Tim Bacon

This Unified Strategic Plan aims to transform Georgia's workforce through system innovation by expanding the pipeline of highly qualified and motivated workers. It focuses on five strategic goal areas: increasing enrollment and student success through new models and approaches, enhancing partnerships with businesses and industries, developing enterprise systems for consistent excellence, recruiting and retaining top-tier faculty and staff, and expanding outreach through clear and compelling communication. The plan seeks to sustain the economic opportunity and prosperity of Georgia by aligning educational resources with employer needs.

The Board meeting focused on various programmatic and administrative actions. Key topics included the ratification and approval of numerous degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs across multiple technical colleges, such as Artificial Intelligence and Logistics programs. The Board also approved program terminations and revisions. Committee reports covered Adult Education updates, external affairs, and economic development projects like Quick Start. Facilities and real estate actions involved ratifying lease agreements, construction contracts, and approving specific real estate transactions. Additionally, the Board authorized several new expenditure items, including robotics training systems, audio-visual infrastructure upgrades, and software platforms for campus safety.

The meeting included a self-evaluation review by Mr. Derek Dabrowiak and training facilitated by Mr. Josh McKoon. The State Board recognized special visitors, including Chairman Miller's family and friends, and Mr. Chunk Newman's retiring wife. The primary actions involved the approval of new academic programs across several technical colleges, including Automation & Robotics Technology at Albany Technical College and Police Studies at Augusta Technical College, as well as the termination of numerous programs effective May 2026 and December 2025 at Albany Technical College, North Georgia Technical College, and West Georgia Technical College. The Board also approved updated mission and vision statements for TCSG, a resolution for SkillsUSA National Officer Corina Stewart, and several expenditure requests for facility maintenance, equipment purchases (including VoIP phones and CDL trucks), and construction contracts across multiple technical colleges. Furthermore, the Adult Education Committee reported an increase in HiSET testing fees effective April 1, 2026, and authorized the Commissioner to handle interim approvals until the next meeting.

The State of Georgia's 2024-2027 Combined State Plan for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) outlines a strategic vision to create a stronger, more coordinated public workforce development system. The plan focuses on five key goals: utilizing sector partnerships, streamlining service delivery, fostering statewide prosperity, aligning education and workforce systems, and expanding the pool of available employees by supporting WIOA Strategic Populations. It emphasizes interagency collaboration, particularly with the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, to address economic and workforce needs, prepare for demographic shifts, and leverage the state's economic strength.

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) State Board meeting included recognition of distinguished honorees for their achievements and service to technical education. The board approved minutes from the previous meeting. Commissioner Dozier welcomed attendees and discussed the upcoming legislative session, including the TCSG reserve fund and the misalignment between the academic year and the state fiscal year. Committee reports included approvals for new academic programs, program standards, revisions, and the Dual Achievement Report. There were also updates on Quick Start, communications, real estate transactions, construction contracts, and policies related to artificial intelligence. The board also approved expenditure requests for IT services, security, and campus improvements. The board approved a resolution naming Dr. Alvetta Thomas as President Emeritus of TCSG and elected Mr. Robert "Buzz" Law as the new Chair and Mr. Carvel Lewis as the new Vice Chair.