Quincy Jackson, Commercial Truck Driving Instructor, was recently named Ogeechee Technical College’s 2025 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction recipient at the annual Spring Faculty & Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony held on January 21 in the Joseph E. Kennedy Auditorium.
The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is an annual, statewide competition that honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s most outstanding instructors. Started in 1991, this honor recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through service, innovation, and leadership in their field.
“I’m deeply honored by this recognition,” said a tearful Jackson. “As a second-generation employee at OTC, I’ve seen how education can break down barriers and create opportunities. My father worked here as a custodian. Though he didn’t have the chance to pursue higher education, he instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance.”
As a CDL instructor Jackson understands the responsibility of teaching his students safety and confidence, “In a day and age where many people can’t read a map or change a tire, I am still teaching my students to go back to the basics to ensure they’re prepared for whatever obstacles they may face on the road.”
The Faculty/Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony, hosted by OTC President Lori Durden, is an opportunity for college faculty and staff to come together and celebrate the victories and achievements of the past year – among those is the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.
“Quincy has such an inspiring story and history here at Ogeechee Tech,” said OTC President Lori Durden. “Not only is he an incredible instructor, but he exemplifies for his students what investing in your community looks like, through mentorship, community service, and leading local initiatives.”
Jackson joined OTC full-time in 2021 after teaching for three years as an adjunct instructor. He was an engineer in the Army National Guard for four years and began driving trucks in 2006. Jackson has experience hauling heavy equipment, agricultural products, flat-bed, and low-boy trailers. He has been an over-the-road driver for more than 10 years, driving from coast to coast and into Canada. Jackson has also served as a trainer and manager in the Army National Guard.
Following OTC’s nomination, Jackson will interview in the regional competition in Tifton on February 25. If selected as one of three finalists from the region he will move on to compete for the state title the week of April 28 – May 1 in Atlanta.