Local Board of Directors announces membership changes for FY2025

Foley, Stokes, Lloyd, Mock, LovetteSAVANNAH, Ga. – Harry Lloyd and William Mock were sworn in as members of the Savannah Technical College Board of Directors at the August meeting by Superior Court Judge Tammy Stokes. Both were appointed to serve on the STC board by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state board. Todd Hoffman was recently recognized for his nine years of service as a member of the local board, serving three terms, which ended in June 2024. He was also a certified local board member.

Harry Lloyd:

Lloyd is a Technical Training Supervisor at Gulfstream Aerospace. He is directly responsible for the training and development of four Avionics Instructors, as well as the courseware that they offer.

He began his aviation career at the technician level in the Army as an H-60 mechanic and crew-chief. He continued his career as an Instructor/Trainer both on active duty as well as a Civilian Instructor supporting the Army’s transition from the “L” model to the latest “M” model Blackhawk. He took his experience overseas to develop and implement the training program for the UAE Presidential Guard Blackhawk Battalion.

Five years later, when the Presidential Guards Training Program was sufficiently stabilized and able to be turned over to the UAE military trainers, he returned to his wife’s hometown of Savannah and accepted a position as a Sr. Aircraft Technician at Gulfstream’s Customer Support Repair Station. After completing his onboarding and OJT training at the Technical Training Center he realized his passion for technical training would eventually lead him back as a Technical Trainer at Gulfstream University. Less than a year later his opportunity came in an opening at GU for an Avionics Technical Instructor. The Technical Training group provides custom tailored training for the many departments within Gulfstream (avionics, structures, composites, and systems). He and his team use lean and diverse methods for taking complex subjects and developing them into courses that target situations, personnel, equipment, and work practices.

William Mock:

Mock is the region executive for Georgia Power in Southeast Region. He is responsible for the company’s external activities across a 15-county area by providing leadership and support to area managers, engaging in strategic planning and workforce initiatives, while building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships.

Since joining Southern Company in 1990 as a junior engineer at Southern Nuclear’s Plant Hatch, he has held various leadership roles in maintenance, operations, engineering, and compliance. In addition, he served as assistant to the senior vice president of fossil and hydro generation for Georgia Power and senior production officer for Southern Company Generation. Most recently, he served as plant manager for coastal generation at Georgia Power. In this role, he was responsible for four generating facilities along the Georgia coast and Warner Robins which include 21 generating units of various size, technology, and fuel representing 2,600 megawatts of capacity.

He serves on the board of directors of Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Union Mission and advisory board for BankSouth. He is a member of the Hibernian Society of Savannah.

He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Todd Hoffman:

Foley, Hoffman stand with STC engraved wooden board.Hoffman retired from Gulfstream Aerospace with nearly 14 years of service, most recently as the director of technical skills development. He joined Gulfstream in 2010 as a technical training instructor and also served as senior manager of technical training. He was instrumental in designing the company’s 30,000-square-foot training facility and building specialized training in support of Gulfstream’s long-term workforce plan. Prior to coming to Gulfstream, he held program manager and technical training roles with the United Space Alliance at Kennedy Space Center.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Warner University. He serves on the A&P advisory boards for Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Central Georgia Technical College, and Hallmark University.

About STC’s Local Board of Directors:

The College’s Local Board of Directors is comprised of community and industry leaders, who strive to keep the College at the highest standard of excellence in education. The local board facilitates the delivery of programs, services, and activities as directed by the TCSG State Board, advises the President and the TCSG State Board of local industry and community needs for the programs and services to be provided by the technical college, and advocates within the community and within the state on issues of importance in support of TCSG and Georgia’s workforce development efforts. For a complete list of local board members visit: savannahtech.edu/board.

#2507 | August 28, 2024

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).

College to offer new Automation & Robotics Degree starting Fall 2024

Manufacturing robots.SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College will offer a new Automation and Robotics Technology degree to prepare graduates for a career as an advanced manufacturing maintenance repair technician and engineering technologist starting in Fall 2024.

