Media release from Georgia Northwestern Technical College:
Approximately 300 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 4, to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors.
After students, administrators and faculty marched into place during Processional and stood for the National Anthem, Invocation was led by Leyner Argueta, program director and instructor of Business Management at GNTC. Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, began the evening’s proceedings by welcoming everyone and congratulating the graduates.
“In this room, I see not just graduates, but individuals who have overcome unique challenges, demonstrating tenacity and a steadfast spirit,” Dr. Popham said. “Life has a habit of presenting us with unexpected challenges, but you chose not to be defined by those obstacles. Instead, you chose a path of education, personal growth and achievement.”
“Throughout your journey, you have not only acquired knowledge, but you have also developed essential life skills such as adaptability, problem solving and a thirst for knowledge that will serve you well into the future,” Dr. Popham said.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at GNTC, introduced commencement speaker Jennifer Dixon, GNTC’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.
Through the Rick Perkins Award, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Earlier this year, Dixon was named one of nine regional finalists for the TCSG Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award for 2025.
Dixon, a Calhoun resident, has served as the assistant dean of Public Service programs at GNTC since 2022. She continues to serve as an instructor in Early Childhood Care and Education, a role she has held since 2018.
“For me education is not just a profession. It’s a calling,” Dixon explained. “Helping someone discover what they are truly capable of is a sacred work.”
“Collectively, my family has over 586 years of service in education,” Dixon said. “From classrooms, lecture halls, Bible classes, night schools and boardrooms, my family understands and appreciates the power of knowledge. It is from this legacy of service, perseverance and belief in human potential that I look out at each of you today because you stand as the continuation of that story.”
Legare Price, associate vice president of Student Success at GNTC, recognized High Honor and Honor graduates. Price also led a special recognition for graduates who are veterans, FBLA Collegiate members, SkillsUSA members and Student Government Association members.
Dr. Anderson presented the graduates, and Dr. Popham conferred the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs and Student Success at GNTC, served as the graduation announcer.
Susan Bowman, program director, assistant dean and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath prior to Dr. Popham’s closing remarks.
In the photo from GNTC:
Maggie M. Brooks received an associate degree in Radiologic Technology at GNTC’s 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony at the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 4.