SGTC Diesel Technology Instructor David Cox of Ellaville will be shifting gears and becoming the new full-time Agricultural Technology instructor for South Georgia Technical College, announced South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. He is replacing Wayne Peck, who retired July 31st, 2025.
Cox will report to South Georgia Technical College Vice President of Academic Affairs Julie Partain and Academic Dean David Finley. He also will be working with existing instructor Matthew Burks and members of the John Deere Agricultural Technology advisory board in his new role.
Cox joined the South Georgia Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology program as a full-time instructor in March 2023 and is now excited to have a new roll with the college. He is a graduate of the South Georgia Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology program and has an Associate Degree in Technical Studies from SGTC with an emphasis on Diesel and Heavy Equipment. He also has 15 years of experience with Flint Ag and Turf as a John Deere Service Technician.
“David Cox brings a wealth of knowledge to the South Georgia Technical College Agricultural Technology Program. He did a great job as one of our Diesel Technology instructors and now we are looking forward to him sharing his knowledge and skills with the John Deere Tech students enrolled in the Agricultural Technology program,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford.
The Technical Instructor for the Agricultural Technology – John Deere program at South Georgia Technical College is responsible for delivering comprehensive instruction in diesel and heavy equipment technology. This position supports the training needs of John Deere dealerships throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and other states as needed.
Agricultural Technology is an associate degree. It is designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. Students develop theoretical, technical, general academic knowledge and professional skills needed to enter and advance in the field.
Agricultural technicians and mechanics are in high demand and the employment outlook is expected to grow three percent over the next five years. The average salary for a Diesel technician is approximately $60,000 a year.
Students who are interested in pursuing an Agricultural Technology Associate Degree can enroll in South Georgia Technical College, but must be sponsored by a John Deere dealer. Classes start August 18. Fall registration will be held on August 13 on the Americus and Crisp County campus. For more information contact SGTC Agricultural Technology Instructors Matthew Burkes at mburkes@southgatech.edu or David Cox at david.cox@southgatech.edu. Students can apply online at www.southgatech.edu by clicking on apply now or contacting the SGTC admissions department at 229-931-2760 in Americus and 229-271-4051 in Cordele.