Dave Maryniak Named Augusta Technical College’s 2021 RPA Winner
Thursday, April 1st, 2021
Dr. David Maryniak, Chemical Technology Department Head at the Augusta Campus, has been named the 2021 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Award winner for Augusta Technical College. The announcement was made virtually by college president Dr. Jermaine Whirl on March 10, 2021.
Selected from among seven participating faculty candidates for this year’s award, Dr. Maryniak completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. He has taught at Augusta Technical College since 1993 and was also nominated for the Instructor of the Year award in 2018, 2016, 2015, and 2012. Along with teaching, Maryniak has developed or supported development of several programs at the College, including the Chemical Operator Diploma, AAS in Chemical Technology, and the AAS in Nuclear Engineering Technology.
“Dr. Maryniak has trained many students that have moved into successful careers in chemical manufacturing, food processing, healthcare, and nuclear engineering technology. I applaud him for the stellar work he’s done, and he’s most deserving of this tremendous honor,” stated Dr. Whirl.
Dr. Maryniak will represent Augusta Technical College at the regional competition on April 22, 2021, and if selected as a regional finalist, he will participate in state competition in May 2021. “
“It is an honor to represent Augusta Technical College and the Technical College System of Georgia, both of which have done so much for me personally,” stated Dr. Maryniak. “Thanks to everyone who nominated me, and to the internal and external judges of the college competition, who all saw something in me. This honor has truly stunned and humbled me. I am a product of technical education and believe in its mission. Having a platform to describe the importance of technical education, especially the human element, is a great honor, and with it I feel a responsibility to share the many educational opportunities within the Technical College System of Georgia and describe how academic excellence is a key to student success, leading to a skilled workforce for the local area, the state, and ultimately our society.”
The state winner will carry the title of “Technical College System of Georgia’s Instructor of the Year” and serve as the state’s ambassador for technical education. The winner exemplifies excellence and a commitment to the mission of the Technical College System of Georgia and makes many public appearances throughout the year, including addresses to the Georgia General Assembly, the governor and the TCSG Leadership Conference, to name a few. A $1,000 grand prize is also presented to the deserving award winner.
The Rick Perkins Award (RPA) for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991 and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the award was renamed in honor and memory of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Georgia Technical College.
