Warner Robins, Ga. — Tonja Simmons-Lee, PhD., executive director for Counseling Services and Student Support at Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Advocacy for College Counseling Award for 2025 from the Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA) in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to the success of students in the health sciences programs.
The award, presented annually by GCCA to an individual or organization, recognizes the significant contributions of professionals toward the advancement of college counseling services. Simmons-Lee’s innovative approach profoundly impacted students at the intersection of emotional well-being and academic achievement.
The Advocacy for College Counseling Award honors those who advocate for or directly contribute to the enhancement of counseling services in higher education, whether through institutional leadership or community-wide initiatives.
The recognition is a testament to the power of holistic student support, particularly in high-pressure disciplines such as nursing and other health sciences.
Nominated anonymously by a CGTC student, Simmons-Lee’s comprehensive, evidence-based program provides invaluable resources and guidance to students pursuing careers in healthcare.
The program focuses not only on academic excellence but on emotional, social, and professional development, ensuring students are equipped to handle both the personal and professional challenges of their rigorous education.
The student’s nominee is quoted by GCCA having said Simmons-Lee exemplifies “exceptional leadership,” adding, that, “she has developed and leads a comprehensive program that addresses the mental, emotional, and social well-being of students in health sciences programs. From stress management to professional development.”
Dr. Lee’s program includes workshops on self-care, social-emotional learning, grief counseling, teamwork, and stress management.
“These initiatives allow students to thrive in their high-intensity academic environments, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence,” said Simmons-Lee. “I am honored to be in this nominating students’ high-regard and grateful for the opportunity to impact student well-being.”
In addition to these workshops, Simmons-Lee has implemented clinical experiences that give students hands-on training in critical areas such as mental health first aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), and leadership development.
The Office of Counseling Services provides mental health support that guides students not only through their academic careers but through their personal challenges. This ongoing care, from orientation to six months post-graduation, ensures that students are fully prepared for the demands of their future roles in healthcare.
College leadership congratulates Simmons-Lee’s on the receipt of the Advocacy for College Counseling Award and commends her efforts to nurture the minds and hearts of the students she serves. Her innovative, student-centered approach continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of aspiring healthcare professionals. As evidenced in her previous award as College Counseling Director Award in 2020.
About the Advocacy for College Counseling Award
The Advocacy for College Counseling Award is presented annually to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional advocacy for college counseling services. The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions at the national, state, or local level, with a focus on enhancing the well-being and success of students through counseling and support services.
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 System 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).