From class project to reality: STC drafting student designs exterior sign erected at three campuses

Michelle Methot Digital Sign

SAVANNAH – When Michelle Methot was a drafting student at Savannah Technical College three years ago, she had no idea that her design concept would set a new standard for exterior signage at the college. Three short years later, she beams with pride when standing by the newly-erected digital sign at the college’s Savannah Campus. Similar signage is installed at the Aviation Technology Center at the Crossroads Campus and will soon be installed at the Liberty Campus in Hinesville, Ga.

“It is inspiring and encouraging for a design of your own making come into reality,” said Methot. “No matter what the scale or purpose of the project, the gratification of the final product coming to life is what drives designers.”

The sign was originally designed to incorporate multiple disciplines within the Industrial Technology division at the College including welding, solar, electrical, mechanical drafting & design and 3-D computer modeling departments. The idea was to afford other students within these disciplines the opportunity to contribute to a student-based design that would both benefit the school and show the varied array of skills and talent that this school has to offer in one small scale project. Her design incorporates roof trusses found on campus buildings, so the sign would be consistent with existing structures.

Methot had a professional master of architecture from Savannah College of Art & Design and was designing houses when the housing market crashed. She enrolled in 3D modeling drafting classes at Savannah Technical College to master mechanical drafting software. In 2012 she was a student in the STC CATIA class, taught by Joseph Powell, now Dean of Industrial Technology at the college.

“When you design something that is actually built and used as you intended it – that’s what it’s all about,” says Powell. Of the 13 students in the class, all but Methot used Auto CAD, computer-aided design and drafting software for the project, while Methot used CATIA, software primarily used for aviation projects. Her design stood out immediately, says Powell. From there, the concept was validated by industry professionals and fine-tuned for construction.

“Michelle was a great problem solver,” says Powell of his former student. “She was always self-motivated, curious and quick to assist other students.” Now Methot is a business owner, who plans to resume her career in architecture.

Having students design project for real-world applications is a hallmark of the STC drafting program and is consistent with the college’s focus on community engagement. Over the years, drafting students have worked with the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum to design parts for a World War II bomber, with Savannah Morning News to redesign news racks, with Forsyth Farmer’s Market for Farm Truck 912 – a mobile farmers’ market, with Serenity Gardens for a potential expansion, and with St. John’s Episcopal Church for lighting ideas in the historic sanctuary. “Projects like these provide invaluable experiences for our students. They get to test their design ideas and practice presenting like they will present to clients in the field,” says Powell.

STC’s Drafting program prepares students for a career in mechanical or architectural drafting. Whether it’s AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, or CATIA, the Drafting department stays on the cutting edge of all the designing software available in industry. Students may earn an associate degree, diploma or technical certificates of credit. For more information visit www.savannahtech.edu/Drafting or contact the Industrial Technology Academic Advisor 912.443.5859 or sdorsey@savannahtech.edu.

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#120 | November 18, 2015

Industrial Technology Academic Advisor: Secene Dorsey
912.443.5859 or sdorsey@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 to offer Driver’s Education Scholarships

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College has partnered with the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission (GDEC) to offer scholarships for a driver’s education course. The state-approved Joshua’s Law course meets the requirements for anyone under the age of 17 seeking to obtain a driver’s license.

The course, valued at $350, has been made possible by a $23,086 grant through the GDEC. The grant, which runs from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, will help finance driver’s education locally by providing classes with thirty hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind the wheel experience with a trained instructor.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and we are committed to providing students with the education and experience needed to avoid tragedy” said GDEC chairman Harris Blackwood. “This grant will help Savannah Technical College equip young drivers in the community to be safer when they get behind the wheel.”

Courses will be offered in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. To be eligible to receive the scholarship for driver’s education, the student must have a valid learner’s permit and be a Georgia resident, who is at least 15 years of age. Scholarship eligibility ends on a student’s 19th birthday or six months after the student completes the 12th grade, whichever occurs later. Anyone that does not meet the qualifications, but would like to attend may sign up and pay the $350 tuition fee.

The classes are limited to 15 students per class and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until the grant funding is no longer available. Completed registration, a copy of the student’s learner’s permit, and a signed waiver are required. The first session will take place December 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Crossroads Technology Campus (190 Crossroads Parkway, Savannah, GA, 31407). Priority will be given to students who self-register by visiting www.savannahtech.edu/DriversEd.

Savannah Technical College’s Professional Continuing Education Department provides short-term classes in both the traditional and online classroom setting. Courses cover a variety of skills and workforce development options that match local employer’s needs.

