Warner Robins, GA – Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is celebrating Tonja Simmons-Lee, PhD., Executive Director for Counseling Services and Student Support, who has been honored with the prestigious Advocacy for College Counseling Award for 2025. The Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA) bestowed this accolade upon Dr. Simmons-Lee in acknowledgment of her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to student success, particularly within the demanding health sciences programs at CGTC.
This annual award from GCCA recognizes professionals who have significantly elevated college counseling services. Dr. Simmons-Lee’s groundbreaking approach has had a profound and positive impact on students, effectively bridging the critical intersection of emotional well-being and academic achievement. Her work underscores the vital role of comprehensive advocacy programs in fostering student success and guiding them towards fulfilling careers.
The Advocacy for College Counseling Award specifically celebrates individuals who champion and contribute to the enhancement of counseling services within higher education. This can be through impactful institutional leadership or broad community initiatives. Dr. Simmons-Lee’s recognition highlights the growing understanding of holistic student support as crucial, particularly in rigorous fields of study like nursing and other health sciences where students face immense pressure.
Dr. Simmons-Lee’s nomination, submitted anonymously by a CGTC student, speaks volumes about the impact of her evidence-based advocacy programs. These programs are carefully designed to offer invaluable resources and robust guidance to students embarking on healthcare careers in Warner Robins, Georgia and beyond. The focus extends beyond mere academic performance, encompassing emotional, social, and professional development, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared to navigate the multifaceted challenges inherent in their demanding educational paths and future careers.
According to GCCA, the student nominator lauded Simmons-Lee for her “exceptional leadership,” further stating, “she has developed and expertly leads a comprehensive program deeply committed to the mental, emotional, and social well-being of students within the health sciences programs. Her initiatives cover everything from essential stress management techniques to crucial professional development skills.”
Dr. Lee’s comprehensive advocacy programs feature targeted workshops addressing key areas such as self-care practices, social-emotional learning, grief counseling, effective teamwork strategies, and stress management techniques. “These targeted initiatives empower students to not only survive but thrive within their high-pressure academic environments,” Dr. Simmons-Lee explains, “cultivating crucial resilience and emotional intelligence that are essential for long-term success. I am deeply honored and humbled by this nomination, especially knowing it comes directly from the students I serve. It is a privilege to contribute to their well-being and future success.”
Beyond workshops, Simmons-Lee has strategically implemented clinical experiences providing students with practical, hands-on training in vital areas including mental health first aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for suicide prevention, and essential leadership development skills. The CGTC Office of Counseling Services, under her direction, provides crucial mental health support, guiding students through academic challenges and personal obstacles. This dedicated care extends from student orientation through six months post-graduation, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for the significant demands of their healthcare roles in the Warner Robins community and beyond.
CGTC leadership has publicly congratulated Dr. Simmons-Lee on this well-deserved Advocacy for College Counseling Award, commending her unwavering commitment to nurturing both the intellectual and emotional well-being of her students. Her innovative, student-centric approach continues to profoundly impact the lives and career trajectories of aspiring healthcare professionals in Warner Robins and across Central Georgia, building upon her previous recognition as College Counseling Director Award recipient in 2020.
About the Advocacy for College Counseling Award
The Advocacy for College Counseling Award is an annual recognition presented by the Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA) to individuals or organizations demonstrating outstanding advocacy for college counseling services. The award highlights significant contributions at the national, state, or local level aimed at enhancing student well-being and overall success through comprehensive counseling and support services, particularly career guidance advocacy programs in regions like Warner Robins, Georgia.
About Central Georgia Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), a cornerstone of higher education in Warner Robins and the wider region, stands as one of Georgia’s largest two-year colleges. Operating across three campuses and five centers throughout central Georgia, CGTC annually serves over 30,000 individuals. The college is deeply committed to connecting graduates with meaningful careers through high-quality education and training, thereby ensuring a highly skilled workforce to bolster the local economy. CGTC is a vital component of the Technical College System of Georgia and holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For further information about CGTC and its advocacy programs for career guidance, please visit www.centralgatech.edu. Stay connected with CGTC on social media platforms including Facebook (www.facebook.com/centralgatech), X (@CGTC), and Instagram (@centralgatech).
