Chattahoochee Technical College students celebrated their graduation from the state’s largest technical college during two commencement ceremonies held on Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. The college awarded associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credits this semester to nearly 1,000 students.

Popular areas of study for these graduates included programs in Health Sciences, such as Nursing and Radiography Technology, along with programs in Business, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, and Television Production Technology. Dozens of students also pursued skilled workforce training in high-demand career fields such as Welding, Early Childhood Care & Education, Air Conditioning Technology and Automotive Technology.

“We are so proud of what our students have accomplished,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “We genuinely want our students to succeed, and we are confident that Chattahoochee Tech has provided them with the skills and education they need to launch successful careers and build productive lives.”

Scholarship recipients attending commencement expressed gratitude for their positive experiences at Chattahoochee Tech. The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, worked diligently with business and community donors to help make higher education an affordable reality for these students by administering the scholarships.

“I wanted to be a part of a school that was not only affordable, but also would prepare me for entering the workforce,” said Josh Turner, of Cherokee County, who received the Ball Ground Lions Club Scholarship, and graduated with an associate degree in Radiography Technology. “Receiving my scholarship was the last piece of the puzzle I needed to successfully get through the Radiography program.”

Echoing that sentiment was Elaina Latty, of Pickens County, who graduated with an associate degree in Business Technology. “I wanted to work while I pursued my education and strive to graduate with no student debt, and I did just that,” said Latty. Helping her to achieve that goal was the Dr. Anil Yadav Scholarship and the Phyllis Foster Pool Scholarship.

Scholarship recipient Ri’ Chard Burrell, of Cobb County, graduated with an associate degree in Business Management. “Being a Barrow Family Scholarship recipient helped me to pay for classes and books. It also allowed me to stay on schedule for my graduation target date,” said Burrell. “After graduation, I plan to continue working for the Atlanta Braves and grow within the organization, as well as work on achieving a bachelor’s degree.”

Delivering the commencement address for both ceremonies was graduate Rachel Gondek, of Pickens County, a 2018 GOAL finalist for Chattahoochee Tech who received an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in healthcare. GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Chattahoochee Technical College has eight campus locations serving the counties of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding and Pickens.

Chattahoochee Technical College announced the winners of its outstanding student and instructor competitions on Friday, Jan. 18, in an awards ceremony held at the North Metro Campus with student Sue Nguyen and instructor Stephanie Puffer, both of Cobb County, receiving top honors. Nguyen received the college’s 2019 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) and Puffer received the Chattahoochee Tech 2019 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award. In the college’s Adult Education program, Derrick Whitaker, of Bartow County, received the 2019 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) award.  On behalf of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation, Board of Trustees Chairman Jason Anavitarte presented each student winner with a $500 award.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. “Three years ago, I was just a little girl coming from Vietnam and feeling uncertain about everything in America,” said GOAL winner Sue Nguyen, who is pursuing an associate degree in Marketing Management. “It was technical education that welcomed me with open arms and a wonderful academic journey. I will make sure to apply all the great things that I’ve learned to contribute to society.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s most outstanding instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Rick Perkins award winner Stephanie Puffer, who serves as the college’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director, noted that she was motivated to become a technical college instructor because her educational background is similar to many of the students at Chattahoochee Tech. “I started my educational journey at a two-year college,” said Puffer. “After I received my doctorate, I was teaching part time at a university but, once I had the opportunity to teach at Chattahoochee Tech, I realized that this is where I belong.”

“Our students’ stories are my story,” said Puffer. “They motivate me every day with their intelligence, humor and capacity to change their lives. As they leave here, they will be equipped to help others, which, in turn, strengthens our community.”

The other four finalists for the Rick Perkins Award competition at Chattahoochee Tech were: First Runner-up, English Instructor Jennifer Staton; Environmental Technology Instructor Stephen Anderson; English and Spanish Instructor Frank Inscoe; and Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director Amy Shaffer.

The Exceptional Adult Georgia in Literacy Education (EAGLE) program celebrates adult learners in pursuit of excellence. This program recognizes and honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in statewide adult education classes. “Attending the Adult Education program at Chattahoochee Tech and obtaining my GED gave me a new outlook on life,” said the Chattahoochee Tech 2019 EAGLE winner Derrick Whitaker. “My career goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.”

