What is The Forward Leader College?
The mission of The Forward Leader College is:
To inspire and empower GPTC faculty and staff members to leverage leadership skills for the service of the GPTC college community.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Forward Leader College is an 11-month leadership experience committed to strengthening new and emerging leaders from across the college community. The Leader College is designed for individuals who have the capacity and desire to have a positive influence on our college. Leaders will engage in college leadership and improvement strategies, as well a lead impact projects within their individual areas of passion.
Leading Georgia Piedmont Technical College:
Meet the 2023-2024 Forward Leader College participants

Robert Brown
ABE/GED Instructor
Robert L. Brown is currently an Adult Basic Education / GED Instructor in Adult Education at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Primarily teaching Mathematics, Robert has been employed at GPTC for three years and is passionate about assisting students with earning their high school diploma and beyond.
Robert received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History (with a Secondary Certification) from Clayton State University. He also received the Master of Divinity Degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center (Morehouse School of Religion).
At home, Robert is the husband of a devoted wife for fifty-two years; the father of five talented daughters; and blessed with fifteen grand children and one great grand. He enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the beauty and depths of the arts, entertainment and education.
Robert has an abiding passion for music. His favorite genres are gospel music and straight-ahead jazz. His musical instrument of choice is the alto saxophone.

Reynard Bufkin
Registrar Assistant
Reynard Bufkin is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to working for GPTC Reynard was enlisted in the United States Navy as an Electricians Mate Fireman. He began working for Georgia Piedmont Technical College in 2015 as a part-time Registrar Office Assistant and briefly left the college in 2017 to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician. After a brief stint in that industry Mr. Bufkin returned to GPTC in 2019 as a full-time Registrar Assistant and has held that position for four years. In his free time he enjoys practicing his Saxophone, playing a variety of video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Tameillia Cain
Program Director for Springboard and Learning Support
I serve as the Program Director for Learning Support and Springboard in the School of Arts & Sciences. I am fortunate to teach one of my favorite subjects – math! I am also a committee member on the QEP committee and proud to serve as the advisor of the Ladies in Action club.
My career path is focused toward leadership in:
• curriculum development, specializing in researched-based methods for contextualized teaching and learning, and
• professional development, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
My educational philosophy includes building effective communication and collaboration, broadening adaptability, and developing more leadership strategies. Outside of work, I enjoy being a community liaison to community organizations, local police precincts, and community supervision programs. Riding my motorcycle, outdoor range shooting, and traveling are just three of my favorite hobbies!
I look FORWARD to participating in the Leader College to strengthen my educational philosophy! Much to learn!

Angela Colquitt
Financial Aid Specialist
Angela Colquitt started at GPTC as a work study student in June 2019 in the Admissions department. She was then hired in the call center for Admissions October 2019. As her experience excelled, she was promoted to Admissions Assistant for the front desk in Jan 2022. Nov 1st, she was promoted to Financial Aid Specialist. She is a proud GPTC graduate with an A.A.S in Business management.
Angela enjoys helping others and is passionate about student success. She is often known as “Director of First Impression” she gives excellent customer service to any person she encounters. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, dancing, karaoke, and vacationing.

Shunteka Curtis
Assistant Director of Admissions
Shunteka Curtis was born in Atlanta, GA., where she graduated from Columbia High School. After graduating from high school, she went straight into the United States Armed Forces and is a proud Army veteran. She contributes her discipline and organizational skills to her time served in the military.
In 2004, Shunteka came to Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) as an intern through the New Connections to Work program. This is when she discovered her passion for assisting students with improving their lifestyles through higher education. Beginning her tenure in 2005, she has served in several full-time roles in the GPTC Admissions Office such as admissions processor, coordinator of admissions operations, and is currently the assistant director of admissions. While working at GPTC, she also attended and graduated with several TCCs, diplomas, and an Associate Degree from the college. She would later go on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Management and is now pursuing her MBA.
Outside of GPTC, Shunteka is a proud mother of five and enjoys spending time with her family. She believes the time spent with her husband, kids and family is when she’s most peaceful.

Michael Holman
Dean of Education & Business Division
Michael Holman earned his M.S. in Clinical Psychology from VSU. While there, he started a counseling career ranging from career counseling and clinical counseling to working with at-risk youth. After moving to Atlanta, Mr. Holman began working with clients and volunteers at Lost-N-Found, a shelter for homeless LGBT youth in Atlanta between the ages of 16 and 25. Mr. Holman also started working as an Adjunct Psychology Instructor during this time, beginning his career with TCSG. Eventually Mr. Holman earned a full-time position, then Social Sciences Program Director for several years. In March 2022 he accepted a position at GPTC to become the Dean of Arts & Sciences.
When not at work, Michael enjoys making stained glass art, creating costumes for events, and going dancing on the weekends. He has nine tattoos (for now) and spends as much time with his dog Papu as he can.

Dr. Bridget Jackson
Division Chair of Business & Early Childhood
My name is Dr. Bridget Jackson I am the Program Director for Business Management with the School of Business & Computer Information Systems. I have a Doctorate in Business Administration-Management Concentration. I hold a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification and I am Scrum Certified. I "bring to the table" over 30 years of both professional and academic skills in business, leadership and management. My desire to become part of the executive leadership team for GPTC College. My education includes a B.S from South Carolina State University, M.B.A-Project Management from American InterContinental University, and a D.B.A from Argosy University with a concentration in Management.
In my personal life I have been married for 24 years. I a mother of three children, and seven grandkids. My personal favorite pastime includes antique shopping and reading home décor magazines. I am a “spirited leader with a passion for serving, teaching and mentoring others to meet and exceed their goals.”

