OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
RAISING THE BAR
on Education.
ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS The Alumni Association of Ogeechee Technical College annually presents Outstanding Alumni Awards in two categories, Distinguished and Outstanding. The awards, in addition to recognizing alumni who have succeeded in their chosen profession, highlight the level of accomplishment which can be attained through technical education, and more specifically, with a degree, diploma, or certificate from Ogeechee Tech. Countless graduates of OTC serve the needs of individuals, not only in Bulloch, Evans, and Screven Counties, but make an impact across the state of Georgia, the United States, and beyond. Let’s congratulate this year’s winners! THE COLLEGE TOUR HOST ALEX BOYLAN, ENGAGING STUDENTS IN QUESTIONS DURING A Q&A.
OTC Takes Center Stage on The College Tour On a typical summer day in southeast Georgia, an Orlandobased film crew unloaded cameras and lighting equipment across Ogeechee Technical College’s campus, preparing to capture a week of footage for OTC’s episode of The College Tour. Less than a year later, that footage is now available to a global audience. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, The College Tour was created by host and executive producer Alex Boylan after discovering that many students and families could not afford to travel and visit colleges across the country. Now in its 16th season, the nationally recognized series gives prospective students an authentic look at colleges and universities through the voices and experiences of their students. OTC became just the second technical college in the nation to be featured on the series.According to the production crew, the week included several firsts for the show—from learning the ins and outs of Funeral Service Education to filming raccoon releases and even a few games of pickleball. Boylan, who has visited hundreds of colleges and universities through
(L-R): LORI DURDEN, OTC PRESIDENT WITH ALEX BOYLAN, TCT SHOW HOST.
the series, said OTC stood out for its strong sense of purpose. “Ogeechee Tech offers the perfect blend of opportunity and value. You can really feel how everyone — faculty, staff, and students — is working together toward the same goal: helping students launch successful careers in the local workforce,” said Alex Boylan, host of The College Tour.
“You can really feel how everyone — faculty, staff, and students —is working together towards the same goal: helping students launch successful careers in the local workforce.” - Alex Boylan, TCT Show Host
OTC STUDENT AND SEGMENT STAR HANNAH BRADLEY ENJOYING THE SHOW PREMIERE.
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Filmed during the first week of the fall semester, the episode follows students from a variety of academic programs as they share their personal journeys, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing OTC. Their stories showcase the hands-on training, supportive faculty, and welcoming campus environment that define the OTC experience. OTC celebrated the launch of the episode with a premiere event at the historic Emma Kelly Theater in downtown Statesboro before the episode debuted globally on Amazon Prime Video on June 16.
OTC STUDENT AND SEGMENT STAR KIERSTEN BAKER, DURING FILMING
“In my 15 years in higher education marketing, this is one of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the opportunity to be part of,” said Sean Payne, Executive Director for Public Relations and Marketing at OTC. “We have incredible students at this college, and this episode allows them to tell their stories in their own words. It’s a powerful reminder of what determination, hard work, and opportunity can achieve.”
(L-R): TCT HOST ALEX BOYLAN, OTC STUDENT HANNAH BRADLEY, OTC PRESIDENT LORI DURDEN, OTC STUDENTS LYDIA LIWANAG, COREY LOVE AND RYAN JONES.
STREAMING NOW
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SHINING BRIGHT Like a Diamond
At Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), the true brilliance of technical education is reflected in its people, whose achievements shine like diamonds in distinction across both internal and external communities. This year, OTC proudly celebrates excellence by honoring two exceptional groups of leaders: the dedicated faculty and staff members recognized internally by their peers for advancing the college’s mission, and the outstanding alumni who have leveraged their OTC credentials to make a profound impact locally and nationwide. Together, these award recipients embody the ultimate success attainable through Ogeechee Tech, proving that whether on campus or out in the workforce, OTC diamonds consistently shine bright.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Sarah Singletary | Echocardiography ~ 2012
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI Tiffany Underwood | Esthetician ~ 2022
2026 GOAL WINNER Caroline Graham ASN Graduate
A dual graduate of Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), Sarah completed OTC’s Echocardiography Program in 2012. Following a distinguished decade-long clinical career in cardiovascular imaging and mentorship, she returned to OTC in 2024 as an Echocardiography Instructor. Her rigorous, hands-on instruction led her students to a 100% first-time pass rate on national registry exams.
