AMERICUS — South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) President Reeves retired from his presidency on Sept. 30. South Georgia Tech’s newest partner, John Deere, recently presented him a special token of appreciation for his service to SGTC and his instrumental leadership in the formation of the John Deere TECH partnership with South Georgia Tech.
John Deere College Partnerships Manager Jennifer Badding presented Reeves with a pewter leaping deer plaque in recognition for his commitment to the John Deere TECH program on behalf of John Deere.
“President Reeves has been instrumental in the startup of the John Deere TECH program at SGTC,” said Badding. “It’s been a pleasure working with President Reeves and I wish him a happy retirement.”
“It has also been my great pleasure to work with John Deere on securing this partnership and getting the program off the ground,” said Reeves. “I know that this program will continue to thrive even after my last day here at South Georgia Technical College.”
SGTC signed an agreement with John Deere to begin offering the John Deere TECH agricultural technology program in May 2014. The first class began in August 2014. The agreement allows students to earn a two-year associate of applied science degree in agricultural technology while partnering with John Deere agriculture and turf equipment dealers across the southeastern portion of the United States for a career as a John Deere technician.
To enroll in the John Deere TECH program, students must be sponsored by a John Deere Dealer. The students spend eight weeks on campus in classrooms and labs learning specific objectives, then work with a dealer for eight weeks to put their knowledge to work in a dealer setting. The students return to the college for another eight weeks and repeat the pattern during the four semester program.
Students in the SGTC agricultural technology program are enrolled in general education courses, but students also train and become John Deere certified in electrical and hydraulic systems as well as John Deere’s computer based diagnostic tool, Service ADVISOR™. Students utilize John Deere equipment, training components, and computer diagnostic tools to understand what makes equipment run. Students will also spend time understanding engines, drive trains, and product applications for a variety of agriculture and turf machinery.