NGTC instructors recognized for excellence in teaching

Left to Right: Dr. Ruth Nichols, NGTC President; Greg Roach, Rick Perkins Award Winner; Stoney Farmer, Lighthouse Award Winner; Sammy Howe, Vice President Instructional Services.

Greg Roach, an Instructor in Environmental Horticulture at North Georgia Technical College's Clarkesville Campus, will compete in September with other top instructors in the Technical College System of Georgia for the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education.

Mr. Roach was named the local Rick Perkins winner earlier this month. This award is the technical college equivalent to "teacher of the year".

Other instructors recognized were Lighthouse Award recipients Stoney Farmer, Automotive Technology Instructor on the Clarkesville Campus and Abby Cornett, Practical Nursing Instructor on the Blairsville Campus. The Lighthouse Award recognizes technical college instructors for their outstanding performance in the classroom.

These instructors will join their colleagues from throughout the state at a conference in Augusta. This forum provides an opportunity for outstanding technical college classroom instructors to be recognized for their dedication, hard work and excellence.

"Abby is very professional yet is able to develop a personal relationship with her students." Noted Larry Culpepper, Director of Operations NGTC Blairsville Campus; shown above with Abby Cornett, Lighthouse Award winner.

Mr. Roach holds a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Education from the University of Georgia and has been the Environmental Horticulture Instructor on the Clarkesville Campus for ten years. Greg also serves as Department Chair for the Turf and Golf Course Management and the Environmental Technologies programs. Greg and his wife reside in Stephens County.

Mr. Farmer is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence as a Master Automobile Technician. He has 27 years of occupational experience in auto mechanics and attends automotive industry update training on a regular basis. Stoney has been an instructor on the Clarkesville Campus for six years.

Ms. Cornett holds a Master's Degree in Nursing from Walden University and is a Licensed Registered Nurse. She has 18 years of occupational experience in nursing. Abby has been an instructor on the Blairsville Campus for seven years.

"All of these instructors bring a high level of expertise and professionalism to their students. Their hands-on approach helps to motivate and excite all those they teach." noted Dr. Ruth Nichols, North Georgia Technical College President.