Georgia Northwestern Computer Information Systems Instructor Dwight Watt inspecting networking hardware in a Walker County Campus networking lab
After nearly four decades of computer instruction on the collegiate level, Georgia Northwestern Technical College Instructor Dr. Dwight Watt has been honored by one of the world’s most prestigious networking giants, officials said.
Cisco Systems, Incorporated has given Dr. Watt an Expert Level Instructor Excellence status for his contribution to networking instruction. This award places Dr. Watt among the top ten percent of Cisco Networking Academy instructors worldwide.
For more than a decade, the GNTC Computer Information Systems instructor has taught many facets of Cisco Networking for the Technical College System of Georgia.
"And now, Dr. Watt’s new status among the world’s top instructors in his field helps his students at GNTC benefit. Through the Cisco Networking Academy, GNTC now shares with other colleges around the world in helping teach students how to work with computer networks from start to finish," officials said.
To receive the honor, Dr. Watt had to measure up in many areas including professional development opportunities, the types of Cisco training options utilized in the program, and the final results of his students enrolled in his classes. “Cisco Networking Academy is an IT skills and career building program for learning institutions and individuals worldwide,” according to the Cisco Networking Academy website information link.
Fifteen years ago, Dr. Watt took his first training with the Cisco Networking Academy to earn his Cisco Certified Academy Instructor title. Since then, Dr. Watt has taught hundreds of students through his instructor positions with Heart of Georgia Technical College and GNTC within the TCSG.
Dr. Watt, a resident of both LaFayette and Swainsboro, Ga., was notified this term that his program is also a certified Palo Alto Networks Academy. Officials said this accolade will allow for an innovative path for his program at the college’s newest campus going online this fall. “This will enable us to use Palo Alto’s curriculum to teach about firewalls using their simulator in the Cyber Security program at the Catoosa County Campus,” said Dr. Watt. “Palo Alto Networks is the leading provider of firewalls for large enterprises.”
In addition to his numerous certifications during his 35 years of computer instruction, Dr. Watt earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Winthrop University (1977), a master’s of business administration in management from Winthrop University (1979), and a doctorate degree in education administration from the University of Georgia (1989).
For more information on Computer Information Systems and what the program offers the students at Georgia Northwestern, contact Dr. Watt at 706-764-3837. Or, you can contact the main line at GNTC at 866-983-4682.