STC President Calhoun Announces Retirement
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Southeastern Technical College President Larry Calhoun has officially announced his retirement after leading the college for eleven years. Calhoun has devoted his life to serving the community, whether it be through his service in the United States Air Force or in the education system. A Montgomery County native, Calhoun excelled from a young age, graduating with honors from Montgomery County High School, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia, and eventually, being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Calhoun dedicated 30 years of his life to the Air Force, where he flew combat missions in Southeast Asia, logged over 270 combat hours in Vietnam-era operations, commanded a flying squadron, served at the Pentagon, and retired in 1998 with over 5,000 military flight hours after having earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Air Medal.
After his time in the military, Calhoun worked at the Georgia Aviation Technical College, where he worked to inspire other pilots as a classroom instructor, chief flight instructor, academic program chair, and vice president for academic and student affairs.
He retired from the College and the military, and rather than enjoying a life of leisure, then began his second career in technical education. Beginning as an instructor, Calhoun rose in ranks through Georgia’s technical college system, ultimately serving as the President of Swainsboro Technical College before taking the reins as the leader of Southeastern Technical College in 2015.
Under his leadership, Southeastern Technical College has earned a reputation as a leading institute in technical education, as it has earned the Technical College System of Georgia College of the Year award, achieved Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmation of accredidation with no findings of any issues within the College, and set enrollment records in both total and dual enrollment. He expanded career academy access so that seven of ten school systems in the College's service area now benefit from these transformative programs, investing directly in Georgia's future workforce.
“As he steps down as president of Southeastern Technical College, the institution — and the entire Technical College System of Georgia — is stronger, broader, and more impactful because of his steady hand,” emphasized Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier. “Over the course of his tenure, he has been a steady and respected leader, guiding the College through growth, strengthening partnerships across his region, and ensuring students have access to high-quality, workforcealigned programs.”
He continued, ““Larry has remained deeply connected to the communities he has served throughout his career. His commitment to service—whether in uniform or in education— has made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and communities across Georgia.”
Calhoun will continue to lead Southeastern Technical College until July 1, when he exits the workforce after 58 years of service to the community and nation.