For the second year in a row, Chattahoochee Technical College has been designated as one of the nation’s top military-friendly schools by Victory Media, a leader in connecting the military community to educational and civilian employment opportunities.

Chattahoochee Tech was ranked number five in the nation in the large community college category of the 2019-2020 Military Friendly Schools list for its outstanding efforts to support military service members and military service family members who are enrolled at the college.

“This achievement truly reflects the level of service we try to make available to approximately 400 military service members, past and present, who are currently enrolled at the college, as well as more than 380 military service family members currently taking courses,” said Chattahoochee Tech Veteran Services Coordinator Barry Munday. “The tremendous support of our college leadership, faculty and staff helped make this ranking possible.”

Now in its tenth year, the Military Friendly Schools list is determined annually based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans and responses to data-driven surveys from participating institutions. Final ratings also involved an assessment of factors that included student retention, graduation and job placement rates.

The 2019-2020 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. This list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for military service members, veterans and their families.

Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Counseling Cheri Mattox-Carroll has been named Counselor of the Year by the Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA). A 24-year employee of the college, Mattox-Carroll is a licensed professional counselor, with board certification in telemental health, as well as a licensed certified professional counselor supervisor.

“I am thrilled to be recognized outside the college for my contribution to mental health awareness and the counseling field,” said Mattox-Carroll. “As Director of Counseling at Chattahoochee Tech, my favorite thing is helping students overcome life obstacles, consider other perspectives, and empower themselves in a holistic way,” said Mattox-Carroll. “It is gratifying to see students grow emotionally and see themselves in a new light.”

Founded in 1992, GCCA is a professional membership organization composed of professional practitioners employed in the counseling facilities of Georgia’s public and private institutions, colleges and universities, and is a state branch of the American College Counseling Association. GCCA advocates and promotes professionalism, offers continuing education, promotes state licensure and national certification, and promotes networking with colleagues.

“I am appreciative of the great relationships I have developed with faculty and staff. They have been very supportive of our students, and I am grateful for the trust they have put in me and the extra mile to which they go,” said Mattox-Carroll.  “I am pleased that I am working in such a supportive environment conducive to the growth of our students.”

Mattox-Carroll earned a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of West Georgia and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University. Her academic journey began with associate of arts degree earned at Northeast Technical Community College in Nebraska.

The College Delegate Assembly of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has elected Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors member Pam Carnes, of Cherokee County, to serve as a member of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees.

SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. The mission of SACSCOC is to assure educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions. Included among her responsibilities as a SACSCOC Trustee, Carnes will help determine commission policy and make decisions regarding the accreditation of institutions of higher education.

“We are very grateful for Pam’s valuable service on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “She will be a significant addition to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees.”

In addition to her service on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors, Carnes serves as President and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

For the tenth consecutive year, 100 percent of the Chattahoochee Technical College graduates in the college’s radiography program have passed the national certification test administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the world’s largest organization offering credentials in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy.

“We are very proud of the fact that our radiography program produces such highly skilled graduates who then serve as important members of medical teams in our communities,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb.

The radiography program at Chattahoochee Tech, which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings in which they prepare patients for and administer X-rays and other medical imaging procedures, noted Newcomb. Students can complete the radiography occupational courses at the college in four semesters, and they graduate with an associate of applied science degree in radiologic technology.

“The program’s success would not be what it is without our Clinical Coordinator Malcolm Paschall and our adjunct faculty,” said Chattahoochee Tech Radiography Program Director Jamie Bailey. “Our students are typically referred to as the best of the best. They are often hired by WellStar, since most of their clinical rotations are through the WellStar facilities. They also find jobs in other hospitals, outpatient clinics and orthopedics.”

The starting salary for Chattahoochee Tech radiography program graduates is around $50,000 annually, according to Bailey. “That is a great return for a small initial investment of around $10,000 to complete the program,” said Bailey. “My favorite thing about leading the radiography program at Chattahoochee Tech is being able to see the students become successful immediately after graduation. They start working in the field and even start growing within the profession as soon as they graduate and are hired.”

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) notes that radiologic technologists make up one-third of the nation’s healthcare professionals – surpassed in number only by physicians and nurses. Founded in 1922, the mission of AART is to promote high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy.

