Community College Week Names Georgia Piedmont Technical College to Top Producer Lists GPTC’s Marketing Program Ranks 18th in the Nation

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has been named one of the top degree and certificate producing institutions by Community College Week. Annually, this bi-weekly publication covering community, technical and junior colleges presents a special report featuring the top 100 degree and certificate producing two-year institutions. The report contains 44 different categories, including associate degrees awarded by discipline. This year, GPTC advanced to 18th in the nation in the category of ‘General Sales, Merchandising, and Related Marketing Operations’. The ranking is based on awarding 22 associates degrees in the Marketing Program during the 2010-2011 school year.

“The Marketing Program at GPTC continues to be ranked nationally as one of the top producers of graduates for employment in the field of marketing. This represents excellent recognition of the quality of the program, students and the Director, Ms. Karen Howard,” says Dr. Tanya Gorman, Vice President of Academic Affairs at GPTC. “This year the College also, once again, made the Top 100 list, ranking 47th of the Top 100 producers of program completers – all disciplines – for programs less than one year in length. These recognitions demonstrate the College’s commitment to the accomplishment of its Mission, which is preparation of graduates for employment in a global community. GPTC and the Marketing Program are proud to be recognized by Community College Week in this manner.”

The Marketing Program prepares students for professional careers in promotions, sales, distribution, market research, entrepreneurship, merchandising and other related occupations. Program features include business plan writing, advertising campaign creation, point-of-purchase display designing, sales script drafting, and strategic goals and plan development. Additionally, team projects, presentations and on-the-job training give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and marketing skills.

“I believe the quality of the education provided by GPTC is the primary reason students attend. The program combines marketing theory with assignments that allow students to apply their new knowledge to marketing opportunities and realistic business situations. We are able to retain and graduate students because of the scheduling flexibility that allows students to decide if they prefer morning, evening or online classes, which provides better balance of their work, college and family obligations,” comments Karen Howard, Marketing Program instructor. Student Elizabeth Wiley adds, “As a student in the Marketing Program pursuing Entrepreneurship, I have benefited from the offering of so many interesting courses, as well as Ms. Howard as an advisor and instructors who are passionate about the program, the students and the school. I would recommend this program at GPTC to anyone.”