgia Technical College has been successful because of the community support that we have received from businesses and industry, individuals, and clubs and organizations like the Rotary Club here in Americus,” said President Watford.  “I want to thank you for that support and let you know that you are an integral part of making good things happen at South Georgia Technical College and for this community.”        Dr. Watford gave the club a brief overview of the history of South Georgia Technical College in Americus and in Crisp County and shared that the college’s new slogan for the coming year, is “Making it Happen!”        “South Georgia Technical College is ‘Making it Happen,’ in Academics, Athletics, and Activities.  We are a leader in the Technical College System of Georgia and throughout the nation.  Our faculty, staff, and students are consistently ranked as leaders in each of those areas,” said President Watford.  “Ashley Rodgers, a Marketing Management student, was selected as the top technical college student in the state for 2016 and will be representing all technical colleges for the next year speaking to the Governor and the state legislature as well as other groups.  She is just one example of the type of students we are able to prepare for the workforce thanks to your support.”        In addition to the top student, South Georgia Technical College has an alumni playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA), a young female athlete that was selected as a NJCAA first team Division I All-American who will be playing for Wichita State in the fall, and a large number of students competing for national recognition in clubs and organizations such as SkillsUSA, Phi Beta Lambda, and the National Honor Society.        Dr. Watford also stressed how partnerships with leaders in business and industry strengthened the college and the education that students receive.  “We have strong partnerships with industry recognized leaders such as Caterpillar, John Deere, Metro Power, Kauffman Tire, and others.  These provide great job opportunities for our graduates and for strengthening our workforce.”        South Georgia Technical College is graded on three main things – enrollment, graduation, and placement, explained Watford.  “We may not be the largest technical college in the state, but right now we are the most efficient.  Based on the number of students that are enrolled, we have the highest percentage of retaining and graduating our students and with placing them in positions after graduation.”       Other items that Dr. Watford touched on included the financial advantages of attending a technical college.  “There are currently nine different program areas at South Georgia Technical College that students receive extra grant funding for if they are HOPE Grant Eligible.  That makes it almost tuition free to attend South Georgia Technical College.”        In closing, Dr. Watford, thanked the Americus Rotary Club again for their support and awarded several door prizes to the individuals who correctly answered questions he covered during the talk.