Robert Branum, a Cybersecurity student from Ringgold, has been named Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) 2025 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Jennifer Dixon, an assistant dean and instructor of Early Childhood Care and Education, has received the college’s 2025 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award. The announcements were made at the Seven Hills Rotary Club meeting on January 28, 2023, and were sponsored by several local organizations.

Noelia Sargento from Rossville was honored with GNTC’s 2025 EAGLE Award for her achievements in Adult Education and will represent the college at the state competition in March. Branum, nominated by instructor Dr. Dwight Watt, attended GNTC in the 1990s before turning to culinary arts for nearly 20 years. After becoming disabled, he faced mental health challenges but chose to redefine his life. He enrolled at GNTC for Cybersecurity, finding new purpose and self-worth through education.

Dixon, who has been with GNTC since 2018, focuses on equipping students for the workforce and emphasizes the importance of personal choices in shaping their futures. She holds multiple degrees in Early Childhood Education and has a history of community involvement and teaching. She will advance to the regional competition for the Rick Perkins award.

A panel will select the Technical College System of Georgia’s GOAL winner and Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, with winners serving as ambassadors for technical education across the state. Each winner will have the chance to compete at the state level and receive various prizes. Other finalists for both awards were also mentioned.