After earning a biology degree from Georgia Southern University, Tiffany studied esthetics at Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), nominated for Student of the Year in 2022. She now owns SkinCo, a successful practice that earned her national honors recognition. Despite battling Hairy Cell Leukemia during her training, she persevered and later founded Tiff Tiff’s Chemo Bags, a nonprofit supporting cancer patients nationwide.
Caroline Graham, an Associate of Science in Nursing graduate at Ogeechee Technical College, has been named the 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Celebrating five years of sobriety, Graham credits the college’s supportive environment and flexible schedule with helping her overcome past addiction and homelessness to discover her potential as a future nurse.
INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR Michael Twisdale Business Technology Instructor
LEADERSHIP AWARD Michelle Fields Assistant Director for Admissions
DIAMOND AWARD Elise Boyett Assistant Director for Financial Aid
The Leadership Award honors an exceptional employee who drives Ogeechee Technical College’s mission through dedication, professionalism, and compassion. As a tireless worker, Michelle steps in during staffing shortages and challenges without hesitation. Thoughtful and giving, she balances hard work with a commitment to well-being, frequently reminding colleagues to recharge and practice self-care.
The Diamond Award honors an exceptional employee exemplifying excellence in customer service, innovation, teamwork, and community service. Supportive and dedicated, Elise quietly helps colleagues and students with grace and joy. She truly walks the walk, epitomizing an Ogeechee Tech Diamond.
Business Technology Instructor Michael Twisdale was named Ogeechee Technical College’s 2026 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction recipient. Drawing from 23 years of industry experience, Twisdale was honored for his dedication to mentoring adult learners and making complex business concepts accessible and engaging.
STUDENT IMPACT AWARD Anne Johnson Student Success Coach Ogeechee Technical College has honored Student Success Coach Anne Johnson as its first-ever recipient of the Technical College System of Georgia’s Student Impact Award. Recognized for her compassionate, solution-focused approach and over a decade of higher education experience, Johnson was celebrated for her profound dedication to student success.
SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR Amanda White Data Quality Manager The Support Staff of the Year Award honors an outstanding employee who advances Ogeechee Technical College’s mission while highlighting the vital role of support personnel. Proven as an exceptional leader, Amanda serves with distinction through an unwavering, bright dedication that withstands any challenge.
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Reasons TO CHOOSE OTC
APPLY TODAY!
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Great-Paying CAREERS
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97% Job Placement Rate
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AFFORDABLE Tuition
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Over 100 PROGRAMS
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FLEXIBLE Class Schedule
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EXPERIENCED Faculty
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HANDS-ON Learning
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Small CLASS Sizes
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Undergraduate Credentials in LESS THAN 2 YEARS WE GUARANTEE YOUR EDUCATION
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COOPER, OTC DUAL ENROLLED GRADUATE
DUAL ENROLLMENT
The Ultimate Headstart
Like many high school students, Cooper Lee wasn’t exactly sure what his plans after graduation would look like. What he did know was that he enjoyed working with his hands, spending time outdoors, and figuring out how things worked. Growing up in Statesboro and attending Portal High School, Cooper spentmuchofhisfreetimehunting,fishing,andtakingthingsapartjust to see if he could put them back together. Those interests eventually pointed him toward a career path he may never have discovered without Ogeechee Technical College’s Dual Enrollment program. With encouragement from his mother, Cooper chose OTC’s Accelerated Career pathway, one of several options available through Dual Enrollment in fields such as healthcare, industry, education, and technology. The program allowed him to complete his high school requirements while earning college credentials in welding and diesel technology. Instead of spending his junior and senior years exclusively in a traditional high school setting, Cooper became a full-time OTC student.
COOPER, OTC DUAL ENROLLED GRADUATE
“The instructors wanted to help you succeed, and before I knew it, I had graduated from college before I even walked across the stage at my high school graduation.”
