Donny Collins Named Ogeechee Tech Instructor of the Year

Donny Collins, Computer Information Systems Instructor, was recently named Ogeechee Technical College’s 2024 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction recipient at the annual Spring Faculty & Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony.

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is an annual, statewide competition that honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s most outstanding instructors. Started in 1991, this honor recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through service, innovation, and leadership in their field.

“I’m deeply touched and honored by this recognition, never expecting to receive something like the Rick Perkins Instructor or the Year Award when I began my teaching career 24 years ago,” said Collins. “I’m thankful to be working with such wonderful people and contributing to the growth of my students and my community. I look forward to sharing the possibilities of technical education with everyone I meet.”

Collins’s dedication to student success was a common thread expressed by his nominators, one of whom wrote, “His ability to simplify complex concepts and his unwavering commitment to student success are consistently commended by both students and colleagues. His guidance and mentorship extend beyond the academic realm, as he helps students with their career goals and aspirations.”

The Faculty/Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony, hosted by OTC President Lori Durden, is an opportunity for college faculty and staff to come together and celebrate the victories and achievements of the past year – among those is the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.

“For years, Donny has been producing well-prepared graduates without seeking the spotlight. He is one of our quiet rock stars,” said Durden. “He is a respected colleague, actively engaged in both the community and our campus, consistently embodying the College’s values. His commitment to his students is unparalleled, and this recognition is overdue.”

Collins, holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education, Business Administration from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. Collins has been teaching at OTC for over 20 years and in that time has acquired numerous IT, and CompTIA certifications.

Following OTC’s nomination, Collins will interview in the regional competition in Tifton on February 27. If selected as one of three finalists from the region he will move on to compete for the state title the week of April 29 – May 2 in Atlanta.

Other faculty and staff honored during the ceremony include:
Barry Dotson – Adjunct Instructor of the Year Award
Tom Elrod – Leadership Award
Rachel Rigdon – Support Staff of the Year Award
Christina Harrell – Diamond Award

If you want to know more about the Computer Information Systems program at Ogeechee Technical College please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/CIST.

OTC