Chattahoochee Technical College president named to lead global initiative

　

Media release: Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson announced today the launch of a new International Center for Technical Education that will enhance the TCSG's global outreach.

The center's goal is to build greater worldwide recognition of the TCSG education programs while also working to expand new and existing international student and faculty exchange at the 25 TCSG colleges.

"The International Center for Technical Education will strengthen the overall mission of the TCSG to create a competitive workforce in Georgia while opening avenues for greater awareness in the worldwide education community about the TCSG colleges and the outstanding quality of our faculty and students. Our plan is to forge international partnerships that will enable the TCSG to solidify its goal of becoming a global leader in technical education," said Jackson.

The TCSG International Center for Technical Education will establish collaborations with countries and colleges that are interested in developing and improving their technical workforce through higher education partnerships and the sharing of people, programs and best practices. In addition to faculty and student exchange programs, international partners can receive TCSG assistance with technical education curriculum, faculty training, college system management, and consultation on accreditation.

The center will also work closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the University System of Georgia and the TCSG's own Quick Start workforce training program regarding business recruitment projects for Georgia.

Jackson has appointed Dr. Sanford Chandler, the current president of Chattahoochee Technical College, to be the assistant commissioner for global initiatives. He'll lead the center, which will operate from the TCSG system office in Atlanta.

International enrollment at Chattahoochee Technical College has grown under Chandler's leadership. He has also championed economic development opportunities resulting from the promotion and creation of education and training partnerships with colleges in other countries.

"I'm looking forward to this new challenge and continuing to make a difference in the lives of students here and abroad. It's my hope that this international initiative will ultimately help to improve the economic and workforce development of our state," said Chandler.

Chandler has guided cooperative agreements between Chattahoochee Technical College and Changzhou College of Information Technology (China); Sanjiang University (China); Hanyang Women's University (South Korea); and Tabuk Community College and Tabuk University, Jeddah Community College, and Abdullah Aziz University (Saudi Arabia). Chattahoochee Technical College is also assisting in a nursing program in Kenya and is in negotiations to partner in a nursing program in Amman, Jordan.

Chandler will transfer to his new position on October 1.

Dr. Ron Newcomb, the provost and executive vice president of Chattahoochee Technical College, will serve as the college's interim president until a replacement for Chandler is selected.