Southern College of Technology

Southern College of Technology is a public polytechnic institute located in Marietta, Georgia, part of the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1961, it has evolved from a technical institute into a comprehensive college emphasizing STEM education, applied research, and industry collaboration. The institution is known for its hands-on, career-focused programs in engineering, computing, and the built environment, serving as a key talent pipeline for the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Southeastern United States.

History

The institution was established by an act of the Georgia General Assembly in 1961 as the Southern Technical Institute, opening its doors to students in 1962 under the leadership of its first director, L. V. Johnson. Initially focused on providing associate degree programs in engineering technology, it was created to support the growing industrial and aerospace sectors around Cobb County and Lockheed Martin. In 1970, it became part of the newly formed University System of Georgia and began expanding its academic offerings. A significant milestone occurred in 1987 when it was renamed Southern College of Technology and authorized to confer bachelor's degrees, reflecting its elevated academic stature. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw further growth with the addition of graduate programs and increased partnerships with corporations like The Home Depot and Georgia-Pacific.

Academics

The college is organized into several schools, including the School of Engineering Technology, the School of Computing and Software Engineering, and the School of Architecture and Construction Management. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with notable programs in civil engineering technology, cybersecurity, mechanical engineering, and surveying and mapping. The curriculum is characterized by a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with all programs requiring capstone projects or cooperative education placements. The college maintains accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and specialized accreditation for many programs through bodies like the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Faculty are actively engaged in applied research, often in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Research Institute and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Campus

The main campus occupies 250 acres in suburban Marietta, Georgia, featuring a mix of modern academic buildings and green spaces. Key facilities include the Advanced Technology Development Center, the Architecture Building designed by John Portman, and the Library and Learning Commons. The campus also houses specialized laboratories such as the Robotics and Automation Lab and the Construction Research Center. Student housing is provided in several residential complexes, including University Commons and Hornet Village. The campus is integrated with the local community, located near the Dobbins Air Reserve Base and the Cobb County International Airport, facilitating partnerships in aerospace engineering and logistics.

Student life

Student life is active with over 100 student organizations, including professional societies like the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers branch, and the National Society of Black Engineers. The college's athletic teams, known as the Southern Tech Hornets, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as part of the Southern States Athletic Conference. Traditional events include the annual Tech Day career fair, which attracts recruiters from Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola Company, and Turner Construction, and the Hornet Homecoming festival. The Student Center serves as a hub for activities, housing the offices of the Student Government Association and campus media like the *Hornet Herald*.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in various fields, particularly in engineering, business, and public service. Notable individuals include John W. Brown, former CEO of Stryker Corporation; Lisa D. Washington, a senior engineer at the National Security Agency; and Michael B. McCallister, a former executive at Humana. In the public sector, alumni include Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs, Georgia, and Kay Kirkpatrick, a member of the Georgia State Senate. The college's alumni network is actively supported by the Southern Tech Alumni Association, which hosts events nationwide and provides mentorship through programs like the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection.

Category:Universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Educational institutions established in 1961 Category:University System of Georgia