Technical College System of Georgia Celebrates Outstanding Alumni of the Year

OFTC Selects Trey Sheppard, Commercial Truck Driving Graduate

Trey Sheppard, OFTC 2023 Alumni of the Year

SAVANNAH, GA–The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is proud to announce the recognition of 23 exceptional individuals as the Alumni of the Year from its affiliated colleges. This prestigious honor celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of these alumni to their communities and the industries they serve. 

“Our Alumni of the Year exemplifies the incredible talent that emerges from our technical colleges,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “They are living proof of the transformative power of technical education and serve as role models for current and future students. We are immensely proud of their achievements.” 

The Alumni of the Year recognition not only acknowledges the accomplishments of these individuals, but also highlights the invaluable role that TCSG plays in providing high-quality education and training that prepares graduates to excel in their chosen professions. These honorees represent a diverse range of careers and industries, from healthcare and business to information technology and public service. 

The Alumni of the Year honorees have been selected based on their exceptional contributions to the following areas: 

  • Professional Excellence: Demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership in their respective fields. 
  • Community Engagement: Made a positive impact on their communities through volunteer work, leadership roles, or community service. 
  • Advocacy for Technical Education: Supported and promoted the value of technical education and its role in workforce development. 
  • Career Success: Achieved notable career milestones and success in their chosen professions. 

The Alumni of the Year honorees are: 

  • Dr. Lorenzo Carson, Radiologic Technology, Albany Technical College 
  • Lori Anne Lord, Respiratory Therapy, Athens Technical College 
  • Cremeithius Riggins, Paralegal Studies, Atlanta Technical College 
  • Sabrina Griffin, Clerical Office Specialist, Augusta Technical College 
  • Eric Wilson, Paramedicine, Central Georgia Technical College 
  • Mattie Harris, Radiography, Chattahoochee Technical College 
  • Joey Bullard, Practical Nursing, Coastal Pines Technical College 
  • Manford Metcalf, Electronics Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Architectural Drafting, Columbus Technical College 
  • Allison Patnode, Dental Assisting, Georgia Northwestern Technical College 
  • Teresa Watson, Commercial Truck Driving, Georgia Piedmont Technical College 
  • Dr. Jeffrey Scott Bailey, Surgical Technology, Gwinnett Technical College 
  • Lanier Swafford, EMS, Paramedicine, Fire Science, Lanier Technical College 
  • Ray Chamblee, Business Technology, Criminal Justice, North Georgia Technical College 
  • Howard Clifford “Trey” Sheppard, Commercial Truck Driving, Oconee Fall Line Technical College 
  • David Rogers, Computer Information Systems, Ogeechee Technical College 
  • Dennis Adams, HVAC, Savannah Technical College 
  • Michael Coley, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Machine Tool, South Georgia Technical College 
  • James Everett, Mechanical Technology, Computer Information Systems, South Georgia Technical College 
  • Michelle Smith Lank, Early Childhood Care and Education, Southeastern Technical College 
  • Edva Angela Smith, Criminal Justice, Southern Crescent Technical College 
  • Jimmy Smith, Jr., Business Management, Southern Regional Technical College 
  • Mark Foster, Marketing Management, West Georgia Technical College 
  • J. Glenn Gregory, Drafting Design Technology, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College 

The accomplishments of these alumni highlight the success stories that are born out of TCSG’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality technical education in Georgia. As TCSG continues its mission to prepare students for careers in various industries, the achievements of these distinguished alumni serve as a testament to the system’s impact on Georgia’s workforce and economy. 

OFTC’s Alumni of the Year 

A highly successful professional, a dedicated community leader, and a generous supporter of Oconee Fall Line Technical College and TCSG, OFTC was proud to select Trey Sheppard as their 2023 Alumni of the Year.  

Sheppard is the Vice President of Crude Kaolin Mining Operations for Howard Sheppard, Inc., a family-owned trucking company in Sandersville.  

After graduating from Georgia Southern University in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, and from the University of Georgia Banking School, Sheppard had the academic preparation to help run his family’s trucking business; but he wanted the skills and professional license that is required in field. Therefore, he enrolled in OFTC’s (Sandersville Technical College) commercial truck driving program in 1999 and obtained his technical certificate of credit and commercial trucking driver’s license. 

“When asked how he became interested in technical education, Trey always answers that he is a proud graduate of the Technical College System of Georgia,” shared OFTC President, Erica Harden. “And, in turn, OFTC is proud to have Trey Sheppard as an alumnus.”   

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Sheppard has a number of important roles in his community and throughout the state. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank of the South and is on the board for the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation and the Georgia Motor Trucking Association.  He is a member of the First Christian Church of Sandersville and a member of the Sandersville Rotary Club. In 2016, Trey was chosen as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 under 40 and Georgia Southern University’s 40 under 40 Class. He’s served on TCSG’s State Board for a number of years and is the current board chair. 

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