Kevin “Catfish” Jackson to be honored at 16th annual Opportunity Award Gala

Kevin "Catfish" Jackson headshotSAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah businessman Kevin “Catfish” Jackson will be honored at the 16th annual Opportunity Award Gala, Friday, January 24, 2020. The event, hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, honors deserving civic leaders for a lifetime of service creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed.

The STC Foundation will honor Jackson for his business acumen, vision, and commitment to developing the next generation of Georgia’s leaders. He is the founder, president and CEO of EnvironVac Holdings, LLC, a company he started and grew to more than 1,000 employees during two decades. He is the Chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority and sits on the Southeastern Board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as the advisory board of directors for United Community Bank and previously served on the Bethesda Leadership Academy board. He was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to the Board of the Georgia Ports Authority.  He previously served on the boards of the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Georgia Lottery Corp.

Jackson received the 2015 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award and the 2018 Savannah State University Entrepreneur Award. He volunteers with several philanthropic organizations including Kids and Pros Football Camp, the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, Alzheimer’s Dancing with the Stars, and The First Tee. Kevin also was a community football coach for 17 years. He coached nine years at The Savannah Country Day Middle School and eight years at Savannah Christian Preparatory Upper School.

Jackson attended the University of Georgia, where he was a three-year letterman, a member of the 1980 National Championship football team, and two SEC Championships. He earned the prestigious Coach Wally Butts award for “the Player who pays the Price” which is voted on by the coaches. He and his wife, Libby, have three children and four grandsons. 

The event gathers 300 community and civic leaders for a celebratory evening honoring a special individual. The evening also showcases the talents of students enrolled in Savannah Technical College’s award-winning Culinary Arts programs. Past recipients include: Former Governor Zell Miller, Arnold Tenenbaum, Judge Griffin Bell, Tom Coleman, Dick Eckburg, Arthur M. Gignilliat, Jr., Bob and Alice Jepson, Howard Morrison, Stratton Leopold, Chef Jean Vendeville and Ted Kleisner.

The Opportunity Award Gala is a fundraiser for the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds to support Savannah Technical College. STC Foundation Board members and event co-chairs, Loretta Cockrum and Mary Morrison, are leading the fundraising efforts. For sponsorship information, contact Gail Eubanks at geubanks@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3022.

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#2010 | September 26, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or 
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

 

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Medical Assisting awarded 10-year continuing accreditation

Medical Assisting group of students posing in classroom lab.SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Medical Assisting program has been awarded continuing accreditation for ten years by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The recent peer review conducted by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) in April 2019, and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors recognized the program’s 100% compliance with the nationally established accreditation MAERB Standards with no citations or recommendations. The accreditation standards are established by CAAHEP, MAERB, American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

“The commission commends you (Dr. Love) and your colleagues for your commitment to continuous quality improvement in education, as demonstrated by your participation in program accreditation,” wrote CAAHEP President Glen Mayhew, DHSc, NRP, in the College’s award letter dated September 20, 2019.

STC’s Medical Assisting Diploma program provides prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in today’s medical offices. The Medical Assisting program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of medical assisting.

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks, which keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. In small practices, medical assistants usually do many tasks, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.

The Medical Assisting diploma program utilizes a competitive entry process and requires the completion of the Heath Care Assistant Certificate with any approved specialization or the Emergency Medical Technician – Basic certificate plus the required core classes as part of the its admission process.

Applications are accepted from April 1 – May 1 for a Fall (August) start. The Medical Assisting diploma program starts one (1) cohort each academic year. Meeting the minimal program requirements does not guarantee acceptance in the program. Students may be required to successfully pass criminal background check and drug screen analysis before placement in clinical settings.

Satisfactory completion of all program courses entitles students to participate in the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) examination and certification process. Many employers require candidates to hold a CMA for entry level employment. Application assistance and fee for the exam is included in the Medical Assisting Externship course (MAST 1170).

For information about Medical Assisting visit: www.savannahtech.edu/MedicalAssisting or contact Jackie Muller jmuller@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5810.

About CAAHEP

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is the largest programmatic accreditor of the health sciences professions. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits more 2,100 individual education programs in 30 health science occupations. CAAHEP accredited programs are assessed on an ongoing basis to assure that they meet the Standards and Guidelines of each profession. CAAHEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAAHEP is also member of the Association of Specialized & Professional Accreditors (ASPA). Visit: www.caahep.org

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#2009 | September 24, 2019

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

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Technical College Announces New Avionics Training

SAVANNAH, GA – Beginning this summer, students seeking specialized careers in aviation will have a new option. Working with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and other industry leaders, Savannah Technical College announced the development of two new avionics certificates as part of their technical training curriculum, to begin May 2019. The new certificates were approved by the Technical College System of Georgia this week. 

