March 16, 2011

Gwinnett Tech Names 2011 Instructor of the Year

Trudy Dunson Receives the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education

Trudy Dunson, an instructor in Gwinnett Technical College's business management program, has been named the college's 2011 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education winner.

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors technical education's most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide program since 1991 and the award recipients are technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

Dunson has been an instructor at Gwinnett Tech for the past 10 years and a resident of Gwinnett County for 20 years. She holds an associate degree and a dual bachelor's degree in Marketing and Management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio and an M.B.A. from Clark Atlanta University. Before entering the field of education, Dunson worked for several companies in various marketing and management positions, including M&M/Mars, Kimberly Clark Corporation and United Technologies.

Active on numerous academic committees at GTC, Dunson has worked to improve the quality of education for students. She is a current member of the American Society of Training and Development, the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals.

"Trudy is an exceptional educator as well as a fellow co-worker. She always goes above and beyond to teach students the necessary skills to be successful leaders in the workforce," says Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels. "Her enthusiasm and commitment to teaching is contagious and she's an outstanding example of what makes working at GTC a joy."

Dr. Victoria Seals, Gwinnett Tech dean of academic affairs, adds, "I have found Trudy Dunson to be very knowledgeable about the subject of business management and eager to assist in the development of our students. Her passion for life and for helping others makes her an excellent asset for GTC and for technical education."

Additional GTC Rick Perkins Award nominees include:

• Gary Carter, Computer Science instructor

• Theresa (T.C.) Parker, Surgical Technology program director

• Kelly Spillman, Psychology instructor

• John Thacher, Web Design program director

• Larry Wehunt, Toyota T-TEN program director

Gwinnett Tech offers an associate degree and diploma in business management, marketing management, accounting and business administrative technology, as well as certificates for human resource management specialist, management and leadership specialist, e-commerce marketer, entrepreneurship, marketing specialist and small business marketing manager.

In all, GTC offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate student options can be completed in two years or less.  For more information on all students, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Get the latest news about Gwinnett Tech:  http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/news

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