SRTC Remembers Long-Time Faculty Member Lynn Tanner
On July 28th, 2016 Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC), the Moultrie Community, and the entire state of Georgia, lost a truly gifted educator and friend. Mr. Lynn Tanner began his career with the former Moultrie Technical Institute 27 years ago. Over the years Tanner was an integral member of the former Moultrie Technical College Faculty and quickly became a leader during the recent merger between Moultrie Technical College and Southwest Georgia Technical College. Tanner served as the Automotive Technology Program Chair at SRTC, was a member of the Internal Foundation Campaign Committee, served on the SRTC Faculty Senate and Graduation Committee, and was the current SkillsUSA Georgia State Director and local SkillsUSA advisor. Additionally, he was a Master ASE certified technician and served as a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) Evaluation Team Leader (ETL).
“The contributions Lynn Tanner made to our college and to students throughout Georgia are immeasurable. His dedication to the automotive program was exhibited every day through his knowledge, his passion and his desire for excellence. More importantly however, he was a good, caring, and kind person and we will miss him greatly,” Jim Glass, SRTC Provost.
Lynn was very passionate about the automotive technology program at SRTC but more specifically about his students. It was not uncommon to find Tanner staying late to help a student understand a concept or even reach in his own pocket to assist a student in need. “Mr. Tanner was the greatest instructor I had ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable and kind hearted. He kept me going when I thought I would fail. Mr. Tanner was truly a spectacular teacher, friend, and mentor. I will truly miss this man,” commented J.D. White, 2013 and 2014 Automotive Technology Graduate.
Tanner’s enthusiasm for his students didn’t end in the classroom. He was an vital member of the state and local SkillsUSA Georgia Assocation and guided countless students to success at both state and national competitions. SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit student organization that has developed more than 10 million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators. Hundreds of American industries have turned to SkillsUSA as the source for employees who exemplify "Champions at Work" in both skills and attitudes. (SkillsUSA Georgia , n.d.).
On July 12, 2016, Tanner was named post-secondary teacher of the year by the Georgia Association of Career and Technical Education (GACTE). A recognition he was honored to receive and SRTC knew was well-deserved.
"Lynn was a very passionate and superb instructor. Not only was he an exemplary faculty member and program chair, but also a huge supporter and developer of students in student organizations and clubs, as evidenced by his chairing and leading our college’s and state SkillsUSA competitions as well as directing other student activities, organizations, and clubs in concert with our TCSG System Office Staff," Dr. Craig Wentworth, SRTC President.
The Southern Regional Technical College Foundation Inc. has established a scholarship in memory of Mr. Lynn Tanner. “We want to honor Mr. Tanner’s passion and legacy through student scholarships in his memory to provide support for individuals in the automotive program , as well as help SkillsUSA club members participate in state and national competitions,” said Amy Maison, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Marketing, and Public Relations.
Donations can be made in Mr. Tanner’s memory by visiting: https://southernregional.thankyou4caring.org/ or by mail to the SRTC Foundation, attention Amy Maison, at 15689 US Highway 19 N, Thomasville, GA 31792. The SRTC Foundation Board of Trustees, Board of Directors, Administration, Faculty, and Staff are honored to remember Mr. Tanner through this legacy scholarship and assist future SRTC students pursue their dreams in Automotive Technology and as participants in the SkillsUSA club. The SRTC Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 and all donations to this fund are tax deductible.