The nursing program at Chattahoochee Technical College has been ranked third best in Georgia among all of the state’s colleges, universities and technical colleges by the nursing advocacy group RegisteredNursing.org. Rankings were based on the pass rates of students taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

“The fact that we are ranked number three in the state is evidence that we strive to create a learning environment that surpasses the expectations of nursing education at the associate degree level,” said Associate Academic Dean Quetina Pittman Howell, who leads the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Chattahoochee Tech. “I have an amazing team, and we work very well together.”

“Our students typically find employment throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area,” said Howell. “You can find Chattahoochee Tech ASN graduates at WellStar Health System, Grady Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, and Northside Hospital.”

The Chattahoochee Tech ASN program is a highly competitive, rigorous program involving classroom, laboratory and clinical activities, according to Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “Approximately 35 to 40 students graduate from this program each year,” said Newcomb, “and we are confident that our outstanding instructors have successfully prepared these nursing graduates to be knowledgeable and compassionate.”

The ASN nursing program at Chattahoochee Tech has full approval by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. After successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), program graduates are granted state licensure to practice nursing as Registered Nurses.

A group of 14 Chattahoochee Technical College students representing a variety of college programs earned 10 medals at the recent statewide SkillsUSA competition held in Atlanta. 

“I am very proud of how well our students did,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “Their success is a tremendous accomplishment, especially since this is a state competition. They put in a lot of hard work to bring home numerous medals.”

Bringing home the gold were Mitchell Georgiana of the Criminal Justice Technology program, and Yuri Truelove, of the Motorcycle Technology program.

The college’s two gold medal winners will represent Chattahoochee Tech in Criminal Justice and Motorcycle Technology at the National SkillsUSA Competition in Louisville, KY.

SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit student organization that has developed more than 10 million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators. Hundreds of American industries have turned to SkillsUSA as the source for employees who exemplify “Champions at Work” in both skills and attitudes. With more than 395,000 members, SkillsUSA has served more than 12.5 million annual members cumulatively since 1965.

Below is a full list of the winners:

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:

Mitchell Georgiana – Criminal Justice Technology – Faculty Advisor – Craig Cass

Yuri Truelove – Motorcycle Technology – Faculty Advisor – Ben Pendley

SILVER WINNERS:

Josh Boudreau – CNC Milling – Faculty Advisor – Wayne Plos

Ikey Scales – CNC Turning – Faculty Advisor – Wayne Plos

Thomas Fernandez – Diesel Equipment Technology – Faculty Advisor – Evan Dover

Chris England – Television Production – Faculty Advisor – Thomas Logan

Julian Mintz – Television Production – Faculty Advisor – Thomas Logan

BRONZE WINNERS:

Daniel Lee – Culinary Arts – Faculty Advisor – Hillary Gallagher

Graham Smith – Television Production – Faculty Advisor – Thomas Logan

Jacob Ciaramella – Television Production – Faculty Advisor – Thomas Logan

The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation honored the recipients of 53 different scholarships at an awards luncheon held Friday, April 12, at the North Metro Campus in Acworth.

“With scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $2,500, the total value of these scholarships was $90,800,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Advancement Coordinator Amanda Henderson. “The 84 winners represent a wide variety of programs at Chattahoochee Tech, and they will be able to use the scholarships to advance their educational and career goals.”

Scholarship winners competed against hundreds of student applicants throughout the college, according to Henderson. The college’s Board of Trustees scored the recipients, and then the top applicants were matched with the appropriate scholarship. In addition to meeting the special criteria for certain scholarships, applicants must meet specific GPA requirements, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled for a specified number of credit hours.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of our scholarship donors,” said Chattahoochee Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Jason Anavitarte. “Through their support, they are helping to make education an affordable reality for students at Chattahoochee Technical College.”

