Tracey Mercado, program director and instructor of Medical Assisting, has been named GNTC’s 2025 Alumna of the Year.
Mercado, who has served in her current role and as assistant dean of Nursing and Allied Health Technologies at GNTC since 2022, began her career at GNTC as a student, earning an associate degree in Medical Office Management and a diploma in Medical Assisting in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration in 2019 from Reinhardt University.
Mercado joined the faculty at GNTC in 2017 as an instructor of Medical Assisting.
“I want to personally express my sincere appreciation for Tracey’s outstanding contributions to our students, her colleagues, the college and the healthcare community,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “Tracey is an inspirational, dedicated and compassionate leader, and GNTC is fortunate to count her as one of our graduates and a member of our team.”
This year marked the first time GNTC opened nominations to the general public. A five-member selection committee reviewed the nominations and evaluated the nominees’ professional achievements, community service, engagement with the college, overall influence and inspiration of others, Popham said.
Mercado exemplifies the spirit of excellence, dedication and leadership that defines the best of GNTC’s graduates, according to her nomination.
“She is not only an outstanding educator and leader, but also an advocate for student achievement and workforce readiness,” Mercado’s nominator explained. “Her story is a true testament to the power that technical education can provide for students.”
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 aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. For more information about GNTC, visit us at GNTC.
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