South Georgia Technical College Practical Nursing student Brittany Wills of Ellaville was selected to receive the initial endowed Charles Jenkins Practical Nursing Scholarship. She was nominated for this honor by her instructors Jennifer Childs and Christine Rundle.
Wills is graduating from the SGTC Practical Nursing program this fall and has been working as an EMT while also attending college full-time. “I am so appreciative of this scholarship,” said Wills. “This has been a struggle working and going to college at the same time, but I am so appreciative of all of the help I have received to make this possible.”
She is one of SGTC’s top practical nursing students, works as an EMT and was recognized by Phoebe Sumter for exceeding customer expectations while she was still a nursing student at SGTC.
Wills sat for more than 45 minutes with one of Phoebe Sumter’s patients who was having some transportation issues, and she did not leave the patient’s side until they left the premises. “Here at Phoebe Sumter, you don’t have to be a physician, nurse, administrator or any other employee to make a difference. Such was the case with Brittany Willis, one of the future nurses who currently is in the LPN Nursing Program at South Georgia Technical College,” wrote Phoebe Sumter when they recognized her for exceeding customer’s expectations and making a difference for her selfless action.
Charles Jenkins and his family had the opportunity to meet Brittany Wills recently and Mr. Jenkins shared that he had also worked as an EMT during his nearly 40 years in the medical field.
Jenkins was SGTC’s 2025 Alumni of the Year and his family endowed a practical nursing scholarship in his honor as a way to give back to other practical nursing students attending South Georgia Technical College.
Charles Jenkins was a 1967 practical nursing graduate from what was then, South Georgia Technical and Vocational School. He grew up in Preston and chose South Georgia Tech because it was close to home and affordable. That is two of the reasons many individuals still choose SGTC today. Students also attend SGTC for the great workforce education and foundation for life.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without South Georgia Tech,” said Jenkins. “I enjoyed a career in the medical field for nearly 40 years and was able to provide for myself and my family.”
He and his family hope that the Charles Jenkins Practical Nursing Scholarship will benefit other students who are entering the medical field in the years to come.
Wills thanked the Jenkins family for the scholarship and for their support of the SGTC nursing program. “I am honored to be selected for this scholarship,” said Wills, who added that she was glad she had the opportunity to meet Mr. Jenkins and his family.
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford added his appreciation to the Jenkins family for their willingness to partner with South Georgia Technical College through the sponsorship of this scholarship. “This is a wonderful way for the family to honor their father while also allowing his legacy to continue to benefit others entering the nursing field for years to come,” said Dr. Watford.
The Charles Jenkins Practical Nursing scholarship endowment will guarantee indefinite educational opportunities that will impact students at SGTC for many years.
“Endowed scholarships are a wonderful way to recognize family members and also benefit students now and for years to come,” said SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the SGTC Foundation Su Ann Bird. “Brittany Wills is just the first nursing student that will be able to realize her dreams of becoming a practical nurse due to the generosity of the Jenkins family.”
For more information about endowing scholarships at South Georgia Technical College, contact Su Ann Bird at 229.931.2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.