Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Earnestine Maddox recognized

Forsyth, GA. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Earnestine Maddox of Calhoun State Prison as Educational Teacher of the Year at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“Earnestine displays the type of determination and drive that we want in our teachers,” said Assistant Commissioner Jay Sanders. “Through her dedication, knowledge and leadership, 53 offenders have completed the GED program at Calhoun State Prison.”

This inaugural award recognizes a certified GDC or contract employee who is dedicated and knowledgeable; who inspires students; who is respected and admired by students, facility, and colleagues; and who plays an active role in the facility as well as school.

In fiscal year 2017, the Department challenged each facility to help their offenders obtain 50 GEDs. Maddox is the textbook definition of teamwork and through the countless hours she put into her work, she surpassed that goal. She did this by ensuring each student and each teacher had a clear understanding of the objective set out by the Department. She kept the other teachers focused on the big picture of exceeding the goal and with the offenders she reminded them that obtaining an education while incarcerated is something that cannot be taken away from them. Their education will stay with them forever.  

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 250 guests.  Making the award presentation with Commissioner Greg Dozier were State Senator Tyler Harper, Board of Corrections member Christopher Clark,  Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward,  Assistant Commissioners Ricky Myrick, Scott Poitevint, Jay Sanders, Randy Sauls, and Director of Professional Development Terry Edge and Director of Professional Standards Clay Nix.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.