Vice presidents of merged college named

VALDOSTA — The appointment of six vice presidents to the college formed from the merger of East Central Technical College and Valdosta Technical College was announced Wednesday by Valdosta Tech President Dr. Ray Perren.

Lidell Greenway has been named vice president of economic development for the merged institution. In her new position, to begin July 1, 2010, she will manage the economic development initiatives of the combined college.

Greenway received a bachelor of arts degree in communications/marketing from Wesleyan College in Macon. She is also a certified economic developer trainer. She will continue as the director of economic development of East Central Tech until the merger is complete.

Connie Coffey will become the vice president of student affairs for the merged college. Coffey will supervise the overall operation of the student affairs department which includes admissions, records, financial aid, special workforce services, and retention. Coffey will continue in her current position as the vice president of student affairs at East Central Tech until July 1, 2010.

Coffey received an associate of arts degree from South Georgia College, a bachelor of business administration degree from Georgia Southwestern University, and a master of education degree from Valdosta State University. Coffey is a graduate of the Technical College System of Georgia Executive Leadership Academy and is a member of the Fitzgerald Rotary Club, the Association of Career and Technical Education, and the American College Counseling Association.

The vice president of administrative services for the merged college will be Keren Wynn. Wynn currently serves under the same title at Valdosta Tech. In her new position, she will be responsible for the overall fiscal management of the merged institution, including coordinating accounting, budgeting, procurement, payroll, the bookstore, and property management systems.

Wynn graduated cum laude from Valdosta State University, receiving a bachelor of business administration in accounting degree. She also graduated summa cum laude from North Florida Community College with an associate of arts degree. Wynn is a certified public accountant.

Dr. Ron O’Meara has been named vice president of academic affairs for Valdosta Technical College. O’Meara’s new title will take effect on Sept. 1 and he will continue in this position once the merger is complete. O’Meara currently serves as the dean of technical instruction at Valdosta Tech. As vice president for academic affairs, O’Meara will plan, administer and evaluate institutional services, including supervision and leadership in the instructional activities of personnel; recommending the implementation, continuance or discontinuance of instructional programs; and approving new curricula and revisions. O’Meara holds three degrees from the University of Northern Iowa: bachelor of technology, master of arts in technology, and doctor of industrial technology.

Dr. Helen Penny has been named vice president for institutional effectiveness of the merged college. The position coordinates and provides leadership in college-wide research, evaluation, planning, and accreditation activities to ensure institutional effectiveness and accountability for programs and services.

Penny received a bachelor of administration in education degree from Louisiana College and a master of business administration, a master of education, and a doctor of business administration from Louisiana Tech University.

The vice president of adult education for the merged college will be Alvin Payton Jr. Payton is currently the executive director of adult education at Valdosta Tech. As the new vice president, he will oversee adult education and English as a second language programs.

Payton holds a bachelor of science degree from Northeastern State University and a master of public administration from Valdosta State University. He is currently a third year student in the doctor of public administration program at Valdosta State University. Payton successfully completed the Certified Manager of Program Improvement course from the Leadership Excellence Academies and is a graduate of the University of Georgia Robert E. Knox Jr. Leadership Institute.

Payton serves on the city council for the city of Valdosta and the local YMCA board of directors and is a member of Sons of Amvets.

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