Student Spotlight: Tom Willard

Expected Year of Graduation: 2011
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance

Tom Willard has spent many years working at Home Depot, which led to a career in information technology at Home Depot’s corporate office. Tom is currently an implementation/project manager for a company called InComm, an international technology innovator providing prepaid and payment solutions.

He is very active on campus and is the founder and current president of the Gay Straight Alliance, former president of the Film Club and a member of the Business Club.

When a friend was considering Georgia State University, he invited Tom to join him for a tour of the campus. While on the tour, surrounded by academia, Tom knew he wanted to return to college to earn a bachelor’s degree. There was something about being back on campus, walking down the halls and seeing the classrooms, and viewing young people engrossed in their studies that made Tom aware of how much he wanted to return to college. He was ready to return but he needed a school closer to home because he is employed full-time.

When GGC opened in 2006, he knew that it was the school for him; it was close by, affordable, and it offered the programs he needed to reach his goals.

With a degree from GGC, he hopes to find a position in hospital or school administration or in a similar position working for a non-profit organization.

“During my life I have been an activist, a volunteer and a social facilitator. All of this is very surprising since I was so shy in my early school years to even talk to anyone who didn't ask me a question. All of that changed as I got older, and being a Dale Carnegie Graduate didn't hurt. Thanks Home Depot!”

As for prospective students, he has some advice.

“Relax and enjoy the college experience, don't worry so much about the here and now, but think about the future and what is going to make you the happiest. It is not about how much money you will make in life, but more about the person you will become due to the experience that you have had along the way.”

What kind of student should come to GGC? Tom shares his views on this as well.

“A student who wants to feel safe and who wants to have an experience where they are empowered to make a difference and not just accept the status quo.

“Finally, I'll just say that I am not your typical non-traditional student. To me, it is not just about getting a degree so much as it is about experiencing all that college has to offer and hoping that I will leave my mark. Together we can not only make a difference, but we can be different. I could earn a degree at any school, but at GGC I know I will gain more than a degree in the experience.”