Date Posted: September 18, 2026
Southern Crescent Technical College is making plans to host its annual Convocation and State of the College for faculty and staff on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 3:30pm. The event will bring the College community together for an exciting afternoon of activities, announcements, accolades, and updates while celebrating the accomplishments and continued growth of SCTC.
The Honorable Pandora E. Palmer, Judge of the Henry County Superior Court, will serve as the guest speaker for this year’s event.
Judge Palmer was sworn in as a Henry County Superior Court Judge in October 2020 after previously serving on the Henry County State Court, where she became the first woman to serve on the Henry County bench. Since May 2020, she has also presided over the Henry County Veterans Treatment Court, which was recognized as a Model Veterans Treatment Court by the Council of Accountability Court Judges for 2025 through 2027.
With more than 32 years of legal experience, Judge Palmer has built a distinguished career in private practice, public service, and the judiciary. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law. In December 2025, she earned a master’s degree in judicial studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in judicial studies.
Judge Palmer is also a published author and is actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations. Her service has been recognized through several honors, including the Henry County Rotary Club’s 2026 Vocational Service Award, the City of Stockbridge’s National Women’s History Month Special Glass Ceiling Award, and recognition as one of the Top 50 Southern Crescent Women of Influence.
In addition to Judge Palmer’s presentation, SCTC President Dr. Irvin T. Clark will deliver the State of the College Address, highlighting recent successes, sharing updates on the College’s continued growth, outlining new goals, and introducing several initiatives designed to strengthen SCTC’s impact on students, employers, and communities throughout the region.
The program will also include the introduction of new faculty and staff members and recognition of employees celebrating significant milestones in their years of service to Southern Crescent Technical College.
The annual event provides an opportunity for SCTC employees to come together, celebrate accomplishments from across the College, and look ahead to the priorities and opportunities of the coming year.
About Southern Crescent Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, provides accessible, high-quality education and workforce development opportunities designed to meet the needs of students, businesses, and communities throughout its service area. Through academic programs, technical training, continuing education, and partnerships with business and industry, SCTC prepares students for successful careers while supporting the economic vitality of the region.