South Georgia Tech Precision Machining and Manufacturing students receive Gene Haas Scholarships

April 22, 2024
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (left) is shown above with SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing students and Gene Haas Scholarship winners Robert E. Brown, Jr. and Alec D. Hobbs and Instructor Chad Brown.
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (left) is shown above with SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing students and Gene Haas Scholarship winners Robert E. Brown, Jr. and Alec D. Hobbs and Instructor Chad Brown.

   Two South Georgia Technical College Precision Machining and Manufacturing students were recognized with Gene Haas Foundation Scholarships for their outstanding academic efforts and work ethics.  Robert E. Brown, Jr. of Ellaville and Alec D. Hobbs of Mauk were the students recognized.  They were recommended for the honor by SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing instructor Chad Brown.

   The Gene Haas Foundation donates funds to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation to support Precision Machining and Manufacturing scholarships and student competition teams highlighting the CNC/Manufacturing programs such as SkillsUSA and SAE teams.   SGTC will have a Precision Machining and Manufacturing student, Blake Archer of Palm Harbor, FL, competing at the 2024 National Skills USA competition in Atlanta, June 24 – 28.  Part of his competition expenses at the State SkillsUSA event were covered by the Gene Haas Foundation.

   Haas Automation, Inc., which manufactures economical and reliable machine tools, is known as America’s Machine Tool Builder.  Gene Haas founded Haas Automation, Inc. in 1983 and this company is currently the largest machine tool builder in the western world.  

   Haas’ commitment to US manufacturing led to the development of his foundation that focuses on granting funds to help expand Machining and CNC Technology programs. The billion-dollar company is working to help eliminate the skills gap in U.S. Manufacturing by providing scholarships for CNC machinist training.

   “South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical Foundation are very appreciative of the support the Gene Haas Foundation provides for our students and for the workforce,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “These grant funds enhance our current Precision Machining and Manufacturing program in many ways.  One of the most important is providing scholarships for those students who are interested in this career but need financial support. It also provides additional resources for sponsorship of our manufacturing students to compete at events such as SkillsUSA.”

   Robert E. Brown, Jr. of Ellaville, GA; and Alec D. Hobbs of Mauk, Ga; are the two latest SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing students to be selected to receive the Gene Haas Foundation Scholarships.  Both individuals were named to the SGTC President’s List for Fall Semester based on all A’s that semester.  Brown was also recognized as the SGTC Precision Machining and Manufacturing Student of Excellence recently.

   Both Brown and Hobbs expressed their appreciation to the Gene Haas Foundation for their support of the program and for their scholarship opportunities.  They are also excited about the career opportunities this program will help provide.

    “Our students are offered jobs in this industry within weeks of starting this program,” explained SGTC Instructor Chad Brown.  “There is a great need for CNC operators and programmers. Students with a basic understanding of these machines and concepts can go to work while they continue their education.”

   The Precision Machining and Manufacturing Program at South Georgia Tech develops academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills that emphasizes a combination of machine tool theory and practical application. Students learn print reading, lathe operations, mill operation, CNC Fundamentals and more.  It is a four term

  South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for summer semester.  Classes begin May 23.  Registration will be held April 23 and May 21.  To apply, visit www.southgatech.edu and click on Apply Now.

   For more information about the South Georgia Technical College Precision Machining and Manufacturing Program contact Instructor Chad Brown at 229-931-2573 or cbrown@southgatech.edu.

   For more information about donating to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.