For Tonya Barrett, South Georgia Technical College represented a chance to use her passion for technology to improve her career prospects and advance into her present position as the Educational Technology Coordinator for Chattahoochee-Flint RESA.
As a young mother, Barrett worked full time to provide for her sons and their education. At the age of 18, she began her career at TCI Powder Coatings in Ellaville as a receptionist and was quickly promoted to accounts payable. From there, she advanced to managing payroll and then served as the human resources administrator.
About 15 years ago, after more than a decade with TCI, Barrett accepted a position as the Registrar for RESA. Her interest in and aptitude for computers were quickly apparent to her new coworkers. “Even back then,” Barrett said of her early years with RESA, “if someone needed help with something, I would be the go-to person usually.”
Barrett eventually decided it was time to further her formal education. She had earned her high school equivalency at South Georgia Tech, and she knew a return to SGTC was the right choice for her. Despite working in the education field with RESA, though, years had passed since she last set foot on campus as a student.
“I put my children through college before I went to college, so I was in my 40s when I started,” Barrett said of returning to school. “I was just so scared, but when I came to South Georgia Tech, everybody was wonderful and just made me feel more comfortable about it.”
Barrett enrolled in the Computer Information Systems program. She excelled in her studies, earning her diploma and associate degree as a Computer Support Specialist.
“I personally think I got more out of my education because I was a little bit older, and I wanted to do my best,” she said.
With her career training at South Georgia Technical College, Barrett was able to secure her current position with RESA about four years ago. As the Educational Technology Coordinator, she oversees all the technology for Chattahoochee-Flint RESA and provides support for a variety of software applications.
Barrett eventually decided to advance her education even further, and she recently graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in networking and security. It was her time at South Georgia Technical College, though, that made her current work possible.
“I constantly tell people that I am a proud graduate of South Georgia Tech,” she said.
She’s also not the only one in her family to graduate from SGTC. Barrett’s middle son graduated from the eight-week Electrical Lineworker Apprentice program and now has a great career with Georgia Power.
For students right out of high school or completing their high school equivalency, or for more experienced students looking to advance in their current jobs or start an entirely new career, South Georgia Technical College offers over 200 programs in a variety of in-demand fields. Depending on the program, graduates attain an associate degree, a diploma, or a technical certificate of credit.
Spring C-term begins March 11, when students can earn credit for a full semester in just eight weeks. Apply now at www.southgatech.edu.