OUR HISTORY
The Oconee River Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center is one of 10 non-profit 501 (c) (3) Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers (GYSTC) throughout the state. Founded in 1997 by Deborah Riddleberger, the Oconee River GYSTC is now under the shared leadership of Will Dodd and the Oconee River GYSTC Board of Directors. Currently the Oconee River GYSTC supports science and technology instruction in 12 school systems including:
- Barrow County
- Clarke County
- Commerce City
- Elbert County
- Greene County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson City
- Madison County
- Morgan County
- Oconee County
- Oglethorpe County
- Social Circle City
OUR COORDINATOR
William Dodd is a science and STEM education leader dedicated to helping students and teachers bring real-world problem solving into the classroom. For over seven years, he has partnered with school districts in Northeast Georgia to expand hands-on, inquiry-based science through professional learning, competitions, and innovative programs. Known for sparking curiosity and resilience in learners of all ages, William Dodd has launched robotics and engineering courses, built mobile planetariums, and created lessons that put cutting-edge STEM tools directly into classrooms.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Oconee River GYSTC is to promote, interest, rigor, and enthusiasm in science and technology instruction. Hence, the primary purpose of the Oconee River GYSTC is to provide quality professional learning opportunities in the sciences and technologies for all teachers within the 12 membership school systems. In addition, the Oconee River GYSTC also offers a range of other programs such as Family Science Nights, STEM equipment lending, student programs, and professional learning sessions.
OUR BOARD
Directors:
- Board Chair: Mr. Nathan Bartlett, Georgia Power Company
- Vice Chair: Mrs. Susan Daniel, Johnson & Johnson
- Treasurer: Mr. Stephen Shockley, Net Funds Gained
- Mrs. Laurie Allison, Northeast Georgia RESA
- Dr. Philip Brown, Jackson County Schools
- Dr. Melissa Butler, Oconee County Schools
- Mr. John Chittom, Athens Janitor Supply
- Dr. Jody Goodroe, Madison County Schools
- Mr. Billy Kirk, Commerce City Schools
- Dr. Dallas LeDuff, Barrow County Schools
- Ms. Beverly Levine, Oglethorpe County Schools
- Dr. Donna McMullan, Jefferson City Schools
- Mr. Matthew Remillard, Social Circle City Schools
- Dr. Aaryn Schmuhl, Greene County Schools
- Dr. Jennifer Scott, Clarke County Schools
- Dr. Susan Stancil, Morgan County Schools
- Mr. Robert Wheeler, Elbert County Schools
Ex-Officio:
- Mrs. Amanda Buice, State GYSTC Office