The Ledger

From Staff Reports

DUBLIN — Oconee Fall Line Technical College is celebrating former President Erica Harden, who has been named President Emeritus of the Technical College System of Georgia.

The honor was officially bestowed by the TCSG State Board Aug. 6 in Atlanta and recognizes Harden’s more than 36 years of service to technical education, including her leadership at OFTC and contributions to the Technical College System of Georgia.

Throughout her career, Harden worked to expand educational opportunities, develop partnerships and help students and communities benefit from technical education.

Harden served as president of OFTC from 2019 until her retirement Aug. 1. During her tenure, the college experienced significant growth, with credit enrollment increasing 40%. OFTC reached the highest enrollment in its history in fall 2025 with 2,339 students.

The college also expanded its facilities and academic offerings under Harden’s leadership. Projects included a new instructional center in Sandersville, a new truck driving range in Dublin and a $19 million renovation of the W.R. Stewart Building in Dublin.

New programs were added in areas including nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, construction management and education.

Harden’s impact on OFTC began well before she became president. She played a key role in the merger that formed the college and served in several leadership positions, including vice president of academic and student affairs and executive vice president.

Her career in technical education also included leadership roles at Sandersville Technical College, Southeastern Technical College and Aiken Technical College in South Carolina.

Throughout her career, Harden championed workforce development, strengthened relationships with business and industry partners and worked to expand educational pathways for students throughout the communities served by OFTC and TCSG.

“Serving as the President of OFTC has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Harden said following her retirement announcement. “This college is truly a jewel in our community, serving not just as an educational institution, but as a vital engine for local workforce development and personal transformation.”

As President Emeritus, Harden’s legacy of leadership and service will continue to be recognized by OFTC and the Technical College System of Georgia. Her more than three decades of work in technical education helped shape the college and strengthen its role in Georgia’s workforce development system.

For more information about OFTC, visit OFTC.edu.