“Savannah Technical College programs evolve with the demands of industry, and we are proud to offer this new advanced manufacturing training program,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “This degree will empower graduates to excel in advanced manufacturing and maintenance roles, meeting the needs of area employers.”

Students may now enroll in the new associate of applied science degree. The degree includes 15 general education credit hours (English, sociology, mathematics, humanities, communication) plus occupational courses (49 credit hours) including: DC Circuit analysis, AC Circuit Analysis, Industrial Motor Controls I/II, Basic Industrial PLCs, Introduction to Mechatronics, Introduction to Robotics, Fluid Power Systems, Intermediate Industrial PLCs, Industrial Mechanics, Instrumentation, Flexible Manufacturing Systems I plus an occupational elective. The College plans to offer short-term training for Automation and Robotics Technology starting in Summer 2025.

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Skills needed for these jobs include maintaining safety systems; installing machinery and equipment; performing equipment preventative maintenance; repairing machine fluid power systems, machine transmission power systems, and air/gas power systems; performing record keeping, and developing equipment design improvements,

About 1,300 openings for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

This new degree will be an option with STC’s Industrial Systems training, which equips students with problem-solving skills they need to diagnose complicated production line problems. Students master predictive maintenance by identifying problems before they happen to eliminate downtime. They learn Industry 4.0/Smart Factory, fluid power, programmable logic controls (PLCs), electricity, and mechatronics. Industrial Systems is one of Georgia’s high demand jobs that qualify for the HOPE Career Grant. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/IndustrialSystems.

#2506 | August 23, 2024

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).

College to host Information Session on Launching a Child Care Business

Young girl with finger paintSAVANNAH, Ga. – As the population continues to grow for Chatham County and its neighboring communities, the demand for childcare is on the rise. Discover valuable insights from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and other experienced childcare professionals, as they share essential resources and strategies for successfully launching a licensed childcare facility or in-home learning center.

Savannah Technical College will host a free information session on launching a childcare business on Monday, September 23, 2024 from 5-7pm. The course will take place in STC’s Eckburg Auditorium (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31405).

“Play, Learn. Succeed. Launching Your Childcare Business,” is co-hosted by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Department of Early Care and Learning, and Savannah Technical College. In addition to the speakers, there will be childcare vendors with additional information for participants.

Information from the session will include:

  • How to open a childcare business
  • How to run a childcare program from your home
  • How to expand your current childcare business
  • Education and job opportunities in Early Childhood Care & Education
  • Available financial resources

This event is free and open to the public. Register online by September 20 at https://bit.ly/SavTechChildCareBusinessSession

Child Care Resource & Referral of Southeast Georgia (CCR&R) at Savannah Technical College is a one of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning agencies. It uses a team approach to help families, early child care educational professionals, and community members to help facilitate safe, high quality, learning environments. On-site and virtual coaching is provided to child care programs participating in Quality Rated. We also provide state approved trainings and professional development opportunities for child care providers throughout the 40-county region.

#2505 | August 14, 2024

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).

Students win medals at 2024 SkillsUSA nationals

OSHA team 2024 gold national medalsATLANTA, Ga. – Savannah Technical College students won gold for Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA), silver for Barbering and bronze for Sheet Metal, Community Service, Promotional Bulletin Board and Mobile Electronics at the national SkillsUSA competition for 2024 in Atlanta, Ga.

The gold-medal winning OSHA team included William Smith, Scott Szurley, and Aiden Cimedevilla. The team was advised by Industrial Technology Dean Dan Krautheimer and Industrial Maintenance Systems Department Head James Halford.

Alex Rodriguez won silver for Barbering and was advised by Barbering Instructor Joycelin Primus.

Students winning bronze medals included:

  • Marco Viera (Sheet Metal) advised by HVAC Instructor David Lee;
  • Corina Stewart, Crystal Sapp, Nautica Hendry (Community Service) advised by Business Management Instructor Rushe Hudzinski;
  • Janine Lowry, Debra Perez, Angel McCollum (Promotional Bulletin Board) advised by Early Childhood Care & Education Department Head Stephanie Grant; and
  • Demitrius Bryant (Mobile Electronics) advised by Automotive Instructor Erin Smith.

