Gwinnett Technical College Names 2014 Instructor of the Year

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Mehmet Kilinc, program director for the Information Security Specialist program at Gwinnett Technical College, has been honored with the college’s 2014 Rick Perkins Award of Excellence in Technical Education.

The Rick Perkins Award of Excellence in Technical Instruction honors technical education’s most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide program since 1991 and the recipients are technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

“Mehmet is a seasoned instructor who cares about student success. He works not only to ensure that students are trained and prepared to enter the workforce, but also to guarantee their ability to evolve with the ever-changing field of information security,” says Dr. Victoria Seals, vice president, Academic Affairs. “As a program director, Mehmet has spearheaded efforts to articulate the information security classes in transfer agreements with several four-year colleges and universities. His efforts have benefited numerous students who matriculated to pursue their bachelor’s degree.” 

As Gwinnett Tech’s honoree, Kilinc will represent GTC in the statewide competition. “We are delighted to have Mehmet as the Gwinnett Technical College Rick Perkins Award Winner. We are confident that he will represent the college well in the regional and state competitions. Mehmet knows the value of technical education and will make an excellent ambassador for our college, the TCSG and the state,” adds Dr. Seals.

“Seeing the success of my students is the biggest reward I get. When one of my former students calls me about hiring one of our current students, I am extremely delighted. It makes it all worthwhile,” says Kilinc.

“In my own way, I think I am making our society a little better place (by teaching). Hopefully, my students will become contributing members of our society,” he adds. “I try very hard to give them strong ethics. In the area of Information Security, people trust us with their information. We are the gate keepers.”

Kilinc was part of the team that created the Information Security program at Gwinnett Tech, the first in the state’s Technical College System (TCSG), and has served as its director for more than a decade. He also serves as the TCSG state chair for the Instructional Faculty Consortium Committee for the Information Security program. 

            He has more than 20 years of IT experience as a programmer, data base administrator, network administrator and information security professional. Kilinc also serves as the Director of Academic Relations for the Metro Atlanta ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) and is also a member of the Technology Association of Georgia.

            Kilinc earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University. Active in his community, he serves on the Collins Hill High School technical education advisory board and volunteers his time to support the homeless.

          Other faculty members nominated for this year’s Perkins Award include:

·         Susan Arnold, Program Director, Interiors

·         Ryan Cheek, Instructor, Veterinary Technology

·         Bob DeLorme, Program Director, Respiratory Care

·         James Hogan, Instructor, Criminal Justice

·         Chris Kowtco, Instructor, Radiologic Technology

·         Mark Newton, Program Director, Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management

·         T.C. Parker, Program Director, Surgical Technology

·         Robert Powers, Program Director, Clinical Research