With hundreds of proud family members and friends filling the Clarence Brown Conference Center, Chattahoochee Technical College celebrated the success of spring graduates during two commencement ceremonies held Thursday, May 15, in Cartersville.
More than 700 Chattahoochee Tech students graduated this spring, with nearly 450 of them participating in commencement. These students proudly crossed the stage to receive associate degrees, diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit in a wide range of high-demand career programs of study. Delivering the commencement address at both ceremonies was Amie Ray Davis, the college’s 2025 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award recipient. Davis, who leads the college’s popular Paralegal Studies program, played a key role in establishing this program at Chattahoochee Tech three years ago.
Chattahoochee Tech President Heather Pence congratulated the graduates for their hard work and encouraged them to carry that dedication into the world to make a meaningful difference. “As you move forward, never stop learning, and remember that real success isn’t just measured by what you build or earn – it’s defined by what you give, the inspiration you offer, the support you lend, and the lives you touch,” said Pence. “The world is waiting. Go give it your best, and don’t forget to come back and visit us.”
The largest number of graduates this spring came from programs of study that included Automotive Technology, Accounting, Welding & Joining Technology, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Care & Education, Paramedicine, Precision Machining & Manufacturing, Air Conditioning Technology, and Criminal Justice Technology. Among the graduates were 14 students who completed skilled workforce training in Avionics at the college’s new Aviation Training Academy in Paulding County. These students earned the Avionics Bench Technician Certificate, gaining specialized training in Avionics Maintenance Technology and Aircraft Electronics. An additional 53 graduates earned the Nurse Aide Accelerated Certificate, preparing them for immediate entry into the healthcare field.
Spring commencement also included graduates from Chattahoochee Tech’s Dual Achievement program, which allows students to earn a high school diploma through the Chatt Tech College Academy while gaining career-focused training. A total of 41 students graduated from the program this spring, with 16 of them participating in the commencement ceremonies. One standout from this program is Ben Naude, the college’s first Dual Achievement graduate in 2023. Naude returned to the stage this spring to receive his Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology.
In addition to the Dual Achievement program high school graduates, more than 200 Dual Enrollment high school students also took part in commencement. These students earned college credentials from Chattahoochee Tech while remaining enrolled at their high schools. There were 2,277 Dual Enrollment students enrolled at Chattahoochee Tech during the 2025 spring semester.
A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Chattahoochee Tech has nine campuses, which are in Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Paulding and Pickens counties. Students can graduate in two years or less at Chattahoochee Tech with a meaningful degree that is immediately usable and builds a lasting career. The college offers real-world training in a wide range of programs for students at all stages of life to quickly start, change, or accelerate their careers. The college also offers customized workforce training, continuing education classes, and adult education programs that include free GED and HiSET preparation classes.
For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.
