Jodi McDaniel Lowery is GNTC’s 2024 Alumnus of the Year
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named author Jodi McDaniel Lowery as its 2024 Alumnus of the Year.
McDaniel Lowery, a Chatsworth resident, received an associate degree in Criminal Justice at GNTC in 2013 and a certificate in Crime Scene Investigation in 2022 to help her write true crime books and conduct cold case research.
“Jodi McDaniel Lowery personifies what it means to be authentically engaged at all levels of one’s community,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. “Whether she is volunteering with the elementary school book club she helped establish--or penning another page-turner about a cold case in northwest Georgia--she is contributing to the place she calls home.”
McDaniel Lowery has published four true crime books about northwest Georgia and has conducted extensive research and interviews with witnesses, family members and judicial figures. She uses what she characterizes as “a meticulous eye for detail and a profound commitment to truth.”
She has been featured on the “Just One More Question” and “Conversations of the Strange” podcasts. She has 13 years of experience as a middle school teacher and also authored a children’s book about a therapy dog.
McDaniel Lowery is deeply engaged in her community as a volunteer and philanthropist. She serves as a trustee of the Friends of the Vann House and volunteers with the Murray County 4H, Spring Place Community of Hope and the McDaniel Family Book Club at Spring Place Elementary. Through the McDaniel Family Foundation, she serves on the Scholarship Committee and supports, mentors and encourages GNTC students.
“Jodi and her siblings are loyal friends of GNTC,” Popham said. “Their support continues to help outstanding Murray County students realize their dream of a college education. The fact that she’s an alumnus just makes it that much more special.”
Both of her children attended GNTC. Andrew McDaniel earned associate degrees in Electronics Technology and Industrial Systems Technology, as well as certificates in Industrial Electrician, Industrial Motor Control Technician, Programmable Control Tech I and Programmable Control Tech II. Lauren Wiley earned an associate degree and diploma in Social Work Assistant and a certificate in Addictions Specialist.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 12,241 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,031 students and an additional enrollment of 4,210 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start. GNTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, as set forth in its student catalog, GNTC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Equity Coordinator, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator: Brittany Elrod.
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