NGTC Names John Wilkinson as New President

Community, Press Release
Wilkinson

ATLANTA, GA—Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Commissioner Greg Dozier has appointed former Georgia State Senator and Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) specialist John Wilkinson as the new President of North Georgia Technical College (NGTC).

“Senator Wilkinson has spent his professional life advancing and advocating for CTAE here in Georgia,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “He is one of Georgia’s leading CTAE experts and we are excited for him to lead North Georgia Technical College as we serve the needs of business and industry in the region and across the state. I know he will continue the lasting legacy left by Dr. Mark Ivester by providing opportunity for every student that comes through the college’s doors.”

Wilkinson began serving in Georgia’s General Assembly in 2011 as State Senator representing District 50. Senator Wilkinson served as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee and as Vice-Chairman of the Education and Youth Committee. In 2012, he was named “Policy Maker of the Year” by the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education. Prior to being elected State Senator, Wilkinson was a program manager at the Georgia Department of Education, where he oversaw the state’s agricultural education programs. He also worked as the executive secretary for the Georgia Future Farmers of America (FFA) Association.

“I am truly honored to be chosen to lead North Georgia Technical College,” said Wilkinson. “Technical education is near and dear to my heart as I have seen how it transforms the lives of students. It is my goal to continue in the footsteps left by Dr. Mark Ivester by providing business and industry with a skilled workforce and by helping more students realize their full potential through postsecondary education.”

In 2017, Senator Wilkinson was presented the Outstanding Service Award by the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association and was later named the Region V national award winner by the National Association of Agricultural Educators. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences honored Senator Wilkinson with an Award of Excellence in 2009. He is a member of the Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame and was recognized as the Outstanding Member of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education in 2006.

A lifelong advocate of CTAE, Wilkinson began his career teaching Agriculture and serving as an FFA advisor in Banks County and Forsyth County public high schools. Wilkinson received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Masters in Education at the University of Georgia.

The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia approved Commissioner Dozier’s appointment of John Wilkinson on Thursday, January 14 in Atlanta. Wilkinson assumes his new role as President on February 1.

North Georgia Technical College President dies of COVID-19

Community, News
North Georgia Technical College

CLARKESVILLE, Ga – On September 13 at 8:17 a.m., North Georgia Technical College announced on social media that its President Dr. Mark Ivester passed away from COVID-19 on September 12, 2020.

Ivester, 57, battled the virus for several weeks before passing away late Saturday evening in a Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, Ga. The Acree-Davis Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements. Anyone wishing to send condolences or flowers can do so on the funeral home’s website.

Ivester dedicated his life to the technical college for almost 20 years. He became president of North Georgia Technical College in 2016. Previously, he served as the vice president of economic development. Additionally, Ivester earned a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Brenau University, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Condolences are pouring in from the community and across the state either on social media or the Acree-Davis Funeral Home condolence wall. One individual wrote:

“Had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Ivester working at NGTC and he was always so sweet and had a vibrant smile upon his face. Prayers for the family, friends, and colleagues during this time. Sorry for the loss.”

North Georgia Technical College has not released details about an interim president or memorial services at this time. The technical college has campuses in Clarkesville, Blairsville, and Toccoa.

Ivester is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and their children.

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