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#1619 | November 5, 2015

Driver’s Ed Class Registration (online only)

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

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

The three women and 18 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 17th group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated 253 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Many candidates are in various stages of the application process with statewide agencies. 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 APO Ransen Y. Daily Sr., Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Police Department. He passed away suddenly on June 19, 2013. He is survived by his wife Ayanna and family.

Daily, a New York native, former Army soldier and father of two, was a member of STC’s first Criminal Justice graduating class and was POST-certified in 2005. When interviewed years ago after being hired by the GPA as a peace officer, Daily said he had always been attracted to the field of law enforcement. “My preparation from Savannah Technical College was right on. Everything they went over in the Police Academy, I already knew,” Daily said.

After working nearly a decade in a variety of security jobs, Daily was glad to finally be working as an officer. To him, working at the GPA was a long-anticipated next step. “Now, I feel like I’m making a difference,” said Daily. “To me, getting up every day being happy with what I do, that defines success.”

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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#1618 | November 4, 2015

 Basic Law Enforcement: Sheree Rogers
912.443.5191 or srogers@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).

Geiger elected to Board of Directors for American Association for Paralegal Education

Debra Geiger

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College Paralegal Studies Department Head Debra R. Geiger, Esq., was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors for American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) as Director of Associate Programs. The election was held at the 34th annual AAfPE Conference in Milwaukee, Wis.

“As an attorney, I am committed to serving my community,” said Geiger.  “As a paralegal educator, I have the opportunity to encourage student civic engagement through academic service learning and community-based learning experiences. I am honored to serve as a member of AAfPE’s Board of Directors, and I look forward to supporting its continued pursuit of that mission.”

AAfPE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide greater access to legal services by promoting quality paralegal education.

Geiger is admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia and has general practice experience.  Geiger earned her law degree from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, Savannah Bar Association, and Port City Bar Association.

STC’s Paralegal Studies program prepares students for a career in the paralegal profession. The knowledge and skills emphasized in the Paralegal Studies program include ethical obligations; research in state and federal law; legal correspondence preparation; family law matters; basic concepts of real property law; criminal law and procedure; civil litigation; substantive contract law; and wills, trusts and probate. Paralegals, also called legal assistants, work closely with attorneys, judges, prosecutors or public defenders. Graduates receive a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Technology degree. Contact Geiger at 912.443.5715 or dgeiger@savannahtech.edu for more information or visit: www.savannahtech.edu/ParalegalStudies.

About American Association for Paralegal Education
Founded in 1981, AAfPE promotes quality paralegal education, develops educational standards and encourages professional growth, in order to prepare graduates to perform a significant role in the delivery of legal services. With more than 400 active members, AAfPE aims to provide a forum for professional improvement for paralegal educators, as well as assistance and consultation to institutions, educators and employers. It promotes research and the dissemination of information on the paralegal profession and cooperates with the American Bar Association (ABA) and other institutions to develop goals and processes for programs. Please visit AAfPE online at www.AAfPE.org  for more information.

 

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#1616 | October 29, 2015

Paralegal Studies: Debra Geiger
912.443.5715 or dgeiger@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).

STC Barbering Instructor receives 2015 GED Graduate Outstanding Achievement Award

SAVANNAH – Guillermo Hernandez, adjunct Barbering instructor at Savannah Technical College, was one of two honored with the 2015 GED Graduate Outstanding Achievement Award at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) annual Fall Adult Education Conference awards luncheon. Hernandez received his GED through Savannah Technical College in 2011.  Sheknita Smith-Davis of Macon also received the award.

“We applaud the accomplishments of our exceptional graduates, who represent thousands of Georgians who have chosen to transform their lives and pursue their GED diplomas,” said Commissioner Gretchen Corbin. “These outstanding students are a testament to the hard work of our teachers and administrators, as we work together to achieve our goal of a fully literate Georgia.”

After obtaining his GED Hernandez enrolled in the Barbering program at STC and received his diploma in 2013. That same year he passed the state licensure examination, earning his master barber certification. In 2014, he was appointed to the adjunct Barbering teaching position at the College, after volunteering to help current students. In addition to his adjunct position, Hernandez works in a barbershop in Pooler.  He also participates in a multitude of service projects for his Savannah community, which includes providing free haircuts for students and senior citizens.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person with a high school or GED® credential earns $10,000 more per year than a non-high school graduate. The income level increases substantially more for those who go on to complete a college certificate, diploma or degree program. There are more than one million Georgians who are 25 years of age or older and do not have a high school education or GED diploma. Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain a high school equivalence degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing.

Savannah Technical College teaches adult education classes in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties with multiple locations in each community. For information, contact Adult Education at 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses.

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#1615 | October 27, 2015

Dean of Adult Education (Free GED classes): Dr. Charlene Ford
912.443.4150 or cford@savannahtech.edu

Barbering Instructor: Joycelin Primus
912.443.5879 or jprimus@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).

