Tarbutton Receives Award from the Technical College System of Georgia

The state board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has honored one of its own members, Sandersville businessman Ben Tarbutton, Jr., with its 2007 Ken Breeden Award.

Tarbutton is the vice president of Sandersville Railroad Company.

The recognition is given annually to a leader in government, business, education or community development who has shown dedication and commitment to promoting and advancing technical education in Georgia. The award's namesake was the first commissioner of the state's technical college system.

The award was presented Tuesday night in Atlanta by TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson during the technical college system's annual Leadership Conference.

Tarbutton was first appointed to the TCSG board in 1993 by Governor Zell Miller, was reappointed by Governor Roy Barnes, and in 2005 was named to his third term by Governor Sonny Perdue.

"It was Ben's commitment to the citizens of the Sandersville area that led him to be the force behind the opening of Sandersville Technical College. The economic impact of the college on the community has been immense, and now thousands of students have benefited from his leadership and vision," said Jackson.

"The entire technical college system is indebted to Ben for his years of service on our board and his belief in the importance of technical education to the development of Georgia's workforce."

There are 33 colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia. Last year, more than 155,000 students enrolled in credit courses at those colleges. The TCSG also administers the state's adult literacy programs and Georgia Quick Start, an economic development program dedicated to workforce training.

(2007, November 7). The Sandersville Progress, p9A.
(2007, December 14). The Warrenton Clipper, p9.