Three area colleges have joined forces to launch the Northwest Georgia Leadership and Development Program (NWGA LEAD) to support emerging and mid-level leaders at their institutions. The year-long leadership development program for employees is a joint venture among Dalton State College, Georgia Highlands College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
This is the first leadership development partnership in northwest Georgia among USG and TCSG institutions. The program includes interaction with high-level leaders across Georgia, mentoring, and reflection on and implementation of various leadership strategies.
Dr. Heidi Popham, president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College, said the program allows the colleges to unite and create a culture of leadership and community development among campus leaders.
“With an emphasis on workforce development, the invaluable sessions included in NWGA LEAD will facilitate a mutually beneficial partnership to provide quality education, ensure student success and meet the workforce needs throughout the communities of northwest Georgia,” Popham said.
Dr. Mike Hobbs, president of Georgia Highlands College, noted that the program is an investment in the colleges’ employees with long-term gains.
“NWGA LEAD is bringing together skilled individuals from various institutions, fostering collaboration and growth to meet the evolving workforce demands of our region,” Hobbs said. “By investing in our own talent and sharing a common vision, our partnership through NWGA LEAD will create actionable plans that drive regional development and ensure long-term success for our participants, our institutions, and for our students and the communities we serve.”
The program’s first cohort began meeting this fall at Dalton State, and meetings will rotate among the schools. John Fuchko, president of Dalton State, noted that the partnership will strengthen ties between the schools and reap benefits for the region.
“With multiple campuses across northwest Georgia, we each serve a broad footprint and many communities,” Fuchko said. “By strengthening professional relationships and awareness of the programs across our institutions, we can expand opportunities for students and enhance our support of regional workforce needs.”
The inaugural cohort includes the following individuals:
| Dalton State College | Georgia Highlands College | Georgia Northwestern Technical College |
| Diego Alvarado Ruiz | Jennifer Carpenter | Larry Blanchard, Jr. |
| Sylvia Driver | Jason Christian | Jennifer Dixon |
| Ben Rickett | Bradley Gilmore | Kristi Hart |
| Meagan Standridge | Clifton Puckett | Deanna Hulsey |
| Ale Velazquez | Elizabeth Tanner | AJ Jackson |
| Caleb Watkins | Kristie Teasley | Derrick McDaniel |
