SGTC President Sparky Reeves Earns Emeritus Status

South Georgia Technical College President Sparky Reeves became the first sitting technical college president to have the “President Emeritus” status voted on and approved from the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) at its meeting September 3rd, 2015 at the TCSG state offices in Atlanta. That distinction will officially begin on October 1, 2015.       Ben I. Copeland, Sr., the TCSG State Board 8th District representative from Lakeland, Ga., and Chairman of the External Affairs and Economic Development Committee, made the recommendation to name President Sparky Reeves as “President Emeritus” for South Georgia Technical College. Reeves is the first South Georgia Technical College president to receive the “President Emeritus” status.       “It is my distinct honor and pleasure to recommend this motion to bestow the “President Emeritus” status to South Georgia Technical College President Sparky Reeves, who will be officially retiring September 30th, 2015,” said Copeland. “This recognition is in honor of the outstanding achievements that President Sparky Reeves has accomplished during his tenure as President of the college.”       The motion was unanimously approved by the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia and President Reeves received a standing ovation from the board and the crowd present at the meeting.       TCSG State Board Chairman Joe Yarbrough and Commissioner Gretchen Corbin also joined Ben Copeland in his recommendation of President Reeves and thanked Reeves for his service to South Georgia Technical College as well as the Technical College System of Georgia for over 42 years.       “I had the pleasure of visiting South Georgia Technical College recently,” said TCSG Commissioner Corbin. “I was pleased and excited to see firsthand the wonderful work that President Reeves and his staff have been able to accomplish for our students and for our business partners. I am honored to have been able to work with President Reeves. I appreciate the dedication and accomplishments that he has contributed to South Georgia Technical College and the Technical College System of Georgia. I am so pleased that he will be able to continue to serve our system in the President Emeritus role,” added Commissioner Corbin.       President Sparky Reeves thanked the State Board and the Commissioner for the honor and for their support. “I am extremely humbled by this recognition,” said Reeves. “South Georgia Technical College has been and will always be near and dear to my heart. I thank you for the privilege of being able to serve as President of this great college and I thank each of you for what you mean to the thousands of students who are served each year by the Technical College System of Georgia. Together we are making a difference for the students and the businesses and industries in Georgia who hire our graduates.”       President Reeves also thanked his family, staff and the many people who have worked for and supported the college throughout the years. “South Georgia Tech’s success is based upon the many outstanding people who have worked for and still work for the college as well as the business and industry partners and the community members who have supported our efforts for the past 67 years,” said Reeves.       The President Emeritus status is a lifelong appointment for individuals who retire from the position of President of a Georgia Technical College with honorable and distinguished service in the Technical College System of Georgia. The honorary title means “earned through service” and as President Emeritus, Reeves will receive a lapel pin and name badge which signify the status of President Emeritus; free library services including internet access, on the campus of any Georgia Technical College; a standing invitation to attend regular meetings and events conducted within the system of the Technical College System of Georgia including: State Board, President’s Council, and Presidents Association Meetings; GOAL and EAGLE Award Banquets; Annual Literacy and TIDA Conferences.       Reeves has devoted over 42 years of his career to South Georgia Tech and was selected to be President of South Georgia Tech in 2004. He served as an instructor, supervisor, and Vice President of Economic Development prior to being named President.       During his tenure of visionary leadership, steadfast dedication and relentless perseverance, South Georgia Technical College increased its enrollment, led TCSG in graduate and award efficiency rankings, and had the highest transition rate from the Adult Education/GED program to post-secondary education enrollment.       He led the college to obtain accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, improved facilities and led campus beautification efforts, supported the intercollegiate basketball program which advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament five times, encouraged students to advance to national prominence in the colleges’ clubs and organizations and provided a complete college experience for technical college students in south Georgia.        Under his constant encouragement and guidance, South Georgia Technical College increased partnerships with business and industry including Caterpillar, Georgia Power, John Deere, Metro Power, and Kauffman Tire as well as other educational institutions and grew the South Georgia Technical College Foundation