Mike Mackey

Mike Mackey serves as the Director of Student Recruitment at GTCC, where he leads strategic efforts to attract, engage, and enroll diverse students across all of the community college programs. With over twenty years of experience in higher education recruitment, Mike believes that education is the foundation for a successful future. He has a passion for higher education and guiding students down the path of achieving their educational goals that will propel them to a life of professional advancement. The student recruitment department at GTCC consistently strives to enhance outreach initiatives and foster partnerships with schools and community organizations to expand the institution’s reach across Guilford County.

Tanesha Armstrong

Tanesha Armstrong is a Student Recruiter at Guilford Technical Community College, where she helps connect prospective students to GTCC’s academic and career programs. She joined the team in January 2024, bringing experience from her previous role as an Admissions Representative at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.

Before transitioning to higher education, Tanesha taught Foods & Nutrition and Culinary Arts in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and Guilford County Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from North Carolina State University, an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales, and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. With a lifelong passion for helping others, Tanesha is committed to supporting students on their journey to success.

Schools Served: Dudley, Grimsley, GTCC Middle College, Greensboro and High Point, T.W. Andrews, Kearns Academy, NC A&T Middle College/STEM, Northwest Guilford, Page, Ragsdale, Scale Greensboro, Southeast Guilford, Southwest Guilford, Weaver Academy, Western Guilford, Davidson County, and Forsyth County.

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Melisa Garcia

Melisa Garcia serves as GTCC’s bilingual student recruiter.  Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is proud to support GTCC’s diverse community by providing inclusive, personalized guidance that makes the college experience more accessible for everyone. 

Originally from Puerto Rico, Melisa holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).  Before joining GTCC's recruitment team, Melisa spent 20 years as a high school teacher in the classroom. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about building meaningful relationships with students, families, and school and community partners.  Whether you’re a high school student exploring your next steps, an adult learner returning to education, or someone seeking a new direction, Melisa is here to help you every step of the way. Outside of work, Melisa enjoys cooking for her family, dancing, and attending sporting events.  

 

Melisa García se desempeña como reclutadora estudiantil bilingüe de GTCC. Con fluidez en inglés y español, se enorgullece de apoyar a la diversa comunidad de GTCC brindando una orientación inclusiva y personalizada que hace que la experiencia universitaria sea más accesible para todos.

Originaria de Puerto Rico, Melisa obtuvo su título universitario en la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Greensboro (UNCG).  Antes de formar parte del equipo de reclutamiento de GTCC, Melisa fue maestra de escuela secundaria por 20 años.  A lo largo de su carrera ha sentido una profunda pasión por construir relaciones significativas con estudiantes, familias y socios escolares y comunitarios. Ya sea que usted sea un estudiante de secundaria explorando sus próximos pasos, un adulto que regresa a la educación o alguien en busca de una nueva dirección, Melisa está aquí para acompañarle en cada paso del camino. Fuera del trabajo, a Melisa le encanta cocinar para su familia, bailar y asistir a eventos deportivos. 


Schools Served: GTCC Middle College: Jamestown, East Guilford, High Point Central, Newcomers School Greensboro and High Point, Northeast Guilford, Northern Guilford, Pruitt Scale: High Point, Smith Academy, Smith, Southern Guilford, Chatham County, Stokes County

Sarah Hamilton

Sarah Hamilton serves as the on-campus student Recruiter, located on the GTCC Jamestown campus. Her primary focus is on recruiting and supporting prospective students considering specific programs through the onboarding and admissions process. She works closely with K-12 schools, community businesses, and nonprofit organizations to coordinate customized tours, specialized events, and activities to showcase GTCC’s many programs and career pathways. 

Sarah is an alumna of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, where she received both her bachelor's and master's degrees. Before her time at GTCC, Sarah spent 10 years as a high school CTE teacher and administrator in northwestern Arizona. She values building meaningful relationships and providing guidance to students as they explore their future opportunities. In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring and exploring new places, escaping into a good book, and spending quality time with friends and family.


Schools Served: Bethany Community School, Caldwell Academy, Cornerstone Charter Academy, North Carolina Leadership Academy, Piedmont Classical, Triad Math and Science Academy, UNCG Middle College, Weslyan Christian Academy.


McKenzie Penninger

McKenzie Penninger serves as GTCC’s Recruitment and Community Engagement Coordinator, partnering with high schools, community organizations, and prospective students to highlight the many opportunities GTCC offers. She coordinates summer camps, industry tours, and special events that connect students and schools with the college’s programs and resources.

Originally from Lexington, McKenzie earned her degree from High Point University. She enjoys planning meaningful events, building community relationships, and helping students feel confident in their next steps. Outside of work, you can find her cooking, traveling with friends, or spending time outdoors.