The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recently voted to name the new Health Sciences Building at the Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) Warner Robins campus in honor of community leader Sonny Watson. The official name of the building will be the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Health Sciences Building.
Funding was approved for this building in the 2013 Legislative Session. This new facility will be located in Houston Health Park on land donated to the College by Houston Healthcare Systems, Inc. Construction is set to begin during the fiscal year 2014.
Watson’s reputation as a businessman, state legislator, and community volunteer spurred the former Middle Georgia Technical College (MGTC), now CGTC, local Board of Directors to make the recommendation to the TCSG State Board to include his moniker on the College’s newest building. This motion was the last official vote taken by the MGTC Board of Directors prior to the merger with Central Georgia Technical College in Macon July 1.
Watson has served Houston County and its citizens his entire life as a businessman, public servant, and, most recently, as a tireless volunteer. He is a native of Warner Robins and comes from a long line of county and state civic leaders. His father and grandfather helped to establish and shape the community of Warner Robins, formerly Wellston, and were instrumental in bringing Robins Air Force Base to its current home.
After being exposed to politics and public service at a young age, Watson decided to follow the family footsteps. After beginning his career as a small business owner, he served Houston County as clerk and administrator for 17 years. Later, he owned Watson Insurance Agency and ran for the state legislature in 1976 and served 22 years, stepping down from his post in 1999.
During his time in the legislature, Watson was a friend and great supporter of MGTC. He was responsible for helping secure funding for the current Warner Robins campus in the mid-90s. Prior to moving to the Cohen Walker Drive campus, the College had outgrown its location on Corder Road.
Watson and other local legislators saw the need for a larger, state-of-the-art campus in the community. In 1997, the College officially moved to the new location, greatly increasing the ability to serve students and customers through credit education, adult education, and economic development services.
In addition to helping secure funding for a new campus, Watson, who serves as the chairman of the Houston Healthcare Systems, Inc. Board, was also highly instrumental in the donation of the land where the new Roy H. ‘Sonny’ Watson Health Sciences building will be located. He and the other board members recognize the need for increased medical training programs to provide world-class service in the local medical community. Currently, the Warner Robins campus is limited on space for new programs. The new building will allow the College to offer expanded medical program options, as well as expand and update facilities for current programs.
Watson serves as Chairman of the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency, as well as Houston Healthcare Systems, Inc. He also served on the board of CB&T Bank, a position he held for more than 25 years.
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