DeKALB COUNTY, Ga. – The state board of the Technical College System of Georgia today approved Commissioner Matt Arthur’s appointment of Dr. Tavarez Holston as the new president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Dr. Holston assumed his official leadership duties on Sept. 10.

“Dr. Holston’s experience in, and passion for, technical education, combined with his commitment to students, and his vision to expand educational and economic opportunity in the community are exactly the qualities we were looking for in Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s next president,” Commissioner Arthur said.

He replaces Dr. Jabari Simama, who served as the college’s third president during its 57-year history.

Holston began working at Georgia Piedmont in April of 2018 as part of an assessment team convened by Commissioner Arthur. The assessment team has been responsible for re-evaluating many areas of the college and offering recommendations regarding improvements that will benefit faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders now and in the future.

“It is truly an honor to serve the students of Georgia Piedmont Technical College and its surrounding communities,” Holston said. “I know this college has a bright future ahead and we will ensure that every student who comes through our doors is provided with a world-class education,” he said. “In addition, this college has an obligation to meet the needs of business and industry in the community; that goal is something we will work every day to provide,” he concluded.

Holston comes to GPTC from Lanier Technical College, where he served as the vice president for academic affairs as well as the vice president for adult education. He entered the technical college system as a part-time business instructor at Moultrie Technical College (now known as Southern Regional Technical College) in 2000. During his tenure at Moultrie Technical College, he served as a faculty member, campus dean, director of online instruction, vice president for institutional effectiveness, and vice president for academic affairs.

Holston earned a doctorate in education from Valdosta State University, a master’s in management from Troy University, and a bachelor of business administration from the University of North Georgia.

Dr. D. Glen Cannon, GPTC’s interim president, will return to Gwinnett Technical College to resume his role as president of the college.