GNTC instructor earns honors from Cisco Networking Academy
After nearly four decades of computer instruction on the collegiate level, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) instructor Dwight Watt was honored by network giant Cisco Systems, Incorporated.
Watt, who teaches computer information systems, was awarded an “expert level instructor excellence” status for his contribution to networking instruction. This award places Watt among the top 10 percent of Cisco Networking Academy instructors worldwide.
For more than a decade, Watt has taught many facets of Cisco Networking for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). To receive the honor, Watt had to measure up in many areas including professional development opportunities, the types of Cisco training options utilized in the program and the final results of his students enrolled in his classes.
Fifteen years ago, Watt took his first training with the Cisco Networking Academy to earn his Cisco Certified Academy Instructor title. Since then, Watt has taught hundreds of students through his instructor positions with Heart of Georgia Technical College and GNTC within the TCSG.
Watt, a resident of both LaFayette and Swainsboro, Ga., was notified this term that his program is also a certified Palo Alto Networks Academy. This accolade will allow for an innovative path for his program at the college’s newest campus going online this fall.
“This will enable us to use Palo Alto’s curriculum to teach about firewalls using their simulator in the Cyber Security program at the Catoosa County Campus,” Watt said. “Palo Alto Networks is the leading provider of firewalls for large enterprises.”
In addition to his numerous certifications during his 35 years of computer instruction, Watt earned a bachelor’s degree of arts in political science from Winthrop University (1977), a master’s degree of business administration in management from Winthrop University (1979) and a doctorate’s degree in education administration from the University of Georgia (1989). He also publishes a weekly column for the Catoosa County News in Ringgold, Ga.