Governor Sonny Perdue Welcomes Michael Vollmer as Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education

ATLANTA , GA - Governor Sonny Perdue welcomed today Michael F. Vollmer as the new Commissioner of the Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE).  On August 12, 2004, the DTAE Board unanimously approved the selection effective October 1, 2004.  The DTAE Commissioner oversees Georgia's Technical College System, Adult Literacy Programs, and the internationally acclaimed Quick Start program.

" Georgia's technical and adult education system is a key component of economic and community development in our state," said Governor Sonny Perdue.  "Mike's experience and commitment to quality education will further DTAE's mission to help Georgians improve their skills, advance their careers, and achieve their dreams."

Vollmer, 54, is currently president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a position he has held since 2001.  Prior to that, he served as the Executive Director of the Office of Education Accountability, Executive Director of the Office of School Readiness, and numerous other positions within Georgia's education system.  He was also the first Executive Director of Georgia's HOPE Scholarship Program, working closely with the Office of the President and the U.S. Department of Education to develop the national HOPE Scholarship Program.

"I sincerely appreciate the board members of the Department of Technical and Adult Education and Governor Perdue giving me this special opportunity serving as the next Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education," said Michael Vollmer.  "Creating a trained and educated workforce for the 21 st Century will be a key ingredient for the future prosperity of our state."

 "It will be a privilege to work with a dedicated faculty and staff of our technical college system and, more importantly, providing the training and education for a growing number of students throughout Georgia," said Vollmer.