More than 300 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 14, to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors.
Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, welcomed guests, congratulated the graduates and introduced keynote speaker Allie Patnode, GNTC’s 2023 Outstanding Alumni of the Year.
Patnode began her career path at GNTC as a student, earning her associate degree in Health and a diploma in Dental Assisting; she joined the GNTC faculty in 2011 as an instructor of Dental Assisting.
She subsequently served as program director and then associate dean of Health Technologies before becoming dean of Nursing and Health Technologies in 2021. Patnode was named GNTC’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year in 2015.
Patnode encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges they will face. “They are not roadblocks. They are stepping stones that have led you and will lead you to greater heights,” she said.
“Remember education is not only about acquiring knowledge,” Patnode said. “It is about using that knowledge to make a difference. It’s about becoming lifelong learners, leaders within your respective fields and contributors to the betterment of society.”
Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs at GNTC, recognized High Honor graduates with a 4.0 grade point average and Honor graduates with a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average. Phillips also led a special recognition for graduates that are veterans, FBLA Collegiate members, SkillsUSA members, first-generation students and Student Government Association members.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs at GNTC, presented the graduates, and Dr. Popham conferred the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Susan Bowman, assistant dean and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Popham in which she challenged the graduates not to let this graduation be the end of their educational journey.
Listed are graduates that are participating in the 2023 Fall Commencement Ceremony showing (from left) the graduate’s name and program of study. This list does not include students that have graduated, but did not participate in the ceremony, or students that registered for the ceremony after the commencement program was printed:
Associate of Applied Science degree
- Adara Abdelrazzaq, Radiologic Technology
- Jenna B. Abercrombie, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Allison Nichole Adams, Vascular
- Zitlali Aguilar Moreno, Criminal Justice Technology
- Luke B. Allen, Automation Engineering Technology
- Katherine G. Ambrocio Maldonado, Business Technology
- Prasanka Indraj Holipitiya Arachchilage, Industrial Systems Technology
- Courtney Avila, Business Healthcare Technology
- Jacqueline Aviles Del Carmen, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Tammy Rena Baggett, Business Management
- Reyna Bahena, Business Management
- Autumn H. Beaty, Business Management
- Jacquelyn Michelle Beck, Medical Assisting
- Mattie Caroline Blalock, Radiologic Technology
- Saul Borunda-Valadez, Cybersecurity
- Brooklyn Rochelle Bowen, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Valerie Brown Boyd, Business Technology
- Gina P. Brown, Business Technology
- Paul J. Burress, Industrial Systems Technology
- Brittany A. Burton, Business Management
- Eber Calzada, Automotive Technology
- Priscilla Camacho, Surgical Technology
- Rio J. Cameron, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Leah Carrie Campbell, Radiologic Technology
- Mary D. Carlson, Business Management
- Mandy Allison Conner, Business Management
- Ethron Carl Crawford, Technical Studies
- Haila B. Crile, Radiologic Technology
- Amanda N. Crowder, Computer Support Specialist
- Juan C. Cruz-Hernandez, Instrumentation and Controls Technician
- Ashley N. Daum, Medical Assisting
- Lisa DeLoach, Criminal Justice Technology
- Sarah Abbigale Denson, Business Management
- Jovany Gabriel Diaz, Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Tavis Tirrell Dixon, Industrial Systems Technology
- Chasidy Dodd, Business Management
- Robert Braxton Dodd, Industrial Systems Technology
- Sarai S. Eubanks, Culinary Arts
- Emily Claire Fincher, Surgical Technology
- Adriana Abigael Flores, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Stephanie Rena Fountain, Criminal Justice Technology
- Jazmine Noemi Garcia Delgado, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Allyson G. Gaston, Vascular
- Carrie Marie Gloyd, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Richard E. Gravitt, Criminal Justice Technology
