SRTC president Craig R. Wentworth

Southern Regional Technical College announced in a release Tuesday that President Craig R. Wentworth will retire June 30 after 37 years of service in higher education, including 29 years within the Technical College System of Georgia.

“It has been tremendously rewarding to lead an organization that is as student-focused as SRTC. As we have grown, we have remained wholly dedicated to positive and successful student outcomes. During each commencement ceremony, I have been able to shake the hands of hundreds of students whose lives have been improved by technical education. I can assure you that I’m smiling just as wide as each student as they walk across that stage,” said Wentworth.  
Dr. Wentworth began his career as a graduate assistant in the psychology department at the then Valdosta State University before serving as the Dean of Academic Affairs at Crandall Junior College in Macon. He then became Vice President for Academic Affairs at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon. Wentworth received his bachelor of arts and Master of Science degrees from Valdosta State. He earned his Doctor of Education degree in occupational studies from the University of Georgia. 
Southern Regional Technical College growth under Wentworth’s leadership began when the college formed in 2015 following a merger of the former Southwest Georgia Technical College (SWGTC) and the former Moultrie Technical College (MTC). In 2018, SRTC acquired the former Bainbridge State College (BSC) campuses from the University System of Georgia. When he was named President of the former SWGTC in late 2010, the school had an enrollment of 2,752 students. As of June, enrollment has grown to more than 6,000 students for fiscal year 2019.

In addition, Wentworth oversaw capital improvements including a new Health Science building, renovating the original Health Science Building and the Technical and Industrial building on the Thomasville campus. Southern Regional Technical College also upgraded the campus conference centers to accommodate room rentals, conferences and meetings, and college functions.
Eric Hughes, chairman of SRTC’s Board of Directors, commented, “It has been a pleasure to work alongside Dr. Wentworth during this period of terrific growth. His focus on expanding and enhancing the opportunities afforded to students has resulted in better facilities, better accessibility, better class offerings, and better career opportunities for our students. Dr. Wentworth is leaving behind a legacy of excellence and growth, a which legacy has benefitted SRTC and all of the communities that we serve.”

Each year, a large majority of SRTC staff and faculty members give back to the SRTC Foundation in support of student scholarships. The Two Percent Club was named in honor of Lynn Tanner and Dale Aldridge, employees of SRTC, in recognition of their years of service to students and generosity to the Foundation. In May, SRTC Director of Advancement Jenny Dell announced that the One Percent Club would officially be renamed the “Dr. C. R. Wentworth One Percent Club.”

Wentworth plans to remain in Thomasville, where he lives with his wife, Deb.