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“I was scared to death at first because it was college, and I was only 16,” Stories like Cooper’s are becoming increasingly common as more Cooper recalled. “But once I got out here, it was amazing. The instructors students discover opportunities to earn college credit, technical wanted to help you succeed, and before I knew it, I had graduated from certificates, and workforce credentials before graduating high school. college before I even walked across the stage at my high school graduation.” “Dual Enrollment gives students the chance to explore career options, Today, Cooper is putting those skills to work as a Millwright with K gain real-world skills, and get a headstart on their future without taking on Machine Industrial Services. The position has already taken him to job collegedebt,”saidChristyRikard,VPforStudentAffairs.“Whetherstudents sites in Washington, D.C., and New York City, experiences he never plan to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education, imagined having while still in high school. “I get to travel, learn new they’re gaining valuable experience and saving both time and money.” things, and work with great people,” he said. “I’m only 18, and I had a job before I even graduated. That first paycheck was pretty amazing, too.”
COST
2-YR DE @ OTC
2-YR @ 4-YR Institution (Non-DE)
(30 credits)
TUITION
$0
$7,530
BOOKS
$0
$2,400
ROOM & BOARD
$0 (LIVE AT HOME)
$22,560
TOTAL COST
$0
$32,490 COOPER AT AN OTC STUDENT WELDING STATION
LEARN MORE ABOUT DUAL ENROLLMENT AT OGEECHEETECH.EDU OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE | WWW.OGEECHEETECH.EDU | 800.646.1316
BUILDING A WORKFORCE READY FOR INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION When Ogeechee Technical College broke ground on the Georgia Training Center for Industrial Operations (GTCIO) in November 2024, the vision extended far beyond constructing a new building. College and community leaders envisioned a regional hub where students could launch careers in industrial operations while employers could continuously upskill their workforce to meet rapidly evolving industry demands.
That vision becomes reality this fall as the 40,000-square-foot facility welcomes its first students and trainees.
OTC VICE PRESIDENT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JAN MOORE, STANDING IN FRONT OF THE NEARLY COMPLETED GEORGIA TRAINING CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS.
Designed to provide nearly 460,000 hours of instruction annually, the $27 million center will serve as one of the most comprehensive industrial training facilities in the state, offering both academic programs and customized workforce development opportunities for employers across the region. “This facility is truly unique for our state because it creates a direct pathway for anyone interested in entering the industrial AMATROL TRAINING STUDENT and automation workforce, regardless of their experience level,” said Jan Moore, VP for Economic Development at OTC. “At the same time, it gives existing employers access to state- Employers will be able to customize workforce development of-the-art training in an environment designed to meet the programs tailored to their operational needs. Additionally, demands of an increasingly automated production environment.” the center will also serve as an instructional training and certification site for instructors from this region, around the The facility will also serve as the home of Ogeechee Tech’s new state, and across the country. The center will include 12 industrial Industrial Operations Technology diploma program, launching in labs, classrooms, and meeting spaces, and is slated to have August. The program is designed to prepare students for careers 12 full-time instructors and additional support staff onsite. in modern environments of industrial automation by teaching foundational skills in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and “I cannot stress enough what an asset this will be for Bulloch pneumatic systems before advancing into robotics, programmable County and the surrounding region,” said Benjy Thompson, CEO logic controllers, sensors, and intelligent technologies. of the Development Authority of Bulloch County. “The training will range from foundational skills in industrial operations to that “In short, the Industrial Operations Technology program is designed of an automation engineer. Finding that under one roof is almost to equip students with the expertise needed to succeed and grow unheard of. It will be life changing for many of our residents.” professionally in today’s automated industrial environments,” Moore said. “We are surrounded by industries that are looking for As industries continue to embrace automation, robotics, and employees with these skill sets. The jobs pay well, offer excellent smart technologies, the GTCIO is positioned to become a career growth opportunities, and the demand continues to cornerstone of workforce development for the region, preparing increase. It is predicted as one of the most in-demand occupations the next generation of industrial operations professionals while for decades to come. Our region and its residents are extraordinarily helping today’s workforce stay ahead of tomorrow’s demands. lucky to have a training facility of this caliber in their back yard.” MOORE GIVES AN INSIDE LOOK AT PROGRESS ON THE GEORGIA TRAINING CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS
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