Statesboro, Georgia — Ogeechee Technical College has named veteran CDL instructor Quincy Jackson the 2025 recipient of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. Jackson, who has been a full-time faculty member at the college since 2021, received the honor during the institution's Spring Faculty and Staff Meeting.

The award highlights the importance of high-quality entry-level driver training in an era where industry standards are tightening. Jackson brings a deep well of practical experience to the classroom, drawing on more than a decade of OTR work. His background includes hauling heavy equipment, agricultural loads, and maneuvering flatbed and low-boy trailers. Before entering the trucking industry in 2006, he served as an engineer in the Army National Guard, where he refined his skills in both training and management.

Jackson’s approach to instruction focuses on the basics that many modern training programs overlook. He mandates that his students master manual skills, such as reading physical maps and changing tires, to ensure they can handle real-world roadside emergencies. OTC President Lori Durden noted that Jackson’s influence extends beyond the classroom, citing his active role in community mentorship and local service initiatives. Jackson will represent Ogeechee Tech at the regional competition in Tifton on February 25, with the possibility of advancing to the state finals in Atlanta this spring.

What This Means for Drivers

For those looking at truck driver jobs, instructors like Jackson represent the gold standard in preparation for the realities of the road. A CDL-A driver who learns from someone with extensive OTR experience is better equipped to handle the logistical hurdles inherent in flatbed and heavy-haul work. Proper foundational training reduces the learning curve for new operators, making them more attractive to top-tier trucking companies hiring for specialized freight roles. Employers value graduates who have been pushed to think critically about equipment maintenance rather than just passing the minimum requirements for a license.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry relies heavily on technical colleges to bridge the gap between inexperienced students and road-ready professionals. As training requirements evolve under changing FMCSA regulations, the emphasis placed on instructors who combine military discipline with long-haul experience is becoming a critical asset for the workforce. Programs that prioritize hands-on problem solving help reduce turnover for owner-operator fleets and large carriers alike, as better-prepared drivers tend to stay in the industry longer.

Key Points

• Quincy Jackson has been a full-time CDL instructor at Ogeechee Technical College since 2021.
• The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction recognizes leadership and innovation in Georgia's technical college system.
• Jackson’s professional background includes over a decade of OTR experience with heavy equipment and specialized trailers.
• Regional competition for the award takes place February 25 in Tifton, Georgia.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.

Photo by R9 Media Photo Collective on Pexels