Macon, Ga – The Southern Association of Community College Research (SACCR) recently presented Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Deborah Burks with the prestigious Edith Carter Outstanding Service Award during its annual conference in September in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Edith Carter Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary service, professional leadership, and an enduring commitment to the mission and goals of SACCR.
The award honors the legacy of Dr. Edith “Edie” Carter, an assistant professor at Radford University who served as a cornerstone of the regional institutional research community. For nearly three decades, Carter contributed her expertise, diplomacy, and enthusiasm to institutional and educational research while creating opportunities for researchers to connect, collaborate, and grow.
This year’s award recognizes Burks’ more than 25 years of leadership in higher education and more than 20 years of involvement with SACCR. Throughout her involvement with the organization, Burks has held several leadership positions, including president, past president, and secretary. She continues to serve as a trusted advisor and mentor to SACCR leaders and members.
Burks also had the opportunity to work closely with Carter on efforts to develop and enhance the SACCR newsletter, bylaws, and membership initiatives.
Her leadership and service have contributed to the continued development of SACCR and the institutional research professionals it serves. Her collaborative approach, institutional knowledge, and commitment to the profession have helped preserve the organization’s legacy while supporting its continued growth.
“Dr. Deborah Burks exemplifies the spirit of the Edith Carter Outstanding Service Award through her extraordinary commitment to service, leadership, and the institutional research profession,” said SACCR representatives. “Her servant leadership, institutional knowledge, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication have helped preserve SACCR’s legacy while positioning the association for continued success.”
The award recognizes that Burks’ contributions extend beyond the responsibilities associated with any individual leadership position. Her continued investment of time, expertise, and mentorship has supported SACCR and helped advance the institutional research profession throughout the region.
The recognition adds to Burks’ longstanding contributions to institutional effectiveness, research, and higher education leadership and reflects the impact of her service to both CGTC and the broader community of institutional research professionals.
Dr. Burks was joined by colleagues in attendance from CGTC to celebrate her award.
About Central Georgia Technical College
As one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, CGTC operates three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, serving more than 30,000 individuals annually. CGTC is focused on connecting graduates to careers by offering quality education services, assuring a well -qualified workforce to support a healthy local economy. CGTC is a unit of the Technical College Syst em of Georgia and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information about CGTC, visit www.centralgatech.edu. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).