SAVANNAH, Ga. – Cosmetology student Doria Johnson has been selected as the 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for Savannah Technical College.

“Doria is one of the most dedicated and hardworking students that I have encountered,” said STC Cosmetology Instructor Monique Sanders. “She is the embodiment of dedication, hard work, and exemplary leadership. She consistently goes above and beyond, often seeking opportunities for intellectual growth outside of the classroom and continually striving for excellence.”

GOAL honors outstanding students at each of the Technical College System of Georgia institutions. She will represent Savannah Tech at the statewide competition in April in Atlanta, where the statewide GOAL winner will be selected. The highly competitive process involves academic success, community engagement and public speaking. Winners are nominated by their instructors and selected after interviews with a panel of business and community leaders.

Johnson worked as a college admissions counselor for more than a decade. She decided to switch to a career in cosmetology because she loves making people look and feel good. She is a full-time student, wife and mother to her four-year-old daughter. She attended Temple University after high school. She is the president of STC’s Student Government Association and a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa chapters. After graduation, she plans to teach, venture into the movie industry and establish her own business as a cosmetologist.

She would like to extend her cosmetology training beyond just practicing it by collaborating with local organizations, shelters, and community centers to provide complementary beauty services for those without access to those luxuries.

“I would like to establish free services tailored for individuals in our community who are in need,” said Johnson. “I’d like to create a safe space where everyone feels welcome and deserving of care, regardless of their background or financial status.”

Cosmetology is offered at the College’s Effingham, Liberty and Savannah campuses. The program emphasizes not only specialized training in the field of cosmetology, but also interpersonal relations development, employability skills and work ethics. The curriculum meets state licensing requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology, and STC’s graduates have a 100% pass rate.

Once program graduates receive a Cosmetology diploma and pass their board exams, they are eligible to work as a hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, salon manager/owner, skin care specialist, and more. Students may also take short-term training to earn a technical certificate of credit with for designer, nail technician, and shampoo technician. Cosmetology’s occupational programs are open to high school students in 10-12th grade through Dual Enrollment. For more information about Cosmetology training visit www.savannahtech.edu/Cosmetology.

The College offers hair, skin and nail care services for the public when classes are in session. Visit www.savannahtech.edu/beautyshop for a list of services, pricing, and the schedule that shows when the shops are open based on academic instruction. Prices are subject to change without notice. Student services are offered in conjunction with coursework in an educational environment and may take longer than similar services provided with non-educational service providers.

Links to Savannah Tech’s previous honorees for GOAL (student), Perkins (instructor) and Eagle (adult education student) are available at www.savannahtech.edu/honorees.

#2427 | January 29, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Alex Lewis has been selected as STC’s 2024 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors outstanding faculty members at each of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions. She will represent the College in the regional and statewide competitions.

“Chef Lewis is creative and innovative educator who is committed to providing the best educational experience possible for our students,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love. “She is always willing to help her students and is a very committed, involved instructor. She is a recognized leader and innovator in her industry and has applied that to her work at Savannah Technical College.”

Chef Lewis is a lead Culinary Arts instructor, who began teaching with Savannah Tech in 2015 and brings a wealth of restaurant and hospitality experience to her students. She was previously an adjunct professor with Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta. She started her career initially as a Dekalb County Public Schools educator and was named Production Chef of the Year for the Atlanta Public Schools in 2008. Prior to Savannah Tech, Chef Lewis was the chef manager for Sodexo. She also worked as an assistant catering chef at Home Appétit/Trilogy, a fabrication chef for A Dinner A’fare, and has worked as a private chef and event coordinator.

She has a master’s in education from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in policy studies from Georgia State University, and an associate’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu. She is a Certified Culinary Educator (2023) and Certified Executive Chef (2021) with the American Culinary Federation (ACF). She is a member of ACF Chefs of the Low Country, Les Dames Escoffier (Savannah and Coastal Georgia), and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs (Savannah Bailliage).

The Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991 and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, now West Georgia Technical College, who received the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence prior to his untimely death. TCSG provides oversight for the Rick Perkins Award program through the system office’s programming staff, the presidents’ Academic Improvement committee and the state planning committee.

Links to Savannah Tech’s previous honorees for GOAL (student), Perkins (instructor) and EAGLE (adult education student) are available at www.savannahtech.edu/honorees.

About 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.

#2426 | January 29, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Charmaine White has been selected as the 2024 Savannah Technical College Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) recipient.

