The Cisco Networking Academy has honored Dr. Dwight Watt, instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), for instructional excellence.

“Your exceptional teaching and contributions to the Cisco Networking Academy have earned you the prestigious 2025 Instructor Excellence Advanced Level Award,” the Cisco Networking Academy told Watt. “This accolade celebrates your global standing as a top instructor, distinguished by outstanding student feedback and performance.”

Watt serves as the primary contact at GNTC for the Cisco Networking Academy and is a Cisco-certified Networking Academy instructor.

“Dwight continues to demonstrate excellence in teaching and a strong commitment to student success, making him truly deserving of this recognition,” said Rocky Spurlock, program director and instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology (CIST) at GNTC.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Cisco for my continuous efforts to ensure that my students receive the latest instruction in Networking and Cybersecurity,” Watt said. 

Watt takes training several times a year to stay current because Cybersecurity and Networking change constantly. He said he was in North Carolina in Cisco training when he learned he had received this award. 

“Learning more about Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Networking is always exciting,” Watt said. “Regrettably threat agents are also learning and we have to stay ahead of them.” 

Watt teaches a variety of courses using Cisco materials, primarily Introduction to Networks – Cisco; Cisco Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials; Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation; and Implementing Operating Systems Security. He is a certified instructor for other Cisco courses.

“I’ve been impressed to see the careers some of my students have transitioned to after this training,” he said.

The Instructor Excellence Advanced Level Award recognizes instructors in the top 25% globally by highlighting those who provide high-quality training, demonstrating excellence in student education in Networking and Information Technology fields. An instructor must have taught at least 20 Networking Academy students during the calendar year in any curricula with a minimum 50% completion rate on final exams and course feedback to be eligible.

The Cisco Networking Academy program also presented Watt with this award in 2024, along with the Instructor 25 Years of Service Award.

The Cisco Networking Academy has impacted more than 28 million learners in 195 countries since 1997.

Watt holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Business Administration from Winthrop University in South Carolina and a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from the University of Georgia. He also holds more than 50 certifications in the Information Technology field. 

Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs. For more information about GNTC, visit us at www.GNTC.edu.