SAVANNAH – Mary Chatman, Ph.D., R.N, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer for Memorial University Medical Center, will deliver the commencement address at Savannah Technical College’s 2014 graduation, at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8 in the Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center. 

Savannah Tech has awarded 363 degrees and diplomas for students that completed coursework from summer 2013 through spring 2014. Also, 800 GED diplomas have been earned during that time. Savannah Tech expects more than 230 degree, diploma and GED recipients to participate in graduation.

Chatman joined Memorial University Medical Center in 2009 as senior vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO). In 2012, she assumed the additional role of chief operating officer, giving her accountability for day-to-day operations. Chatman leads nursing divisions, patient care services, perioperative services, The Rehabilitation Institute, Center for Behavioral Medicine, Heart & Vascular Institute, ancillary departments, outpatient clinical departments, human resources, and clinical support services. 

Chatman came to Savannah from Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, where she also served as vice president and CNO. Chatman began her career as a nursing assistant and quickly moved into leadership roles. Chatman’s leadership experience in clinical management is extensive and varied, and includes transformational leadership, quality improvement, fiscal management, shared governance, patient and family centered care, and employee recruitment and retention.

Chatman holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration, and a Doctorate in Nursing from East Carolina University. Chatman was appointed to the Georgia Board of Nursing in June 2011 where she served two years, serves on the Savannah Technical College Board of Directors, and the ALL Foundation for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

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#1442|April 23, 2014

 Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

                                                                                                

STC Associate Degree offers pathway to Armstrong Bachelor of Science

SAVANNAH – For Lora Schroeder and Mya Robertson, it is the end of the beginning – the beginning of their academic pursuits in justice-related studies. These women, both studying Criminal Justice at Savannah Technical College, are preparing to make their way from completing the associate degree onto baccalaureate study at Armstrong, thanks, to a newly-minted articulation agreement between the institutions. Both students want to work in the juvenile justice system.

Last week, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents and Georgia board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) approved the first completely transferrable degree between Savannah Technical College and Armstrong with STC’s Criminal Justice Associate of Science Degree. This 65-hour program offers students a seamless educational pathway for criminal justice students to continue their education at Armstrong.

For Lora, who is a certified child development specialist with experience working with the Bryan County Schools, getting involved professionally with the juvenile justice is the best way to help children. “It’s easy to empathize with children and make a difference in their behaviors at an early age,” she says. “Being delinquent doesn’t mean that you’re bad, it just means that you need help and no one’s been helping you.” Lora was drawn to this career field because of the stability, variety and sense of purpose it provides. She also likes the feeling of contributing to others and making life better for them and for the community.

Mya, who worked in banking for ten years before the economic downturn, is enthusiastic about the possibilities. “When I decided to go back to school, it was the easiest thing I’ve ever done,” she notes. “From testing, to scheduling to completing the program – everything has just fallen into place for me. I know it’s the right thing for me to be doing.”

Both considered continuing their studies with a prestigious university in the state that offers online study. For her part, Mya had reservations. “But I knew that I needed to be in class. I’m not an online learner, so having the opportunity to continue at Armstrong is perfect for me,” she says.

Both women have externships remaining during which they work 20 hours in an agency or in the courts. Says Mya, “That’s where we will really see how to implement what we’ve learned. It’s the start of a new career for me and my family.”

In addition to general core courses, the program will feature 18 semester hours in criminal justice-related coursework – including introduction to criminal justice, principals of law enforcement, ethics and cultural perspectives, corrections, criminal law and constitutional law.

Savannah Technical College’s Criminal Justice program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for Criminal Justice professions. The program emphasizes a combination of theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. The Criminal Justice field offers thousands of career opportunities in the three components of the criminal justice system: Law Enforcement, the Courts, and Corrections, as well as careers in private security. For more information visit www.savannahtech.edu/CriminalJustice.

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social and Political Science at Armstrong offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This degree consists of core courses in the administration of justice, criminology, ethics and criminal procedure coupled with a concentration in juvenile justice, law enforcement, research methods, penology and law. Coupled with relevant work experience, the degree sharpens the candidate’s competitive edge for state and federal law enforcement openings, court administration positions, and state and federal probation and parole positions. In addition, the degree is invaluable for mid-career advancement.

Thanks to an agreement signed in 2012 by the USG and TCSG, there are 27 core curriculum courses transferable to USG institutions from TCSG institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. These 27 courses offer more options for TCSG students to pursue baccalaureate degree opportunities at USG institutions.

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#1440 | April 21, 2014

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Atlanta, GA – Georgia Governor Nathan Deal today presented Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation with the Georgia Manufacturer of the Year award in the large company category (more than 500 employees).

“Manufacturing represents a powerful piece of the Georgia mosaic, supplying our state with jobs and the world with goods,” said Gov. Deal during his keynote speech at the 20^th annual Governor’s Awards Luncheon. “This is why I have made a point of supporting the manufacturers of our state.”