Haus named Savannah Tech’s Department Head for Air Conditioning Technology

Devin Haus

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College has selected Devin R. Haus as its Department Head for Air Conditioning Technology. In this role, Haus is responsible for oversight of all instruction, curriculum development, administrative and budgetary aspects for the College’s Air Conditioning program.

Haus holds an associate degree in electrical and electronic technology from Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo. He has more than two decades of experience with HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) as a service and installation technician, HVAC technician, and director of maintenance.

Haus learned HVAC first from his father, who ran his own business for years. As soon as he was big enough to pick up a screwdriver, he started asking questions about what his dad was doing, rather than just handing him tools. By the time Devin graduated from high school, he was making service calls for his dad’s business. Haus is an EPA-certified technician and has certification in TracPipe Flexible Gas Piping, and Missouri Popane Gas. He has also completed Honeywell Pneumatic Control Training.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth for air conditioning technicians is expected to soar at 34%, faster than most other industries. STC Air Conditioning Technology graduates are trained in everything from heating and air conditioning to refrigeration, ventilation, and humidity control for all types of buildings—often referred to throughout industry as HVACR. The program is also part of the sustainable technology movement at Savannah Technical College and is available for Learning Community opportunities with a number of courses and dedicated tutors. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/AirConditioning.

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#1614 | October 19, 2015

Air Conditioning Technology: Secene Dorsey
912.443.5859 or sdorsey@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 ranked #4 in U.S. Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges

Daniel Dotson, STC 2015 Graduation

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College was ranked fourth in the U.S. by Military Times with the 2016 rankings Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges 2016 rankings. The organization made up of Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times focused on culture and curriculum that caters to military veterans when conducting and scoring the annual survey of schools that self-identify as career and technical colleges.

“We continue to look for ways to support military-affiliated students,” said STC Military Outreach  Coordinator Jeff Ashmen. Savannah Technical College offers programs that help area veterans get the technical skills and certifications employers are looking for quickly. “Savannah Technical College has a 96 percent job placement rate, so we really have our fingers on the pulse of what employers are looking for in a trained workforce,” Ashmen said.

Career and technical colleges respond to the same Best for Vets: Colleges survey as two-year institutions on up, a highly respected analysis of a college’s complete offerings for veterans. As with all of the Best for Vets rankings, Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that make an institution a good fit for military veterans.

For the full Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges 2016 rankings, go to: militarytimes.com

Military Times’ Best for Vets survey-based rankings include Colleges, Career & Technical Colleges, Business Schools, Franchises, Employers and Law Enforcement.

Savannah Technical College has the largest enrollment of military-affiliated students in the Technical College System of Georgia. One in four STC students is a veteran, active duty service member or a military dependent/spouse. The College waives all general mandatory fees for active duty service members using military tuition assistance. In 2015, Savannah Tech opened a Veteran’s Service Center at the Savannah campus. For more information about military services or enrollment, visit www.savannahtech.edu/military or contact Ashmen (912.443.4155 or jashmen@savannahtech.edu).

About Military Times
The Military Times digital platforms and newsweeklies are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit www.militarytimes.com.

Photo: Ten-year Army veteran Daniel Macarthur Dotson graduated from Savannah Technical College in business administrative technology in 2015. (Photo: Stephen B. Morton for Savannah Technical College)

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#1613 | October 15, 2015

Military Initiatives Coordinator: Jeff Ashmen
912.443.4155 or jashmen@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).

Curran named Savannah Tech’s Department Head for Historic Preservation

Benjamin Curran

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College has selected Benjamin R. Curran as its Department Head for Historic Preservation. In this role, Curran is responsible for oversight of all instruction, curriculum development, administrative and budgetary aspects for the College’s Historic Preservation program. As a full-time instructor, he will also supervise adjunct instructors and act as the primary spokesperson and community outreach coordinator for program and preservation trades on a local, regional and national scale. He will also be the director for STC’s Center for Traditional Craft.

Curran holds a master’s degree in heritage studies/historic preservation from Plymouth State University, along with a bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire.

Previously he was the project manager for Peter Post Restoration, a company specializing in the museum quality preservation and restoration of historic properties. He was a lead faculty instructor for Historic Preservation at Edgecombe Community College in Taraboro, N.C. As a co-investigator for a research project funded by a National Geographic Society/Waitt Foundation grant, he worked as a senior member of the group investigating impacts of climate change and sea level rise and effects of salt water intrusion for coastal heritage sites for the University of New Hampshire Earth System Research Center in Durham, N.H.

He is a past board member of the Preservation Trades Network and was a board liaison for the association of preservation technology/preservation trades network.

