GNTC Faculty And Staff Speak At TCSG Conference

Four members of Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s faculty and staff were featured speakers at the Technical College System of Georgia’s Georgia Fall Leadership Conference in Atlanta.

Those speakers were Leyner Argueta, program director and instructor of Business Management; Medina Safic, coordinator of Career Services; Dr. Pam Turner, program director and instructor of Social Work Assistance; and Trish Wiggins, director of Student Engagement.

Mr. Argueta’s presentation “Leading in Diverse Environments” emphasized the importance of appreciating different perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment and improving communication to build strength and unity.

“Rather than focusing on our differences, we should embrace them as leaders,” Mr. Argueta said. “My favorite part was during the Q&A session when a student asked how to address a company that might not understand their differences. I responded by sharing what I look for in an employer: ‘I don’t want someone to tolerate my differences, but rather celebrate them.’”

Mr. Argueta was named TCSG’s 2019 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year; he has been an instructor at GNTC for 10 years. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Shorter University. The son of immigrants, he is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Ms. Safic and Ms. Wiggins discussed “Understanding the Assignment: The Value of Professional Communication.” The presentation’s topics included email etiquette and artificial intelligence.

“In our presentation, students got practical tips on professional communication, focusing on how to speak and write clearly and respectfully,” Ms. Safic said. “From connecting with classmates to reaching out to instructors or colleagues, the session showed how small changes in tone and structure can make a big difference in building strong, professional relationships.”

Ms. Safic has been employed at GNTC for two years. Her previous employment includes serving as a social services specialist with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. She received a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Penn State University.

“When GNTC faculty and staff attend Student Leadership Conferences, they can connect closely with GNTC students outside of the classroom, as well as students from all over Georgia,” Ms. Wiggins said. “Investment in technical education students is important for their professional development and encourages them that they have allies and support systems all over the state, not just in their own community.”

Ms. Wiggins has worked at GNTC for nearly six years. She previously served as residence life coordinator at Carson-Newman University and Berry College. She earned a master’s degree in education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology from the Baptist University of Florida, then the Baptist College of Florida.

Dr. Turner shared “Tips for Effective Networking.” She holds a doctoral degree from Capella University, is a published author and has worked in the social work field for more than 25 years, 15 of which have been in academia.

Attending the conference provided Dr. Turner with opportunities to do the kind of networking she described in her presentation. Roughly 70 percent of jobs are found through professional and social networks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“By attending presentations and engaging with other professionals, I am able to share valuable insights with both my students and colleagues,” Dr. Turner said. “GNTC’s Social Work program, which is offered online, serves students throughout Georgia and neighboring states. These connections often lead to internship opportunities and, ultimately, job placements for our students.”