Colbert Named State GOAL Student of the Year

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Southeastern Technical College Nursing Student Jason Colbert has claimed top honors from the Technical College System of Georgia, as he was named this year’s State GOAL Student of the Year.

The Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student Recognition highlights the continued from page

importance of technical education, recognizes the outstanding achievements of Georgia’s technical college students, and emphasizes the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce. This statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) honors excellence in academics and leadership.

Being nominated for GOAL is among the highest honors awarded at Southeastern Technical College. A student must have completed 12 credit hours, have at least a B average, and be in good standing at the College. Additionally, the student must recognize the impact of technical education on Georgia’s economic health and be willing to serve as an ambassador for technical education.

The nominees for the Southeastern Technical College GOAL Student Recognition were Associate of Science in Nursing Student Jason Colbert, Business Management Student Grace Curry, Business Management Student Isabella Fultz, Health Care Management Student Alli Hart, Business Management Student Sydney Haskin, Business Management Student Lauren Henry, Associate of Science in Nursing Student Lanie Hutcheson, Associate of Science in Nursing— Bridge Pathway Student Mikayla Manning-Collins, Welding and Joining Technology Student Pedro Sanchez, Radiologic Technology Student Cristina Tinoco, and Welding and Joining Technology Student Noah Tippett. Ultimately, it was Colbert who earned the honor.

After nearly three decades in the healthcare industry, Colbert began STC’s Associate of Science in Nursing-Traditional Pathway program. He has served as chief executive officer of Community Hospice in Vidalia since 2006 and was awarded Hospice Administrator of the Year for the United States in 2024 by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. He was named 2016 Business Person of the Year by the Vidalia American Business Women’s Association.

He reflected, “I didn’t know at 16 years old that delivering medical equipment would set the path for me. I spent ten years working at a pharmacy, then helped open a home medical company, and was later offered a position with hospice. Because I didn’t have a degree, something always felt missing. When I began inquiring about credentials, every single facility advised me to attend STC. I wanted to be part of this. Now I see why. STC doesn’t just want us to be nurses; they want us to be great nurses.”

Colbert competed with three finalists from each of the Technical College System of Georgia’s three regions before making it to the state-level competition in Atlanta. During the state competition, Colbert vied for the award against 9 other finalists, and ultimately, claimed the title. “We are incredibly proud of Jason Colbert for being named the 2025 GOAL winner,” remarked Southeastern Technical College President Larry Calhoun. “Jason exemplifies the drive, skill, and leadership that define our students. His passion for nursing and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding representative for technical education across Georgia.”

Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier also spoke about the award. “Jason Colbert and [State Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction Winner] Ekaterina Mirzakulova represent the very best of the Technical College System of Georgia,” said Greg Dozier, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. “Their dedication, excellence, and passion reflect the strength of technical education in Georgia. We are proud to recognize their achievements and look forward to the impact they will make as ambassadors for the students and instructors across all 22 of our colleges.”

As the State GOAL Student Recognition winner, Colbert received a brand new, made-in-Georgia Kia Sportage as a prize for his achievement. He will now serve as ambassador for technical education in Georgia and a voice of technical colleges, making many public appearances throughout the year.