New Southeast Region Principal Named

Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Cheryl Tapley Spikes Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the promotion of Cheryl Spikes to Southeast Region Principal for Inmate Services Academic Education Unit effective May 16th. Spikes will be responsible for implementing evidence-based education practices within the southeast region facilities and reaching the goals established for academic education as part of the trio of regional principals through a proactive, creative approach to education in correctional facilities.

“Spikes’ extensive knowledge of the education system, along with her determination, will benefit our staff and offender population,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “We are excited to have her experience and leadership skills to help meet our educational goals.”

Spikes spent 30 years in public education in the Evans County School System. She served as the system-wide Career, Technical and Agriculture Director and also held many positions at Claxton High School including English teacher, Business teacher, Vocational Supervisor, and Assistant Principal. Spikes has also been an adjunct faculty member for Ogeechee Technical College and Oconee Fall Line Technical College. She began her career with the GDC in 2014 as a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) teacher at Emanuel Women’s Facility and was promoted in 2016 to be the Education Program Specialist for Inmate Services Academic Education in the Southeast Region, where she currently serves.

Spikes holds a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a master's degree in Business and Adult Education and a bachelor's degree in Business Education from Georgia Southern University. She holds several state teaching certificates and was chosen as the Teacher of the Year for her school system during her career. Spikes was instrumental in establishing the statewide models for Work-Based Learning/Youth Apprenticeship and received several related awards. 

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (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.