The 2019-2020 scholarship recipients were:

10 Women of Hope Scholarship
Tiffany Thuesdee, of Cobb County

AAUW of Cobb County Scholarship
Aimee Abernathy, of Bartow County
Jennifer Rissen, of Cobb County

Andrews Business Services Scholarship in Memory of Chris Andrews
Shatira Leonard, of Cobb County

Angel on My Shoulder Scholarship
Allison Edge, of Cherokee County

AT&T Scholarship
Beth Costello, of Paulding County
Sarah Whitfield, of Fulton County
Vicki Wisecup, of Paulding County

Ball Ground Lions Club Scholarship
Teresa Kendrick, of Pickens County

Billy Askea Endowed Scholarship
Cassie Keeling, of Douglas County

Brooke Melton Memorial Scholarship
Markisha Johnson, of Cobb County

C&W Services Industrial Maintenance Annual Scholarship
Samuel Maina, of Bartow County

CareSource F.O.C.U.S. Scholarship
Myia Canidate, of Cobb County
Calvin Robison, of Cobb County

Charm & Goodloe Yancey Foundation Diesel Tech Scholarship
Jonathan Scarpinato, of Cobb County

Cherokee Master Gardeners Horticulture Scholarship
Anna Young, of Cherokee County

Cleo Ingram Scholarship of Nursing
Breanna Cooper, of Paulding County

Craig & Glinda Douglass Endowed Scholarship
Grace Gibbs, of Fannin County

David E. Loos, II Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Corazon Akoo, of Cobb County

Debbie Daly Memorial Scholarship
Rafael Garate, of Paulding County

Dr. Anil Yadav, MD Scholarship
Barbara Clark, of Pickens County
Kenneth Emory, of Pickens County
Tonya Hammontree, of Pickens County
Erica Hughes, of Pickens County
Amy Jordan, of Pickens County

Ed Voyles Automotive Group Scholarship
Alex Cote, of Douglas County
Darius Fletcher, of Cobb County
Jonathan Scarpinato, of Cobb County
Victoria Sweeton, of Cobb County

Georgia Power Endowed Scholarship
Qisean Roach, of Cobb County

Harlon D. Crimm Endowed Scholarship
Kaya Smith, of Cobb County

Helen E. Roper Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Daisy Castro, of Cobb County

Jack Vaughan, Jr. Endowed Scholarship
Lillian Waddell, of Cherokee County

James D. Boggus, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Jordan Windham, of Cobb County

Jonquil Garden Club Scholarship
Stephanie Caton, of Cobb County

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Endowed Scholarship
Emmanuel Ashu Arrey, of Cobb County
Donnie Balkaran, of Cobb County
Nathan Kealy, of Cobb County
Thelma Nora, of Cobb County
Simrendeep Purewal, of Bartow County
Isaac Shadare, of Paulding County

Mark Whitfield Scholarship of Excellence
Alexis Ocasio, of Cherokee County

Milton Ratner Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Gabrielle Dahl, of Gwinnett County

Mosley Endowed Automotive Scholarship
Deena Shaw, of Cherokee County

N.C. Low Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Erica Hughes, of Pickens County

North Georgia Staffing Scholarship
Sylvia Kirechu, of Paulding County

Phyllis Abbey Lantz Nursing Scholarship
Giovanna Tomassoni, of Cobb County

Phyllis Foster Pool Scholarship
Olivia Prather, of Pickens County

Pickens County Scholarship
Luke Wilson, of Pickens County

QSR, Inc. Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Technology Scholarship
Michael Osei Gyasi, of Carroll County

Robert and Cheryl Moultrie Endowed Scholarship
Loan Tran, of Cobb County

Ron Greene Memorial Academic Leadership Scholarship
Chad Stamey, of Gordon County

Rotary Club of Jasper Scholarship
Kristyn Russell, of Pickens County

Rotary Club of Marietta Metro Scholarship
Jessica Lanier, of Cobb County

Rotary Club of Paulding Scholarship
Emily Fred, of Cobb County
Christopher Kattner, of Paulding County
Julie Mullenix, of Paulding County
Richard Omari, of Paulding County

Rotary Club of South Cobb Scholarship
Mariette Ferrier, of Douglas County
Jasmine Lynaugh, of Cobb County

Stephen J. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship
Jose De La Pava, of Cobb County

Suggs Endowed Scholarship
Matthew Wright, of Bartow County

Tara Drummond Memorial Scholarship
Brittany Alexander, of Pickens County
Kayla Tipton, of Bartow County

Tara Fowler “Journey” Scholarship
Beauty Chanda, of Cobb County

The Beacon Foundation Scholarship
Teri Benoit, of Cobb County
Evan Gaines, of Cobb County
Debra Hatcher, of Cobb County
Jemetria Mabrey, of Cobb County
Judy Newman, of Cobb County
Ruth Nkongho, of Cobb County
Maeve Turpin, of Cobb County
Tatiana Uglovskaya, of Cobb County
Jennifer Vieth, of Cobb County
Jane Waithaka, of Cobb County

