SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College has received notice that it will receive the U.S. Department of Education Title III fund for Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) for the fourth consecutive year.  According to this notice, $250,000 will be funded to the college in October of 2014. The College has been slated to receive a total of $1.25M for the grant during five years.

Title III PBI formula funds are awarded to institutions that have at least 40% minority and at least 50% low-income or first-generation college students. The grant’s goal is to strengthen student success and retention across seven instructional programs through specialized training and the development of a sustainable technologies learning community.

The grant has supported the College’s newly designed Learning Community to support Industrial Technology programs with math and computer courses. Students in these courses receive contextualized instruction, which provide concrete examples for industry-specific use of abstract concepts. For example, construction students learn that they need to learn concepts like area, perimeter and volume for construction work estimates. Drafting students learn the importance of mastering unit conversions for drafting projects. By offering class instruction based on specific examples that relate to the students’ field of study, the Learning Community has increased students’ success in these classes.

Sixty students have enrolled in the Learning Community’s courses during the past three semesters.  In Spring 2014, 100 percent of those who completed the computer class passed, and 77 percent of students enrolled in the learning community’s math course successfully passed the course.

Previous years’ funds also were used to purchase immersive learning educational tools including a three-dimensional (3D) learning system, an alternative fuel vehicle, a wind turbine and a drafting replicator.

One benefit 3D trainers provide is a safe instructional environment. Students in STC’s alternative fuel vehicle class learn how to safely remove an AFV battery with the interactive 3D controls the trainer provides. Students in Electrical Utility Technology learn how to work with equipment in a power plant without leaving the classroom.

Through the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle last year, the College was able to offer specially designed training on the diagnosis and repair of these vehicles that feature hands-on experience working with this new alternative fuel technology. A total of 24 students have received AFV training.

Beginning with Fall Semester 2014, the grant will expand to include STC’s general studies area. The 3D trainers will be used for general science courses like biology, chemistry and physics. These trainers will supplement the College’s on-site lab classes. Many of these natural science courses are included in the 27 core curriculum courses transferable to University System of Georgia institutions from Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

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#1448 | May 19, 2014
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH – Lieutenant General (Ret.) William Glenn Webster, Jr. was sworn in as a member of the Savannah Technical College Board of Directors at a recent meeting by Probate Court Judge Nancy K. Aspinwall. He was appointed to serve on the STC board of directors by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state board.

Webster is a retired 37-year Army veteran who commanded units in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and the United States. He is a successful leadership and management coach to the private sector, as well as to the military. One of the Army’s premier trainers, Webster has been called upon to coach and teach executive-level leadership by municipal governments, charitable organizations, NATO, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For the past year, he has served as one of two senior mentors for the U.S. War College, and worked for the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.

A graduate of West Point, Webster commanded at every level from platoon to division and field army. His operational experience includes assignments with five different Army divisions, two combatant commands, and twice with a field army and land component command.

Webster is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, and he earned a master of arts degree from the School of Advanced Military Studies.

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#1447 | May 14, 2014
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH – Two first-generation college sisters started their career training in dental hygiene at Savannah Technical College. Last night Lawanda Harris, received a dental hygiene associate of science degree from the College. Tomorrow night, Shakela Martin, her sister and a graduate of STC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs, will receive her doctorate of dental medicine.

Harris graduated at STC’s commencement ceremony at the Savannah Civic Center with more than 230 graduates receiving degrees, diplomas and GEDs. Before she began the Dental Hygiene program, Harris earned STC’s Medical Front Office Assistant certificate in 2007.

“Savannah Technical College prepared me for what I would see in the real world,” said Harris. “Dr. Suzanne Edenfield exposed us to everything. She set high expectations. We learned what we needed to know as dental hygienists.” Edenfield is STC’s department head for Dental Hygiene and has been with the STC’s Dental Hygiene program for the past 30 years providing instruction, clinical supervision and administrative leadership.

Martin’s road to becoming a dentist began with a STC Dental Assisting diploma in 1998. She then completed the Dental Hygiene program in 2003, when it was at Armstrong Atlantic State University, followed by a bachelor of science in dental hygiene education degree in 2004. Martin continued her studies to earn a master’s at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

On May 10, 2014, Martin will earn a doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Louisville’s Dental School. Upon graduation, Martin will work with a private practice family dental group in North Florida.

These sisters are first-generation college students and were raised by their then single mother, Diane Douse. “I’m so proud to have my oldest daughter and my youngest daughter graduating from college,” Douse said. “My oldest set the path so her younger sister could come up behind her to do the same thing.”

