SGTC Alumnus Ronny Roundtree Speaks at SGTC Black History Month Program

Ronny Roundtree, Jr. (fourth from left) is pictured with African American History Program committee members and speakers, (left to right) Dr. Michele Seay, Christian Holloman, Raven Payne, Dr. John Watford, Cynthia Carter, Teresa O’Bryant, and Teresa McCook.

The SGTC Gospel Choir delivered musical selections throughout South Georgia Technical College’s annual Black History Month program.

South Georgia Technical College welcomed alumnus Ronny Roundtree, Jr., a 2004 Aviation Maintenance graduate, back to the college to serve as the keynote speaker for the annual Black History Month program recently. The program was held in the John M. Pope Center on the Americus campus and was attended by over 200 students, faculty, staff and members of the public.

Roundtree began his speech by analyzing what black history month means to him. Growing up, he says he watched movies like The Color Purple and Glory and listened to stories from his grandparents and was amazed at the things he heard and saw, but he never gave it much thought. It wasn’t until he grew up a little that he began to understand and appreciate the impact that their struggles had on his life.

“I was never denied access to an education. I was never told I could not sit there or eat there because of my race,” Roundtree said to the crowd. “Because of the sacrifices and efforts of people before me … the foundation was laid and put in place to allow me to pursue my goals just like anyone else.”

So Roundtree pursued his goals – not letting anything get in his way.

He grew up in North Florida working on cars with his dad. A couple of years after high school, he discovered that it wasn’t cars that he wanted to work on – it was airplanes. In that moment, Roundtree set a new goal for himself – he wanted to be an airplane mechanic.

After doing his research, Roundtree decided to learn his trade at South Georgia Tech. After two years of working the night shift at Wal-Mart and taking as many classes as he could, Roundtree’s efforts paid off. He graduated with three diplomas: Aviation Maintenance Technology, Structural Aviation and Avionics Maintenance Technology, and earned his FAA and Airframe Powerplant license.

Three months after graduating, Roundtree received his first job offer and moved to Salisbury, MD to take a job as a mechanic for Piedmont Airlines. He had met his original goal, but was eager for more. Because of his eagerness, Roundtree has continued to educate himself, challenge himself and take opportunities when they are presented to him. As a result, he has continuously climbed in his career field.

Roundtree now lives and works in New Orleans for the Department of the Navy. He works as a mechanic and avionics tech on UC-35 airplanes, which are used to transport important cargo and executives around the world.

“This career has taken me to some amazing places and has opened many doors … As I personally reflect on the civil rights movement during this African American History month program, I am grateful to the men and women, past and present, and from all walks of life, who have sacrificed, struggled and demanded fair opportunities so that everyone has a fair shot at life,” Roundtree said. “Keep in mind the obstacles that were cleared by people before you, and go for your goals.”

The program lasted for nearly an hour and featured musical selections from the SGTC Gospel Choir, an occasion delivered by SGTC EAGLE student Christian Holloman, an invocation by English instructor Raven Payne, and a welcome from SGTC President Dr. John Watford. South Georgia Tech’s 2018 Instructor of the Year winner and Criminal Justice instructor, Teresa McCook, presided over the event, provided closing remarks and delivered the benediction.

The event was planned by the African American History Program committee, which was composed of Cynthia Carter, Director of Career Services; Victoria Herron, Aviation Maintenance Instructor; Teresa O’Bryant, Executive Assistant to the President; Dr. Michele Seay, Psychology Instructor; Chief Sammy Stone, Director of Campus Safety; Vanessa Wall, Dean of Academic Affairs; and Linda Edge, Administrative Assistant.