GNTC instructor named 2021 Unsung Tech Hero of the Year

November 3, 2021

Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Dwight Watt, instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology, was named the 2021 Unsung Tech Hero of the Year by the Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech).

The award was announced recently during the second annual Chattanooga Technology Excellence Awards (TechX).

“Dwight possesses tremendous technical acumen, a laudable work ethic and a lifelong commitment to growing his technical skills,” said Walton Robinson, ChaTech’s Executive Director. “Beyond his personal technical achievements, Dwight has also taught, trained and mentored generations of technology professionals and he has made an indelible mark on the technology profession in our community and beyond.”

The nomination came as a result of Watt quickly taking his in-person courses online during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. He teaches classes on computer support, web design, networking and cyber security.

“Receiving this award from a group of fellow technology specialists in the Chattanooga area is a special honor and also a thank you to my students who are always challenging me to stay current in the information technology field and teaching the latest in a rapidly changing field,” said Watt.

GNTC’s Dwight Watt was named the 2021 Unsung Tech Hero of the Year by the Chattanooga Technology Council. (From left to right) Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs at GNTC; Walton Robinson, ChaTech’s Executive Director; Dwight Watt, instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology at GNTC; and Michael Fennell, dean of Business and Public Services Technologies at GNTC.
GNTC’s Dwight Watt was named the 2021 Unsung Tech Hero of the Year by the Chattanooga Technology Council. (From left to right) Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs at GNTC; Walton Robinson, ChaTech’s Executive Director; Dwight Watt, instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology at GNTC; and Michael Fennell, dean of Business and Public Services Technologies at GNTC.

Watt holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Business Administration from Winthrop University and a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from the University of Georgia.

ChaTech is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to connecting the regional technology and IT community to help drive economic growth for all. Members include companies of all sizes and industries working in or serving southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia. ChaTech provides professional education, networking events, and outreach programs to foster interest in IT careers. Creating a diverse, connected, and vibrant tech ecosystem means attracting and recognizing our great tech talent.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 11,820 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,591 students and an additional enrollment of 3,229 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.