News

Augusta Technical College Honored with 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award

Augusta Technical College has been recognized as a winner of the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award

For Immediate Release

Augusta Technical College seal in Heritage Green composed of the words Augusta Technical College circling the top 3/4s of a circular outline. The word Georgia is centered at the bottom outside the circular outline, separated from the words Augusta and College by three stylized laurel leaves. The inner part of the circular outline is divided into three sections by lines forming a capitalzed Y. The upper section includes the image of an open book as seen from the bottom edge with the year 1961 above it framed by two small diamonds. The bottom left section contains an outline of a gear with the hollow center of the gear opening to the center of the Y. The bottom right section contains the outline of a caduceus.

Logo for the 2026 Catalyst Awards. The design features the year "2026" above the words "CATALYST AWARDS" in bold black text. A blue upward-pointing chevron appears above the text, and a matching blue downward-pointing chevron appears below it, creating a balanced geometric design on a light background.

Augusta Technical College Honored with 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award

Dr. Amanda Bylczynski, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

Augusta, GA - June 18, 2026

Headshot of Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston smiling, with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing a royal blue outfit and pearl earrings against a plain gray background.

Augusta Technical College has been recognized as a winner of the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness, honoring the institution's leadership in advancing innovative, impactful, and student-centered educational experiences
through technology.

Presented annually by Blackboard, the Catalyst Awards celebrate institutions and individuals around the world who are using Blackboard
solutions to drive meaningful change in teaching, learning, accessibility, engagement, and institutional success. The awards recognize bold ideas, measurable impact, and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for learners everywhere.

"We are honored to receive the 2026 Catalyst Award and to be recognized among institutions from around the world for innovation and excellence," stated Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker, President of Augusta Technical College. "This award reflects Augusta Technical College's commitment to student success, continuous improvement, and leveraging technology to create transformative educational experiences. I am incredibly proud of all our faculty and staff, and a special kudos to the team whose dedication made this achievement possible.

“This recognition reflects the power of collaboration, as the vision of centralizing assessment and data collection processes under one office would not have been possible without the faculty’s willingness to take a leap of faith in trying something new,” said Dr. Amanda Bylczynski, project leader of the Catalyst Award.

“We're inspired by the institutions and educators recognized through this year's Catalyst Awards,” said Bruce Dahlgren, CEO of Blackboard. “These winners represent the very best of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to learner success. Their work is helping shape the future of education in ways that are more accessible, engaging, and impactful for learners around the world.”

Founded in 2005, the annual Blackboard Catalyst Awards recognize and celebrate innovation, leadership, and excellence across Blackboard's global community of practice. Each year, winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Blackboard experts and reflect the creativity, dedication, and vision driving the future of education worldwide.

To learn more about the Catalyst Awards and see the full list of 2026 winners,visit blackboard.com/catalyst-awards.

###

About Augusta Technical College

Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.

 

Media Contact

Kimberly N. Holden
Executive Director, Marketing & Public Relations
706.771.4819
kimberly.holden@augustatech.edu

All News & Updates