Dr. Aldridge selected as STC Dean for Effingham Campus

Tristam Aldridge HeadshotRINCON, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Dr. Tristam Aldridge as its Dean of Effingham Campus. Dr. Aldridge was most recently the special projects assistant at Georgia Southwestern State University. During his three year tenure, he served in the president’s office, and supervised the division of student affairs and auxiliary services. He will be responsible for the administration and operation of STC’s Effingham Campus in Rincon, Ga.  He will also oversee academic programs, courses, and instruction services including college, community and high school programs, as well as promote the college to public and private organizations.

Dr. Aldridge has earned a bachelor of science with majors in psychology/counseling skills from Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Ga., a master of education and a doctor of philosophy with a focus on educational leadership and higher education administration from Clemson University, in Clemson, S.C.  

Aldridge has worked in higher education with leadership positions for the past two decades. Before his three years at Georgia Southwestern State University, he was the director of graduate admissions at Georgia Southern University and was the director of graduate admissions/recruitment at Clemson University. He began his higher education career at Toccoa Falls College in the admission department.

STC’s Effingham Campus is located at 2890 Highway 21 South in Rincon, Ga. The campus offers quality instructional programs, economic and workforce development services, adult education and more. Current programs include: Commercial Truck Driving, Construction Management, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Electrical Technology, Health Sciences programs, Precision Machining & Manufacturing, Welding & Joining, and general core courses.

Effingham Campus is hosting a Fall 2020 Dual Enrollment Preview/Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. All are encouraged to attend to speak with instructors and learn more about programs. College enrollment is open for Spring 2020 with a priority admissions/financial aid deadline of December 15. Visit www.savannahtech.edu/apply to apply online.

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2020 | November 27, 2019

Effingham Campus Dual Enrollment: Patricia Boyles
pboyles@savannahtech.edu

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 Tech Peace Officer Academy Honors Graduates of Molina Cohort

SAVANNAH – Sixteen students from the Savannah Technical College Peace Officer Academy celebrated graduating from the program with a completion ceremony today.

The eight men and eight women have completed coursework containing the entire Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. Their successful completion of the program qualifies them to be state-certified peace officers.

This is the 29th group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated 380 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Many candidates are in various stages of the application process with statewide agencies. Twelve of the eighteen candidates have been hired by area police departments. Savannah Tech’s Peace Officer Academy has a 97% placement rate.     

Each cohort selects a fallen officer for whom the graduating class will be named. The cohorts have a tradition of giving the family of the fallen officer a challenge coin dedicated to the officer. A challenge coin is a symbol of an unbreakable bond of dedication and allegiance among military personnel and law enforcement officers. The challenge coin tradition started as a military tradition in World War I and was later adopted by law enforcement.  

This cohort honors Cpl. Luis Molina of the Savannah Police Department, who passed away on August 18, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, brothers & several nieces and nephews and dear friends.

The Basic Law Enforcement Technical Certificate of Credit provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become competent law enforcement officers. The 18-week cohort program utilizes classroom instruction pertaining to criminal justice theory and the prevailing principles of modern law enforcement, as well as practical application of pertinent enforcement skills. College coursework contains the entire Georgia Peace Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Law Enforcement Training Course so that successful completion of the program will qualify the student to be a state-certified peace officer.

     For more information about the Peace Officer Academy visit

www.savannahtech.edu/PeaceOfficerAcademy or contact the office at 912.443.5191 or njones@savannahtech.edu.

The next class begins in March 2020.

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#2019 | November 15, 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 earns statewide recognition at annual TCSG Leadership Conference

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College and its Foundation received three awards when the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) gathered for its annual leadership conference in Savannah, October 28-29, 2019.

Sam McCachern honored as STC’s Volunteer of the Year
Samuel G. McCachern is the epitome of a volunteer leader and all the organizations in our community know it. Sam gives of his time, expertise, energy and financial resources to his many volunteer efforts, all while serving as President/CEO of Thomas & Hutton, an engineering firm with eleven offices across the southeast.

