May 13, 2009
NETC Recognizes Achievements, Contributions during Annual Honors Program

Dr. Ron Bartley, president of Northeastern Technical College, and Johnnie Price, of Pageland and president of NETC’s Student Government Association, present Phil Goff with the 2009 Outstanding Contributor to Technical Education award.

Northeastern Technical College recognizes outstanding students each spring during a special Student Honors ceremony.  The “Outstanding Contributor to Technical Education” award is also presented at this event to an individual, business or organization that has made unique and valuable contributions to Northeastern Technical College. 

During this year’s Honors Night, held April 23, NETC recognized students for outstanding academic achievement in arts and sciences, computer technology, technology, and business degree pathways.  Students were also inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of community and technical colleges, and others were recognized for being named to the President’s List and for serving as officers and senators in the college’s Student Government Association.

NETC's student members of the 2008-2009 Who's Who in American Junior Colleges were also recognized, along with the college's nominees for All-USA Academic Team.

This year’s Outstanding Contributor to Technical Education” award was presented to Phil Goff, assistant director, senior transportation planner, and economic development director at the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments (COG), where he has been employed for more than 33 years. 

Goff and the COG have been instrumental in the expansion of the college since 1968 when the college’s first building was constructed.  Since then, COG and Goff have helped the college obtain nearly $5 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant funding for capital improvements and expansion. 

“Phil is very humble and although he would say that he was just doing his job, I can say with assurance that his vast knowledge of EDA has made him a vital player in the process,” said Dr. Ron Bartley in recognizing Goff at the award recipient.  “Without his help and dedication, NETC would not have the outstanding educational facilities we have today.”

The Outstanding Contributor to Technical Education award has been presented annually since 1982 by the NETC Student Government Association. Past recipients have included industries, healthcare providers, community supporters, and NETC staff and faculty members.