Meaghan Harkleroad, Practical Nursing instructor on the Alma campus, is the 2024 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction winner for Coastal Pines Technical College.
Meaghan has been employed with CPTC since May 2020 as a practical nursing instructor, as well as being employed as a nurse with Bacon County Hospital & Health. Meaghan is married to Kevin Harkleroad and they have 4 children: Madison, Drew, Allie Kate & Daxton.
Meaghan loves everything teaching has to offer and it brings her the most joy to pour into her students. Meaghan’s favorite thing about educating the future nurses of tomorrow is watching them have their light bulb moments, that “ah ha” moment, when they finally put the pieces together and it makes sense for them.
“There are so many doors for students to open that they may not even be aware of, and opportunity is plentiful for them in technical education. I never would have dreamed that going to LPN school here at Coastal Pines myself (formerly Okefenokee Technical College) would have placed me on to the career path I’m on today, but I am honored and humbled to be able to live out my dream!”, stated Meaghan.
The state Rick Perkins Award winner serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia and must have made significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in his or her field of instruction. The winner must also exemplify excellence and a commitment to the mission of the Technical College System of Georgia.
Meaghan will go on to represent Coastal Pines Technical College at the regional competition, and later, the state competition in April in Atlanta.
For more information on Coastal Pines Technical College, visit www.coastalpines.edu.