Southeastern Tech 2025 Rick Perkins and GOAL winners announced

Mike Young, Emergency Services Education Instructor, has been awarded Southeastern Technical College’s (STC) Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, and Jason Colbert, an Associate of Science in Nursing student from Toombs County, has been named as the College’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

The announcement of winners was made by President Larry Calhoun at Southeastern Tech’s 2025 Rick Perkins and GOAL Awards Ceremony on January 27, 2025, in Vidalia’s Tattnall Auditorium.

“I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that our faculty changes lives, one life at a time, and these winners will represent Southeastern Tech well,” said President Calhoun.

The Rick Perkins Award honors faculty nominated by their peers for outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

“I am blessed to work with a talented and compassionate group of faculty and staff. To be chosen to represent Southeastern Tech in this capacity is humbling. I look forward to the year ahead,” said Young. “Technical education is vital to the success of the state. Georgia has been named the top state for business for eleven consecutive years. The workforce needed to sustain this growth and continue the economic impact we’ve seen here in Georgia relies heavily upon what the Technical College System of Georgia can provide.”

STC’s other finalists for instructor of the year were: Linda Hairr, Cosmetology Instructor and Dr. Laquanda Thomas, English Instructor.

The GOAL program highlights the importance of technical education, recognizes the outstanding achievements of Georgia’s technical college students, and emphasizes the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce. This statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) honors excellence in academics and leadership.

Being nominated for GOAL is among the highest honors awarded at Southeastern Technical College. A student must have completed 12 credit hours, have at least a B average, and be in good standing at the College. Additionally, the student must recognize the impact of technical education on Georgia’s economic health and be willing to serve as an ambassador for technical education.

“To say I am honored to be Southeastern Technical College’s GOAL Student for 2025 is an understatement! I appreciate the nomination by Mrs. Sadia Ajohda and Mrs. Rachel Sikes and appreciate the judges that gave of their time to interview and select a winner from such an amazing group of finalists,” said Colbert.

After nearly three decades in the healthcare industry, Colbert began STC’s Associate of Science in Nursing-Traditional Pathway program. He has served as chief executive officer of Community Hospice in Vidalia since 2006 and was awarded Hospice Administrator of the Year for the United States in 2024 by Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. He was named 2016 Business Person of the Year by the Vidalia American Business Women’s Association.

Colbert reflected, “I didn’t know at 16 years old that delivering medical equipment would set the path for me. I spent ten years working at a pharmacy, then helped open a home medical company, and was later offered a position with hospice. Because I didn’t have a degree, something always felt missing. When I began inquiring about credentials, every single facility advised me to attend STC. I wanted to be part of this. Now I see why. STC doesn’t just want us to be nurses; they want us to be great nurses.”

GOAL winners are selected at each of the TCSG’s 22 technical colleges. A screening committee of college administrators reviewed nominations and conducted interviews with the students. Four finalists gave a speech and interviewed with a panel of local business, civic, and industry leaders.

The other GOAL finalists were:

Sydney Haskin, Business Management student from Appling County, nominated by Tina Jernigan.

Haskin’s commitment to academic excellence earned her a place on the President’s List in 2024. She has worked in the marketing and human resources field for a number of years. She says that STC has provided her with affordable and flexible learning opportunities that align with her career goals. She enjoys attending church, baking, puzzles, and kayaking.

Mikayla Manning-Collins, Associate of Science in Nursing-Bridge Pathway student from Treutlen County, nominated by Ginny Ennis. Manning-Collins was a former dual enrollment high school student with Southeastern Tech. She says she enjoys giving back to her community and is an active supporter of the American Cancer Society and the Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society. When not at work, college, or studying, she spends time with her husband Chase and their two spaniels, who reside on their family farm near her parents and grandparents, whom she credits for giving her the love and support that shaped her into the person and professional nurse she is today.

Cristina Tinoco, Radiologic Technology student from Toombs County, nominated by Keegan Spell. Tinoco was an Honors Graduate with Distinction in high school and was recognized as Lions Club Student of the Month. She gives back to her community through volunteer efforts, such as participating in the Hurricane Helene Food Drive and the Glory Run. She said she chose technical education for its cost-effective path to a fulfilling career, and Southeastern Technical College has been instrumental in building her confidence through hands-on training and real-world experiences. In her free time, she enjoys running and playing soccer, volleyball, and tennis.

College representatives will compete at the regional level in February where three finalists from each of TCSG’s three regions move to the state-level competition in Atlanta in April. State winners will serve as ambassadors for technical education in Georgia and a voice of technical colleges, making many public appearances throughout the year.

The State GOAL Winner, TCSG’s Student of the Year, receives a grand prize of a new car provided by Kia Georgia, a statewide corporate sponsor of Georgia’s GOAL program.

For more information on STC, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call (912) 538-3100 or (478) 289-2200.