HINESVILLE, Ga. – The Liberty County Board of Commissioners and Liberty County Development Authority, working in partnership with Savannah Technical College, have been awarded $60,000 in grant funding through the Defense Community Economic Development Fund to allow expansion of Commercial Truck Driving training for transitioning service members and military spouses. The fund is administered by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Office of Workforce Development.

“Fort Stewart is a major economic driver in our regional economy. This grant provides new opportunities for transitioning service members to build great careers close to home in Liberty County,” said Chairman of Liberty County Board of Commissioners and member of the Liberty County Development Authority Donald Lovette.

The College offers Commercial Truck Driver’s License (CTDL) training at its campuses in Liberty County and Effingham County. The training may be completed in five weeks.  While there is great demand for this training, including from transitioning service members and military spouses, enrollment is limited by the low instructor-to-student ratios required during the driving portions. 

Grant funding allows the College to hire additional part-time faculty to supervise student driving, which will increase enrollment by 64 additional students for the academic year beginning Summer Semester 2019. Active duty service members, veterans and their spouses will receive priority enrollment in these additional course offerings.

“As a hub for regional transportation, the opportunities for growth in the logistics employment sector are unlimited in Liberty County,” said Hinesville Mayor and Chairman of the Liberty County Development Authority Allen Brown. “It is a great fit to have transitioning service members move into one of our area’s growing industries.”

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

“Employers value the strong work ethic of our military graduates, making them great hires,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “We take our commitment to providing opportunities for military students very seriously and are delighted to have this grant to expand truck driving training for service members, veterans and their families.”

Other community partners included in this grant application are Central States Trucking Co., Port City Logistics, Quaker Transport Inc., USO Pathfinder Program (Fort Stewart, Ga.), Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, Liberty County Development Authority and STC Foundation.

Commercial Truck Driving is one of Georgia’s high demand jobs that qualify for the HOPE Career Grant, receiving an additional $1,000. The HOPE Grant offers CTDL students $657, reducing their total out-of-pocket expense to $227, which includes tuition/fees/CDL testing. The next five-week day class for Commercial Truck Driving begins May 28 at both the Effingham and Liberty campus locations. New students interested in enrolling in Commercial Truck Driving must be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for interstate travel). For a full list of admission requirements, please visit:
https://www.savannahtech.edu/programs/commercial-truck-driving or contact the Industrial Technology Academic Advisor at 912.443.5859.

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#1939 | April 22, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

For a full list of admission requirements, please visit:
https://www.savannahtech.edu/programs/commercial-truck-driving or contact the Industrial Technology Academic Advisor at 912.443.5859.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A crowd of nearly 250 gathered in the Eckburg Auditorium on the campus of Savannah Technical College today to celebrate the 2019 Tribute to Community STARS luncheon, the thirteenth annual event recognizing people for their service and dedication in the community or at work.

Honored were: 

• Dawn Baker, Anchor, WTOC-TV, sponsored by Architecture 101;
• Noel Burgdorf, Drayage Operations Manager, Schneider, sponsored by Schneider;
• Jenny Dent, Executive Administrative Assistant & Chief of Staff, Visit Savannah, sponsored by Savannah Chamber/Visit Savannah;
• Patrice Gardner, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, The Club at Savannah Quarters^®, sponsored by The Club at Savannah Quarters^®;
• LaMonica Graham, Emergency Services & Permanent Supportive Housing Program Manager, Union Mission, sponsored by Savannah Morning News;
• James Halford, Savannah Technical College 2019 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• Kenzie Hancock, Special Olympian and Powerlifter, sponsored by John Davis Florist;
• Renea Hanna, Savannah Technical College 2019 GOAL Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• Candace & Erika Hardnett, Founders, Agape Empowerment Ministries, sponsored by Bertice Berry Productions;
• Becca Hutcheson, Savannah Technical College 2019 EAGLE Student of the Year, sponsored by Savannah Technical College;
• Linda James, Business Administrator, The Salvation Army, sponsored by JW Williams Consulting & Services for the Salvation Army Savannah;
• Marty Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, City of Savannah, sponsored by Thomas & Hutton;
• Kathy Levitt, Volunteer Extraordinaire, sponsored by LS3P;
• Frank Macgill, Partner, HunterMaclean, sponsored by HunterMaclean;
• Gina Peper, VP Sales & Marketing, North Point Hospitality, sponsored by North Point Hospitality;
• Cari Clark Phelps, Owner/Principal, Clark Creative, sponsored by Ad Specialty;
• Thelia Price, Line Cook, EmployAbility, sponsored by EmployAbility;
• Tonya Reed, CFO/Co-Owner, Henry Plumbing Company, sponsored by National Association of Women in Construction – Coastal Georgia Chapter;
• Cecilia Russo Turner, Owner, Cecilia Russo Marketing, sponsored by McGriff Insurance;
• Randy Shearouse, Superintendent, Effingham County School District, sponsored by Edwards Interiors; and
• Gena Taylor, Executive Director, Greenbriar Children’s Center, sponsored by Judy & Dick Eckburg.
  