White is a Career Plus High School (CPH) student, who earned a CNA license in Spring 2023. She is enrolled in Patient Care Technician classes for her second technical certificate of credit. Upon completion, she would like to open a geriatric facility because she loves working with the elderly. She has one son, Omar, who is her pride and joy.

The EAGLE Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes. Selection criteria include student character, attitude, attendance, leadership and community involvement and activities. From this group, one student is selected to represent the local program at the state EAGLE Leadership Institute (March 25-27, 2024). The Institute provides workshops in leadership topics to build on the strong leadership characteristics the student already exhibits.

EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.

Every EAGLE delegate is considered an ambassador and spokesperson for literacy serving local communities and the state by promoting lifelong learning. Since its inception in 1993, the EAGLE Award program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding students across the state. In additional to serving as volunteer role models for family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers, EAGLE delegates serve as mentors, peer tutors, and recruiters of other students into local adult education programs. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program provides accessible and high-quality education, serving those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain an HSE degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing.

STC teaches adult education classes in the morning, afternoon, evening and online. They are offered in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Adult education classes for GED®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens. To register for free GED® classes, call 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses. For GED® testing information, go to www.ged.com to sign up to take test or go to www.savannahtech.edu/testingcenter to learn more about our testing locations.

#2425 | January 26, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute offers its eleventh annual online, pre-order Sweetheart Sale featuring assorted artisan chocolates, pastries and artisan breads just prior to Valentine’s Day at www.bistrosavoir.com.

Hand-made artisan chocolates truffles will be sold in a heart-shaped cardboard box for $32 and in four-packs for $10 with vegan and nut-free options. The sale has new items: raspberry + chocolate Paris brest; ruby heart minis; chocolate + peanut butter croissant; chocolate chip cookie dough brownie; black forest cookie; mocha crunch cake (6”), berries and cream salted caramel cake (6”); ruby + pistachio chocolate bar; chocolate snack pack; and chocolate truffle pops. There is a gluten-free, sugar-free coconut macaroon.

This sale features a limited-edition pair of glass etched “Savannah Culinary Institute” espresso cups in the Spanish Drinking Chocolate Kits. The kit includes spiced chocolate, spoons, and instructions for serving.

The Sweetheart Sale features the finest quality ingredients that are locally sourced, milled and handmade. Proceeds will benefit STC’s Junior Chefs Fund, which supports activities like competitions.

Online pre-order sales are available through February 8, or when quantities are sold out. Orders will be available for pickup at the College’s Savannah campus Tuesday, February 13 from noon until 6PM in the Eckburg Auditorium (5717 White Bluff Road). By request only, pickup will be available at the Crossroads, Liberty and Effingham Campuses. For a list of items for sale and to place orders, visit www.bistrosavoir.com.

Savannah Tech’s baking and pastry program 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 more than 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, which 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. For more information about Culinary Arts at Savannah Tech visit: www.facebook.com/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

About 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.

#2424 | January 12, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Jasmine Sanders as its Executive Director of Human Resources. She is responsible for directing the College’s human resources functions including compensation, benefits, recruitment, employee relations, training and payroll.

Sanders has more than a decade of experience with human resources management. Most recently, she was a talent development manager for Virginia Peninsula Community College. She specializes in employee and labor relations, talent development, inclusion and diversity, business operations, and information systems.

She has a master of business administration (MBA) and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy University. She has been an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Federal Investigator since 2021 and a Title IX Coordinator since 2022. She is a member of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity Recruiting Strategy, Psi Lambda, Business Analyst Professionals and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

#2423 | January 11, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. will be honored at the 19th annual Opportunity Award Gala on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The event, hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, honors deserving leaders in the local community for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed.

The STC Foundation will honor Gulfstream for its commitment to workforce development, hiring locally and building the region’s talent pipeline.

The event gathers community and civic leaders for a celebratory evening honoring a special individual or organization. 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-Yves Vendeville, Ted Kleisner, Kevin Jackson, Dr. Bill Cathcart, and Chef Mashama Bailey. 

The event 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 are leading the fundraising efforts. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.savannahtech.edu/gala or contact Robert Grant rgrant@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3022. Sponsorships secured by March 18 will be included in the program.

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 Foundation also supports student success through its many privately funded scholarships.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958. Today, more than 3,000 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies and services. With a fleet that includes the super-midsize Gulfstream G280, the high-performing Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER, and a next-generation family of aircraft including the all-new Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the flagship Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream offers an aircraft for every mission. All are backed by Gulfstream’s Customer Support network and its worldwide team. Visit our website at gulfstream.com.

More information about General Dynamics is available at generaldynamics.com.

#2422 | January 5, 2024