Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- An instructor in Gwinnett Technical College's surgical technology program has been honored with the 2012 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education.

Gwinnett Tech Instructor Holly Sanders got the honor.

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors the institution's most outstanding instructors. An ongoing state program since 1991, the recipients are technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

An instructor since 2008 and an Atlanta native, Sanders holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Kennesaw State University and a surgical technology diploma from Gwinnett Technical College.

Before entering the field, she worked for Cryolife and later as a member of the transplant team at Piedmont Hospital.

"Holly Sanders is an enthusiastic, innovative instructor," said Victoria Seals, vice president of academic affairs for Gwinnett Tech. "An excellent choice for this award, she not only believes in technical college education, Holly is a product of technical college education."

Surgical Technology Program Director T.C. Parker said Sanders is "a motivated woman of numerous talents and considerable self-discipline. She is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits."

Additional nominees for the Rick Perkins Award included the following: Susan Arnold, Interiors, Gary Carter, Computer Science, Ryan Cheek, Veterinary Technology, Kerri Crean, Culinary Arts, Dr. Philip Gibson, Bioscience, Jessica LaPointe, Biology, Christine Laurent, Nursing, David Newton, Emergency Medical Services, Mark Newton, Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management, Theresa (T.C.) Parker, Surgical Technology, Rita Patel, Networking Specialist, John Thacher, Web Design, Sue VanLanen, Office Technology, Penny Waddell, Speech and Terra Womack, Cosmetology.