- Fleur Jacqueline Kathy Green, Business Management
- Kayla B. Greenway, Adult Echocardiography
- Selina-Kyle Morgan Gritman, Radiologic Technology
- Stephanie Danielle Hammond, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Halie Hemmerling, Health Care Management
- Gabriel Monique Hemphill, Vascular
- Andrew L. Henson, Business Management
- Lisbeth Hernandez, Radiologic Technology
- Mary Joyce Hightower, Business Management
- Nakiah Hilton, Business Management
- Megan Holcomb, Business Management
- Joseph T. Holmes, Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Matthew Ryan Hoover, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Morgan Howard, Radiologic Technology
- Kristen Nichole Hudson, Radiologic Technology
- Susana Huerta, Business Management
- Tania Huerta, Business Management
- Jaylen Ruth Hulsey, Vascular
- Claudine Iskander, Cybersecurity
- Dalton Chase Jackson, Radiologic Technology
- Michael Levi Jarvis, Networking Specialist
- Ja-Juanna L. Johnson, Culinary Arts
- Rebeca Jones, Radiologic Technology
- Shanique D. King, Surgical Technology
- Destiny Nicole Langley, Business Management
- Megan Brooke Lawrence, Radiologic Technology
- Savannah Ashley Lawson, Medical Assisting
- Maryann Ledbetter, Radiologic Technology
- Jordan Wayne Lindsey, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Jessica L. Lyon, Business Management
- Breana Zhunta Mack, Health Care Management
- Emily Mckenzie Karsen Maddox, Accounting
- Caitlin Mahoney, Vascular
- Ethan Albert Martin, Industrial Systems Technology
- Oscar J. Martinez, Applied Technical Management
- Jasmin Martinez-Soto, Surgical Technology
- Rebecca Maynor, Business Management
- Blanche Taylor McCluskey, Health Care Management
- Maria Guadalupe Melendrez, Accounting
- Osvaldo Mendiola-Aguilar, Construction Management
- Jerry Morillon-Vanegas, Radiologic Technology
- Leanna N. Mulkey, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Sean E. Mullins, Business Management
- Kyle Anthony Muse, Industrial Systems Technology
- Starr Elizabeth Nold, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Joscelyn Grace Norton, Business Technology
- Natalie Olivier, Surgical Technology
- Samuel A. Omotosho, Automation Engineering Technology
- Nicole Pacheco, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Stefanee Skipper Page, Business Management
- Anthony Palacios, Construction Management
- David Palacios, Industrial Systems Technology
- Justin Anthony Parascando, Vascular
- Amie J. Patterson, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Candice R. Payne, Health Information Management Technology
- Elisabeth Haley Perkins, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Zoe Peterson, Health Care Management
- Brittany R. Plott, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Kendra Shea Polley, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Gary D. Pruitt Jr., Business Management
- Bradley Denver Putnam, Culinary Arts
- Kaitlynn L. Queen, Social Work Assistant
- Yasmin Ramirez, Health Care Management
- Alberto Jose Ramos Fernandez, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Madison G. Raymer, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Nallely Stephanie Reyes, Business Management
- Tocarra Rico, Health Information Management Technology
- Jonathan S. Rios, Business Management
- Lacey R. Rivas, Business Healthcare Technology
- Megan Delaney Roach, Business Management
- Adelia N. Robinson, Accounting
- Sara A. Robinson, Radiologic Technology
- Jessica A. Rodriguez, Business Technology
- Carlos Rustrian, Industrial Systems Technology
- Ashley Nichole Schleicher, Radiologic Technology
- Ashlyn Schlicht, Criminal Justice Technology
- Zachary D. Seals, Accounting
- Hunter Shepherd, Cybersecurity
- Adrienne Noel Shular, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Cheryl Elaine Simpson-Upmeyer, Vascular
- Karlie Dianne Sims, Business Management
- Shannon Sipsy, Industrial Systems Technology
- Hilary Brooke Smith, Business Healthcare Technology
- Cenaida Sosa, Business Management
- Heather N. Spraggins, Radiologic Technology
- Robert Kaen Stark, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Destinee Hope Swift, Medical Assisting
- Cara M. Swindall, Radiologic Technology
- Chloe Alexis Taylor, Business Management
- Brianna R. Teem, Social Work Assistant
- Caleb Jordan Terrill, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Leslie E. Trego, Vascular
- Jesus Trejo, Automotive Technology
- Shawn Alexander Wadford, Accounting
- Indya Alise Webb, Adult Echocardiography
- Sigmund D. White, Marketing Management
