On the evening of February 11, 2023, the Southern Regional Technical College Foundation recognized three Distinguished Alumni Award winners during the Foundation’s “Comedy for a Cause” event at the Biscuit Company in Thomasville, Ga. Those recognized were
Trey Mock of Bainbridge, Jimmy Smith of Thomasville, and Buffie Spencer of Thomasville. The Distinguished Alumni each received an award handcrafted by students at SRTC. Each of these Distinguished Alumni embody excellence in technical education and beyond.
Trey Mock graduated with honors from Southern Regional Technical College in 2019, earning an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology degree, as well as several related Technical Certificates of Credit. After attaining his associate’s degree, he continued his education and training within the law enforcement career field. He has since completed the Code Enforcement Master Certificate Program Level 2 and he is currently working on his Level 3 Code Enforcement Officer Leadership and Management Certificate Program through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government. As well, he took part in Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training, one of the most challenging courses offered to police officers in the state. This certification allowed him to become a general instructor for police officers and basic cadet students. He collected the Sharpshooter Award during his Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Federal Firearms Instructor course, making him a certified Federal and Georgia POST Firearms Instructor for his department. Just last month, he finished a Glock Armorer’s course. Mock currently serves as Deputy Marshal for Bainbridge-Decatur Marshal’s Office and as the department’s Training Manager. “I believe that my technical education gave me the strong foundation and the tools needed to become successful and excel,” said Mock. “I have been able to reach levels in my career I never thought I would have reached before attending SRTC. I will always remember how all the instructors and staff would go above and beyond to help students out. If I were to offer any advice or words of encouragement to current students attending SRTC I would say ‘Do not give up! Hard work pays off. Just always do your best, which is all anyone of us can ask for.’”
Jimmy Smith graduated from Southern Regional Technical College in 2017, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management degree. While enrolled at SRTC, the college selected Smith to be the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership representative for SRTC. He continued his education at Columbia Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management degree in 2021. Most recently, he completed all classes of the National Certificate of Public Works Management Program at The University of Georgia. Smith is currently the Director of Solid Waste and Landfill Operations with the City of Thomasville. He has worked with the City since 1995, when he joined the Solid Waste Department as a trash collector shortly after high school graduation. He may have moved into an air-conditioned office, but he still gets out and rides the collection trucks with his team. For Smith, it is a chance to take care of the city that he loves. In addition to his work, he serves on the Board of Directors for Keep Thomas County Beautiful. Smith credits his experience at SRTC with pushing him to the next levels in his career. “SRTC inspired me to want to go even further with my education,” said Smith. “I find myself wanting to learn more. I do use what I have learned in my daily operations. I feel that technical colleges are a great starting choice for anyone that that may be unsure on what exactly they desire to do. The classes and curriculum are set up very well so you can accomplish your career goals without having to pay a hefty price. I am happy that I started my education at a technical college first. I am living proof of the power of technical education!”
Buffie Spencer earned her Radiologic Technology diploma at the former Southwest Georgia Technical College in 1990. Spencer later attained an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology; a Technical, Trade and Industrial Education Bachelor of Science at Valdosta State University; and Master’s of Education at Capella University. Spencer currently serves as the Radiologic Technology Program Chair at SRTC-Moultrie. She was the Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year for SRTC in 2018 and went on to be a finalist at the state level. She was the recipient of the Native Trail Blazer Award, the Rotary Club’s Women of Influence and Integrity Award, and the Heinz/LEE Initiative Restaurant award. Spencer spends much of her spare time on philanthropic pursuits, including serving on the Executive Board Member of The Arrington Foundation, as a member of Thomasville Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and managing the Arrington Catering Service and Receptions For You Mentoring Program. She has also volunteered her time with Equity in Action, Archbold Memorial Hospital, the NAACP, the Feed the Hungry Program at St. Thomas, Girls and Pearls, Girls Rock, and Sisters in Spirit, just to name a few. “I love to say that I grew up in technical education,” said Spencer. “I attended a technical college immediately out of high school, which is where I fell in love with Radiologic Technology. I could not have found a better program to facilitate me as a young learner. The college trained me to become a skilled technologist and instilled in me the work ethic that I now share with my students. I can truly say Southern Regional Technical College has invested in my 35-year-long career as a student, instructor and alumnae.”
For more information on SRTC’s Alumni Association, joining the association free of charge, or nominating a distinguished alumnus, please visit our website at http://southernregional.edu/alumni-association, or contact the Institutional Advancement Office at 229-225-4060.
SRTC offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get you quickly into your desired career, and 28 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 our 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, log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205 – 3449.
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