Savannah Technical College Foundation is fortunate to have had Sam as chair of its Board of Trustees, a position he has held for three years.

During his time as Board Chair, Sam personally led the STC Foundation to the finish line on an important project – buying a historic building in the heart of downtown to house the College’s award-winning culinary/baking arts programs, including a student-run bakery/restaurant. Sam’s leadership was instrumental in moving the project forward. With other leaders in place, the College was unable to bring our vision to reality, over a frustrating four-year period. At the annual strategic planning retreat for the Foundation Board, in front of his peers, he personally committed to making the building purchase happen within the year and he delivered. He connected the Foundation to the best local corporate real estate agent and led it through the diligence process –finding partners who would work alongside the Foundation with good will and humor, mostly donating their time and expertise to the project. 

With Sam at the helm, the STC Foundation has been recognized for best practices by the Technical College System of Georgia, having been named a Role Model Board in 2016-19. This designation signifies that the organization adheres to industry-standard policies/procedures, staff participates in professional development and all Board members (20) demonstrate personal commitment to engagement and support of the college. Sam so strongly believes in this process that he has encouraged other groups he volunteers with to adopt a similar methodology.

STC Board of Trustees earns Role Model Board designation
The Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees earned the designation of Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA) 2019 Role Model Foundation Board Certification for the fourth consecutive year at TCSG’s Fall Leadership Conference earlier this month.

The TCFA Role Model Foundation Board Certification is an annual certification process sponsored by the TCFA of Georgia, a membership organization that represents the 22 Technical College System of Georgia foundations and more than 600 trustees statewide.

The TCFA Delegate Council presents this award to encourage and recognize foundation boards that engage in outstanding business practices and demonstrate the highest level of commitment. In order to obtain the certification, not only does the board as a whole have to meet certain requirements, but each individual board member must meet specific requirements.

To be eligible to receive the certification a foundation must engage in best practices in nonprofit governance, board management, and operations; have policies in place to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, especially in financial matters; be led by a Board of Trustees whose members are actively engaged in the foundation’s development activities; and support the professional development and state-level participation of their Trustees, Executive Director and college advancement personnel.

All trustees must demonstrate active engagement in the work of the board through regular attendance at board and committee meetings and college and foundation events, participation in leadership activities and personal professional development, and fundraising on behalf of the board.

The STC Foundation Board of Trustees 2019-20 membership includes: Gary Sanchez, Chair; Brynn Grant, Vice Chair; Stewart Bromley, Treasurer; Lynne Marini, At Large; Stan Sparks, At Large; Bertice Berry; David Burkoff; Scott Center; Loretta Cockrum; John Coleman; Patrick Connell; Bill Dickinson; Franklin Goldwire; Brynn Grant; Robyn Iannone; Mary Morrison; Alfonso Ribot; Michael Traynor; Cecilia Russo Turner.

Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that exists to raise and disburse funds to support the College’s efforts to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. The STC Foundation recently helped the College purchase 7 West Bay Street as the new location for an expansion of STC’s Culinary Arts program.

Local Board earns TCDA of Georgia, Inc. board certification for all members
All local board members become members of the Technical College Directors’ Association (TCDA of Georgia, Inc.) when they join their respective local board. TCDA provides the training necessary to become a certified board member. To achieve the status of “certified board member,” board members are required to attend a series of professional development classes consisting of: new board orientation/governance; building relationships with elected officials; community advocacy; understanding the legislative budgeting process and financial management of technical colleges and an elective workshop.

In order to become TCDA Certified, a local board member must complete the four required workshops, one elective workshop plus two required and eight selected activities. Selective activities include attending 80% of local board meetings, going on a tour of the technical college, attending a TCSG State Board meeting or TCSG Leadership Conference, etc.