The keynote address was delivered by Roger Moss, Jr., co-founder of Savannah Children’s Choir, which aims to unite, mentor and transform Savannah’s children into responsible, creative and confident leaders through excellence in choral performance and music education. Also, through education and performance, he strives to instill in the next generation a love of the beauty and variety of American music.

The event is hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation Community Council, a group of young professionals charged with expanding the awareness of Savannah Technical College and its mission through advocacy, awareness and fundraising. 

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

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#1938 | April 12, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu 

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Alima Mims as its department head for Fire Science. He teaches and coordinates academic programs, advise students, supervise faculty and perform various departmental and college-wide assignments.

Prior to coming to Savannah Tech, Mims had nearly two decades of fire service with extensive experience extinguishing fires and was a Lieutenant in Training for the Augusta Fire Department. He has been instructing firefighters since 2009 and developed programs within the Georgia Fire Academy.

He has an associate degree in fire science from Keiser University and anticipates completing a bachelor degree in public safety administration in May 2019. He is certified for Basic Life Support (BLS) and as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the State of Georgia.

Mims is hosting information sessions for Fire Science at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, in the Crossroads Campus Auditorium (190 Crossroads Parkway, Savannah, 31407). The priority application and financial aid deadline for summer semester is May 10, 2019.

The STC Fire Science programs 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.

All Fire Science classes are scheduled to help students attend college, while balancing their home/life/work obligations with a combination of evening and online classes with practical hands-on training occurring at various area fire departments. The Fire Science Degree/ Diploma students to obtain their fire science degree or diploma in one year. The STC Fire Science program office is located to the Crossroads campus (190 Crossroads Parkway). Interested students should contact Mims at amims@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3386 or STC Business and Public Services Academic Advisor Amber Robinson at arobinson@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5719.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit. Contact SACSCOC for questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College. All questions about admission, enrollment, job placement, and related matters should be directed to an appropriate office at Savannah Technical College. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097, 404-679-4500.

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#1937 | April 10, 2019

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

Fire Science Contact: Alima Mims
amims@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3386

STC Business and Public Services Academic Advisor: Amber Robinsonarobinson@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5719

SAVANNAH, GA – Twenty-eight Savannah Technical College students attended the induction ceremony for the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) recently at STC’s Eckburg Auditorium. A total of 50 students have been inducted into NTHS during AY2019.

Students were nominated by an instructor in their major based on their work ethic, academic performance and community service.

NTHS honors student achievement and leadership, promotes educational excellence, awards scholarships, and enhances career opportunities inductees. Also, NTHS is the international leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education.

Savannah Tech congratulates the following students on their induction into the NTHS:

• Casey Alton, Aviation Maintenance
• Poppy Arnold, Aircraft Structural
• Jose Calderon Chavez, Aviation Maintenance
• Joshua Clifton, Aviation Maintenance
• Vanetta Ferebee, Medical Assisting
• Samantha Flowers, Cosmetology
• Cherie Frederick, Practical Nursing
• Marsha Glenn, Practical Nursing
• Dalel Gonzalez, Cosmetology
• Kuwenda Harris, Practical Nursing
• Alyssa Hodges, Health Care Assisting/Medical Assisting
• Sabrina Holmes, Practical Nursing
• Shelby Hunter, Business Management
• Jannie Jason, Practical Nursing
• Brittany Johnson, Medical Assisting
• Malik Jones, Aircraft Structural
• Amaryllis Levine Miller, Cosmetology
• Cheryl McQueen, Practical Nursing
• Jessica Oliver, Cosmetology
• Yanyra Pacheco, Practical Nursing
• Vikrant Patel, Aviation Maintenance
• Julian Rawlinson, Aviation Maintenance
• Janasya Reid, Practical Nursing
• Antaneaus Thomas, Early Childhood Care & Education
• Ashley Thompson, Film Production Assistant
• Whitney Turnquest, Cosmetology
• Ashley Williamson, Cosmetology
• Megan Wolff, Medical Front Office Assistant

