Athens Technical College

The board meeting covered several operational and academic topics. Key discussions included special presentations recognizing the college's EAGLE winner and the Adult Education Instructor of the Year. The board approved budget amendments involving Perkins Carryover and DFACS Regional Training Contract funds. Academic updates highlighted new digital library resources, re-certification of the Athens Community Career Academy, and new articulation agreements with Mercer and Brenau Universities. Student affairs reported on enrollment growth and upcoming campus events. Economic development initiatives were presented, including an electrical apprenticeship program, workforce training for local government, and specialized test preparation courses. Additionally, the college celebrated receiving a grant from the Lumina Foundation, discussed scholarship opportunities, and reviewed the President's report covering facility renovations, legislative support, and system-wide milestones.

The board meeting featured special presentations honoring the college's GOAL and Rick Perkins Award winners. Financial and administrative reports were presented, including an update on academic accreditation processes and the appointment of new Deans for Business, Industry and Technology and Life Sciences and Public Service. Student affairs discussed increased enrollment statistics and upcoming events. Updates were provided on economic development training partnerships, adult education initiatives, and college-wide branding projects. The President's report highlighted a significant donation from Georgia Power for the CDL program, capital outlay projects for Elbert and Walton counties, and positive updates regarding the state budget.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and special presentations honoring the 2026 Athens Technical College EAGLE Winner and the 2026 Athens Technical College Adult Education Instructor of the Year Winner. Key agenda items included Chair Comments, discussions and potential action items related to Budget Amendments and the Financial Report under Finance and Administration, updates on Academic Affairs/IE, Student Affairs, Economic Development, and Adult Education. Updates were also provided regarding External Affairs and the Athens Tech Foundation, concluding with the President's Report.

The meeting commenced with a special presentation detailing Athens Technical College Metrics for 2025, highlighting increases in credit and dual enrollment, retention rates, and record-high graduation and placement rates. Key discussion points included updates on Student Affairs, covering Spring 2026 enrollment projections and recent campus events, as well as an endowment fund named after Lenzy Reid. The Adult Education section reported on a successful Math Bootcamp and upcoming accelerated academies. Academic Affairs noted curriculum rebranding, the addition of two transferrable courses in agreement with UGA, and a successful internal Perkins Control Review with no findings. Economic Development reported on recent high-impact training completions and a job fair. The President's Report covered progress on advertising via LinkedIn, researching lead generation forms, finalization of the brand strategy, and the successful outcome of the recent scholarship application cycle. The President also congratulated a board member on a recent appointment.

The board meeting included a presentation on the Walton Campus Renovation and Welding Building addition, detailing the progress and future plans for the campus. A new Emergency Medical Technician Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) was presented and approved. Updates were provided on Academic Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness, Student Affairs, Economic Development, and Adult Education. The college is launching a "Fast Track for Fall Semester Campaign" to attract new students. The Athens Tech Foundation scholarships will open on September 22nd. The meeting also covered college updates and the President's Report, highlighting an increase in graduates and awards.