The company, which is headquartered in Savannah and has a manufacturing and service facility in Brunswick, won the award for its “commitment to employees, the community and the environment and its emphasis on education,” according to remarks read when the award was announced.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. is the world’s leading manufacturer of technologically advanced business-jet aircraft.

In 1967, production of Gulfstream jets moved to Savannah, Georgia, where the company established its headquarters. The company has expanded repeatedly in Chatham County since then. In 2006, the company began a $400 million expansion, creating 1,500 new jobs. A second $500 million expansion launched in 2010 has resulted in an additional 2,500 new jobs and counting. And this year, Gulfstream announced plans to expand its Brunswick facility and hire an additional 100 employees.

From a start-up with 100 initial employees, today Gulfstream employs more than 9,000 in Savannah and more than 200 in Brunswick.

Since Gulfstream arrived in the 1960s, the workforce has helped drive the company’s phenomenal growth. Today, the performance of Gulfstream’s growing workforce is still essential to the company’s continuing success. Partnerships with Savannah Technical College, Altamaha Technical College and Georgia Quick Start have helped ensure that quality workforce.

“Many of those new employees come from right here in Georgia, thanks to the partnerships we have with educational institutions around the state as well as Georgia Quick Start, which has been our partner in workforce training for close to two decades,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. “As I’ve always said, Gulfstream is a success because of two things: our people and our products. And that’s the absolute truth. We have some of the best employees in the world. And this honor belongs to each and every one of them.”

Three manufacturers are chosen each year in categories based on the size of their employment. The other award winners were Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas in Monroe (151-500 employees), and Tucker’s ddFoodSolutions (150 or fewer employees).

The annual awards luncheon, held today in Atlanta, is the highlight of Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week, which is co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Pictured from left: Chris Carr, Commissioner, Georgia Dept. of Economic Development; Ron Jackson, Commissioner, TCSG; Gov. Nathan Deal; GULFSTREAM – Larry Flynn, President; Mark Bennett; Jay Neely; Heidi Fedak; Mike Creo and Elyse Szala.

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#1439 | April 17, 2014

ATLANTA – Mina Smith, a fourth grader from Savannah, Ga., was honored in Atlanta today for her artwork supporting Georgia’s manufacturing industry.

Smith took first place in her division (grades K-5) of the 2014 Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design contest. She received a $500 scholarship check at the MAW Governor’s Awards Luncheon held at the Georgia International Convention Center. Last year she won second place in her division.

“These winners are the best and the brightest, and our future depends on them and their understanding of the creative process,” said Larry Callahan, CEO of Pattillo Industrial Real Estate, as the awards were being presented.

Students from around the state submitted design entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products. Winners were named for grades 9-12, 6-8, and K-5.

During the ceremonies, Gov. Deal named Georgia’s 2014 Manufacturers of the Year: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah and Brunswick in the large manufacturer category (more than 500 employees); Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas in Monroe in the medium manufacturer category (150-500 employees); and Tucker’s ddFoodSolutions in the small manufacturer category (fewer than 150 employees).

Co-hosted by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the awards luncheon is the highlight of MAW, celebrated this year April 14-18. This is the 20th year celebrating Manufacturing Appreciation Week in Georgia.

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#1438 | April 17, 2014
 Media  Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College students won 12 medals at the 2014 SkillsUSA Postsecondary State Conference, held March 13-15 at the Georgia International Convention at Atlanta Technical College.

Savannah Tech students brought home three gold medals (first place): Kelvin Conyers (Nursing Assisting); Robert Anderson (Automotive Service Technology); and Amara Kone’ Rodolfo Hille, Chante’ Bunch, David Jackson and Rodney Johnson (Quiz Bowl).

Laquanda Jones (Cosmetology), Katelyn Cole (Early Childhood Education), Thomas Boyd (First Aid/CPR), and Darryl Lewis (Technical Computer Applications) won silver medals or second place.

There were five categories in which students won bronze medals or third place: Francisco Pacheco (Internetworking); Latasha Campbell (Nail Care); LeAndra Ortiz (Technical Computer Applications); Yolanda James (Nursing Assistant); and William Geggatt (Welding Sculpture).

Students from across the state of Georgia took part in the three-day competition. SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization that annually serves more than 320,000 high school, college and postsecondary students–and their instructors–in technical, skilled and service-occupation instructional programs.

More than 500 college students take part in the state competition. Savannah Tech’s gold winners in each category will move on to compete on a national level at the 50th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 23-27, 2014, in Kansas City, Mo.

SkillsUSA is a national, nonprofit student organization that has developed more than 10 million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators. Hundreds of American industries have turned to SkillsUSA as the source for employees who exemplify “Champions at Work” in both skills and attitudes. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. At the heart of this mission are SkillsUSA’s core values: integrity, responsibility, citizenship, service and respect.

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#1437 | April 2, 2014
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu