GNTC Computer Networking Trainer Gets Attention Of Best In His Business

Watt Earns Honors From Networking Giants, Students Benefitting

 

“Georgia Northwestern Computer Information Systems Instructor Dwight Watt inspecting networking hardware in a Walker County Campus networking lab.”

 

(Northwest Georgia) – After nearly four decades of computer instruction on the collegiate level, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) instructor Dr. Dwight Watt has been honored by one of the world’s most prestigious networking giants. Cisco Systems, Incorporated has given Watt an Expert Level Instructor Excellence status for his contribution to networking instruction. This award places Watt among the top 10 percent of Cisco Networking Academy instructors worldwide.

 

For more than a decade, the GNTC Computer Information Systems instructor has taught many facets of Cisco Networking for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). And now, Watt’s new status among the world’s top instructors in his field helps his students at GNTC benefit. Through the Cisco Networking Academy, GNTC now shares with other colleges around the world in helping teach students how to work with computer networks from start to finish.

 

To receive the honor, Watt had to measure up in many areas including professional development opportunities, the types of Cisco training options utilized in the program, and, of course, the final results of his students enrolled in his classes. “Cisco Networking Academy is an IT skills and career building program for learning institutions and individuals worldwide,” according to the Cisco Networking Academy website information link.

 

Fifteen years ago, Watt took his first training with the Cisco Networking Academy to earn his Cisco Certified Academy Instructor title. Since then, Watt has taught hundreds of students through his instructor positions with Heart of Georgia Technical College and GNTC within the TCSG.

 

Watt, a resident of both LaFayette and Swainsboro, Georgia, was notified this term that his program is also a certified Palo Alto Networks Academy. This accolade will allow for an innovative path for his program at the college’s newest campus going online this fall. “This will enable us to use Palo Alto’s curriculum to teach about firewalls using their simulator in the Cyber Security program at the Catoosa County Campus,” said Watt. “Palo Alto Networks is the leading provider of firewalls for large enterprises.”

 

In addition to his numerous certifications during his 35 years of computer instruction, Watt earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Winthrop University (1977), a Master’s of Business Administration in Management from Winthrop University (1979), and a Doctorate Degree in Education Administration from the University of Georgia (1989).
For more information on Computer Information Systems and what the program offers the students at Georgia Northwestern, contact Watt at 706.764.3837. Or, you can contact the main line at GNTC at 866.983.4682 (GNTC). For information online, visit GNTC.edu, as well as the GNTC Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google+, WordPress, and YouTube channels. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and an equal opportunity institute.

 

Since 1962, Georgia Northwestern Technical College has provided degrees, diplomas, and certificates in business, health, industrial, or public service career paths. This past year, 13,734 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. With an annual credit enrollment of 7,876 students, GNTC is the largest college in Northwest Georgia. GNTC has an additional enrollment of 5,858 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start.

Election Day Facts and Spring Semester

Fun Fact of the Day on this Election Day!

November was selected in America as the month to hold major elections because harvest seasons were complete by then.
The first Tuesday of November was selected as Election Day because initially many people had to travel the day before to reach the polling place in time. Since most people did not travel on Sunday for religious reasons, they did not want elections to be on a Monday.

Bobcat Fact of the Day: Application and Testing Deadline for spring semester is November 25. (gntc.edu)

Home Sweet Home, Lady Bobcats Sweep Welch

Holly Mount throws down one of her team-high eight kills in Georgia Northwestern’s three-game sweep of Welch College Thursday night in Rossville.

 

 

(Rossville, GA) – The anticipated return of the Georgia Northwestern Lady Bobcats volleyball team to the court at the Rossville Athletic Center finally took place on Thursday night and the Navy-and-Silver didn’t disappoint.

Playing host to visiting Welch College of Nashville, the Lady Bobcats sent their guests back to the Music City with a straight-sets loss, 25-22, 25-19 and 25-21.

