Rodithia Carr, an Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor and Department Head, has been named the 2018 Rick Perkins Award Instructor of the Year for Augusta Technical College. 

The announcement was made at the Faculty and Staff Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Augusta Technical College.

Ms. Carr was selected from among 13 participating nominees for this year’s award. She has taught at Augusta Technical College since July 2010.

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s 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.

The announcement of Carr as the Augusta Technical College RPA winner was made by President Terry Elam, with assistance from the 2017 Augusta Technical College and State RPA winner, Mrs. Ashley Strong-Green.

“Teaching at a technical college has changed my life by allowing me the opportunity to fully immerse myself into the diverse fabric of the community,” stated Carr. ”The college itself is involved in many community events and college-wide initiatives.  When I am fortunate enough to be able to participate, I get to meet individuals from every walk of life, which has taught me a great deal about myself. This of course, is mirrored in the classroom with the students I interact with every day.  They all have a unique story.  Regardless of the sequence of events which led them to further their education, they are dedicated, compassionate and committed to being successful. They inspire me to give 110 percent each day.”

Mrs. Carr will represent Augusta Technical College at the regional competition at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins on February 27, 2018, and will participate in the state conference at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta on April 24-26, 2018.

The state winner will carry the title of Technical College System of Georgia’s Instructor of the Year and serves 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.