The STC Local Board of Directors 2019-20 membership includes: Mary Warnell, Chairman (Bryan); Todd Hoffman (Effingham); Brandt Herndon (Effingham); Terry Lemmons (Bryan); Donald Lovette (Liberty); Tom Ratcliffe (Liberty); James Williams (Chatham); James Williams (Chatham).

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#2018 | November 14, 2019

STC Foundation: Gail Eubanks
912.443.3022 or geubanks@savannahtech.edu

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).

Aviation Maintenance training helps military personnel advance their careers

Aviation students in military uniforms stand around plane in hangar.Savannah, GA – Savannah Technical College’s Advanced Aviation Maintenance training offers an opportunity for active-duty military personnel and veterans with aircraft maintainer experience to advance their careers in 15 weeks or less.

The advanced Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) training prepares students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P Certification including written, oral, and practical examinations. With assistance from the Defense Community Economic Development Fund awarded earlier this year, the College has been able to offer A&P Certification testing at no cost to the students.

Using military tuition assistance, HOPE Grant and HOPE Career Grant, the only cost to these students would have been the three-part (written, oral, and practical) exam, which totals $1,080 each. By covering testing fees, the grant offers a cost-free pathway with flexible scheduling that limits the operational impact to military units and the financial impact for service members.

This summer, first cohort was in a condensed 10-week schedule for members of the 3rd ID before they deployed. The College is currently offering three cohorts filled with aircraft maintainers and has tailored class schedules to work with their active-duty assignments.

“The $65,000 grant was originally written to support additional instructors and testing for 45 military-affiliated students,” said STC Dean of Aviation Tal Loos. “The College absorbed the additional instructor expense, so we could expand the grant for more students. We should have up to 60 students receiving assistance for testing fees to complete the grant’s funding.”

Military aircraft maintainers have the work experience and training, but often lack the certifications required to work in the civilian sector. Students must have 30 documented months of A&P work and FAA-approval/sign-off of that work experience to enroll in the advanced training program.

Students in the advanced class have an overall familiarity with aircraft to earn the FAA sign-off. “This training broadens their aircraft maintenance knowledge and gives them an understanding of the civil side of requirements and paperwork,” said Loos. “It fills in the holes of their knowledge with highlights, so they will successfully pass all four parts of the FAA A&P certification training.”

Aviation Ground Support Equipment Manager Angel Rivera is a member of the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) enrolled in one of the cohorts that is receiving the benefit of 100%-covered testing fees thanks to the grant.

“We don’t get a lot of opportunities to do these kind of certifications, so when I heard about it, I wanted to take action,” said Rivera, who worked with leadership to bring 10 soldiers from his unit into this cohort. “This training will get these guys certified. The A&P license is good for life and good in the military,” said Rivera. “It is a great credential to have if you plan on working on aircraft, and you can use it in a couple of different fields as well.”

Rivera is already screening the next group of soldiers, who work on rotary-wing aircraft like Blackhawks and Chinooks. “We have guys with 10 years aviation experience that still haven’t had a chance to do this,” he said. “All of my guys are experienced, so there’s a great need for this training. I can get 12 in every class all year round in my unit.” The biggest challenge is scheduling to make sure they will be state-side for 15 weeks to attend the class. He also noted that additional grant funds would allow more soldiers to take advantage of the benefits, without the out-of-pocket testing fees.

The College worked with the 160th to schedule the class around their duty schedule, so they could be in class two nights and one Saturday.  The other two cohorts this semester are also offered based on the military group’s schedule.

“This certification gives them promotion points now, but also helps them on the way out,” said Rivera. “It gives them something to fall back on, and provides valuable certification they can use on the outside. They can step out to find jobs all over the world working on aircraft, which helps the economy.”

According to Loos, there continues to be great demand for A&P certification. “The average age of workers is 53-70 and many are retiring,” said Loos. “Soon we will lose 50% or more of the aviation mechanic workforce.”

