South Georgia Technical College celebrates its 75th anniversary

SGTC holds special convocation to celebrate milestone

April 11, 2023

Matthew Crumley,

AMERICUS, Ga. – One Georgia trade school reached a milestone as they celebrated their 75th year this morning.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche tells us what it means to the college celebrating their platinum school year.

Members of the Sumter county community and the student body here at South Georgia Technical College came together this morning to kick off the school’s 75th convocation.

For South Georgia Technical College president, Dr. John Watford, it means the world as they continue to build up the workforce of southwest Georgia.

“This is so important for us. As a college, as a college community. For our students, our faculty and staff, it means a lot. Because our college is one that has a strong culture. It has a culture of workforce training, strong work ethics, strong discipline,” said Dr. Watford.

To celebrate such a milestone, South Georgia Technical College invited a speaker with plenty of stories to tell…

Former Air Force One flight steward, Howie Franklin, who served under five presidents…

Including Georgia’s own, Jimmy Carter.

“I love to share with these people. The Carter’s were very special to me. Because of President Carter, I got to keep my job. And, a lot of other people too. I’d say there are millions of people that appreciate Jimmy Carter,” said Franklin.

But, in looking to the future it’s always important to mold that next generation of trade workers.

“Technical college to me is fantastic. Teaching these young people to do something, and not just going to Harvard, and that they can do something and make something of themselves. Like myself, I started off as a food service person in the Airforce,” said Franklin.

“I think the one thing that has kept us strong, is that focus on the mission of workforce education. Employers want to hire people who are trained, and that’s what we do at the college. And, as long as we are building the economy of Georgia, building the economy of our communities…then we are fulfilling that mission. And, I think we will continue to survive as the years come,” said Dr. Watford.

As the 75th year begins here at South Georgia Technical College, many are looking forward to the next 75 years.

South Georgia Technical College will be hosting an open house event, this Friday, April 14th at 10 a.m.

Brian Roche reporting.