Technical College System of Georgia

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.

The Technical College System of Georgia is renewing the system-wide license for Respondus products, including Respondus 4.0, StudyMate Campus, LockDown Browser, and Respondus Monitor. These tools are used by faculty, staff, and students across the 22 technical colleges. Respondus products integrate with the Blackboard LMS, allowing for the creation and management of exams, learning activities, and assessments. The LockDown Browser secures the testing environment, while Respondus Monitor records student activities during online exams.

The meeting included discussion and approval of academic standards and programs, including new degree, diploma, and TCC programs at Albany Technical College. Program terminations were approved for multiple colleges. The board approved Southern Crescent Technical College implementing club-level soccer. Updates were provided on adult education, workforce development, Quick Start projects, and the TCSG Foundation. Real estate transactions, construction contracts, and the FY2027 Capital Outlay Plan were approved. Local board member appointments were approved, and budget submissions for AFY2026 and FY2027 were authorized. New expenditure requests for various colleges were also approved. The new Industrial Technology Building on the Murphy Campus of West Georgia Technical College was named "The Stanley H. Bressner Industrial Technology Building", and Dr. Ron Newcomb was named President Emeritus of the Technical College System of Georgia.