Wiregrass Tech's Joshua Whittington Selected for Prestigious TCSG Senior Leadership Academy
Thursday, July 9th, 2026
Joshua Whittington, Executive Director of Economic Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, has been selected as one of only 25 employees from across the state to participate in the 2026 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Senior Leadership Academy.
Whittington, who is based on Wiregrass Tech's Valdosta Campus and resides
in Omega, Georgia, was nominated for the highly competitive program by Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. The academy is designed to prepare emerging leaders for executive leadership roles within Georgia's technical college system and offers an intensive yearlong professional development experience.
"Joshua has demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development, industry partnerships, and serving our communities," said Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements. "His selection for the Senior Leadership Academy is well deserved, and I know he will represent Wiregrass Georgia Technical College with excellence. Investing in leaders like Joshua ultimately strengthens our college, our students, and the employers we serve throughout South Georgia."
Participation in the academy is highly selective and requires a yearlong commitment, totaling approximately 160 hours of leadership development. Participants began the program in January 2026 and will complete a rigorous curriculum focused on executive leadership, organizational strategy, and management. Monthly sessions are delivered through a partnership with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
Throughout the academy, participants will explore the many facets of technical college leadership, gaining a deeper understanding of the strategic, financial, operational and student-focused responsibilities that drive Georgia's technical college system. Coursework examines topics ranging from strategic planning and workforce development to budgeting, human resources, legal services, student success and data-informed decision-making.
In addition to classroom instruction, academy participants collaborate with fellow leaders from across the state and engage with Technical College System of Georgia leadership, college presidents, State Board members, legislators, and business and industry partners. These opportunities provide participants with valuable perspectives on the future of technical education while strengthening the statewide partnerships that support Georgia's workforce and economic development.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in the TCSG Senior Leadership Academy," said Whittington. "The experience has already provided valuable opportunities to learn from outstanding leaders across Georgia, build relationships with colleagues throughout the technical college system and gain new ideas that I can bring back to Wiregrass. I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader while continuing to better serve our students, business and industry partners, and the communities we call home."
The TCSG Senior Leadership Academy is designed to encourage professional growth and career advancement while supporting the leadership development goals of the Technical College System of Georgia and its 22 colleges. The program provides participants with a deeper understanding of the leadership and managerial responsibilities of technical college executives while preparing the next generation of leaders to advance the system's mission of workforce development and student success.
