Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) President Jim Glass has appointed Ralph Griffith as the Vice President for Operations beginning November 1, 2025.
Griffith has been with the college for 20 years, most recently serving as Dean for Industrial Technology since June 2024. Prior to that role, he served as the Design and Construction Division Chair and the Drafting Technology Program Chair. As the Dean for Industrial Technology, Griffith was responsible for the supervision of all programs within the School of Industrial Technology, including: Air Conditioning Technology, Automotive Collision and Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Civil Engineering, Drafting Technology, Electrical Construction and Maintenance, Industrial Systems Technology, and Welding and Joining Technology. As the Design and Construction Division Chair, Griffith supported the SRTC mission by delivering high-quality programs and instruction that meet the needs of the local industry. He supported the faculty for Drafting Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Carpentry, and Air Conditioning Technology programs and served as a liaison between the Deans and division faculty. As the Program Chair for Drafting Technology, Griffith established and fostered relationships with the local industries to assist in the placement of graduates, cultivated relationships with students, and maintained accreditation documents and administrative reports for the program.
Before beginning his teaching career with the former Southwest Georgia Technical College in 2005, Griffith served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry from 1996-2000 and spent five years as a draftsman for Hurst Boiler and Pennyworth Homes. At Pennyworth Homes, he served as Architectural Draftsman before his promotion to Corporate Construction Manager where he oversaw regional construction superintendents from South Carolina to northern Florida.
With an impressive educational background, Griffith holds a Master of Science in Workforce Education and Development, a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development, an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting Technology, and an Advanced Drafting Diploma.
In addition to his professional achievements, Griffith has played a key role within SRTC, contributing significantly to various committees and leadership teams. Notably, he coordinated and directed the Georgia Master Teacher Experience (GMTE) 2024 and 2025 and chaired the Technical College System of Georgia Instructional Faculty Consortium Committee (IFCC) Drafting Technology Group for 5 years. His leadership extended to curriculum planning for the Drafting Technology Program's Quarter to Semester (Q2S) conversion and participation in the SRTC Institutional Effectiveness Committee for 17 years. As a member of the SRTC Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Leadership Team, Griffith was instrumental in preparing for and hosting accreditation visits. Griffith's dedication to academic excellence and technical education has been recognized with several accolades, including the 2011 Rick Perkins Award for Southwest Georgia Technical College.
"Ralph Griffith brings a unique combination of technical expertise, educational leadership, and operational vision to this new role as Vice President for Operations," said SRTC President Jim Glass. “Throughout his time at SRTC, he has proven to be a true visionary and results-driven leader. His longstanding commitment to our students and faculty, combined with his deep understanding of both educational and operational excellence, makes him the ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to the positive impact he will have on our Facilities and Information Technology Departments.”
In his role as Vice President for Operations, Griffith will oversee the college's facilities and information technology. His responsibilities will include strategic planning and management of all campus facilities, ensuring optimal learning and working environments across SRTC's locations. He will direct facility maintenance, renovations, and capital improvement projects while maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards. In the area of Information Technology, Griffith will guide the college's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, and digital transformation efforts to support both instructional and administrative operations. He will work closely with academic and administrative leadership to align facilities and technology resources with the college's strategic goals and ensure effective operations that support student success and institutional excellence.
Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 38 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205-3449.
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