TCSG Honors Calhoun’s Legacy

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The Technical College System of Georgia recently celebrated the accomplishments and legacy of Southeastern Technical College (STC) President Larry Calhoun during the TCSG’s State Board Meeting on June 4.

Calhoun’s time leading the college is winding down, as he is set to retire on July 1. After beginning as an instructor at a college, Calhoun rose in ranks in Georgia’s technical college system, ultimately serving as the President of Swainsboro Technical College before taking the reins as the leader of Southeastern continued from page

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.

In anticipation of this retirement, the TCSG recognized Calhoun for his decades of leadership and service by presenting him with the TCSG Legacy Award, and officially awarded him the honorary title of President Emeritus.

“Obviously, President Emeritus says everything in and of itself. It refers to someone who has given so much and made a lasting impact,” remarked TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “At TCSG, we try to represent that through a legacy award. When you combine emeritus and legacy, those are two powerful words that the people here, along with your family and loved ones, know represent an honor bestowed upon you. But in reality, the greater honor is what you have bestowed upon those that you've left the legacy on. That’s what you’ve done for our system and our state. Your service began long before you came to TCSG. You served in our armed forces, protecting us and preserving our freedoms, and you also began being an educator there. When you came home, you simply picked up the mantle and kept going. We thank you for what you've given in the totality of your life. Thank you for what you do and for what you represent.”

Calhoun expressed his gratitude for the honor and reflected on his time in technical education. “We live in a great country and a great state. I've been doubly blessed to have had two great careers, either one of which would have been great. I'm not sure I deserve the accolades. We have an important job in what we do. Our colleges play an important role in expanding opportunities for students across Georgia,' he emphasized. 'We help students discover pathways to successful futures.'

He continued, “I heard a quote that ‘Talent is evenly distributed; opportunity is not.’ We are in the business of spreading opportunity across the state. All the things we do on a daily basis happen at all 22 TCSG colleges and across all 88 campuses throughout the state. I have a vested interest in what we do because I am a patient or customer when I go to the hospital, or my air conditioner breaks, or my car needs maintenance. Those are the people who touch our lives every single day. So, let's keep spreading that opportunity.”

Calhoun concluded his remarks by emphasizing the rewarding nature of his work within the Technical College System of Georgia, as he thanked all in attendance for their work for the students, education system, and the state.