South Georgia Tech Computer Information students earn SGTC Foundation academic scholarships

April 5, 2024
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford is shown above with (l to r) SGTC Computer Information and Networking Specialist students Lathan Leary, Charity Laster, and Richard A. Hawkins who were presented with SGTC Foundation academic scholarships. Also shown is SGTC’s CIS and Networking Specialist Instructor Veronda Cladd for the Americus campus.
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford is shown above with (l to r) SGTC Computer Information and Networking Specialist students Lathan Leary, Charity Laster, and Richard A. Hawkins who were presented with SGTC Foundation academic scholarships. Also shown is SGTC’s CIS and Networking Specialist Instructor Veronda Cladd for the Americus campus.

   Three South Georgia Technical College Computer Information Systems and Networking Specialist students earned South Georgia Technical College Foundation academic scholarships recently.  Lathan Leary of Marshallville, Charity Laster and Richard A. Hawkins of Americus were the students recognized by SGTC President Dr. John Watford for their achievements.

  Lathan Leary of Marshallville is a 2018 graduate of Macon County High School.  He received the Citizens Bank of Americus scholarship.  Leary enrolled in the Networking Specialist program at SGTC in the Fall of 2023 and is currently in his second semester.

   Charity Laster of Americus is a 2019 graduate of the South Georgia Technical College Criminal Justice program but she returned to enroll in the Computer Information Systems program to gain additional skills for her career.  She is a graduate of Americus High School and was awarded the Roy Lee and Susan Smith Scholarship for her academics and work ethics.

   Richard A. Hawkins of Americus was the third SGTC student from Instructor Veronda Cladd’s program to be recognized.  The 2015 Schley County High School graduate is currently in his second semester at SGTC and he was also recognized with the Roy Lee and Susan Smith Scholarship by the SGTC Foundation.

    “I am so proud of each of these students,” said SGTC Americus CIS Instructor Veronda Cladd.  “They are excellent students.  All were included on the President’s List for the academic achievements and each of them are very conscientious about getting their work done on-time.  I expect great things from each of them.”

   The Computer Information Systems and Network Specialist program at SGTC can be taken on line and in-person.  Some students adapt well to the on-line class format but others prefer to attend classes on-campus.  There are benefits to each option and Leary, Laster, and Hawkins have found the right blend for their education.  Students can earn certificates, diploma’s and associate of applied science degrees.

   Each of them thanked the SGTC Foundation and the donors for the academic scholarships and shared how much they enjoyed attending South Georgia Technical College.  “This is a great school,” said Charity Laster.  “Everyone is willing to help you succeed.  I liked it enough to come back.”

   Leary agreed with Laster.  “I really like how convenient it is.  I am working and this allows me to work and go to college and get an education in something I am very interested in.”  Hawkins is also taking advantage of the online classes and thanked Mrs. Cladd for being so responsive when he had questions about assignments.

   South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford congratulated each of the students on receiving the scholarships and for their academic excellence.  He also thanked them for selecting South Georgia Technical College to pursue their education.  He presented them with a framed scholarship certificate.

   “We are very proud of all of you,” said President Watford.  “I began my career at South Georgia Tech as a Computer Information Systems Instructor.  It is a great career option and provides you with valuable skills for life.  I hope you enjoy the classes and your career as much as I have. I also feel very confident that Mrs. Cladd is preparing you to do great things in the workforce.”

   President Watford and SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the SGTC Foundation Su Ann Bird also expressed their appreciation to Citizens Bank of Americus and the Roy Lee and Susan Smith family for their support of the college, the foundation, and most importantly, students.

   “Partnerships with individuals, area businesses and industry is crucial to our success,” said Dr. Watford.  “Investments in an endowed scholarship continues to give back to students indefinitely.  These students complete their education and become the business leaders of tomorrow and provide our communities with a trained workforce.”

   For more information about contributing to the SGTC Foundation or endowing a scholarship at South Georgia Technical College, contact Su Ann Bird, Executive Director of the SGTC Foundation and Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 229-931-2248 or sbird@southgatech.edu.  Contributions may also be mailed to the SGTC Foundation, P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA 31709

   South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs.  It offers students the “Complete College Experience” with on-campus housing and nationally ranked academic programs, intercollegiate athletics, and student activities.  It has been ranked as the number one community college in Georgia for the past four years.

   Summer semester begins May 23 and it is not too late to apply.  Registration for Summer classes will be held April 23 and May 21.