(Media release from the Technical College System of Georgia):
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is proud to announce the recognition of 23 exceptional individuals as the Alumni of the Year from its affiliated colleges. This prestigious honor celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of these alumni to their communities and the industries they serve.
“Our Alumni of the Year exemplifies the incredible talent that emerges from our technical colleges,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “They are living proof of the transformative power of technical education and serve as role models for current and future students. We are immensely proud of their achievements.”
The Alumni of the Year recognition not only acknowledges the accomplishments of these individuals, but also highlights the invaluable role that TCSG plays in providing high-quality education and training that prepares graduates to excel in their chosen professions. These honorees represent a diverse range of careers and industries, from healthcare and business to information technology and public service.
The Alumni of the Year honorees have been selected based on their exceptional contributions to the following areas:
- Professional Excellence: Demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership in their respective fields.
- Community Engagement: Made a positive impact on their communities through volunteer work, leadership roles, or community service.
- Advocacy for Technical Education: Supported and promoted the value of technical education and its role in workforce development.
- Career Success: Achieved notable career milestones and success in their chosen professions.
The Alumni of the Year honorees are:
- Dr. Lorenzo Carson, Radiologic Technology, Albany Technical College
- Lori Anne Lord, Respiratory Therapy, Athens Technical College
- Cremeithius Riggins, Paralegal Studies, Atlanta Technical College
- Sabrina Griffin, Clerical Office Specialist, Augusta Technical College
- Eric Wilson, Paramedicine, Central Georgia Technical College
- Mattie Harris, Radiography, Chattahoochee Technical College
- Joey Bullard, Practical Nursing, Coastal Pines Technical College
- Manford Metcalf, Electronics Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Architectural Drafting, Columbus Technical College
- Allison Patnode, Dental Assisting, Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Teresa Watson, Commercial Truck Driving, Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- Dr. Jeffrey Scott Bailey, Surgical Technology, Gwinnett Technical College
- Lanier Swafford, EMS, Paramedicine, Fire Science, Lanier Technical College
- Ray Chamblee, Business Technology, Criminal Justice, North Georgia Technical College
- Howard Clifford “Trey” Sheppard, Commercial Truck Driving, Oconee Fall Line Technical College
- David Rogers, Computer Information Systems, Ogeechee Technical College
- Dennis Adams, HVAC, Savannah Technical College
- Michael Coley, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Machine Tool, South Georgia Technical College
- James Everett, Mechanical Technology, Computer Information Systems, South Georgia Technical College
- Michelle Smith Lank, Early Childhood Care and Education, Southeastern Technical College
- Edva Angela Smith, Criminal Justice, Southern Crescent Technical College
- Jimmy Smith, Jr., Business Management, Southern Regional Technical College
- Mark Foster, Marketing Management, West Georgia Technical College
- J. Glenn Gregory, Drafting Design Technology, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Allison “Allie” Patnode began her career at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) as a student, earning her associate degree in Health and a diploma in Dental Assisting. She joined the GNTC faculty in 2011 as an instructor of Dental Assisting. She subsequently served as program director and then associate dean of Health Technologies before becoming dean of Nursing and Health Technologies in 2021.
Patnode was named GNTC’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year in 2015 and was one of nine finalists for TCSG Instructor of the Year.
“It is an honor to celebrate Allie for representing GNTC as an outstanding TCSG alumni,” said Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs at GNTC. “She is living her commitment to technical education as demonstrated through her studies as a student and now serving as an employee. She continuously seeks out opportunities for learning and professional development for not only herself but also her team.”
Anderson said, “Allie maintains a positive mindset and always keeps students’ best interest as her focus when making decisions and demonstrates a strong sense of fairness and accountability for all. She remains engaged in what is going on in the Health and Nursing programs and leads her team by example.”
The accomplishments of these alumni highlight the success stories that are born out of TCSG’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality technical education in Georgia. As TCSG continues its mission to prepare students for careers in various industries, the achievements of these distinguished alumni serve as a testament to the system’s impact on Georgia’s workforce and economy.