Certified aircraft mechanics are in high demand throughout the nation with a 5% increase in job openings between 2016 and 2026. In Georgia, however, that increase is projected to be 12%. With a median income of more than $60,000 per year, completers of this program who have the highly-sought-after FAA A&P certification, as well as the work ethic and soft skills will seamlessly transition into the civilian aviation workforce.

The Military Affairs Council of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the College, was awarded $65,000 in grant funding through the Defense Community Economic Development Fund to support expanded curriculum and to cover the cost of certification testing for military aviation mechanics earlier this year. The fund is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Office of Workforce Development. This funding allows for the expansion of training to prepare military members to earn the FAA Mechanic’s Certificate with A&P rating.

The College’s Aviation Maintenance program, for those without the required FAA 30-month experience, runs two years. Enrollment is open for spring semester for students to start taking required general core courses for admission into a cohort in the fall. STC’s Aviation division has an in-field placement rate of 100% based on academic year 2018 graduates.

STC’s state-of-the-art Aviation Training Center is located at the Crossroads Campus. For information about the College’s Aviation programs, call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology or www.savannahtech.edu/military-aviation-mechanic/.

The College has the highest military-affiliated enrollment in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). One in four STC students is a veteran, active duty service member or a military dependent/spouse. For the past three years, the College has been ranked the top Best for Vets public technical and career college in the U.S. by Military Times.

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#2017 | November 13, 2019

Aviation Technology Division:
912.443.4094 or aviation@savannahtech.edu www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology

Media: Amy Shaffer, APR
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 takes pre-orders for 2019 Thanksgiving Sale

SAVANNAH –Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute proudly offers Bistro Savoir, a pre-order sale of artisan breads and desserts for Thanksgiving. Pre-orders will be available through November 20, or when quantities are sold out at www.bistrosavoir.com.

Bistro Savoir features the finest quality ingredients that are locally sourced, milled and handmade by STC Baking & Pastry students enrolled in the Retail Production course this fall.

Artisan breads include pumpkin, apple honey walnut and zucchini muffins, dinner rolls (12), tart flambée, coffee cakes (apple or cherry) made with brioche dough, sourdough and Many Seeds German Bread. Popular flavored butters from previous sales (kalamata olive, honey and lemon herb) are back for the 2019 sale. Desserts include cookies (cowboy, oatmeal raisin, and chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons), pies (pumpkin, pecan, coconut cream, apple with streusel topping), and fresh fruit tarts. Cakes will be sold in six-inch or nine-inch sizes including dark/white chocolate mousse cake surrounded by almond sponge and raspberry, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and Charlotte Russe (raspberry Bavarian crème surrounded by lady fingers and topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Proceeds from the sale benefit STC’s Culinary Arts Baking & Pastry program.

Orders will be available for pickup at the College’s Savannah campus on Tuesday, November 26 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., and Wednesday, November 27 from 9 a.m. until noon. By request only, pickup will be available at the Crossroads, Liberty and Effingham Campuses on November 27 from 9 a.m. until noon. For a pick-up schedule, a complete list of items for sale and to place orders, visit www.bistrosavoir.com.

Savannah Tech’s baking and pastry program that was developed by the College to teach the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students learn a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic and advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards.  Graduates are working as pastry chefs in the area’s finest restaurants and establishments, including Local 11 Ten, Le Café Gourmet, Savannah Yacht Club, and The Landings Club. There are 40 students are currently enrolled in the baking and pastry program.

With support from the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the College has purchased 7 West Bay Street as the new downtown location for an expansion of its Culinary Arts program that will more than double the available instructional space. Senior level (second year) students will take classes and work in the bakery and restaurant. The hands-on, real-world experience in the restaurant/bakery 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 restaurant operations. 

New students are admitted to the baking and pastry program year round. The application deadline for new students in spring semester 2020 is December 15. For more information about Culinary Arts at Savannah Tech visit: www.facebook.com/ChefJeanVendeville.

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 the ACF 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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#2015 | November 1, 2019

STC Foundation: Gail Eubanks
912.443.3022 or geubanks@savannahtech.edu

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).