Community leaders, educators, workforce development advocates, and industry professionals gathered at Gwinnett Technical College for the annual “Advancing Together” Advisory Board Recognition Event, a celebration of the partnerships that continue to drive student success, strengthen the regional workforce, and support the college’s impressive growth.
Presented by True North 400, the event highlighted the critical role advisory board members play in ensuring Gwinnett Tech’s academic programs remain aligned with industry needs. Opening remarks emphasized that collaboration between education and business is essential for preparing graduates to meet the demands of today’s workforce.
Kristen Wetzler, Executive Director of True North 400, spoke about the organization’s evolution from focusing solely on infrastructure projects to becoming a strong advocate for workforce development. She noted that after evaluating community needs, workforce readiness emerged as a top priority, leading True North 400 to deepen its partnership with Gwinnett Tech.
Darcie Johnson, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Tech Foundation, delivered heartfelt remarks about the life-changing impact of education and philanthropy. She explained how the foundation serves as a bridge between community generosity and student opportunity, providing scholarships, emergency assistance, equipment, and program support. Johnson highlighted that many students balance coursework with jobs, family obligations, and financial challenges, making community support an essential part of their educational journey.
The event’s keynote presentation came from Gwinnett Tech President Dr. Glen Cannon, who shared updates on enrollment growth, workforce initiatives, and future expansion plans. Now in his 13th year as president, Cannon credited the college’s success to strong community involvement and unwavering support from business and industry partners.
Gwinnett Tech has experienced remarkable growth since the pandemic, with enrollment projected to exceed 13,000 students and potentially reach 14,000 in the coming academic year. As Georgia’s largest technical college, the institution offers more than 160 programs of study and serves approximately 25,000 learners annually through credit programs, adult education, and workforce development initiatives.
Cannon emphasized that the college’s mission remains straightforward: preparing students for meaningful careers while ensuring employers have access to a highly skilled workforce. He highlighted several areas of expansion, including nursing, healthcare, cybersecurity, skilled trades, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicle charging technology.
Particular attention was given to Gwinnett Tech’s leadership in emerging fields. The college continues to operate one of the Southeast’s largest two-year cybersecurity programs and is actively integrating artificial intelligence into every academic discipline. At the same time, Cannon stressed the ongoing importance of hands-on technical training, noting that skilled trades such as welding, HVAC, automotive technology, and construction remain among the region’s most in-demand careers.
Looking ahead, the college is pursuing significant capital projects, including an $11 million automotive expansion on the Gwinnett campus and a planned second academic building in Alpharetta focused on healthcare, information technology, and workforce training.
One of the event’s highlights was the recognition of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Advisory Board as the 2026 Advisory Board of the Year. In honor of the board’s outstanding service, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student within the program.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers returned to a common theme: success is built through partnership. Whether through advisory board service, scholarships, internships, equipment donations, or workforce collaboration, community engagement continues to shape the future of Gwinnett Technical College.
As attendees networked and prepared for advisory board meetings, the message was clear: by advancing together, Gwinnett Tech, its partners, and the broader community are creating opportunities that transform lives, strengthen businesses, and build a brighter future for North Fulton and Gwinnett counties.
