Hairr Named One of the Top Nine Instructors in Georgia
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Southeastern Technical College 2026 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction Winner and Cosmetology Instructor Linda Hairr has been recognized as being one of the top nine instructors in the state, as she recently attended the Technical College System of Georgia Annual Conference in Atlanta.
The Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Award honors faculty nominated by their peers for outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Hairr was announced as STC’s 2026 Award Winner during a ceremony at the college on January 20.
Hairr has taught cosmetology to Southeastern Technical College students for 15 years and currently teaches the program’s courses on the College’s Swainsboro campus. She has previously been nominated for the award five times and even represented the College as the Rick Perkins Award winner in 2019.
After being announced as the recipient of the award, Hairr took to the stage to reflect on her career and the honor. “For those who found me worthy, thank you. I’m humbled. At technical colleges, we teach skills that matter today and will matter tomorrow – from Cosmetology to Cybersecurity, to Early Childcare Education, [and] to Healthcare,” she told the audience. “When asked why I chose to teach at a technical college, my answer is straightforward: technical colleges change lives. It changed my life. It changes the lives of my students and it strengthens our communities and the industries that keep Georgia progressive.”
Hairr explained that her own career is rooted in technical education, as she took college courses during high school at a technical college. “That experience gave me a skill set, but it also gave me confidence, direction, and a true understanding that technical education is powerful – and it’s transformative,” she remarked.
“Technical education also strengthens Georgia’s economic future. Our state has become a hub for aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and film production. Those industries thrive because technical colleges supply a pipeline of highly skilled workers. When a student receives a technical certificate or diploma, it isn’t just a personal win. It’s an economic win for Georgia. It’s a privilege for me to play a small part in that and witness students moving towards a better future,” Hairr emphasized.
She attended the Technical College System of Georgia Annual Conference not only to represent her school, but also to vie for the chance to serve as the spokesperson for technical education across the state as the 2026 Georgia Rick Perkins Award winner. Though Hairr did not take home the ultimate prize, she did solidify her reputation as being among the best in the state, as she finished among the Top 9 instructors in Georgia.
“I am deeply honored to have received such recognition, particularly because it was bestowed upon me by my own peers and coworkers,” said Hairr. “Representing STC in this capacity is an incredible experience, made even more profound by being among the top nine across the state. Standing among such an elite group of professionals was truly humbling, and I will always be grateful for this opportunity.”
Hairr was not the only person representing STC at the conference, as STC 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student Jessica Martinez-Ramos also sought the chance to be selected to represent technical education throughout the state.
Martinez-Ramos, a licensed practical nurse pursuing an Associate of Science in Nursing Degreethrough STC’s Bridge Pathway, reflected on her experience at the conference. “The GOAL conference reminded me that success is not a solo journey. It’s built on shared struggles, lifted by support, and strengthened by the people who believe in you – even before you fully believe in yourself,” she commented.
During the conference, the Kia Georgia automotive company announced a $100,000 donation to the TCSG Foundation, continuing its commitment to supporting Georgia’s workforce pipeline.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia and invest in the next generation of Georgia’s workforce,” said Kia Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess. “Technical education plays a critical role in driving innovation and economic growth.”
A portion of the donation is directed to the TCSG Foundation’s Last Mile Fund, which provides financial assistance to students nearing graduation to help them overcome unexpected barriers and complete their credentials.
More than 159,000 students are enrolled across TCSG’s 22 colleges, preparing for high-demand careers that support Georgia’s position as the No. 1 state for business and the Top State for Talent.
For more information about Southeastern Technical College, call (912) 5383100 or (478) 289-2200, or visit www.southeasterntech. edu.
