Home › News › Oct 2023

CGTC Alum and Forsyth Mayor, Eric Wilson, Named Among Technical College System of Georgia’s Outstanding Alumni

Monday, October 30th, 2023

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recently announced the recognition of 23 exceptional individuals as the Alumni of the Year from its affiliated colleges, including Central Georgis Technical College’s (CGTC) vice chair of its Board of Directors, Eric Wilson. ]

This prestigious honor celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of these alumni to their communities and the industries they serve. Wilson currently serves as the Mayor of Forsyth, Georgia, proudlyleading one of central Georgia’s growing communities. He is also the co-owner, president, and CEO of MedPro EMS, and is a licensed paramedic.

As a graduate of the Paramedicine program at CGTC, Wilson has continued his advocacy and support for technical education, serving on the College’s Board of Directors, participating in advisory committees for programs, College events, and personal contribution through his company to student scholarships for study abroad in Paramedicine through CGTC’s Health Science Study Abroad program in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

“We are so proud of Eric Wilson’s achievements and grateful for his dedicated support of our college and our students, “said Tonya McClure, CGTC associate vice president for Advancement. “His strong advocacy of CGTC and technical education highlights that he is an outstanding product of our system.” 

TCSG highlighted Wilson’s success among each institution’s winners at the TCSG Leadership Conference in Savannah October 23-25.

"Our Alumni of the Year exemplifies the incredible talent that emerges from our technical colleges,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “They are living proof of the transformative power of technical education and serve as role models for current and future students. We are immensely proud of their achievements."

The Alumni of the Year recognition not only acknowledges the accomplishments of these individuals, but also highlights the invaluable role that TCSG plays in providing high-quality education and training that prepares graduates to excel in their chosen professions. These honorees represent a diverse range of careers and industries, from healthcare and business to information technology and public service. 

The Alumni of the Year honorees have been selected based on their exceptional contributions to the following areas: 

  • Professional Excellence: Demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership in their respective fields. 

  • Community Engagement: Made a positive impact on their communities through volunteer work, leadership roles, or community service. 

  • Advocacy for Technical Education: Supported and promoted the value of technical education and its role in workforce development. 

  • Career Success: Achieved notable career milestones and success in their chosen professions. 

The Alumni of the Year honorees are: 

  • Dr. Lorenzo Carson, Radiologic Technology, Albany Technical College 

  • Lori Anne Lord, Respiratory Therapy, Athens Technical College 

  • Cremeithius Riggins, Paralegal Studies, Atlanta Technical College 

  • Sabrina Griffin, Clerical Office Specialist, Augusta Technical College 

  • Eric Wilson, Paramedicine, Central Georgia Technical College 

  • Mattie Harris, Radiography, Chattahoochee Technical College 

  • Joey Bullard, Practical Nursing, Coastal Pines Technical College 

  • Manford Metcalf, Electronics Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Architectural Drafting, Columbus Technical College 

  • Allison Patnode, Dental Assisting, Georgia Northwestern Technical College 

  • Teresa Watson, Commercial Truck Driving, Georgia Piedmont Technical College 

  • Dr. Jeffrey Scott Bailey, Surgical Technology, Gwinnett Technical College 

  • Lanier Swafford, EMS, Paramedicine, Fire Science, Lanier Technical College 

  • Ray Chamblee, Business Technology, Criminal Justice, North Georgia Technical College 

  • Howard Clifford “Trey” Sheppard, Commercial Truck Driving, Oconee Fall Line Technical College 

  • David Rogers, Computer Information Systems, Ogeechee Technical College 

  • Dennis Adams, HVAC, Savannah Technical College 

  • Michael Coley, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Machine Tool, South Georgia Technical College 

  • James Everett, Mechanical Technology, Computer Information Systems, South Georgia Technical College 

  • Michelle Smith Lank, Early Childhood Care and Education, Southeastern Technical College 

  • Edva Angela Smith, Criminal Justice, Southern Crescent Technical College 

  • Jimmy Smith, Jr., Business Management, Southern Regional Technical College 

  • Mark Foster, Marketing Management, West Georgia Technical College 

  • J. Glenn Gregory, Drafting Design Technology, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College 

The accomplishments of these alumni highlight the success stories that are born out of TCSG's commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality technical education in Georgia. As TCSG continues its mission to prepare students for careers in various industries, the achievements of these distinguished alumni serve as a testament to the system's impact on Georgia's workforce and economy.