- Samantha Yvonne Wiggins, Culinary Arts
- Kewanda Williams, Health Information Management Technology
- Jade Alexandria Willis-Cruz, Business Management
- Nicholas Kyle Wooldridge, Technical Studies
- Brittany Nicole Wright, Medical Assisting
- Rosalinda Zapata Aguilar, Vascular
Diploma
- Krystal Akerley, Auto Collision Repair
- Savannah Almond, Diesel Equipment Technology
- Luisa Maria Almonte Deleon, Medical Assisting
- Rosalyn D. Andrews, Business Management
- Jacey LeeAnn Baker, Cosmetology
- Joan Barrientos, Accounting
- Elijah Bentley, Horticulture
- Crystal Bevel, Cosmetology
- Elgar Ariel Bonilla, Welding and Joining Technology
- Patrick Logan Brooks, Welding and Joining Technology
- Cassandra Joy Brown, Cosmetology
- Corey Mason Brown, Air Conditioning Technology
- Timothy B. Caldwell Jr., Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Amanda Morgan Casey, Culinary Arts
- Nilsa Cristina Castillo, Business Technology
- Ivan Ceja, Welding and Joining Technology
- Bianca Lucero Cervantes, Cosmetology
- Josue Chacon Alvarez, Automotive Technology
- Kristi Cottrell, Practical Nursing
- Stephanie M. Davis, Practical Nursing
- Joel Michael Dobbins, Air Conditioning Technology
- Shanna Dupree, Medical Assisting
- Omar Escutia Chavez, Air Conditioning Technology
- Cleta Marie Farrow, Horticulture
- Kennesha Lorraine Frazier, Medical Assisting
- Tennesha Lorene Frazier, Medical Assisting
- Alexis M. Garmon, Medical Assisting
- Raeven M. Gee, Business Technology
- Brodie Cole Goforth, Welding and Joining Technology
- Serenity Lashea Green, Dental Assisting
- Abigail Gulledge, Cosmetology
- Allison Renee Hall, Culinary Arts
- Cassidy M. Hicks, Auto Collision Repair
- Baleigh Jade Hill, Medical Assisting
- Samantha Holliefield, Surgical Technology
- Caleb Alexander Hooker, Culinary Arts
- Gavin Taylor House, Welding and Joining Technology
- Jordan Howard, Medical Assisting
- Alondra Janet Huerta, Medical Assisting
- Sterling Kai Johnson, Welding and Joining Technology
- Breleigh Jones, Human Lactation
- Lisbeth Juarez Reano, Medical Assisting
- Kayla Rose Kline, Dental Assisting
- Monica Layne, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Anna Elizabeth Lewis, Cosmetology
- Erin H. Lowery, Surgical Technology
- Paola Lisbeth Mascote, Surgical Technology
- Chloe Alexus McBee, Cosmetology
- Katlin McCrary, Medical Assisting
- Erica Keiser McGowan, Surgical Technology
- Stephen Lane Mears, CNC Technology
- Jose Mendez, Automotive Technology
- Kevin Mendez, Electrical Systems Technology
- Kailey Autumn Miller, Cosmetology
- Rylee Marie Paradiso, Surgical Technology
- Nathan Ryan Patty, Air Conditioning Technology
- Joshua Shane Pellom, Welding and Joining Technology
- Sebastian Pedro Plata, Welding and Joining Technology
- Wren Micardy Polick, Welding and Joining Technology
- Thomas Ramirez, Welding and Joining Technology
- Calli Shye Rickman, Surgical Technology
- Guadalupe de Jesus Rivera, Welding and Joining Technology
- Kelsey Mechelle Roberts, Medical Assisting
- Shondell A. Robinson, Surgical Technology
- Stephanie Rodriguez, Medical Assisting
- Aida Magnolia Romero Salazar, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Katherine A. Rosas, Cosmetology
- Gabriela Mishel Salam, Medical Assisting
- Alfredo Kaleb Sanchez Lugo, Welding and Joining Technology
- Nancy Segura Barrientos, Medical Assisting
- Kathy Darlene Shields, Business Technology
- Jonathan M. Shook, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Audrey Faith Smith, Cosmetology
- Jorden Nathan Smith, Welding and Joining Technology
- Kayla A. Suttles, EMS Professions
- Fleicity Shyann Thompson, Medical Assisting
- Cristian Rocendo Tirador Cervantes, Diesel Equipment Technology
- De’Monica Underwood, Human Lactation
- Christopher Valdez, Welding and Joining Technology
- Hannah VanFossen, Culinary Arts
- Andrea Velazquez, Medical Assisting
- Kala Venteicher, Marketing Management
- Makenzie Ward, Cosmetology
- Daisy White, EMS Professions
- Zarriah S. Wofford, Culinary Arts
- Taylor Ann Youngblood, Medical Assisting
Technical Certificate of Credit
- Jameiya Shamora Adams, Clinical Office Assistant
- Andrea Aguiluz, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician
- Leticia Andres-Martin, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Candice Austin, Clinical Office Assistant
- Jennifer Ayala, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Anna Frances Black, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Daniel S. Blocker, Diesel Engine Service Technician
- Lauryn Brock, Clinical Office Assistant
- Melissa Marie Chacon, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
