Statesboro, Georgia — Quincy Jackson, a veteran commercial driving instructor at Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. The award recognizes Jackson’s contributions to the field of commercial vehicle training and his dedication to maintaining high standards for students entering the industry.
Jackson’s path to the classroom began with over a decade of hands-on experience as an OTR truck driver. His career behind the wheel included hauling diverse freight such as agricultural products, heavy equipment, and specialized loads on flatbed and low-boy trailers. Before entering the civilian trucking workforce in 2006, he served as an engineer in the Army National Guard, a role that required both technical training and personnel management. He joined the OTC faculty as an adjunct in 2018 before moving to a full-time position in 2021.
The Rick Perkins Award is a competitive program managed by the Technical College System of Georgia that evaluates instructors based on their leadership and innovation. Jackson will represent OTC at the regional competition in Tifton on February 25. Success there could propel him to the state finals held in Atlanta this spring. OTC President Lori Durden noted that Jackson’s history at the college—as the son of a former custodian—reflects a deep personal investment in technical education and community mentorship.
What This Means for Drivers
Jackson emphasizes that modern students need a firm grasp of traditional skills to handle the unpredictable nature of the road. He focuses his curriculum on fundamental tasks like map reading and tire maintenance, ensuring that every CDL-A driver leaving his program can troubleshoot basic mechanical failures. This back-to-basics approach is a direct response to the complexity of current freight operations and the need for self-reliance during long-haul assignments. By prioritizing these core competencies, Jackson aims to prepare his students for the real-world obstacles they will inevitably encounter as they seek out stable truck driver jobs.
Industry Reaction
The recognition of instructors like Jackson highlights the ongoing effort within the technical education sector to bridge the skills gap in the logistics industry. While many trucking companies are hiring to address the perpetual demand for qualified personnel, the quality of initial instruction remains a primary concern for carriers and owner-operator fleets alike. Excellence in training programs ensures that new entrants understand both the mechanical requirements of their rigs and the safety expectations imposed by current FMCSA regulations.
Key Points
- Quincy Jackson has served as a full-time faculty member at Ogeechee Technical College since 2021.
- The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction was established in 1991 to honor outstanding educators.
- Jackson’s professional background spans over 10 years of OTR experience with heavy equipment and specialized trailers.
- The regional competition for the award takes place on February 25 in Tifton, Georgia.
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