GWINNETT— The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) named Gwinnett Technical College physics instructor Jeff White the winner of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction at the State Leadership Conference.
“This is a tremendous honor. I am grateful to Gwinnett Tech and TCSG for everything they do to support our students and communities. I look forward to representing Gwinnett Tech and the technical education system throughout the upcoming year,” said Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year Jeff White.
In its 31st year, the Rick Perkins Award highlights excellence in technical instruction and recognizes the most outstanding instructors at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the award winner, Jeff White will make public appearances as a representative for technical education next year, including meeting with the Governor and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.
Gwinnett Technical College President Dr. D. Glen Cannon said, “What a great and well-deserved honor. Jeff exemplifies the expertise, passion, and professionalism of all our faculty at GTC and across the system. He could teach anywhere, but we are so thankful he chose 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 the TCSG faculty with that same passion over the coming year.”
“I have always loved working with others and helping them develop their talents inside. Seeing their eyes light up as they have that moment of enlightenment is incredibly satisfying. Every student comes into my class with hope for a better future and dreams of a better life. They trust me to help them make those dreams come true and ensure their life story has a happy ending. Their hard work and dedication to their dreams is my inspiration,” states White. Students taking conceptual physics and intro to physics are studying to become diagnostic medical sonographers, radiological technologists, engineers technicians, and drafting technicians.
White taught in the Gwinnett County Public Schools system for 34 years before coming to Gwinnett Technical College as a full-time physics instructor. He led various science classes during those years, was the science department chair for 13 years, coached football, baseball, and soccer, and sponsored several student clubs.
White holds a Master of Science in Physics from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from the University of Georgia. He also earned his Specialist Degree from the University of Georgia in School Leadership and his Gifted Endorsement. White was born and raised in Atlanta and lives in Flowery Branch, Georgia. He and his wife enjoy camping, traveling, and spending time with their four children and six grandchildren.
As the 2022 Rick Perkins award winner, Jeffrey White from Gwinnett Technical College received a crystal award and a check for $2,500. Gwinnett Technical College Nursing student Letisha Smith was also named the state Georgia Occupational Award (GOAL) of Leadership Runner-Up at this year’s State Leadership Conference.
The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction began in 1991 and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.
About Gwinnett Tech: Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia’s largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The College offers more than 140 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops, and courses providing specialized training. Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County’s largest corporate training provider and serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. In addition, some college programs hold separate licensure or accreditation status with appropriate agencies. For more information, visit GwinnettTech.edu. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.