- Elizabeth Chupp, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Mieko M. Cleveland, Medical Coding
- Tiffany Linda Kay Cline, Clinical Office Assistant
- Arianna Cruz, Clinical Office Assistant
- Isjah M. Davis, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Michael Wayne Dinkins III, Microsoft Network Administrator
- Jahira Espino, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Kareah Evans, Hair Designer
- Hope Ezell, Clinical Office Assistant
- Amber Lynn Farmer, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Jasmine Flores, Phlebotomy Technician
- Leslie Floyd, Clinical Office Assistant
- Chrisi Frazier, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
- Emma K. Funderburk, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Tamara Roshell Garrett, Clinical Office Assistant
- Estephany Gomez, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Emy Ninet Gomez-Vasquez, Phlebotomy Technician
- Katherine Sulema Gonzalez Lopez, Human Resource Management Specialist
- Shi’esha Graham, Administrative Support Assistant
- Trevor Hendrix, CNC Specialist
- Savannah Marie Howington, Basic Mechatronics Specialist
- Amber Jones, Clinical Office Assistant
- Jennifer Carruth Jones, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Nevaeh King, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Makensie Leachman, Clinical Office Assistant
- Chasity Lindsey, Clinical Office Assistant
- Angel Martinez, Automotive Engine Repair Technician
- Leticia Martinez, Clinical Office Assistant
- Darla Mata, Clinical Office Assistant
- Jahterriya McCluskey, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Madison McCommon, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
- Hannah McCoy, Clinical Office Assistant
- Daisy Mendez, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
- Gisselle Mendoza, Phlebotomy Technician
- Melissa A. Miranda, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Baleria Morales, Human Resource Management Specialist
- Samantha Nguyen, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Marisela Nunez-Cruz, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Justen Orr, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Stacey Pelfrey, Clinical Office Assistant
- Tiffany Peters, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Mary M. Petty, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Montana Petty, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Lexi Pierce, Clinical Office Assistant
- Albiona Lora Prenku, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Taliyah Printup, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Michelle Ramirez-Mendoza, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Haillie Randolph, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Bailey Marie Rhodes, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Selena I. Rodriguez, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Jennifer Rubio, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Melody Sadler, Clinical Office Assistant
- Wilburn Salaices Jr., Commercial Truck Driving – Class A
- Wilburn M. Salaices Sr., Commercial Truck Driving – Class A
- Daniela M. Sanchez-Wyatt, Clinical Office Assistant
- Haileigh Jane Sealock, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Sierra Maryn Skinner, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Nicolette S. Smith, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
- Sophie K. Smith, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Wendell Frederick Smith III, Computer Forensics and Security Specialist
- Ashlyn Starkey, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Gretchen Stephens, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Zachary Templeton, Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder
- Jamie Michelle Tudor, Phlebotomy Technician
- Danielle Dior Watkins, Cosmetology for Licensure
- Adrea Beth Watson, Cosmetology for Licensure
- William Whitton, Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Caleb Williams, Clinical Office Assistant
- Samantha Womack, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
- Amanda Wright, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Danna Brittany Wright, Phlebotomy Technician
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths.
This past year, 11,601 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,071 students and an additional enrollment of 3,530 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. For more information about GNTC, visit us at www.GNTC.edu. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.