This curriculum is new for the state of Georgia. “We are proud to be on the cutting-edge of developing new instructional programs like this,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “We would not have been able to do so without working so closely with Gulfstream. They collaborated with us to create curriculum and helped us identify critical training equipment. Gulfstream is an exemplary business partner committed to investing in workforce development and career readiness.”

With a sizable pledge from Gulfstream, the college will equip its new avionics lab with advanced equipment, including 13 electronic trainers, four fully outfitted avionics technician boxes and a data bus trainer. 

“Through our partnership with Savannah Technical College, we continue to train and prepare students for aerospace careers,” said Jay Neely, vice president for law and public affairs, Gulfstream. “The college’s new avionics program is the most recent example of our collaborative commitment to ensure we are providing local students with the tools and training they need to be successful in our field.” 

The avionics certificates may be completed in two semesters starting in May 2019. The first semester, students will take three courses to earn the Avionics Installer Certificate (10 hours): Introduction to Aircraft and Aviation Fundamentals, Basic Aircraft Electricity and Basic Aircraft Electrical Wiring and Troubleshooting. Upon completion of the Avionics Installer Certificate or equivalent work experience, students will advance to the Avionics Technician Certificate (nine hours), which includes three courses: Aircraft Navigation, Communication and Avionics Systems, Advance Aircraft Electricity and Advance Aircraft Wiring and Troubleshooting. 

As avionics technicians, graduates will understand the different systems found on modern aircraft, how to do basic trouble shooting on aircraft systems and methods to integrate systems on aircraft. They could also find employment in the retrofit side of aviation with companies that are busy updating older aircraft to modern avionic suites.

“With the continued evolution of aircraft, the need for understanding how to correctly install, integrate, and troubleshoot wiring and systems on aircraft has grown,” said STC Dean of Aviation Tal Loos. “The talent pool for these skill sets is very limited or non-existent, even among the current workforce because the technology is so new. As technology keeps moving into new and old aircraft, the need for this skill set will continue to grow as owners of aircraft want to retrofit their current aircraft with the latest and greatest technology.”

This program will relate to the College’s current aviation programs: Aviation Maintenance, Aircraft Structural, Luxury Craft Cabinetmaking, Upholstery and Trim, and Advance Airframe and/or Powerplant. Avionics training will give graduates a better understanding of wiring in aircraft and allow them to be better prepared to deal with current and future aircraft industry needs.

All instruction will be delivered in the state-of-the-art Aviation Training Center at the College’s Crossroads Campus. For information about STC’s Aviation programs, call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology

STC Aviation Fast Facts:

  • Savannah Technical College has graduated 1,159 students prepared for careers in aviation, with close to 90% of them gaining employment locally. 
  • The 29,152 square-foot Aviation Training Center includes a hangar, four training labs and five classrooms with a tarmac.
  • 5,000-sq.-ft. hangar includes hoist, portable paint booth, ground support equipment, electro tug ground power unit and engine stands.
  • The College was granted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to teach the Aviation Maintenance Technology program in 2014.
  • The College owns three fully functional planes and a Gulfstream G100 aircraft that are used for instructional purposes and are housed at the Aviation Training Center.

Gulfstream’s support of the College’s $7.2-million campaign, “Where Excellence Meets Opportunity,” was part of the precision manufacturing priority. The campaign was led by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds to support the College.

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#1934 | March 19, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Stubbs selected as Vice President of Economic Development

Brent Stubbs HeadshotSAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Dr. Brent A. Stubbs as its Vice President of Economic Development. Stubbs was most recently the vice president of adult education at the College. He will plan, administer and evaluate economic development services to include supervision and leadership in the activities of personnel as related to economic development.

 

 

Other responsibilities include:

  • assisting community leaders in the recruitment of new and expansion of existing business and industry within the College’s service area;
  • developing partnerships with businesses, industries, agencies, schools and other community stakeholder organizations to make community and economic development programs accessible;
  • promoting, developing, providing instruction and/or administering professional development and pre-employment training programs at the College and industry settings; and
  • conducting industry job and training analysis, developing training plans and designing performance-based training.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve the college and our community in this new capacity,” said Stubbs. “Meeting business and industry needs is what Savannah Technical College does, and I look forward to the enviable challenge of helping to continue the growth of our beautiful coastal community. Any new business thinking about Savannah or this immediate area, should move here now. We have beauty, history, industry, great people, and a world-class workforce education system that is second to none.”