GNTC (2-1) led by four at the midway point of the first set, only to see Welch rally and take a 22-20 lead when Bobcats head coach Carrie Powell used her last allowed substitution.

It turned out to be the right call as the Lady Bobcats reeled off the final five points, thanks to some brilliant late-game serving off the bench from Katlyn Bishop.

The second set would start out the way of Welch, who stormed out of the gates to grab a 9-2 lead. Undaunted, the Lady Bobcats clawed their way back, tying the match at 14. They worked their way to a 23-19 advantage before an ace by Layna Jenkins and a kill by Sabrina Garcia gave GNTC the set.

The third and final set was a tight one throughout before the Lady Bobcats finally were able to wrestle away the momentum for good.

A kill by Casey Chapman tied things up at 20 and two consecutive hitting errors by Welch put the home team three points from clinching the match. Mikiah Treece had a couple of outstanding digs late in the match and another Welch hitting error, brought on by a hard shot from Garcia, polished off the sweep.

“We should have come out a lot stronger than we did,” Powell said. “Maybe we were just nervous playing at home, but we found a way to win and that’s all that really matters. Welch has a scrappy team and they got to some balls we didn’t think they could get to, but it’s always nice to be able to beat a four-year college.”

Holly Mount paced the offense with eight kills, while Garcia finished with seven on the night. Rachel McGill dished out 15 assists. Treece had a solid game defensively with 23 digs, while Ashley Bradley added eight. Bishop led the Lady Bobcats with three aces.

GNTC will hit the road on Monday, joining Alice Lloyd College for a tri-match at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tenn. starting at 6:30 p.m.

For information on all Georgia Northwestern intercollegiate athletic programs, check out BobcatsCountry.com, e-mail GNTC Athletic Director David Stephenson at dstephenson@gntc.edu or GNTC Sports Information Director Scott Herpst at sherpst@gntc.edu. GNTC is a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA), NJCAA’s Region XVII, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, and an equal opportunity institute. Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia with campuses currently located in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Approximately 16,000 people benefit from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs, making it the largest college in Northwest Georgia and the fifth largest technical college in Georgia.

GNTC Law Enforcement Academy Grads Finding Careers

Graduates of GNTC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training class #201401 are: Back row (from left to right) Robert T. White, Joshua W. VanDyke, Tisha M. Owens, James D. Holland, and Robin W. Graham. Front Row (from left to right) James T. Davis, Matthew F. Cowan, Matthew B. Byars, and Marcus J. Alford

 

 

(Calhoun, GA) – On July 3, friends and family gathered at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Gordon County Campus to honor the students graduating from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and now, less than two months later, every graduate of that training class is working in law enforcement.

 

“One-hundred percent of our graduates finding employment this quickly is a sign that we are producing quality officers,” said Tom Bojo, Gordon County Campus Manager at GNTC. “Local police chiefs and sheriffs are now depending on our graduates to fill their vacancies as quickly and professionally as possible.”

 

The graduates of GNTC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training class #201401 are employed with police departments, sheriff offices, and in security. Some of the graduates had already secured employment before they crossed the stage in July.

 

“I am pleased that our students are taking their education and training seriously and are being sought after both locally and outside the GNTC service area,” said Jim Pledger, director of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at GNTC.

 

The Basic Law Enforcement certificate program provides students with the necessary skills, standards, and knowledge in order to become qualified, proficiently trained, ethical and competent peace officers in criminal justice careers. Successful completion of the program will make the student eligible to be certified as a Georgia Peace Officer.

 

Graduates of GNTC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training class #201401 are: Marcus J. Alford, Matthew B. Byars, Matthew F. Cowan, James T. Davis, Robin W. Graham, James D. Holland, Tisha M. Owens, Joshua W. VanDyke, and Robert T. White.

 

Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia with campuses located in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Approximately 16,000 people benefit from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs, making it the largest college in Northwest Georgia and the fifth largest technical college in Georgia.