Not pictured:

• Cecilia Carson, Early Childhood Care & Education
• David Burgos, Aircraft Structural
• Katherine Fenno, Historic Preservation
• Erin Doughtie, Practical Nursing
• Caroline Griner, Aircraft Structural
• Joel Heiser, Aircraft Structural
• Giovanni Hernandez, Aviation Maintenance
• Tre’Ron Jackson, Aircraft Structural
• April Money, Practical Nursing
• David (Pax) Jenkins, Aircraft Structural
• Ralph Lattke, Aviation Maintenance
• Katherine Whitney, Practical Nursing
• Donna Lowe, Logistics Management
• David Miracky, Aircraft Structural
• James Mulford, Aviation Maintenance
• Matthew Pearce, Aircraft Structural
• Amber Ross, Early Childhood Care & Education
• Koree Benard, Cosmetology
• Jacob Sconyers, Aircraft Structural
• Ashton McKinney, Cosmetology
• Nicholas Wallace, Aircraft Structural
• Kaitlyn Wilding, Cosmetology

For more information about the NTHS visit: www.nths.org.

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#1936 | April 9, 2019

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

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

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

This is the 27th group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated 346 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Many candidates are in various stages of the application process with statewide agencies. Ten of the eleven candidates have been hired by area police departments. Savannah Tech’s Peace Officer Academy has a 97% placement rate.     

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

This cohort honors Officer Anthony Christie of the Savannah Police Department, who passed away on May 25,2018, after his patrol car was struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 16. He is survived by his wife, parents and sister.

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

For more information about the Peace Officer Academy visit
www.savannahtech.edu/PeaceOfficerAcademy or contact the office at 912.443.5191 or njones@savannahtech.edu.w

The next class begins in July 2019.

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#1933 | March 15, 2019
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Peace Officer Academy
912.443.5191 or njones@savannahtech.edu

Savannah Technical College Cosmetology and Barbering students are hosting a ShamRockin’ Hair/Nail Design Special for hair and nail design as a fundraiser for student professional development opportunities. ShamRockin’ services will be offered from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., on Tuesdays through Thursdays, March 5-7 and 12-14 at the Savannah and Liberty Campuses. The Effingham Campus will offer services from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. only during the same days.

Hair and nail design services include:

• Shamrock Green or gold hair tinsel $5 per accent piece or $15 per head
• Shamrock Green hair chalk: $5 per accent piece or $10 for a full head
• Shamrock Hair Art: $7 per design
• Shamrock nail foil: $3 per nail
• Raw glitter nail: $2 per nail
• Bling nail: $5 per nail

Cash or cards will be accepted as payment. A $5 minimum will be required for card purchases and will include an additional $.50 processing fee. For more information about the ShamRockin’ Hair and Nail Design please visit: www.savannahtech.edu/ShamRockin.

The College’s Cosmetology program emphasizes not only specialized training in the field of cosmetology, but also interpersonal relations development, employability skills and work ethics. The curriculum meets state licensing requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology. Once program graduates receive a Cosmetology diploma and pass their board exams, they are eligible to work as a hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, or skin care specialist.

Savannah Tech’s Barbering program prepares students to be on the cutting edge of men’s fashion and trends with training to test for licensure as a Professional Barber. The Barbering program features barbering services such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, styling hair, trimming beards and giving shaves. It is offered at the College’s Savannah and Liberty campuses.

For more information about these programs, visit www.savannahtech.edu/Cosmetology or www.savannahtech.edu/Barbering.

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Cosmetology/Barbering Services Contact Information:

• Savannah Campus: (5717 White Bluff Road, Ste. 2134, Savannah)
  Call for Savannah Appointment: 912.443.5779
• Liberty Campus: (100 Technology Drive, Hinesville)
  Call for Liberty Appointment: 912.408.3027 Ext. 6026
• Effingham Campus (Cosmetology Only): (28980 Hwy 21 South, Rincon)
  Call for Effingham Appointment: 912.754.1127

#1932 | March 1, 2019
Business and Professional Services Academic Advisor: Amber Robinson
912.443.5719 or arobinson@savannahtech.edu

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

 SAVANNAH, Ga. – Paralegal Studies student Renea Hanna has been selected as the 2019 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for Savannah Technical College.

