Erica Harden Named President Emeritus of the Technical College System of Georgia

Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) proudly celebrates Mrs. Erica Harden, who was named President Emeritus of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The prestigious honor was officially bestowed by the TCSG State Board on Aug. 6 in Atlanta.

The designation recognizes Harden’s more than 36 years of service to technical education, including her leadership at OFTC and contributions to the TCSG. Throughout her career, Harden has been dedicated to expanding educational opportunities, developing strong partnerships, and helping students and communities benefit from the transformative power of technical education.

Harden served as president of OFTC from 2019 until her retirement on Aug. 1, 2026. Under her leadership, the college experienced significant growth, with credit enrollment increasing by 40% and reaching the highest enrollment in the college’s history in Fall 2025 with 2,339 students enrolled.

During her tenure as president, OFTC also expanded its facilities and academic offerings, including the addition of a new instructional center in Sandersville, a new truck driving range in Dublin and a $19 million renovation of the W.R. Stewart Building in Dublin. New programs were added in areas including nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, construction management, and education.

Harden’s impact on OFTC began well before she became president. She played a key role in the merger that formed OFTC and served in several leadership positions at the college, including vice president of academic and student affairs and executive vice president.

Her career in technical education also includes leadership roles at Sandersville Technical College, Southeastern Technical College, and Aiken Technical College in South Carolina.

Throughout her career, Harden has championed workforce development, strengthened relationships with business and industry partners, and worked to expand educational pathways for students across the communities served by OFTC and the TCSG.

“Serving as the President of OFTC has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Harden said following her retirement announcement. “This college is truly a jewel in our community, serving not just as an educational institution, but as a vital engine for local workforce development and personal transformation.”

As President Emeritus, Harden’s legacy of leadership and service will continue to be recognized within OFTC and the TCSG. Her dedication to students, technical education and the communities she’s served has helped shape the college and strengthen its role as a vital part of Georgia’s workforce development system.

For more information about OFTC, visit OFTC.edu.