South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford presented Lawrence Starling, Jr., of Taylor County with the SGTC Foundation’s Mike Cochran endowed Scholarship recently. Starling, an aircraft structural technology student, was recognized for his outstanding academic and work ethics qualities. SGTC Aircraft Structural Technology instructor Jason Wisham recommended Starling for the scholarship.
South Georgia Technical College retired Aviation Maintenance Instructor Mike Cochran passed away suddenly in an airplane crash in 2019. His family and friends created a lasting legacy by establishing an endowed scholarship with the South Georgia Technical College Foundation to assist future generations of students enrolled in the aviation programs at South Georgia Technical College.
“On behalf of everyone at South Georgia Technical College, I would like to thank Nancy Cochran and their two daughters, Kelly Bazemore and Katie Cochran Sklar and their extended families, and all of Mike’s friends for establishing this endowed scholarship,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “Mike’s legacy is continuing to live on and inspire others to pursue a career in the fields of aviation maintenance, avionics, and aircraft structural technology that Mike loved so much. We are pleased to be here today to honor his memory and continue his legacy through the next generation of aviation students attending South Georgia Technical College.”
Lawrence Starling, Jr., of Taylor County, was pleased and humbled to be selected to receive this scholarship. “I would like to thank the Cochran family and friends for this opportunity,” said Starling. “I like working with my hands and airplanes, so this seemed like the perfect career fit for me. I attended another college before coming to South Georgia Technical College but I soon found out that was not what I wanted to do with my life.”
Starling said that he chose South Georgia Technical College because of the excellent job opportunities available for graduates. “I know several people from Butler and Taylor County that came here and got great jobs after graduation. I am hoping that I can get on with the Warner Robins Air Force Base after I graduate,” added Starling.
SGTC Aircraft Structural Technology Instructor Jason Wisham said, “I couldn’t ask for a better student. He is an excellent student and has great work ethics. I was honored that he came to South Georgia Technical College and wanted to be a part of the Aircraft Structural Technology program. He is going to make someone an excellent employee.”
Starling is the son of Lawrence Starling, Sr. and Eve Starling. He has two more semesters in the SGTC Aircraft Structural Technology program. Wisham said he thought that Mike Cochran would be proud that Starling received the scholarship named in his memory.
Mike Cochran retired as an aviation maintenance instructor at South Georgia Technical College in 2012. He spent over 27 years working as an instructor at the college and was a second generation graduate of South Georgia Tech. He earned his Electronics Technology Degree from South Georgia Tech in 1978 and worked for Williams Office Equipment, Southern Bell Telephone Company and Storer Cable Communications Company before accepting a position as an Electronics Technology Instructor at South Georgia Tech in 1985.
While he was an electronics instructor, he earned his Aviation Maintenance Technology and Avionics Diploma. In 2003, he became an Aviation Maintenance Technology and Avionics Technology instructor at South Georgia Technical College and held that position for nearly 10 years.
In addition to his South Georgia Technical College education, Mike earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Avionics Maintenance Technology from Georgia Southwestern State University and then he graduated with honors from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Technological Studies in 2008. He earned licenses/certifications from the FAA in Airframe and Powerplant. He was an FAA certified private pilot and was licensed by the FCC. He also had the NOCTI Electronics Technology certification and was IMACA Air Condition certified.
Mike is survived by his wife Nancy, and his two daughters, Kelly Bazemore and Katie Sklar and their families.
For more information about endowing a scholarship at South Georgia Technical College, contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2248 or sbird@southgtatech.edu.
South Georgia Technical College is currently registering students for Fall Semester. Classes begin August 18th and it is not too late to enroll in one of the over 200 associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate of credit programs available. Students can apply online at www.southgatech.edu or contact Admissions Director Candie Walters at 229-931-2299 or cwalters@southgatech.edu in Americus or Katrice Taylor, ktaylor@southgatech.edu or 229-271-4051 in Cordele.
For more information about the Aircraft Structural Technology program contact Instructor Jason Wisham at jwisham@southgatech.edu or 229-931-2585. Financial aid is available.