As the only public hands-on Historic Preservation program in Georgia, Savannah Technical College has led the way in preservation education. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. Established in 2014, the Center for Traditional Craft is organized in three distinct but intertwined components; education, research, and community outreach. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/CenterTraditionalCraft.

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#1612 | September 30, 2015

Center for Traditional Craft | Historic Preservation Program Contact: Benjamin Curran
912.443.5864 or bcurran@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).

Tybee Island Fire Department donates sets of firefighting gear to Savannah Technical College’s Fire Science program

TYBEE ISLAND – The City of Tybee Island Fire Department donated used firefighting gear to Savannah Technical College’s Fire Science program today. The gear is no longer able to be used for firefighting incidents, but will be used for training at the College.

“We appreciate the generosity of the City of Tybee Island’s Fire Department,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “The equipment is a welcome addition to Savannah Technical College’s hands-on training opportunities for Fire Science students.”

Tybee Island is in the process of replacing its firefighting gear and wanted to find someone local that could use it. The donation includes 19 helmets, 16 sets of gloves and jackets, along with 18 pants, 32 pairs of boots and six sets of suspenders. The donated equipment will be used for various training scenarios that do not involve live-fire including; Hazardous Materials Operations and future fire science dual-enrollment programs in area high schools that should be starting next fall.

“We are glad to support Savannah Tech’s Fire Science Program to educate, train, certify future and current emergency responders in our area,” said Tybee Island Fire Chief Ashley Fields and STC Fire Science advisory board member.

The STC Fire Science program office is located to the Crossroads campus (190 Crossroads Parkway, Savannah, 31407). All Fire Science class schedules designed to support our student’s balancing their home/life/work schedules with a combination of evening and online classes with practical hands-on training occurring at various area fire departments.

The Fire Science programs at Savannah Technical College prepare graduates for successful careers in the fire and emergency service field, whether they are looking to obtain required certifications to apply to fire departments nationwide or wish to obtain their degree to qualify for promotion into leadership positions at their department. Many of the classes meet the educational criteria established by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (ProBoard) allowing students to challenge various national fire service certifications including Fire Officer I & II, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Instructor I, Hazardous Materials Operations, Fire & Life Safety Educator, etc. Interested students should contact Faust at afaust@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3386.

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1611 | August 20, 2015

Fire Science: Tony Faust
912.443.3386 or afaust@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).

Liberty Regional Medical Center pledges $125,000 to expand nursing education

Liberty Regional Medical Center Donation

HINESVILLE – The Hospital Authority of Liberty County, the governing body for Liberty Regional Medical Center, voted to support the expansion of nursing education with a five-year, $125,000 pledge to support Savannah Technical College.

“We are proud that the Liberty Regional Medical Center has made such a strong commitment to expanding nursing education,” says College President Dr. Kathy Love. “With this support, we will be able to strengthen and expand nursing instruction at our Liberty Campus.” The expansion will include an additional cohort of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) at the Liberty Campus.

“This is an exciting day for nursing education in Liberty County,” says Hospital Authority of Liberty County Chairman James Rogers. “We are proud to partner with Savannah Tech to grow its nursing program right here in Liberty County. We know that demand for nurses will continue to grow and we are excited that with this program, Liberty County students will have access to greater options for nursing education.  Making an investment ensures that Liberty Regional will continue to be able to deliver the best care possible for our community.”

The College is working to add an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to its mix of health science programs for the region. The proposed ADN program will be based in Savannah and focused on critical care nursing. The nursing education expansion also will include a bridge program at Liberty Campus for practical nurses, who wish to further their education at the Associate Degree level.

STC’s Liberty campus currently serves approximately 900 students each semester and offers a mix of instructional programs to meet the needs of employers and the community.  In Health Sciences programs, the campus offers Practical Nursing and Phlebotomy training.  STC’s nursing program has had an average 97.15% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) passing rate for the last two years. This competitive admission nursing program prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-PN to test to be an LPN and work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, health departments or nursing homes.

The Savannah Technical College Foundation is in the midst of a $10 Million capital campaign, with $2.5 Million devoted to Health Sciences expansion. In addition to starting the ADN program, the campaign seeks to equip biology and chemistry labs at the Effingham and Liberty Campuses and expand associate degree program offerings at the Savannah Campus. Currently, the Liberty Campus has a single, multi-purpose Health Science laboratory. Making additional programs available for study will increase opportunities for students to complete study enter the workforce, strengthening the local healthcare sector. The addition of a biology/chemistry lab supports a critical component of the state’s core curriculum and provides degree level students with greater completion options.

For more information on practical nursing visit: www.Savannahtech.edu/PracticalNursing.

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#1610 | August 18, 2015
Health Sciences Academic Advisor: Cindy Cole
912.443.5721 or ccole@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).