Welcome Week in Cats Country at GNTC

 

2014 Welcome Week

Good Tuesday morning, Cats Country!

It’s Welcome Week on the FCC this week. (Keep an eye out for upcoming activities on your campus)
On the FCC, beginning today, is a “Trucker Hat Giveaway!” Get a brand new hat with YOUR special design from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. today!
Wednesday – The Varsity is serving you lunch beginning at 11:45 a.m. (First 380 students in line!)
Thursday – Picture Day! Get a crack at posing in “The Big Red Chair!”
Also, Thursday – Intramural Softball begins on the FCC! (Sept 9. on the WCC.)

*For more information, contact Mr. McBurnett at dmcburnett@gntc.edu!

Have a great day at Georgia Northwestern!

Be Our Guest… at The Woodlee Culinary Arts Building

 

 

 

 

Want to sample the best in cuisine from around the world?

GNTC Culinary Arts Director Chef Greg Paulson and his understudies invite you to take part in banquet style dining on sixteen different dates during the fall term.
Join them at the… Woodlee Culinary Arts Facility on the FCC next Thursday or Friday for an American Style Service. It will be a three-course set and presented meal for only $6 each! (The first two days of dining will be September 4 & 5.

For reservations, contact Chef Greg Paulson at 706.295.6880. Otherwise, if available, walk-ups will be welcomed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please arrive no later than 12:15 p.m. for seating to be arranged. All meal services begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.
Only cash or personal checks, please!

Menus will be posted soon.

 

Georgia Northwestern’s Trejo Claims National Title

Professional Competition Sees NW Georgia’s Best In Top 10

 

 

“Georgia Northwestern’s Mario Trejo of Dalton, Georgia, won the national title in Phi Beta Lambda’s Justice Administration category this past week in Nashville, Tennessee.”

 

 

 

(Nashville, TN) – Dalton, Georgia’s, Mario Trejo claimed the National Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) competition title in Justice Administration on June 27. Trejo, a student of Georgia Northwestern’s Whitfield Murray Campus, finished first among competitors from the nation’s largest colleges and universities at the Nashville, Tennessee, contest.

 

Cynthia Mills and Daniel Heiman from GNTC’s Walker County Campus placed fourth in the nation in the Small Business Plan category. GNTC’s Kenneth Shuman, a Floyd County Campus student, came in fifth in the same category. Also placing for Georgia Northwestern in the Music City were Jonathan Hammond (9^th – Help Desk) and Ernesto Martinez (10^th – Help Desk).

 

More than 1,800 of America’s best and brightest college students showcased their talents as future business leaders and competed for an opportunity to win nearly $80,000in cash prizes. PBL’s mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

 

Also qualifying for the national round of PBL from Georgia Northwestern were Marcella Hooper (Future Business Educator), Marcos Diaz (Statistical Analysis), Sairon Patton (Marketing Analysis and Decision Making), and Tina Zhang (Accounting Principles).

 

The qualifiers placed in the state level of the PBL conference this past spring earning them bids into the national competition. Also attending the week-long conference and competition were GNTC PBL advisors Patty Hart, Dione Hodge, and Mark Upton.

 

PBL, along with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), is the largest and oldest student business organization in the nation. The annual event allows students to sharpen their business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 55 business and business-related competitive events.

 

Approximately 16,000 people benefit from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs, making it the largest college in Northwest Georgia and the fifth largest technical college in Georgia. Georgia Northwestern offers classes on-campus or online throughout the year. GNTC serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia with campuses located in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.

Georgia Northwestern Sends 10 To Nationals

Taking Center Stage at Business and Education Competition

GNTC sends 10 to PBL National Competition.

(Northwest Georgia) – Georgia Northwestern Technical College is sending 10 of its top students to compete against the nation’s largest colleges and universities in the National Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee this week.

