South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford officially announced his retirement from this prestigious two-year technical college effective December 31st, 2026. Dr. Watford served South Georgia Tech as a Computer Information Technology instructor, Director of Information Technology, Director of Instruction, Vice President of Operations of the Crisp County Center, and Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to serving as President for the past 11 years.
He was the seventh president in the history of South Georgia Tech, which was founded in 1948 and is the second oldest technical college in Georgia. “After much reflection, I have decided to share my decision to retire as President of South Georgia Technical College, effective December 31, 2026,” said Dr. Watford. “This decision is deeply personal and brings with it a tremendous range of emotions. For the past 37 years, this college has been far more than a place of employment for me. It has been a community, a calling, and an important part of my life.
“For the past 11 years, I have had the extraordinary privilege of serving as its President, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have led an institution that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, our communities and the workforce we serve. When I look back across these 37 years, I am filled with gratitude for the people who have made this journey so meaningful. I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated faculty and staff who believe deeply in our students and in the mission of technical education. I have been fortunate to work with trustees, community leaders, business and industry partners, alumni, and countless others who have invested their time, talent, and resources in our college.
“Most importantly, I am grateful for our students. Their determination, resilience, and dreams have always been at the heart of why we do what we do. Watching students discover their potential, gain new skills, overcome obstacles, and move into meaningful careers have been one of the greatest rewards of my career,” continued Dr. Watford.
“Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, for the support you have given me, and most of all, for allowing me to be a part of the story of this remarkable institution. It has been an honor, a privilege, and one of the greatest blessings of my life.”
Dr. Watford was appointed President of South Georgia Technical College effective April 1, 2016 by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and the Technical College System of Georgia State Board. Dr. Watford served under former Presidents Sparky Reeves, Jon Johnson and Dea Pounders during his 37 years of service. He also worked with Interim President Janice Davis, who was in that role twice during her time as the Vice President of Administrative Affairs when President Johnson and President Reeves retired.
During his outstanding career, students and their success have always been at the forefront. Dr. Watford was instrumental in helping form the college’s partnerships with several businesses and industries including Caterpillar, John Deere, Georgia Power, Delta, and others. During his time at the Crisp County Satellite Center, he oversaw a 24,000-square-foot expansion project that included additional medical labs, classrooms, and a Quick Start economic development lab.
Since becoming President, he has increased the academic offerings available to SGTC students from 150 to over 200, he led the college to establish the LPN to RN Bridge program, implemented the first two associate degree offerings (Registered Nurse and Early Childhood), was instrumental in the SGTC Jets and Lady Jets advancing to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournaments nine times, and was proud to have Aviation Maintenance and Precision Machining and Manufacturing students win gold and silver medals in the National SkillsUSA competitions.
He dedicated the $3.48 million renovation of the Diesel Technology and Automotive Transportation Building on the Americus campus, approved the design and reconstruction of the Americus campus central parking and main traffic corridor Master Planning Project, the repaving of the Commercial Truck Driving pad and new Commercial Truck Driving Building on the Americus campus, oversaw the construction of the first CDL skills field range on the Crisp County Campus, created the Sparky Reeves “Walking on Sunshine” paved outdoor walking trail on the Americus campus, and raised funds to help renovate the James S. Peters gymnasium lobby expansion.
Watford was also instrumental in helping the South Georgia Technical College Foundation to grow from nearly $8 million in assets in 2016 to over $18 million in 2026. The additional funds allowed the foundation to award over 800 scholarships last year and grow its endowed scholarship offerings from 53 to 135 over the past 11 years. The Foundation has also secured over $12 million in grants to assist with expansions, renovations, new equipment, needed staff and faculty positions, and student support during his tenure as President.
Probably the most challenging part of his tenure as President was during the COVID-19 transition from in-person to remote learning. Due to COVID-19 concerns, all classes and activities were completely suspended for nearly three weeks.
Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order to extend the closure of all university and college campuses through the end of Spring Semester 2020 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Even though campuses were closed, SGTC leadership, faculty, and staff had to “rethink or redesign” how to transition hands-on learning utilizing on-line or distance learning instructional materials. For the first time in six years, SGTC saw a decline in enrollment. Budget cuts followed and the college had to implement a reduction in force.
Despite that set-back, Dr. Watford led the college forward and now the college has been named the best technical college in Georgia by two different agencies six times, was named one of America’s Top Vocational Schools by USA Today in 2025 and 2026, and leads the Technical College System of Georgia in efficiency based on enrollment, retention, and graduation numbers despite being one of the smallest colleges in the system.
A native of Georgia, Dr. Watford began his professional career at Metalux Lighting in Americus. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia as well as an M.S. in Business Administration and a B.S. in Math, both from Georgia Southwestern State University. Also, he holds a Specialist in Education degree from Columbus State University. Dr. Watford and his wife, Barbara, reside at Lake Blackshear. They have three grown children and one granddaughter.
Dr. Watford and Barbara have endowed two scholarships for SGTC First Generation students. “My father, Mervin Watford, and my wife, Barbara, were both first generation college students, so we understand how important an education can be and how it can transform lives. That is why we endowed these scholarships.”
For more information or to contribute to the John and Barbara Watford First Generation endowed scholarships, contact the SGTC Foundation at 229-931-2248 or email SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at sbird@southgatech.edu. The South Georgia Technical College Foundation mailing address is: SGTC Foundation, P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA 31709.
South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation will be hosting a retirement reception in honor of Dr. Watford’s outstanding educational career and long-time service to the college on Thursday, December 3rd as part of the SGTC Foundation’s annual Holiday Buffet from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the John M. Pope Center.