The Magnolia Garden Club of Cartersville, Georgia Scholarship
Aaron Bertolini, of Cherokee County

Tim B. Clower/GreyStone Power Scholarship
Camille Blevins, of Paulding County

Tommy Hembree Endowed Scholarship
Donald Bortz, of Cobb County
David Tyner, of Cobb County

Tull Charitable Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Tamiko Kimble, of Cobb County

Wanda Danette Stokes Spann Scholarship
Sadina Russell, of Paulding County

WellStar Scholarship
Lauren Poole, of Fulton County

Woodstock Furniture and Mattress Outlet Scholarship
Felicia Southern, of Carroll County

YANMAR America Scholarship
Andrea Le, of Cobb County

For the fifteenth year in a row, Alan and Claire Peterson, of Cobb County, presented Snap-on tool sets each valued at approximately $6,000 to Chattahoochee Technical College students in the college’s Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment, and Automotive Collision Repair programs in honor of their son, Mike Peterson. The Petersons presented the tool sets on Wednesday, April 24, in a ceremony held at the college’s North Metro Campus in Acworth.

“We are very thankful for the steadfast support of the Petersons throughout the years to make a difference in the lives of our students,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Newcomb. “So many of our students who are now working all across Metro Atlanta have benefitted from their generosity. These tool sets have been essential in helping them move forward in their careers.”

The 2019 Mike Peterson Memorial Award recipients were:

• Luis Aria, of Marietta
• Aaron Bivins, of Roswell
• Stuart Seiler, of Marietta
• Jennifer Wiggington, of Talking Rock

In order to be considered for this award, Chattahoochee Tech students enrolled in the Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, and Automotive Collision Repair programs must meet award GPA requirements, complete and application, write an essay, and provide a letter of recommendation from a current Chattahoochee Tech faculty member.

“I am beyond grateful to the Petersons for providing me with the actual tools I will need to succeed in my career,” said award winner Suart Seiler, of Marietta. A 2016 Hillgrove High School honor graduate who grew up helping his father work on his family’s cars, Seiler said that the Automotive Technology program at Chattahoochee Tech was a perfect fit for him. “I feel like I’m getting a great education and learning a lot,” said Seiler. “When I graduate in May, I hope to work for a dealership as a technician.”

Award winner Luis Aria, of Marietta, works for Hennessy Automotive Jaguar and Land Rover in Buckhead as he pursues his associate degree in Automotive Technology.

“The Petersons’ generosity will allow me to more effectively and efficiently tackle more difficult jobs as a Jaguar and Land Rover trainee,” said Aria. “Having access to this professional set of tools, I feel more confident than ever in pursuing my dream of becoming a master technician.”

Award winner Jennifer Wiggington, of Pickens County, is a nontraditional student in the Automotive Technology program at Chattahoochee Tech who is attending classes primarily at the college’s Appalachian Campus.

“This award is an answer to prayer that I and my family are very appreciative of,” said Wiggington. “A technician is required to at least have a starter set of tools in which to begin work. With two teenage children beginning their driving years, this was going to be difficult to accomplish on our own. This award has made all the difference in the jobs I will be able to apply for once classes are complete in May. The Mike Peterson Memorial tool set award is a blessing for my future.”

In October 2018, Chattahoochee Tech honored Alan and Claire Peterson as the college’s “Volunteer of the Year” to thank them for their many years of dedicated service in raising over $146,000 to benefit Chattahoochee Tech students. The Petersons organized a memorial golf tournament every fall since 2003 to raise proceeds that have funded the tool set awards.

The Cobb Community Foundation presented a $5,000 grant to the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation on Friday, April 26, at the Partners in Philanthropy Luncheon in Marietta. Receiving this grant on behalf of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation were Chattahoochee Technical College Director for Alumni and Annual Giving Stephanie Hubbell and Advancement Coordinator Amanda Henderson.

“The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation works diligently to make education an affordable reality for students at Chattahoochee Technical College,” said Hubbell. “We greatly appreciate the Cobb Community Foundation’s generous support in helping us make a significant difference in the lives of our students.”

