Mother, daughter duo enrolls at SGTC Crisp County Center

May 23, 2024
Tiwanna Williams (right) is shown above with her daughter, Riene Thompson (left). Both are attending classes at South Georgia Technical College’s Crisp County Center this summer. Williams is completing her associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education with Mrs. Lisa Penton, and Riene Thompson is beginning her journey in the Medical Assisting program with Mrs. Carol Cowan.
Tiwanna Williams (right) is shown above with her daughter, Riene Thompson (left). Both are attending classes at South Georgia Technical College’s Crisp County Center this summer. Williams is completing her associate degree in Early Childhood Care and Education with Mrs. Lisa Penton, and Riene Thompson is beginning her journey in the Medical Assisting program with Mrs. Carol Cowan.

   Tiwanna Williams of Cordele, received her diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education from South Georgia Technical College this Spring and turned around and registered for Summer Semester to get a jump start on securing her Associate Degree.  And she is encouraging others to follow her lead, beginning with her daughter, Riene Thompson, who is a 2024 Dooly County High School graduate.

   “South Georgia Technical College is like no other school I have ever seen,” said Tiwanna Williams.  “The instructors and staff care about you.  They want you to learn.  The instructors are all willing to help you understand.  They also push and encourage you to be the best person you can be.”

   Williams, who is 41, began her journey at the South Georgia Technical College Crisp County Center as a GED student.  She earned her General Education Diploma and enrolled in the Early Childhood Care and Education classes with Lisa Penton at the Crisp County Center location.

   Life got in the way and she stopped coming to school when she became pregnant.  However, her instructor stayed in touch and encouraged her to return and resume her studies.  Williams did and now she has the SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education diploma and she is continuing her journey toward an associate degree with Cambrette Hudson after Lisa Penton retired.

   “My daughter, Riene Thompson, just graduated from high school. I encouraged her to enroll at South Georgia Technical College and she did,” laughed Williams.  “She is currently enrolled in the Medical Assisting program and is excited about the possibilities.”

   Williams is thrilled that she and her daughter get to attend college together and she wishes that other people would follow their lead and sign up for the summer semester classes.  “This is a great school and they offer great programs that lead to good careers.”

    Studying at South Georgia Tech is now a family legacy for Tiwanna Williams and her family.  Her daughter, Riene, is the third generation to attend SGTC.  Williams’ dad, Harold Perry, came to SGTC first and enrolled in the Industrial Electrical program.  Williams came next and now her daughter makes the third generation to select SGTC as their college of choice.

   South Georgia Technical College has over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs on both the Americus and the Crisp County Center campuses.  The college has a low teacher to student ratio and provides individuals with the skills needed to enter the workforce in the field of their choice.  Financial aid is also available to make it cost efficient.  And SGTC provides students with the use of textbook at no cost.  SGTC offers in-person and online classes.

   It is not too late to sign up for the SGTC eight-week summer mini-mester.  Visit www.southgatech.edu and click on the Apply button at the top of the website.  For more information, contact SGTC Admissions Director Candie Walters at cwalters@southgatech.edu or Admissions Coordinator Hunter Little at the SGTC Crisp County campus at hlittle@southgatech.edu.