News Summary

Dr. Heidi Popham, president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College, has been acknowledged by Georgia Trend magazine as one of Georgia’s most influential leaders for the third year in a row. Her leadership and the collaborative efforts of the GNTC team, alongside strong partnerships with local businesses, have significantly enhanced educational opportunities. With over 28 years of experience at GNTC, Popham continues to drive excellence in technical education and workforce development in the region.

Rome, Georgia – Dr. Heidi Popham, the president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), has been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in Georgia by Georgia Trend magazine. This prestigious acknowledgment marks the third consecutive year Popham has been featured in the annual publication, which highlights outstanding leaders from various sectors across the state.

Popham, who has served as GNTC’s president since 2019, was appointed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) State Board. With an impressive career spanning over 28 years at GNTC, she began her journey in 1995 as the executive assistant to the college president, quickly rising through the ranks to hold various significant administrative positions, including director of Institutional Effectiveness, vice president of Institutional Effectiveness, and executive vice president.

In expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Popham attributed her success to the collaborative efforts of the GNTC team and the strong partnerships established with local businesses. The support from these connections plays a critical role in enhancing educational opportunities for students and ensures that GNTC remains a leading institution in the region.

Commissioner Greg Dozier of TCSG praised Dr. Popham’s leadership track record and her unwavering commitment to providing opportunities that empower students and the local community. Under her guidance, GNTC has made significant strides in offering a range of academic programs designed to meet the workforce needs of Georgia.

Dr. Popham holds an extensive educational background, including a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Covenant College, a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, and a doctoral degree from the same institution. This academic foundation complements her extensive experience and prepares her for her substantial role at GNTC.

GNTC itself is a prominent institution offering various educational pathways, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields such as aviation, business, health, and industrial services. In the past year alone, GNTC has benefited an impressive 12,241 individuals through its diverse credit and noncredit programs. The college currently boasts an annual credit enrollment of 8,031 students, alongside an additional enrollment of 4,210 individuals participating in various education and training initiatives.

Beyond her responsibilities at GNTC, Dr. Popham actively participates in various boards and advisory committees related to College and Career Academies in the region, further exemplifying her dedication to fostering educational growth and workforce development opportunities for students in Georgia.

The recognition received by Dr. Popham underscores her significant impact on the education sector and her instrumental role in shaping the future of technical education in Georgia. As a leader, she continues to inspire both colleagues and students, driving the mission of GNTC to enhance access to quality education and training that aligns with the needs of employers.

This acknowledgment by Georgia Trend magazine not only highlights the outstanding contributions of Dr. Popham but also emphasizes the continuous efforts of GNTC in transforming lives through education. As the college moves forward, it remains committed to innovation and excellence in its educational offerings, reaffirming its position as a vital resource for the community and the state.