events

Savannah Technical College Receives Grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to Enhance Driver Safety Education 

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech), the premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia, has been awarded a $181,061.82 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to expand and strengthen its driver safety education program through The Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety. Now entering its fifth year, this funding will support critical initiatives aimed at reducing distracted and alcohol-impaired driving among youth and young adults in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties. 

The grant will enable Savannah Tech to continue building on its proven distracted driver and alcohol-impaired training programs, utilizing advanced virtual reality simulators and Fatal Vision impairment goggles. These immersive educational tools provide students with firsthand experience of the dangers associated with unsafe driving behaviors. The program is designed to serve high school students, young adult drivers and parents across the four-county region through school-based sessions and community events. 

“Innovative projects like this are designed with the intent for Georgia and our nation to reach the realistic goal of zero traffic deaths by the middle of this century,” said Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Each life saved on our roads is one less family that will have to live with the pain of losing a loved one whose life was taken from them in a traffic crash that was completely preventable.” 

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in addressing one of the most pressing safety concerns facing our young drivers,” said Atina Brantley, MS, Project Director of Driver’s Education and Safety at Savannah Tech. “Through evidence-based education and hands-on learning experiences, we are empowering students to make safer choices behind the wheel and creating lasting behavioral change that will protect lives in our community.” 

During FY2025, Savannah Technical College’s Driver Safety Program exceeded all established objectives through the effective implementation of innovative instructional tools and community outreach initiatives. Utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) Simulators, the program set a goal to educate 5,000 teen drivers on the dangers of distracted and impaired driving and successfully reached 5,620 participants. Through the integration of Fatal Vision Kits, the goal was to engage 2,500 students in awareness activities highlighting the risks associated with distracted and drowsy driving, with an actual participation total of 8,468 students. In addition, the program planned to distribute 5,000 traffic safety materials to local high schools and community events, achieving an exceptional total of 21,258 materials distributed. 

These outcomes reflect the program’s sustained commitment to advancing traffic safety education, fostering responsible driving behaviors, and exceeding performance targets through strategic partnerships and innovative educational approaches. 

During the upcoming grant year, which runs from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026, Savannah Tech aims to educate 5,000 teen drivers using VR simulators, engage 2,500 students with Fatal Vision event kits, and promote 25 monthly media messages focused on driver safety. 

The Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety partners with local high schools, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Parent University, and Safe Kids Savannah to deliver comprehensive driver safety education. The program emphasizes a two-generational approach, educating both teens and parents to reinforce safe driving behaviors at home. 

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s mission is to educate the public on safe driving behaviors and implement highway safety campaigns and programs designed to reduce crashes and eliminate fatalities and injuries on Georgia roads. For more information, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org. 

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.

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 Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Savannah Technical College Welcomes New Board Members Elizabeth Bennett and Jason Zdunich

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech), the premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia, announced the appointment of Elizabeth Bennett and Jason Zdunich to its Board of Directors during a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Judge Roxanne E. Formey of the Juvenile Court of Chatham County. Both members were appointed by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) state board and bring extensive experience in education and leadership to guide the College’s mission of delivering excellence in technical education.

Bennett currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and District Athletic Director for Bryan County Schools. She holds a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University and brings over two decades of experience in education, including roles as principal, assistant principal, and teacher. Her achievements include being named Georgia Assistant Principal of the Year in 2017 and receiving the Jim Puckett Outstanding Educator Award in 2023.

Zdunich serves as Assistant Manager for Military and Community Relations at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, where he creates educational partnerships with technical colleges and universities across Southeast Georgia. A retired military officer with over 30 years of leadership experience, he holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville and has extensive background in training, project management, and operations.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth and Jason to our Board of Directors,” said Dr. Ryan W. Foley, President of Savannah Tech. “Their extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education, coupled with their deep understanding of workforce needs in our region, will be invaluable. These appointments strengthen our commitment to providing world-class technical education that prepares our students for high-demand careers and supports the economic vitality of Coastal Georgia.”

During the ceremony, Savannah Technical College leadership also recognized retired Colonel Pete Hoffman for his dedicated service to the board, presenting him with a commemorative painting in appreciation of his contributions to Savannah Tech’s mission.

The appointments reflect Savannah Technical College’s commitment to maintaining the highest standard of excellence in technical education. Bennett and Zdunich join a distinguished board of community and industry leaders who facilitate the delivery of programs and services that meet local industry and community needs throughout Coastal Georgia.

The Board of Directors meets monthly to advise the college president and TCSG State Board on local workforce development needs and advocate for issues supporting Georgia’s technical education system.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.

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 Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Rock-N-Rollment Open House Was a Hit! 🎸🎉

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

Wow, what an amazing time we had at our ‘Rock-N-Rollment Open House’! The energy was electric, and we loved seeing so many of you there. 🤘

We made enrolling super easy with one-on-one advisor chats, on-the-spot registration, and helpful financial aid guidance to get you set for success.

But that wasn’t all—it wouldn’t be “rock-n-roll” without some live music to keep things groovy! 🎶 Plus, we served up some delicious food (on the house, of course) to add to the festive vibes.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and made it such a memorable event. We’re already looking forward to rocking out with you again soon! 🥳🎤

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.

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 Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.