The Chattahoochee Tech Foundation was one of 76 non-profit organizations that applied for the 2019 Cobb Community Impact Grants, according to the Cobb Community Foundation. The funds awarded to the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation will be used to create a food pantry for students at the college’s Marietta Campus.

“At least 36 percent of all college students struggle with food insecurity,” noted Henderson. “We plan to create a pantry operated by the Office of Student Resources within Chattahoochee Technical College. The pantry will be stocked with a combination of donated food items and items purchased through the Atlanta Community Food Bank.”

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Chattahoochee Technical College is the largest technical college in the state with more than 14,000 students enrolled in the past academic year.

Members of the Chattahoochee Technical College Paulding County Engagement Team participated in the Paulding County “Touch a Truck Day” on Saturday, April 27, in which children enjoyed taking a close look at one of Chattahoochee Tech’s commercial trucks.

The Touch a Truck Day event, which was held at Veterans Park in Dallas, featured a variety of vehicles in addition to the Chattahoochee Tech commercial truck, including police cars, a fire truck, ambulance and Department of Transportation trucks. This event was a great opportunity for kids and “kids at heart” to talk to drivers, sit in, touch, and honk the horns of these vehicles, according to the Paulding Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department.

The Commercial Truck Driving program at Chattahoochee Tech is a 37-day certificate program emphasizing CDL Class A training. Students also can pursue endorsements in Hazmat, Triple Truck, and Double Truck. There is high industry demand for program graduates.

The Chattahoochee Technical College Office of Economic Development nominated two of Georgia’s leading companies, Yanmar Co. Ltd. and Osmotica Pharmaceutical, for recognition during the state’s 2019 Manufacturing Appreciation Week.

Representatives from Chattahoochee Tech along with officials from both companies attended the 2019 Manufacturing Appreciation Week awards luncheon, which was held recently at the Georgia International Convention Center. This event featured an address by Gov. Brian Kemp, and was co-hosted by Commissioner Matt Arthur of the Technical College System of Georgia and Amy Carter, Deputy Commissioner for Rural Georgia Initiatives at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Yanmar is one of the world’s largest producers of diesel engines, with two locations in Bartow County. The company’s Yanmar Academy, a state-of-the-art training center is housed in the 50,000-square-foot Yanmar Evo Center, which is located at the corner of Highway 92 and Old Alabama Road in Acworth. With a research and development manufacturing facility located in Cobb County, Osmotica Pharmaceuticals is a fully-integrated bio-pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing specialty products.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia. The event also included the presentation of scholarship awards to students with winning entries in a statewide design contest promoting the importance of manufacturing to the students’ communities, and the potential for students to find fulfilling careers in this sector of the economy.

The Practical Nursing program at Chattahoochee Technical College has been ranked as the top Practical Nursing program in the state for the second year in a row.

Earning Georgia’s top score of 99.30 in a ranking by practicalnursing.org, the Chattahoochee Tech ranking was based on pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Chattahoochee Tech Practical Nursing program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and then are eligible to sit for the national exam. After successful completion of the NCLEX-PN, these graduates are granted state licensure to practice nursing in Georgia as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

“There are currently 45 students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at Chattahoochee Tech,” said Program Director Shannon Ferdarko, MSN, BSN, RN. “Once admitted into the program, they complete it in three semesters.”

“Our students are held to a very high level,” said Ferdarko, “and our instructors work endlessly to make sure students are retaining what they learn and are able to apply the knowledge they’ve gained.”

The Chattahoochee Technical College Practical Nursing program currently is located on the college’s Marietta campus, with plans underway for expanding the program onto the college’s Appalachian campus, noted Ferdarko. Licensed Practical Nurses are valuable members of the medical healthcare team who work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and physicians to provide care and treatment of patients.

Chattahoochee Technical College supporters gathered for the inaugural Spark Workforce Awards event hosted by the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation on Wednesday, May 8, at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta.

“Through their support of Chattahoochee Technical College, these individuals and organizations are helping to build a thriving workforce in our community,” said Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Jason Anavitarte. “They are making a major impact by helping our graduates move into the workforce.”

Included among those honored at this event were Alan and Claire Peterson, who received the the Volunteer of the Year award, along with the Beacon Foundation Charitable Trust, recognized as the Benefactor of the Year. The Alumni of the Year award was presented to Cecilia Byers of WellStar Health System. The Spark Workforce Awards event also featured a presentation by Jay Cunningham, President of Superior Plumbing and a Technical College System of Georgia State Board Member, and a longtime advocate for technical education.

