GSW and SGTC officials discuss ‘Two Great Choices, One Great Community’ efforts

AMERICUS, GA (May 21, 2024) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) and South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) combined forces with the city of Americus, Sumter County officials and local business leaders in 2007 to begin promoting the positive educational opportunities offered in our area using the slogan, “Two Great Choices – One Great Community!”

South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford and Georgia Southwestern State University Interim President Teresa MacCartney met and discussed the educational and economic impact of the two schools on Sumter County and the surrounding areas.

“We are very fortunate to have two excellent higher education institutions in Sumter County,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “Georgia Southwestern and South Georgia Tech are vital to the workforce development and economic impact not only here but across the state and the southeast.”

“I have enjoyed getting to know the Americus community during my time as GSW’s interim president,” said MacCartney. “South Georgia Tech has been an outstanding partner in enhancing higher education opportunities in this region. The collaboration between these two institutions has yielded significant benefits, and I am confident this will continue to grow under the leadership of GSW’s newly appointed president, Dr. Michelle Johnston. I know she is looking forward to building on this strong foundation and working alongside President Watford and his team when she begins her tenure on GSW’s campus on June 1. Together, they’ll continue to further the shared mission of providing exceptional education opportunities in South Georgia.”

Earl and Barbara Gammage of Gammage Print Shop in Americus worked in conjunction with former SGTC President Sparky Reeves and former GSW President Dr. Kendall Blanchard to forge this unique partnership nearly 17 years ago. That tradition continued under current SGTC President Dr. John Watford and GSW President Dr. Neal Weaver. The baton has now been passed to GSW’s next President Dr. Michelle Johnston.

 “By working together, we can strengthen the educational opportunities available and promote the positive attributes of this community while also supplying a trained workforce for business and industry,” said Dr. Watford.

Scholarships generated by the initial ‘Two Great Choices, One Great Community’ efforts are still offered at both Georgia Southwestern State University and South Georgia Technical College to encourage local high school graduates to continue their education at one or both of the “two great choices” available in Sumter County.

Photo: GSW Assistant Vice President for Advancement and GSW Foundation Executive Director Stephen Snyder is shown above with GSW Interim President Teresa MacCartney, SGTC President Dr. John Watford and SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird as the group spotlights the benefits of cooperation between the two higher education institutions.