Tracy Israel named Dean of Adult Education at South Georgia Technical College
Tracy Israel of Smithville, GA, has been named Dean of Adult Education at South Georgia Technical College effective July 1, 2024, announced President Dr. John Watford. Israel is currently working as SGTC’s Adult Education Career Services Specialist and will be stepping into the role currently held by SGTC’s retiring Dean of Adult Education, Lillie Ann Winn. Israel will report to South Georgia Technical College’s Vice President of Operations Karen Werling.
“South Georgia Technical College’s adult education department is one of the finest in the state,” said President Watford. “This department works with the individuals in our area who need basic academic skills and who are interested in High School Equivalency and GED test preparation, adult literacy and workplace literacy programs. We are very fortunate to have Tracy Israel move into the Dean of Adult Education position that will be vacated by Lillie Ann Winn’s retirement. We look forward to working with Tracy in this new role.”
President Watford also added that adult education is extremely important to the college’s overall mission of workforce development. “By providing individuals in our service area with access to adult education and GED services, we are helping to provide a better trained workforce for business and industry. We are also encouraging our High School Equivalency and GED graduates to continue their education and training by enrolling in South Georgia Technical College.”
Israel has a Master of Arts in Reading and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University. She has been working in the SGTC Adult Education Department since March 2015. She began working at SGTC as an Adult Education GED Instructor and then transitioned into the Career Services Specialist position.
She has also worked as a substitute Reading Instructor in the Education Department at Georgia Southwestern State University, taught in the elementary grades in the Americus City Schools and Schley County Schools as well as taught middle school English and Literature at Southland Academy. Israel has over 20 years of educational teaching experience.
“I am excited about starting in this new role and thankful for the opportunity,” said Israel. “I have enjoyed the last nine years working in the Adult Education Department here. This is a wonderful place to work and I hope that I will be able to keep the forward momentum going that has been established by Lillie Ann Winn and our entire staff. The adult education department provides a loving and supportive atmosphere for students who need help earning a high school equivalency or GED. Many students are hesitant to take that first step toward coming back or continuing their education but once they are here, they excel.”
As the Dean of Adult Education, Israel will be responsible for management of adult education programs and instructional services for Georgia citizens in a seven county Service Delivery Area (SDA) which includes Sumter, Crisp, Schley, Macon, Marion, Webster, and Taylor Counties. She will plan and organize the SDA work to meet the Technical College System of Georgia Office of Adult Education National Reporting System (NRA) goals and other specified directed activities as well as prepare the program specifications and budget for the SDA.
She will also monitor progress and productivity of assigned staff, promote the Adult Education Program to public and private organizations, serve on various boards and committees, oversee the administration of assessment and student placement tests for Adult Education students; maintain and oversee the maintenance of student records and provide financial management to include budget development and oversight responsibilities.
“This is such a blessing,” added Israel. “There are so many layers to adult education. We probably serve approximately 300 individuals annually. There is no cost for the classes and they are offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings in all seven counties served by South Georgia Technical College. This department has a great group of caring, dedicated instructors and I am fortunate to be able to continue to work with them in this new capacity.”
Israel is married to Charles Israel and they have three grown children, Trevor, Chance, and Delanie Michas. They also have five grandchildren.