SGTC Diesel graduate leading Diesel program at Albany Tech
Willie Walker, a South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Diesel Equipment Technology graduate, is playing a key role in workforce training at Albany Technical College by helping prepare the next generation of skilled technicians for Southwest Georgia’s transportation and industrial sectors.
Walker graduated from SGTC’s Diesel Technology Program in 2009 and now serves as the Chair and Instructor of the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Albany Technical College. In his role, he oversees academic curriculum and hands-on instruction that equips students with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed in careers ranging from medium-to-heavy-duty diesel service and repair.
Walker credits South Georgia Technical College and his former instructor, Jack Teal, for providing him with the knowledge and skills he needed to now help others excel in the growing field of diesel technicians that find employment in trucking, agriculture, heavy equipment, and power systems – fields critical to the local and regional economy.
In addition to working at Albany Technical College, Walker also taught at the YDC in Americus and worked in the private sector.
South Georgia Technical College will be recognizing many of its former students and graduates during its Homecoming/Sophomore Day Celebration on Saturday, February 28th in the James S. Peters gymnasium. All alumni, former employees, students, and the community are invited to come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun which includes a men’s and women’s basketball game pitting South Georgia Tech’s Jets and Lady Jets against Albany Tech’s Titans and Lady Titans. The women’s game tips-off at 1 p.m. and the men’s game begins at 3 p.m.
In addition to the basketball games and recognition of SGTC’s Sophomore players and alumni, the Americus-Sumter County Chamber will also be providing a free hamburger and hot dog luncheon beginning at 12:15 p.m. SGTC will be giving away door prizes and free t-shirts while supplies last as part of the Black-Out theme for the games.
Walker was visiting the South Georgia Technical College Crisp County Center recently to enjoy another SGTC alumnus Sennica Harris, Regional Support Specialist for Food Lion, speak at SGTC’s Black History Celebration. Walker was reminiscing with SGTC Career Services Director Cynthia Carter prior to the start of the program about his time at South Georgia Tech and how much he enjoyed learning from Jack Teal.
“We are so proud of our graduates,” said Carter. “I remember him when he was a student here and now he is teaching others at a sister college.” Walker has been at Albany Tech since 2016.
Graduates of the SGTC Diesel Equipment Technology program, like Walker, continue to have a strong influence on technical education throughout the region. SGTC’s program has a long history of preparing students for careers in the diesel service industry, emphasizing applied learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world mechanical experience.
South Georgia Tech is one of the oldest technical colleges in Georgia. It began operation at a trade and vocational school in 1948 and Diesel Equipment Technology was one of the six original programs offered on the Americus campus.
To share your experiences as a South Georgia Tech student or graduate or to learn more about the SGTC Homecoming event on Saturday, February 28th, contact SGTC Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Su Ann Bird, at sbird@southgatech.edu.