Stubbs has helped to shape the Adult Education career pathways systems in Florida and Georgia – connecting people, employers and training through innovative approaches to education. At Savannah Technical College, he has served as Dean for Adult Education, Dean for General Studies, Vice President for Adult Education and now Vice President for Economic Development. In addition to teaching and administration, his work experience includes professional sales and consulting with small to large employers. Dr. Stubbs has earned a bachelor of arts from Oral Roberts University, master’s in business administration from Brenau University, and Ed.D. from Georgia Southern University.

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#2008 | September 16, 2019

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

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Culinary Institute Chefs to host Interactif 2019

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College will host its annual Interactif event in partnership with the Savannah Food and Wine Festival at 5:45 p.m., on Thursday, October 17 in the Eckburg Auditorium (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405).

“This is absolutely one of my favorite events of the year,” said Michael Owens, co-founder of Savannah Food & Wine Festival and President/CEO of Tourism Leadership Council. “There’s just something special about an evening dedicated to the appreciation of great food, wine, education all in the name of supporting the Patrick Williams Scholarship fund. This event is so important to the mission of the Savannah Food & Wine Festival to fundraise and increase awareness of local non-profits organizations and funds.”

Interactif 2019 will feature four destinations stations along with appetizers and desserts. Guests will travel around the world with elegant tasting opportunities paired with wine selections at the destination stations with take-home recipes. Three stations will feature chef demonstrations where guests work alongside chefs to learn techniques of making chermoula sauce, kimchi and red bean cakes. Guests will learn about U.S. wines paired with artisan Georgia cheeses. International cuisine will include South Korea, Morocco and Spain.

Cost is $100 per person with proceeds supporting the Patrick Ansley Williams Scholarship at Savannah Technical College. Seating is limited to 120. Advance tickets may be purchased online: www.savannahtech.edu/BistroSavoirInteractif.

Guests will enjoy shrimp kebabs with chermoula sauce, barbequed short ribs with kimchi, and red bean cakes with romseco sauce and mango chutney, along with artisan breads, cheeses, charcuterie, and artisan chocolates.

This year Jason Restivo, owner of Atlantic in Savannah, will lead a tour of USA wines paired with artisan Georgia cheeses. Restivo is a certified sommelier with 20+ years of experience in food, beverage and hospitality industries and was named Best Sommelier by Connect Savannah in 2016 – 2019.

Attendees will have the chance for $5 fish bowl raffles at each station and the opportunity to bid on a private Chef’s Table Dinner for 10 with the Savannah Culinary Institute’s team of chef instructors.

In the past five years, Bistro Savoir Interactif raised more than $55,000 to benefit the Patrick Ansley Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was started in 2012 by Bill Dickinson to honor the late Patrick Williams. Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to STC culinary and hospitality students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, who are selected by the College’s scholarship committee. Funds are applied toward tuition, fees, books and required supplies.

STC scholarship funds are managed by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501 (c)3 organization whose sole purpose is to raise private funds to support the mission of Savannah Technical College. Gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Last year, the College purchased 7 West Bay Street as the new location for an expansion of its Culinary Arts program. The expansion will more than double the available instructional space for Culinary Arts and Baking& Pastry Arts. Senior level (second year) students will take classes and work in the bakery and restaurant. The hands-on, real-world experience in the restaurant will allow students the opportunity to apply techniques learned in the classroom to practical use, complete a required field placement, and gain first-hand experience in running a restaurant and serving the general public.

Savannah Food & Wine Festival
The Savannah Food & Wine Festival takes place throughout Savannah, November 4-10, 2019, with celebrity chefs and winemakers, connoisseur dinners, one-of-a-kind culinary, spirits, wine and beverage experiences. The most up-to-date festival information is available on the website: www.savannahfoodandwinefestival.com on Twitter @SAVFoodWineFest #savfw and Facebook at Savannah Food & Wine Festival.

About the Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute
The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to his committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

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#2007 | September 10, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College serves Coastal Georgia with quality, market-driven technical education with campus locations in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Serving more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually, Savannah Tech offers nearly 150 different instructional programs in Aviation Technology, Business and Professional Services, Industrial Technology, and Health Sciences in addition to Adult Education classes, industry-specific training and continuing education. The College serves as an economic and community development partner for the region, offering corporate and customized training and assessment programs for business and industry.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).