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Cartee named OTC President
Cartee - OTC
Dawn Cartee - photo by Luke Martin/staff
Dawn Cartee had a birthday to remember on Thursday as she was named President of Ogeechee Technical College, the place her technical education career began 15 years ago.
    "I'm at a loss for words," she said. "I'm just so thrilled to come back home and work with the faculty and staff at Ogeechee Technical College. They have a great team and a wonderful college and it's in a wonderful location."
    Cartee worked at OTC from 1991 to 1999 serving as a marketing instructor and public relations officer. She also worked as the school's admission's director, registrar and vice president of student services. She has spent the past seven  years as vice president of academic affairs at Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia.
    She was approved for the post by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education Thursday. Her first day will be January 2, 2007.
    "Dawn Cartee possesses the kind of energetic, visionary leadership that will have a lot of folks excited about Ogeechee Tech," said Ron Jackson, DTAE interim commissioner. "She has roots in the Statesboro community, she knows the college well and she's extremely focused on doing what's best for the students, faculty and staff. She'll be be a dynamic addition to this great college."
    Cartee is replacing Gene Waters, who retired earlier this year due to health concerns.
    "I've been involved or held just about every position there is in technical education," Cartee said. "I was looking for another challenge and this opportunity came along at the right time."
    After Waters' retirement, an eight-member search committee was formed in July, led by Tommy David, chair of the Ogeechee Technical College Board of Directors. In November, the committee referred their tip candidates to Jackson who then recommended Cartee to the DTAE board.
    "We're most thankful to Tommy David and the entire committee for their time, effort and careful attention to this selection process," Jackson said. "They interviewed many qualified candidates and play a critical role in helping us select the right leader for Ogeechee Tech."
    Cartee said she plans on meeting with each full-time faculty and staff member at the school to help her comprise her internal to-do list. She also expects to meet with members of both the board of directors and Ogeechee Technical College Foundation and students at the school.
    "From there, we'll chart our course for the future," she said.
    Cartee received her doctorate in Educational Administration from Georgia Southern in 2005. She also has an Education Specialist, Masters's of Education and Bachelor of Business Administration, all from Georgia Southern.
    Dr. Randall Peters will remain as Ogeechee Technical College's interim president though December before returning to Heart of Georgia Technical College to resume his role as President.
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