Georgia Piedmont Tech’s footprint has likewise expanded. From its initial home in temporary quarters to its current configuration of ten education centers in DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties, the College’s ability to offer relevant coursework and training to prepare students for high-demand jobs ranks among the best in the state.

More than 950 faculty and staff members support our students in attaining their full potential. Georgia Piedmont Tech offers classes year-round, in fall, spring and summer terms, with flexible hours and online learning opportunities to accommodate the diverse scheduling needs of our students.

Georgia Piedmont Tech is aligned with the state’s strategic industries initiative that targets the unemployed, underemployed and those who do not have the proper academic and professional credentials to meet the standards of Georgia’s high-demand industries.

Georgia Piedmont Tech is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate of Applied Science degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit.

Georgia Piedmont Tech is a proud unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.

Timeline

  • 1961: Founded as DeKalb Area Vocational School
  • 1963: New campus opens in Clarkston for 1300 students
  • 1970: Earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • 1972: Operated as a division of DeKalb Community College under the governance of the DeKalb County Board of Education
  • 1986: Separated from DeKalb Community College and operated as DeKalb Technical Institute, and Dr. Paul Starnes appointed as first president
  • 1988: Established Commercial Truck Driving program
  • 1996: Transitioned from County Governance to state governance under the Technical College System of Georgia
  • 1997: Construction of the Newton County campus in Covington completed
  • 1999: Purchase of Newton “D” Building on Bob Williams Parkway in Covington
  • 2000: Became DeKalb Technical College
  • 2004: Opening of learning center on Montreal Road, later renamed the Starnes Center and Dr. Robin Hoffmann named acting president (and later second president) of the College
  • 2008: Completed 78,000 SF addition of classroom space and a conference center to the campus in Clarkston and begins working with the Rockdale Career Academy
  • 2011: Became Georgia Piedmont Technical College
  • 2012: Installed Dr. Jabari Simama as the third president of the College
  • 2014: Launched film and television production program to respond to the growing demand for workers in the film industry
  • 2015: Opened South DeKalb Campus—the third campus for the college—and was home to both the year’s top technical education student (GOAL) and the top GED student (EAGLE) in the state
  • 2016: Environmental sustainability is realized at Georgia Piedmont through improved lighting, electric vehicles and charging stations, and tree planting
  • 2017: Initiated innovative partnership with Clark Atlanta University that allows for bi-lateral dual enrollment that expands opportunities for students at both institutions
  • 2018: Installed Dr. Tavarez Holston as the fourth president of Georgia Piedmont Tech, and student Crystal Wright named as the top Technical College System of Georgia GOAL Student of the Year
  • 2021: College celebrates its 60th Anniversary year