Augusta Technical College is excited to announce that Ms. Karen Wooten has been named the 2024-2025 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Winner, and Dr. Stacey Mabray has been selected as the 2024-2025 Outstanding Teacher of the Year (OTOY) for the Adult Education Department.

The announcement of Ms. Wooten and Dr. Mabray as the winners were made after the local competition in the Jack B. Patrick Information Technology Center (ITC) on the Augusta Campus.

"Being the 2024 Eagle Delegate is an amazing opportunity, one that I did not think I would receive. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to share the need for Adult Education programs as they are a valuable piece of education in many people’s lives," stated Wooten.

EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits. 

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG,) through its Office of Adult Education (OAE), sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute. Ms. Wooten will represent Augusta Technical College at the Institute on March 3-5, 2025. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs. 

The state winner will carry the title of Technical College System of Georgia EAGLE Winner and will serve as the state’s ambassador for adult education. The winner exemplifies excellence and a commitment to the mission of the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education and makes many public appearances throughout the year, including the TCSG Leadership Conference and the TCSG Board Meeting to name a few. The state winner will also receive a full two-year scholarship to the technical college of his or her choice. 

Dr. Mabray was nominated by her peers at the college to become the Adult Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year. 

The Adult Education OTOY program is designed to recognize and honor our most outstanding Adult Education teachers who make significant contributions to the field through instruction, innovation, and leadership. These outstanding teachers participate in school and community activities, they understand the importance of and are committed to the Adult Education profession, and they exemplify excellence. The OTOY has a deep commitment to the mission of the Office of Adult Education (OAE). 

"My purpose is to serve as a guide to usher students to their next level. The work is about helping each student access their fullest potential despite the challenges or barriers that often occur. It is life changing, life altering work. It is my honor to be selected as the TOTY to represent Augusta Technical College and the great work that the institution does for my community. It is the Right Place at the Right Time for my students,” stated Mabray. 

Dr. Mabray has served in multiple roles in her 32 years as an educator to include Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction, High School Principal, and the District's Multi-tiered Systems of Support Coordinator. In 2022, Dr. Mabray joined the Adult Education Team as an ABE on-line evening Blackboard Instructor.

"I am incredibly proud of Karen for her remarkable achievements. Not only has she earned her GED, but she is also set to enroll at Augusta Technical College in Spring 2025 to pursue a degree in Radiology Technology. I am confident Karen will represent Augusta Technical College with excellence as our FY25 EAGLE delegate, and I wish her great success as she competes at the Regional and State levels.

I am equally thrilled to celebrate Dr. Mabray as this year’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Her wealth of knowledge and experience, gained from her extensive service in the local school system, makes her an invaluable member of our instructional team. Dr. Mabray is truly deserving of this honor, and I wish her much success as she competes among her peers in the Regional and State competitions," stated Angela Moseley, Dean of Adult Education. 

The OAE OTOY Award Winner serves as a professional-level ambassador for Adult Education in Georgia as the TCSG OAE’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. S/he makes many public appearances (virtual or in-person) throughout the year, including presenting before the TCSG State Board, college presidents, city/state officials, the General Assembly of the State of Georgia and other speaking engagement opportunities in order to promote Adult Education. 

In addition to carrying the distinguished title, the recipient will receive a cash award of $2,500.