The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the state’s top technical college instructor for 2022. Jeffrey White, a Physics Instructor from Gwinnett Technical College was chosen as the winner of this year’s Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.

“Jeffrey embodies all of the qualities we look for in an outstanding instructor. He is an expert in his field, has a passion for teaching, and is committed to inspiring each and every student in his classroom to be the best they can be,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “Congratulations to Jeffrey and the Gwinnett Technical College community. I know he will be a wonderful ambassador for technical education in Georgia this year.”

The Rick Perkins Award, now in its 31st year, highlights excellence in technical instruction and recognizes the most outstanding instructors at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the award winner, Jeffrey White will make public appearances as a representative for technical education during the next year, including meeting with the Governor and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.

Each year, selection for the Rick Perkins Award begins with the naming of the top technical education instructors at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award. 

“This award is a well-deserved honor for Jeff who exemplifies the expertise, passion, and professionalism of our entire faculty at GTC and across the system,” said Gwinnett Technical College President, Dr. D. Glenn Cannon. “He could teach anywhere, but we are so thankful he chooses to be a part of the GTC family. He comes to class every day with a single focus to educate students not just for success in the classroom, but prepared to succeed in life. He will represent TCSG’s instructors with that same passion over the coming year.” 

As the 2022 Rick Perkins award winner, Jeffrey White from Gwinnett Technical College received a crystal award and a check for $2,500. The first runner-up for instructor of the year was Ray Delva, an English instructor from Ogeechee Technical College.

The nine 2022 Rick Perkins Award finalists were:

Ray Delva, an English instructor from Ogeechee Technical College
Phyllis Ingham, a Clinical Laboratory Technology instructor from West Georgia Technical College
Sherry Lowery, an Early Childhood Care & Education instructor from Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Cory Miller, a Welding and Joining Technology instructor from Southern Regional Technical College
Crista Resch, a Vascular Technology instructor from Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Brandon Robinson, a Biology instructor from Savannah Technical College
Thomas Keegan Spell, a Radiologic Technology instructor from Southeastern Technical College
Jeffrey White, a Physics instructor from Gwinnett Technical College
Sonia Wynne, a Hemodialysis Technology instructor from Central Georgia Technical College