Date Posted: April 25, 2025
Dr. Irvin Clark, President, Southern Crescent Technical College, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Taylor J. Smith, MPA as a member of the College’s Board of Directors. Mr. Smith was sworn in by Superior Court Judge for the Griffin Judicial Circuit Ben Coker at a recent meeting.
“I am pleased to welcome Taylor Smith to the Southern Crescent Technical College Board of Directors,” SCTC President Dr. Irvin Clark stated. “As the Economic Director in Thomaston, Taylor has demonstrated strong leadership abilities and proven growth in his role. I’m certain his knowledge will be invaluable as we move forward in executing our vision for the college,” Dr. Clark concluded.
The Southern Crescent Technical College Board of Directors serves both in a community advisory capacity and in a limited administrative capacity, performing certain oversight responsibilities as designated by State Board policy. The local Board is comprised of members from the business and industrial communities from eight counties in the service area comprised of Butts, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. State Board Policy defines the role and responsibilities of the local Board. Board members are selected because of their experience, ability, and dedication to deal with issues that relate to the mission of occupational education and are without contractual, employment, or personal financial investment in the school.
Mr. Smith will represent Upson County on the board and is currently employed as the Economic Development Director for the City of Thomaston. After volunteering with the local Thomaston Main Street Program in High School, Taylor found his passions lied in the ability to impact people’s lives through positive change and growth. Upon graduating high school, Taylor attended Gordon State College and worked in the private sector for several years. Taylor returned to school in 2015 and earned a B.B.A. in Management & Marketing from the University of West Georgia in 2018. In 2021, Taylor completed his Master’s in Public Administration (MPA), from his Alma Mater West Georgia. After serving with the Department of Planning and Urban Development in Monroe, Louisiana, Taylor had the opportunity to return to Thomaston and serve the community that served him throughout his youth. In his capacity, Taylor directs the Thomaston Main Street Program, Downtown Development Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, and all City of Thomaston Events. Taylor also oversees national chain recruitment, neighborhood revitalization, and housing within the city. Taylor serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Downtown Association and University of West Georgia Alumni Association. Earlier this year, he purchased his first home in Silvertown with his fiancé, Jennifer Nguyen and their three dogs.
About Southern Crescent Technical College:
Southern Crescent Technical College is a multi-campus unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and serves the workforce and community needs of Butts, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. The College is a public, accredited, two-year post-secondary institution serving a diverse student population by offering academic credit programs and services, adult education, continuing education and programs customized for business and industry. Southern Crescent Technical College is committed to excellence and is characterized by outstanding instruction, a comprehensive commitment to state-of-the-industry training and workforce development, and a close connection to the community. As the College grows, Southern Crescent Technical College will continue to expand its educational programs and facilities to provide students with enhanced opportunities for career success. For more information on Southern Crescent Technical College or its offerings, please visit www.sctech.edu.
Pictured in photo: L-R: Stone Workman, Rebecca Hadley-Catter, Dr. Irvin Clark, Taylor Smith, Honorable Benjamin Coker