A total of nine STC teams and individuals, who won gold at the state competition this spring, competed in national competitions for Community Service, OSHA, Promotional Bulletin Board, Sheet Metal, Architectural Drafting, Mobile Electronics, Barbering, Customer Service, and Digital Cinema.

SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization/competition that annually serves more than 395,000 high school, college and post-secondary students–and their instructors–in technical, skilled and service-occupation instructional programs.

#2504 | August 13, 2024

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).

Peace Officer Academy honors August 2024 graduates

POA Aug 24 classSAVANNAH, Ga. – Sixteen graduates from Savannah Tech’s Peace Officer Academy 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 45th group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated more than 400 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Eight of these graduates have been hired by area police departments. STC’s Peace Officer Academy has a 100% placement rate (AY22).

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 Officer David Horton of Darien Police Department, who lost his life on September 11, 2021. Officer Horton had served in law enforcement for seven years with service to Long County Sheriff’s office and Darien Police Department. Officer Horton had previously served at Andress Engineering Associates and Horton Electric before joining the law enforcement family. He was survived by his children, parents and other relatives.

The Basic POST Certification Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become competent law enforcement officers. The 11-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. Students that qualify for HOPE may receive additional funds through the HOPE Career Grant with this program.

This TCC offers a first step in law enforcement.  Select courses in the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate program transfer towards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  Many agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers to work toward degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration and pay higher salaries to those who earn one of those degrees.

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.

#2503 | August 12, 2024

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 receives $470K Nursing Grant

Practical Nursing students with mannequin on bed.Savannah Technical College was awarded $470,000 from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW) for its Practical Nursing program. The GBHCW recently provided grant funds to nursing schools in Georgia to increase the number of nursing graduates in Georgia’s workforce.

“We appreciate the funding from the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce, which enables us to support our Practical Nursing students,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “This grant will provide access to the comprehensive resources and support students need to succeed. We are committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals, who will make a profound impact on healthcare in Georgia.”

Starting in Fall 2024, the Nursing Schools Grant will provide wraparound supports to improve STC Practical Nursing students’ ability to persist and graduate with mental health counseling, emergency vehicle repair/transportation funds, books, supplies, uniforms, and loaner laptops. Students will also receive program-specific assistance through a combination of learning resources, assessment tools, and data analytics with ATI Complete Partnership, which will optimize student preparedness and better prepare graduates for success on the NCLEX.

“With this substantial support, we’re not merely funding nursing education; we’re investing in the compassionate caregivers who will shape tomorrow’s healthcare landscape,” said STC Dean of Health Sciences Stephanie Derfus. “This grant empowers Savannah Technical College to ensure nursing students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we will work to close the nursing workforce gap faced in our community.”

The grant will also fund the purchase of a Pyxis Machine, which is a state-of-the-art automated medication dispensing system in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and pharmacies. It is designed to improve medication management, enhance patient safety, and streamline workflow for healthcare professionals.

Nurses are in high demand. In 2023, the Savannah metro area had a skills gap of 3,173 for registered nurses (RN), 1,611 for practical nurses (LPN), and 1,052 for nurse aides (CNA). Savannah Technical College provides training through competitive selection and with short-term training options including: practical nurses, patient care technicians, and nurse aides. The College will soon will offer the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), which will allow those that complete it to take the registered nurse exam.

The GBHCW Nursing Schools Grant is designed to support nursing schools, providing more opportunities to enhance enrollment capacity and graduate more nurses to serve our communities.

A total of $3 million in grants was awarded by the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce.  In addition to Savannah Technical College, Albany Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Lanier Technical College, and Southern Regional Technical College were also awarded grants.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), under the direction of physicians and registered nurses, care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.

STC’s Practical Nursing is a competitive selection program that prepares graduates to give competent nursing care through academic and occupational courses. A variety of clinical experiences ensure that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor.

Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. Satisfactory completion of all program courses may entitle a student to participate in the NCLEX-PN examination and licensure process. Employers will require candidates to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN). For more information about STC’s nursing programs visit: www.savannahtech.edu/nursing.

#2502 | August 9, 2024

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).