Jesse Latourette awarded the SGTC Mike Cochran Aviation Maintenance Endowed Scholarship

December 12, 2024

South Georgia Technical College Aviation Maintenance Instructor Paul Pearson is shown above with the SGTC Foundation’s Mike Cochran Aviation Maintenance Scholarship recipient Jesse Latourette and SGTC Lead Aviation Maintenance Instructor Victoria Herron.

The South Georgia Technical College Foundation presented Jesse Latourette of Thomaston, with the Foundation’s Mike Cochran Aviation Maintenance scholarship recently. Latourette was recognized for his outstanding academic and work ethics qualities. SGTC Aviation Maintenance Instructors Victoria Herron and Paul Pearson recommended him for the scholarship.

South Georgia Technical College retired Aviation Maintenance Instructor Mike Cochran passed away suddenly in an airplane crash in 2019. His family and friends created a lasting legacy by establishing an endowed scholarship with the South Georgia Technical College Foundation to assist future generations of students enrolled in the aviation programs at South Georgia Technical College.

“On behalf of everyone at South Georgia Technical College, I would like to thank Nancy Cochran and their two daughters, Kelly Bazemore and Katie Cochran Sklar and their extended families, and all of Mike’s friends for establishing this endowed scholarship,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “Mike’s legacy is continuing to live on and inspire others to pursue a career in the fields of aviation maintenance, avionics, and aircraft structural technology that Mike loved so much. We are pleased to honor his memory and continue his legacy through the next generation of aviation students attending South Georgia Technical College.”

Jesse Latourette of Thomaston was pleased, humbled, and surprised to be selected to receive this scholarship. “I would like to thank the Cochran family and friends for this opportunity,” said Latourette. “I live on campus and this scholarship is a blessing. I really like learning to work with my hands and this is something that I had not had the opportunity to do before I enrolled at South Georgia Tech.

Latourette said that he chose South Georgia Technical College because of the excellent job opportunities available for graduates. “I know several people that came here and got great jobs after graduation. And I really like my instructors. They are very helpful and are interested in helping students succeed.” Latourette is scheduled to graduate in May 2025.

Mike Cochran retired as an aviation maintenance instructor at South Georgia Technical College in 2012. He spent over 27 years working as an instructor at the college and was a second generation graduate of South Georgia Tech. He earned his Electronics Technology Degree from South Georgia Tech in 1978 and worked for Williams Office Equipment, Southern Bell Telephone Company and Storer Cable Communications Company before accepting a position as an Electronics Technology Instructor at South Georgia Tech in 1985.

While he was an electronics instructor, he earned his Aviation Maintenance Technology and Avionics Diploma. In 2003, he became an Aviation Maintenance Technology and Avionics Technology instructor at South Georgia Technical College and held that position for nearly 10 years.

In addition to his South Georgia Technical College education, Mike earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Avionics Maintenance Technology from Georgia Southwestern State University and then he graduated with honors from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Technological Studies in 2008. He earned licenses/certifications from the FAA in Airframe and Powerplant. He was an FAA certified private pilot and was licensed by the FCC. He also had the NOCTI Electronics Technology certification and was IMACA Air Condition certified.

For more information about endowing a scholarship at South Georgia Technical College, contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2248 or sbird@southgtatech.edu.

South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for Spring Semester. Classes begin January 9 and it is not too late to enroll in one of the over 200 associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit programs available. Students can apply online at www.southgatech.edu or contact Admissions Director Candie Walters at 229-931-2299 or cwalters@southgatech.edu in Americus or contact the Crisp County office at 229-271-4051 in Cordele.

For more information about the Aviation Maintenance Program contact SGTC Lead Instructor Victoria Herron at vherron@southgatech.edu. Financial aid is available.