Douse graduated high school and instilled the importance of the value of education for her daughters. “I’m behind them 110% in everything they do, as long as they are continuing their education,” Douse said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. This really sets a point in my life where I’m enjoying their moment.”

Douse helped Harris, a single mom, by providing care for her four-year-old daughter, so Harris could attend STC coursework. Harris worked full-time as an office automation clerk for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during her first year in the STC dental hygiene program. Without her mom’s assistance with childcare, Harris says she wouldn’t be where she is today. Both women praise their mom for her continued support as they continued their education.  Douse has another daughter, who graduated from STC’s Cosmetology department in 2006.

The 83-credit-hour Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program accepts approximately 26 students annually. Students provide clinical patient care as a component of their curriculum requirements. Edenfield is proud of the program’s record of success, noting that most students are offered employment positions pending successful completion of two credentialing examinations and licensure. The program has had 100% licensure pass rate for many years.

The program utilizes a competitive admissions process. Students wishing to enter the Dental Hygiene program must complete an application packet by spring for admission to the fall class. For more information about program admission, please contact STC’s Health Sciences Academic Advisor Heather Valentine (hvalentine@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5721) or Dr. Suzanne Edenfield (sedenfield@savannahtech.edu).

The College has awarded 363 degrees and diplomas for students that completed coursework from summer 2013 through spring 2014. Also, 800 GED diplomas have been earned during that time.

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Shakela Martin (left) and Lawanda Harris (middle) credit their mom, Diane Douse (right), with providing a strong foundation of support and encouragement for their success as first-generation college graduates. Harris graduated last night at Savannah Technical College with a dental hygiene degree. Martin, a STC dental hygiene program graduate, will graduate on Saturday with a doctorate of dental medicine from the University of Louisville’s Dental School. Photos by Stephen Morton. 

#1446 | May 9, 2014

STC’s Health Sciences Academic Advisor Heather Valentine
912.443.5721 or hvalentine@savannahtech.edu

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

26 candidates are now qualified to be POST-certified peace officers by state of Georgia,  13 have jobs with area police departments 

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

The 11 women and 15 men 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 fourteenth group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated 192 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Many candidates are in various stages of the application process with statewide agencies. Thirteen candidates were hired area police departments recently. Savannah Tech’s Peace Officer Academy has a 98% 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 elected to honor Major Hansel Jenkins of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Major Jenkins’ watch ended on April 19, 2013 after a long illness. He was survived by his wife, children and step children.

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 Sheree Rogers at 912.443.5191 or srogers@savannahtech.edu.

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#1444 | May 2, 2014

 STC Peace Officer Academy: Sheree Rogers
912.443.5191 or srogers@savannahtech.edu.

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

Today, Savannah Technical College was granted Federal Aviation Administration approval to teach the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, becoming the eighth college in the state and the only one in Coastal Georgia authorized to offer this training.

“This long-awaited announcement means that Savannah Technical College can now offer the full range of aviation training to meet the workforce demands in one of the region’s critical industries,” said College President Dr. Kathy Love. “The Aviation Training Center, dedicated last summer, was designed and built in anticipation of this important step.”

Beginning this summer, the College will offer five additional credentials including:

• Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
• Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma
• Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate
• Aviation Maintenance Technician – Powerplant Certificate
• Aviation Maintenance Technician – Airframe Certificate

Classes will begin this summer and will be structured in cohorts of 24 students, the maximum allowed by the FAA based on the requirement of an 8:1 ratio of students and specialized equipment. The College anticipates the first cohort to be filled by the start of the fall term.

“We have people taking core classes now who have expressed an interest in the program”, says Academic Vice President Dr. Ken Boyd. “We will begin contacting them immediately to gauge their interest and readiness to start the program.”

These new credentials are added to those currently offered including Aircraft Structural Diploma and Certificate programs in Aircraft Assembly, Aircraft Upholstery and Trim and Luxury Craft Cabinetmaking.

All instruction will be delivered in the state-of-the-art Aviation Training Center at the College’s Crossroads Campus. Tal Loos serves as Dean of Aviation, Robert Strub is Department Head and Michael Skinner is an instructor in the department. For information about Aviation programs at Savannah Technical College, call 912.443.4094 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/AviationTechnology

STC Aviation Fast Facts:

• Savannah Technical College has graduated 549 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 owns three fully-functional planes that are used for instructional purposes and are housed at the Aviation Training Center.

May 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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#1442|April 23, 2014

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

                                                                                                

STC Associate Degree offers pathway to Armstrong Bachelor of Science

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#1440 | April 21, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#1439 | April 17, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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