NGTC focuses on student success

NGTC student Susan Johnson and her instructor, Gail Berry.
NGTC student Susan Johnson and her instructor Gail Berry.

The North Georgia Technical College Board of Directors held the regular meeting in March on the Blairsville Campus and welcomed a special guest speaker, student Susan Johnson. Johnson is currently studying Medical Assisting on the Blairsville Campus and will graduate with her diploma in August, 2015.

“North Georgia Tech is a wonderful place to study,” she said. “I have benefited tremendously from the tutoring available to students. My advisor and instructor, Gail Berry, has been my rock.”

Relocating to Georgia five years ago from Chicago, Susan had been practicing Massage Therapy. She knew she wanted to stay in the health care industry and found a great opportunity very close to her new home. But going back to school presented a few problems and she found herself struggling, particularly with math. Through some additional assessments, she discovered she had a math disability. With the encouragement of Director of Career Services and Disabilities, Daniel Gregg, she took advantage of the free tutoring services offered in the campus Student Success Center.

“Mr. Gregg was so kind and helpful,” she said. “I never actually met him. I only spoke to him over the phone, but he was always so responsive. I couldn’t have made it through without both him and Ms. Berry.”

Students on all three campuses of North Georgia Technical College have a variety of opportunities for individual help to ensure their success including one-on-one tutoring, small study groups, self-paced learning environments and more. Also, students are encouraged to participate in Campus Life activities and groups such as SkillsUSA, Phi Beta Lambda, HEROES (Having Equity Resource Opportunities Equals Success), and Student Leadership Council (SLC). Ms. Johnson is currently serving as President of SLC on the Blairsville Campus.

“It is wonderful to have Susan come in and share her story with us,” said NGTC Board Chair Rebecca King. “Our focus is on student success, and Susan is a great example of courage and persistence. I look forward to seeing her at graduation.”

For more information on programs of study at North Georgia Technical College, visit www.northgatech.edu.