“Jay Cunningham is a true champion of workforce development and technical education,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “He also generously supports Chattahoochee Tech’s veteran students through the college’s Jim Cunningham Veteran Services Center.”

Chattahoochee Technical College Vice President of Student Affairs and Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Nelson introduced each of the award recipients, beginning with Cecilia Byers, a Biomedical Engineering Manager with WellStar Health System who received the Alumni of the Year award. Byers earned three associate degrees from Chattahoochee Tech then continued with her education by earning a bachelor’s degree, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Walden University.

“In her position at WellStar, Cecilia has the opportunity to work with Chattahoochee Tech interns as well as employ graduates,” said Nelson. “This is a true example of alumni paying it forward, helping to build an educated and trained workforce for the community while providing opportunities for our students.”

Nelson also noted that Byers actively participates in volunteer organizations to help spread the word about the importance of technical education and STEM related careers. Included among the WellStar officials attending the awards ceremony was Mark Haney, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Facilities and Development Services. Haney also serves as Chairman of the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors.

Recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for their steadfast support of the college were Alan and Claire Peterson, of Cobb County, who established a scholarship fund to honor the memory of their son, Mike. Thanks to their efforts for the past 15 years, the Mike Peterson Memorial Scholarship Fund has raised over $250,000 to purchase automotive, diesel, and automotive collision repair tool sets awarded to 82 Chattahoochee Tech students, with each tool set valued at approximately $6,000 to $7,000.

“We thank Alan and Claire for their tireless and generous support of our students,” said Nelson. “They are a true pleasure to work with, and we appreciate them so much.”

Nelson presented the final award of the evening, the Benefactor of the Year award, to the Beacon Foundation Charitable Trust, a local charity focused on poverty relief. Receiving the Benefactor of the Year award on behalf of the Beacon Foundation Charitable Trust was Elizabeth Smith Williams, who serves as the organization’s secretary/treasurer.

“Over the past three years, the Beacon Foundation has provided 30 academic scholarships and emergency grants for students,” said Nelson. “In addition, funds from the Beacon Foundation Charitable Trust have supported the college’s Special Population fund from which the college provides bus passes, books and book codes for the textbook lending program, and this year, helped us establish funding for homeless students needing short-term housing – a growing need for today’s college students.” Nelson noted that the college’s Special Populations students are those who may be economically disadvantaged, may be a single parent or displaced homemaker, or enrolled in a non-traditional program of study.

The inaugural Spark Workforce Awards marked a significant event in support of technical education, according to Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Jason Anavitarte. “Today’s employers are in great need of the highly-skilled graduates produced by Chattahoochee Technical College,” said Anavitarte. “All those who so generously help our students are providing support that fills the gap and ignites the spark that empowers them to success.”

Chattahoochee Technical College has marked National Nurses Week with the formal announcement of Quetina Pittman-Howell, MSN, RN as the new dean of nursing for the college’s highly ranked nursing programs. She served previously as the college’s associate dean of nursing, after joining the college as an adjunct faculty member over eight years ago.

The Chattahoochee Technical College Practical Nursing (PN) program was ranked recently as the top nursing program in Georgia for the second year in a row by PracticalNursing.org, and the college’s Registered Nursing (RN) program was ranked as one of the state’s top three programs by RegisteredNursing.org.

“I think nursing at Chattahoochee Tech is absolutely incredible,” said Pittman-Howell. “Where can students in the state of Georgia go where both the RN and PN programs are ranked in the top three? The PN program having a ranking of number one and the RN program having a ranking of number three in the state speaks volumes.”

“Both programs have 100 percent board pass rates,” said Pittman-Howell. “To me this means that students who graduate from a nursing program at Chattahoochee Tech will have the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are needed for nursing practice.”

The American Nurses Association (ANA) declared May 6-12 as the national week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. National Nurses Week is a time for everyone to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s four million registered nurses, according to the ANA. Each year, the celebration ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Chattahoochee Technical College sponsored the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce May 2019 Network Luncheon featuring Georgia House Speaker David Ralston. More than 100 business and community leaders gathered for this event, which was held at the Piedmont Community Room located off Industrial Boulevard in Ellijay. Speaker Ralston provided the group with an update on the Georgia legislative session.