More than 1,800 of America’s best and brightest college students will showcase their talents as future business leaders and compete for an opportunity to win nearly $80,000 in cash prizes. PBL’s mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

Qualifying for the national round of PBL from Georgia Northwestern are Jonathan Hammond and Ernesto Martinez (Help Desk), Marcella Hooper (Future Business Educator), Mario Trejo (Justice Administration), Marcos Diaz (Statistical Analysis), Sairon Patton and Kenneth Shuman (Marketing Analysis and Decision Making), Kenneth Shuman (Small Business Management Plan), Cynthia Mills and Daniel Heiman (Small Business Management Plan), and Tina Zhang (Accounting Principles).

The qualifiers placed in the state level of the PBL conference this past spring earning them bids into the national competition. The GNTC group leaves for the Music City Tuesday morning. GNTC PBL advisors Patty Hart, Dione Hodge and Mark Upton will lead the students into three-days of competition which conclude with an awards ceremony Friday night.

PBL, along with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), is the largest and oldest student business organization in the nation. The annual event allows to students to sharpen their business skills, expand their networks, and participate in more than 55 business and business-related competitive events.

Approximately 16,000 people benefit from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs, making it the largest college in Northwest Georgia and the fifth largest technical college in Georgia. Georgia Northwestern offers classes on-campus or online throughout the year. GNTC serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia with campuses located in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.

Georgia Northwestern Graduates GED Students

Zou Delivers Commencement Speech, 677 Earn Diplomas

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(Northwest Georgia) – Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) saw the first group of its GED® graduating class cross the stage Thursday night at the Colonnade in Ringgold, Georgia. The June 12 ceremony was the first of two to take place in Northwest Georgia honoring the 677 GED® graduates that have earned their diplomas this past year.

The graduates recognized on stage were Lisa Barker, Kristen Blackmon, Alicia Brown, Adrienne Buchanan, Josh Burk, Summer Burrage, Julia Cano, Chance Coulombe, Josh Cummings, Linsey Dean, Robert Deel, Angel Dingus, Anthony Epperson, Joshua Faires, Darryl Finley, Sandra Foster, Jeremy Fredrick, Jacqueline Galvan, Joshua Gervin, Christopher Gladden, Juanita Goforth, Ana Gonzalez, Alana Graham, Jessica Halsrud, James Harding, Viola Harmon, Jennifer Harrison, Sommer Hennessee, Juan Hernandez, Charles Hicks, Kristi Hill, Jeffery Jacobs, Montea Johnson, Krista Keith, Cristino Lara, Kathy Lewis, Dylan Long, Christina Mabe, Amee Mangum, Tara Matthews, Tammy McDevitt, Joshua McGraw, Mallory McGraw, Ariana Mendez, Marilyn Miller, Destini Mitchell, Ana Morazan, Crislyn Neal, Natasha Norton, Justin Patterson, Jonathan Pavon, Heather Pemberton, Barbara Ramirez, Evonnia Rhodes, Jason Rhodes, Kimberly Riddle, Connie Robinson, Isabel Shields, Sonya Stargel, Joshua Stonebreaker, Delilah Veach, Terry Wallin, Rachel Wayman, Doris White, and Ashley Young.

GNTC’s 2014 EAGLE Award winner Ru Zhen Zou delivered the commencement speech to the graduates and family and friends in attendance at the Catoosa County facility in sign language. Zou came to the United States from China less than a decade ago as a hearing-impaired young woman who could not speak English. She has since learned English and American Sign Language. She earned her GED diploma with the help of GNTC.

The second of two GED® commencement ceremonies for Georgia Northwestern will be held June 26 at 7 p.m. at The Forum in Rome, Georgia. Graduates have been contacted by letter with instructions regarding the event. Any graduate who did not receive information should call 706-272-2909 for information about their participation in the ceremony.

Approximately 16,000 people benefit from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs, making it the largest college in Northwest Georgia and the fifth largest technical college in Georgia. Georgia Northwestern offers classes on-campus or online throughout the year. GNTC serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia with campuses located in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.