Cartersville Woman Named 2017 Volunteer Of The Year

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- A Cartersville woman described as a constant champion of technical education in Georgia was presented with the Technical College Foundation Association 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Susan Stephens was honored on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Technical College System of Georgia's leadership conference held in Savannah.

“For over 30 years, Mrs. Stephens has been a tireless advocate for technical education and the difference that it can make in the lives of students and their families,” said Jennifer Nelson, executive director of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation and as the college’s Vice President for Student Affairs. “She has spent countless hours volunteering at various special events and functions held by Chattahoochee Tech and the Foundation, and always arrives with an enormous smile on her face.”

While serving as chair of the Development Committee for the recent Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Reverse Raffle fundraiser, Stephens personally generated a large percentage of the funds raised by this event through her commitment to selling tickets, securing sponsors and obtaining door prizes. The event raised $36,887 and these funds will go toward scholarships and to emergency tuition and emergency assistance grants for deserving students.

According to Stephens, a volunteer is a person who gives to the greater good – someone who spreads hope and presents opportunities to others.

“I have personally witnessed what training and education can do for a person, a family and a community,” she added. “I think my vocation is helping people to help themselves. It makes me happy to see people succeed.”

Stephens currently serves on the Executive, Development and Finance committees of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Trustees. She has served the Technical College System of Georgia in some capacity for most of her life.

After graduating from Cartersville High School in 1966, Stephens worked at Coosa Valley Tech for 25 years before taking a position at the former North Metro Technical College. Upon her retirement, she had completed 33 years of service and then continued to serve as a volunteer.

When North Metro Tech merged with Chattahoochee Technical College in July 2009, she began volunteering with the newly merged Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Board of Trustees and has served there ever since.

Photo: From left to right are Dr. Ron Newcomb, president, Chattahoochee Technical College; Jennifer Nelson, executive director of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation and the College’s Vice President for Student Affairs; Larry Paulk, chairman of the Technical College Foundation Association; Susan Stephen, Chattahoochee Tech Foundation treasurer; Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Gretchen Corbin; and Technical College System of Georgia Deputy Commissioner Matt Arthur. Credit: Chattahoochee Tech