Date Posted: January 28, 2026
Dr. Damon McCoy, Psychology Instructor at Southern Crescent Technical College, was recently named the 2026 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education during a luncheon held January 27, 2026, on the Griffin Campus. The Rick Perkins Award is the College’s highest honor for instructional excellence and is the equivalent of being named Instructor of the Year at Southern Crescent Technical College.
Dr. McCoy stated, “Teaching at a technical college is incredibly special because I get to work with learners who come to us with real goals, real responsibilities, and real determination. Our students are juggling life, families, and jobs while working toward a better future. This is something I will never take for granted, and it is truly an honor to do this work in a place where education genuinely changes lives.”
The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is awarded annually and recognizes outstanding instructors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success. Instructors are nominated by their peers, with competition advancing through the college, regional, and state levels.
Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, stated, “Dr. McCoy has been selected as Southern Crescent Technical College’s Rick Perkins winner because of his dedication to academic excellence and his profound impact on student learning. His approach to teaching psychology fosters critical thinking, self-awareness, and intellectual curiosity. Dr. McCoy exemplifies the high standards, professionalism, and student-centered focus that define our faculty, and we are proud to have him represent the College at the next level of competition.”
Finalists for the 2026 Rick Perkins Award included Dr. Monique McCreary, Respiratory Care Technology Instructor; Billy Elliott, Carpentry / Construction Management Instructor; and Robert Hires, Phlebotomy Instructor.
Dr. McCoy and the other nominees were evaluated by a panel of external judges. As the college winner, Dr. McCoy will serve as an ambassador for technical education and represent Southern Crescent Technical College at the regional and state levels of competition. The state Rick Perkins Award winner will be announced in April.