Gilmer Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paige Green, who also serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors, spearheaded this event along with Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors Chairman John Marshall.

Included among those attending the Gilmer Chamber event featuring Speaker Ralston were several representatives from Chattahoochee Technical College. Shown in this group photo, front row l-r, are Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors Chairman John Marshall, Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, Gilmer Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paige Green, who also serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Facilities Marsha Honea, Director for Alumni and Annual Giving Stephanie Hubbell, and Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. Shown in the second row, l-r, are Vice President of Facilities David Simmons, Associate Director of Adult Education Amy Denney, Associate Dean of Mathematics Jennifer Loudermilk, Executive Director of Compliance, Reporting and Financial Services Heather Pence, Events Specialist Kelly Eubanks, and Vice President of Student Affairs and Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Nelson.

Chattahoochee Technical College honored Board of Directors Member Pam Carnes with a Golden Eagle award on Tuesday, May 14, at the Woodstock Campus for her 12 years of dedicated service on the board.

“It has been a wonderful adventure to serve on this board,” said Carnes. “I began serving on the Appalachian Technical College Board, which then evolved into the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors after the merger. It has been an honor to serve these past 12 years.”

Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors Chairman Mark Haney and Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb presented Carnes with the Golden Eagle award. “Pam’s passion for technical education and providing a trained workforce made her an ideal member of our board,” said Haney, who also noted that Carnes served as Board Chairman from 2011 to 2012.

Carnes, of Cherokee County, serves as President and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and recently was elected by the College Delegate Assembly of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), to serve as a member of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees.

“We thank Pam for her leadership, dedication and commitment through her service on the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “We wish her the very best as she embarks upon her new journey representing the public sector with the SACSCOC Board of Directors.”

Also at their May meeting, the Chattahoochee Technical College Board of Directors congratulated Chattahoochee Tech Design and Media Production student Samantha Brown for winning the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) 2019 Winner’s Book design competition. Brown’s design was used for the TCSG 2019 Winner’s Book at the 2019 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) and Rick Perkins Awards event, which honored outstanding technical education students and instructors.

Chattahoochee Technical College honored more than 400 students who petitioned to graduate from the state’s largest technical college in two commencement ceremonies held on Thursday, May 16, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. Crossing the stage to receive associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit were 200 graduates representing more than 30 programs of study.

The most popular areas of study for these graduates were in the college’s business and technical studies programs of Accounting, Business Management, Computer Networking, and Cybersecurity, along with Television Production Technology and Cosmetology. The most popular area of study in the college’s health sciences division was Surgical Technology, followed by Medical Assisting.

“Today is a celebration of what our graduates have accomplished, of the skills and knowledge they have acquired and the credentials they have earned,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “Whether it’s entering the workforce or pursuing even higher education, they are prepared for the next step in life.”

Delivering the commencement address at both ceremonies was Sue Nguyen, of Cobb County, who was a state finalist in the 2019 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) contest sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Graduating with an associate degree in Marketing Management, Nguyen expressed appreciation for the education she received at Chattahoochee Tech.

“Chattahoochee Tech has provided me with a great platform of knowledge and skill sets, which will prepare me for my career path,” said Nguyen. “I have appreciated every moment spent at Chattahoochee Tech, and I will make sure to apply all the great things I have learned to contribute to society.”

Included among the 200 students participating in the commencement ceremonies were 15 honor graduates, who each earned a cumulative GPA of 4.0. Spring 2019 graduates at the commencement ceremonies also included five Veterans and three Dual Enrollment students.

The Chattahoochee Tech Paulding Engagement Team supported the Paulding County Relay for Life event on Saturday, May 18, by giving out water to event participants.  This year’s event was held at the Watson Government Complex in Dallas, and featured a Survivor/Caregiver Walk along with a luminaria ceremony.

“We were very glad to be involved in this inspirational event which is so important in offering comfort and hope to those who have been affected by cancer,” said Missy Cusack, Chattahoochee Tech Executive Director of Admissions and Records.

Relay for Life is a community-based fundraising event that helps to raise funds for cancer research, as well as help cancer patients and their families have access to the care they need, according to the American Cancer Society. Each year, more than 5,000 Relay for Life events take place in over twenty countries.