ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Albany Technical College held its 2026 awards ceremony on Tuesday Dec 16, at the Kirkland Conference Center. The college recognized outstanding students, instructors, and staff for the following programs:

• Georgia Occupational Award Leadership (GOAL)
• Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction
• Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Student of the Year
• Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year
• Albany Tech Employee of the Year

Below is a list of individuals who were recognized at this year’s awards ceremony:

Taylor Wooten Named EAGLE Student of the Year

Taylor Wooten was announced as the EAGLE Student of the Year. The EAGLE program recognizes adult learners who have shown significant academic progress, leadership, and perseverance in Adult Education classes throughout Georgia. As Albany Tech’s EAGLE representative, Wooten will help share the story of adult education and its role in strengthening families, employers, and communities.

Stacy Harvey Selected Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year

Stacy Harvey received the Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. The award recognizes Adult Education instructors who demonstrate exceptional teaching, support student success, and contribute to program innovation. Harvey’s students and colleagues describe her as an instructor who sets high expectations while providing the encouragement and structure students need to reach their goals.

Tiffany Lee Recognized as Albany Tech Employee of the Year

Tiffany Lee, Student Life Coordinator, was named Albany Tech Employee of the Year. Lee was selected from a group of nominees that included LaShun Sheard, Administrative Assistant for Career Services; Anthony Williams, Maintenance Technician; Floria Hanks, Receptionist in Student Affairs; and Javonda Robinson, School Counselor for the Dual Achievement Program. The Employee of the Year award recognizes staff who provide exceptional service, strengthen college operations, and model professionalism for students and coworkers.

Dr. Marla Fowler Receives Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Honor

Dr. Marla Fowler, General Studies instructor, received the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. Fowler emerged as the college winner following a competitive interview and presentation process that included nominees Shona Jones Bennett, Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling; Teresa Darity, Practical Nursing; LaTonya Harris, Medical Assisting; and Arkimberly Robinson, Early Childhood Care and Education. The Rick Perkins Award highlights instructors whose classroom innovation, subject matter expertise, and mentorship of students support the workforce needs of Georgia.

Jackie Gray Named 2026 GOAL Student of the Year

Jackie Gray, a student in the Fire Science Technology program, was named Albany Technical College’s 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student of the Year. Gray will represent Albany Tech in the regional competition in early 2026.

Albany Tech’s 2026 GOAL nominees included Zavian Freeman and Ta’Von Smith, both Diesel Equipment Technology; Christopher Whitaker, Cybersecurity; and Tia Story, Dental Assisting. GOAL students are selected through a two-round process that includes faculty nominations, interviews before internal judges, and final judging by community and business leaders. The regional winner advances to the opportunity to be named Georgia’s state GOAL representative.

President Dr. Emmett Griswold congratulated all nominees and noted that the honorees reflect the strength of Albany Tech’s Adult Education, technical programs, and student support services and that their work helps meet the talent needs of employers across southwest Georgia.

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