Hanna is a top-performing student in her program. “In addition to her grades, what I respect most about Renea is her commitment to achieve her goals,” said STC Paralegal Studies Department Head Debra Geiger, Esq. “She balances the demands of school with a full time job. At times, she is faced with the demands of work deadlines, but she never falls behind in her homework assignments. She has also shown herself to be reliable and committed to serving the legal community having volunteered as a juror for the Georgia Public Defenders Council’s annual trial skills training.”

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

She is passionate about social justice and equality, both of which largely motivated her decision to pursue a career in the legal field. Hanna has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and anticipates acceptance into the Lamda Epsilon Chi Honor Society for Paralegal students this semester. She is on track to graduate this summer with a Paralegal Studies Associate Degree. 

Before training at Savannah Technical College, has worked as a waitress, an office manager, a bookkeeper, a personal assistant, a website manager, a photographer, a freelance artist, a jewelry maker, and held several management positions in both the retail industry and restaurant industry. She currently works as a manager at Gallery Espresso in downtown Savannah and works as an artist and jewelry designer in her free time.

“When I graduate this summer, I will be the first person in my family in three generations to obtain a college degree,” said Hanna. “I now have the direction, confidence, and ambition to push on toward even bigger goals. From here I will work as a paralegal, gaining valuable on-the-job experience, while I pursue my Bachelor’s degree and eventually, my law degree. I am on my personal path toward success and when I am asked how I got there, Savannah Technical College will always be where I begin my story.”

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.

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#1931 |February 21, 2019
Business and Professional Services Academic Advisor: Amber Robinson
912.443.5719 or arobinson@savannahtech.edu

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

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Electrical Construction and Maintenance Department Head James Halford has been selected as STC’s 2019 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors outstanding faculty members at each of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions. Halford will represent Savannah Technical College in the statewide competition.

“Mr. Halford’s considerable experience as a TCSG student, as well as his 12 years of experience as a TCSG Instructor, make him uniquely qualified to relate to his students and to be the perfect ambassador for technical education across the state,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love.

He is well-versed in all aspects of electrical and industrial systems and is a proud TCSG graduate. He holds a diploma in Industrial Electrical Technology and four additional credentials from South Georgia Technical College (Residential Wiring Technician, Commercial Wiring Technician, Supervisory Management Specialist and Certified Forklift Operator). He has also earned an Industrial Systems Technology Associate Degree and four additional certifications from Savannah Technical College (Programmable Control Technician, Industrial Maintenance Assistant and Industrial Instrument Assistant).

Additionally, he has had success in his field at all levels, working as a maintenance helper for a large manufacturer, as a journeyman electrician, master electrician and a field supervisor – all of experience helps give him insight to the working world for which he prepares his students. 

Halford has led STC’s college-wide Skills USA efforts for three years. Through his leadership, the College has proudly celebrated 36 state award winners and three national award winners. He was instrumental in our college receiving a $233,000 grant from Georgia Environmental Finance Authority that provided scholarships for students in photovoltaic systems. He also led the installation of a solar array on one of STC’s campus buildings. 

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

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#1930 | February 21, 2019

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

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Kelly Collingsworth as its Career Services Coordinator. In this role, she will interface with business and industry recruiters to identify job openings and provide career development counseling to students and prospective students. She will also assist students with developing resumes and cover letters and job interview preparation. Additional responsibilities include coordinating job fair activities, promoting program services to the community; coordinating with faculty members to assist student in securing employment; developing and maintaining an employment database; participating in community events and volunteer opportunities; serving as the key student affairs staff member responsible for capturing and recording placement data.

Prior to coming to Savannah Tech, Collingsworth worked as a Marketing and Sales coordinator for Savannah Quarters, Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Sustainability at Johns Hopkins University and served as the Executive Director of Keep Bulloch Beautiful.  She has a Master of Arts in professional communication and leadership from Georgia Southern University and a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Augusta University. She and her husband-to-be, Andrew, enjoy working on their urban farm and residing in the Lowcountry.

Savannah Technical College’s Career Services promotes opportunities for experiential learning, assists workforce development, cultivates and maintains partnerships with employers, and serves as a resources for staff, faculty, and the community. Career Services also supports employers with the recruitment, hiring, and retention of well-qualified teams. Through the use of STC’s online job portal, Career Connections, employers can directly connect with STC’s highly trained pool of students and graduates by posting employment opportunities.

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#1928 | February 19, 2019

Career Services: Kelly Collingsworth
kcollingsworth@savannahtech.edu

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