Dr. Sharmon Monagan
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & the Foundation
Dr. Sharmon Monagan has nearly two decades of experience in higher education as an instructor, educational technology trainer, and course creator. She is known for her ability to engage students by creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. She served honorably in both the US Navy and Georgia Army National Guard. Dr. Monagan has been a dedicated member of the GPTC Board of Trustees since 2021, including her role as fundraising chair for the 2022 GPTC Inaugural Masquerade Ball. She has a lifetime of dedication to community engagement through her work with voter registration, legislation advocacy, and advocacy work on behalf of women, girls, and single-parent families. Dr. Monagan holds a doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Her diverse educational background, work, and community experience have allowed her to effectively address complex issues and find innovative solutions. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her adult children, traveling, and baking.

Cheryl Myers
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Cheryl Myers joined GPTC in July of 2021, having transferred from Columbus Technical College where she held a similar role. Cheryl has been with TCSG for more than 15 years and loves nothing more than telling the story of technical education and how it can propel anyone into a rewarding future. In her role at GPTC, Cheryl oversees all aspects of internal and external communications to include media and public relations, advertising, marketing, branding, and more. She wears her “Branding Police” badge proudly! Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys traveling and spending quality time with friends and loved ones. She is the mother of Emiline, a 2022 UGA grad. Go Dawgs!

Dr. Brittany Palmer
Division Chair of Industrial Technologies and Professional Services
Dr. Brittany Palmer, Program Director of Criminal Justice and Forensics is a proud native of Douglas, GA. She attended Georgia Southern University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. She attended Walden University where she earned a Master’s in Public Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Criminal Justice Administration. She began her teaching career in the Coffee County School System. She later started teaching Criminal Justice at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Douglas, GA. She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha a National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration and The National Society of Leadership and Success. Her future plans are to become a college president.
In her spare time, she loves watching UGA Football, UNC Men's Basketball, playing softball, shopping, traveling and spending time with her family.

Walter Putman
Assistant Police Chief
Walter Putman is a native of Toccoa, GA and has been in law enforcement for over 30 years. Throughout his career in law enforcement, he has served in several capacities including Uniform Patrol, Traffic Enforcement Units, Special Operations, and even Undercover Operations. He has a passion for protecting people and being a trusted leader in his community. He has been employed at Georgia Piedmont Technical College for eleven years. Since 2019, he proudly serves as the Assistant Chief of Police at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. When he is not at work, you can probably find Walter playing baseball, enjoying the beach, or hanging out with his three children

Robert Reno
English Instructor
Driven by an unwavering dedication to teaching, Robert Reno is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of his students. He is a dedicated educator who hails from a family of teachers, including his aunt, father, and sister. Although Mr. Reno’s academic journey took an unexpected turn through the world of hospitality, this journey ultimately shaped him into the passionate and committed teacher he is today.
Equipped with a master's degree in teaching, Mr. Reno has acquired a strong foundation in pedagogical practices and educational theories; he is currently pursuing a master's degree in English to further augment his expertise in the field. This unique combination of qualifications enables him to provide a comprehensive and enriched learning experience to students.
Mr. Reno sets high standards for his students, firmly believing in their inherent capacity for greatness. By establishing rigorous expectations, students are empowered to recognize their abilities and surpass their own limitations. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Reno is the Program Director of the English Department.
In addition, Mr. Reno is an ardent reader. He is currently engrossed in the pages of The Furrows by Namwali Serpell and is exploring the poignant poetry found in Alive at the End of the World, a collection of poems by Saeed Jones. Through his own literary explorations, Mr. Reno continually expands his knowledge and connects with diverse perspectives, further enriching his teaching repertoire.
When not immersed in academic pursuits, Mr. Reno finds solace in running.

Deshima Rodgers
Executive Director of Administrative Services
Deshima Rodgers is a dedicated and detail-orientated accounting professional with over 14 years of accounting experience in state and local government. Raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ms. Rodgers realized the transformative impact education could have on one’s life, family and community at a very young age. While pursuing undergraduate coursework and being employed as a work study student, Ms. Rodgers developed a passion for governmental accounting and leadership. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting and a Master’s of Applied Social Sciences in Public Administration from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.
She began her professional career shortly after undergrad. She has worked for several agencies with the State of Florida completing various responsibilities as an accountant. These experiences led Ms. Rodgers to further her knowledge in government and pursue a leadership position with DeKalb County Government.
Ms. Rodgers has served in leadership roles with Atlanta Technical College and currently serves as the Executive Director of Administrative Services with GPTC. While in these roles within the Technical College System of Georgia, she has excelled in aspects such as revenue, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger and management of federal and state grants. Her passion is to inspire, teach and provide opportunities for her staff and students to excel in their chosen field. Without a doubt, she is devoted to delivering excellence and achieving success in accounting practices.
Ms. Rodgers enjoys action movies, interior decorating and traveling to spend time with family and friends to balance work-life.
