West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is proud to announce Joe Pennington as the recipient of the 2024 Alumnus of the Year award. This award celebrates alumni who have achieved significant professional success, contributed positively to their community or industry, and demonstrated a strong connection to the college.

Pennington’s career began nearly a decade ago as a WGTC student, later transitioning to a welding instructor, following an extensive career in the field. Today, his professional success is marked by his exceptional ability to forge meaningful partnerships with leading companies such as Alta Refrigeration, Yamaha and Weiler Forestry.

“I am most proud of my success with industry relations,” said Pennington. “We have had a huge response from industry leaders on the quality of students coming out of our program - so much so that students are being hired immediately after graduation.”

Inspiring his students with his personalized tagline, "Motivated by the fear of being average,” Pennington’s mentorship has led students to explore their passions, from starting mobile welding businesses to creating breathtaking artwork showcased in the college's art competition. Pennington’s influence extends beyond technical skills, instilling a sense of purpose and ambition that propels his students toward success.

“It is so rewarding to help change lives and see the ever-lasting relationships created during my career,” said Pennington. “Watching former students becoming leaders in their careers, from instructors to working in the industry, is what continues to motivate me.”

Despite his professional responsibilities, Pennington remains deeply committed to his community. He has maintained consistent involvement in special projects, such as the Leadership Coweta Little Libraries initiative, and has contributed creatively through projects like designing the WGTC Fourth of July parade float and promoting the welding program at events like WGTC Tech Night and local arena fairs.

“This award means more to me than I can even express,” said Pennington. “My accomplishments would not have been possible without the support and encouragement that I have received from faculty and staff over the years. I am so thankful.” 

Pennington will be honored at the WGTC Professional Development meeting in December.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges.