SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) granted developmental approval for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Savannah Technical College. Developmental approval grants the College permission to begin the development of an ASN program. Pending initial approval by GBON and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the first cohort of 24 students will begin in January 2025.

Visit this link for FAQ about competitive selection and details about ASN approval.

The College plans to host this program at its Effingham Campus in a new Nursing/Science lab addition, projected to be complete prior to fall semester 2024. The proposed program will have a competitive selection process, which will include requirements of specific core courses, entrance exam and other criteria. Priority selection will be given to in-state students as well as those with a Georgia military affiliation.

Graduates of the Associate of Science in Nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Savannah metro area had a skills gap of 3,173 for registered nurses in 2023.

Projected ASN timeline:

• March 2024         ASN competitive selection criteria determined
• Summer 2024     Georgia Board of Nursing site visit
• Fall 2024             ASN competitive selection deadline (TBD)
• Spring 2025        First ASN cohort

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, once approved at Savannah Technical College, will prepare graduates to provide quality patient care through academic and occupational knowledge attained throughout their program of study. The College has selected Vickie Nylander, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN, as its Associate of Science in Nursing Program Director. 

The ASN program’s development is partially funded by the College’s Title III Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) grant, a five-year US Department of Education grant initially awarded in 2021. The College seeks to address both the shortage of registered nurses in the local workforce and the low participation of minority students in higher-level health science programs with funding from the PBI formula grant.

#2430 | February 22, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has been selected by Amazon as an education partner for its Career Choice program, allowing Amazon’s hourly employees pre-paid tuition to one of the College’s 150+ academic programs.

“Everything we do at Savannah Technical College is about workforce development,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love. “We are thrilled to be selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program! Their eligible employees will have access to Savannah Technical College’s high-demand education and training programs enabling them to earn degrees, diplomas and certificates to help further their careers.”

Amazon’s Career Choice program is an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners where they are on their education journey through a variety of education and upskilling opportunities, including pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas and GEDs. In the U.S., the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs.

“I am so excited about Amazon’s continued investment in our community through an exciting partnership with Savannah Technical College,” Mayor Van R. Johnson, II said. “Partnerships like these are key to position Savannahians for the plethora of high wage jobs arriving to our area and further underscore the nature of Savannah’s status as one of the Southeast’s most prominent cities.”

Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners that are focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success.

“We are looking forward to Savannah Technical College coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Lead of Amazon’s Career Choice program. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 150,000 Amazon employees around the world have participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”

For more information on Amazon’s Career Choice, visit: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/career-choice

#2429 | February 9, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Gayle Tremble, Ed.D., as its vice president of Academic Affairs. She will administer, plan and evaluate institutional services including supervision and leadership in activities of instruction personnel, institutional academic programs, in-service activities and budget related to operation of the department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tremble back to Savannah Technical College to lead Academic Affairs,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “Her academic leadership and educational background will continue the College’s tradition of providing high-quality instructional programs that address student and employer needs.”

Tremble has more than two decades of experience in higher education for technical colleges as a vice president of academic affairs, dean, and instructor. Most recently, she was the vice president of academic affairs for Williamsburg Technical College in South Carolina. She returns to Savannah Tech where she was formerly the dean of public services.

She has a doctorate in education (curriculum studies), master’s degrees in English and education (middle grades) and a bachelor’s degree in business education from Georgia Southern University. She is a SACSCOC evaluator and member of the Institutional Review Board. She attended the Georgia Department of Education’s Leadership Academy, and the Technical College system of Georgia Executive Leadership Academy. In 2003, she was named Regional Instructor of the Year for Southeast Georgia.

#2428 | February 1, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Cosmetology student Doria Johnson has been selected as the 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for Savannah Technical College.

“Doria is one of the most dedicated and hardworking students that I have encountered,” said STC Cosmetology Instructor Monique Sanders. “She is the embodiment of dedication, hard work, and exemplary leadership. She consistently goes above and beyond, often seeking opportunities for intellectual growth outside of the classroom and continually striving for excellence.”

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.

Johnson worked as a college admissions counselor for more than a decade. She decided to switch to a career in cosmetology because she loves making people look and feel good. She is a full-time student, wife and mother to her four-year-old daughter. She attended Temple University after high school. She is the president of STC’s Student Government Association and a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa chapters. After graduation, she plans to teach, venture into the movie industry and establish her own business as a cosmetologist.

She would like to extend her cosmetology training beyond just practicing it by collaborating with local organizations, shelters, and community centers to provide complementary beauty services for those without access to those luxuries.

“I would like to establish free services tailored for individuals in our community who are in need,” said Johnson. “I’d like to create a safe space where everyone feels welcome and deserving of care, regardless of their background or financial status.”

Cosmetology is offered at the College’s Effingham, Liberty and Savannah campuses. The 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, and STC’s graduates have a 100% pass rate.

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, salon manager/owner, skin care specialist, and more. Students may also take short-term training to earn a technical certificate of credit with for designer, nail technician, and shampoo technician. Cosmetology’s occupational programs are open to high school students in 10-12th grade through Dual Enrollment. For more information about Cosmetology training visit www.savannahtech.edu/Cosmetology.

The College offers hair, skin and nail care services for the public when classes are in session. Visit www.savannahtech.edu/beautyshop for a list of services, pricing, and the schedule that shows when the shops are open based on academic instruction. Prices are subject to change without notice. Student services are offered in conjunction with coursework in an educational environment and may take longer than similar services provided with non-educational service providers.

Links to Savannah Tech’s previous honorees for GOAL (student), Perkins (instructor) and Eagle (adult education student) are available at www.savannahtech.edu/honorees.

#2427 | January 29, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Alex Lewis has been selected as STC’s 2024 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. She will represent the College in the regional and statewide competitions.

“Chef Lewis is creative and innovative educator who is committed to providing the best educational experience possible for our students,” said STC President Dr. Kathy Love. “She is always willing to help her students and is a very committed, involved instructor. She is a recognized leader and innovator in her industry and has applied that to her work at Savannah Technical College.”

Chef Lewis is a lead Culinary Arts instructor, who began teaching with Savannah Tech in 2015 and brings a wealth of restaurant and hospitality experience to her students. She was previously an adjunct professor with Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta. She started her career initially as a Dekalb County Public Schools educator and was named Production Chef of the Year for the Atlanta Public Schools in 2008. Prior to Savannah Tech, Chef Lewis was the chef manager for Sodexo. She also worked as an assistant catering chef at Home Appétit/Trilogy, a fabrication chef for A Dinner A’fare, and has worked as a private chef and event coordinator.

She has a master’s in education from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in policy studies from Georgia State University, and an associate’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu. She is a Certified Culinary Educator (2023) and Certified Executive Chef (2021) with the American Culinary Federation (ACF). She is a member of ACF Chefs of the Low Country, Les Dames Escoffier (Savannah and Coastal Georgia), and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs (Savannah Bailliage).

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.

Links to Savannah Tech’s previous honorees for GOAL (student), Perkins (instructor) and EAGLE (adult education student) are available at www.savannahtech.edu/honorees.

About Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute

The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to the ACF committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

#2426 | January 29, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Charmaine White has been selected as the 2024 Savannah Technical College Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) recipient.

White is a Career Plus High School (CPH) student, who earned a CNA license in Spring 2023. She is enrolled in Patient Care Technician classes for her second technical certificate of credit. Upon completion, she would like to open a geriatric facility because she loves working with the elderly. She has one son, Omar, who is her pride and joy.

The EAGLE Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes. Selection criteria include student character, attitude, attendance, leadership and community involvement and activities. From this group, one student is selected to represent the local program at the state EAGLE Leadership Institute (March 25-27, 2024). The Institute provides workshops in leadership topics to build on the strong leadership characteristics the student already exhibits.

EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.

Every EAGLE delegate is considered an ambassador and spokesperson for literacy serving local communities and the state by promoting lifelong learning. Since its inception in 1993, the EAGLE Award program has recognized more than 1,600 outstanding students across the state. In additional to serving as volunteer role models for family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers, EAGLE delegates serve as mentors, peer tutors, and recruiters of other students into local adult education programs. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program provides accessible and high-quality education, serving those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain an HSE degree, and prepare for college. Instructors also help students with science and social studies test preparation for GED® testing.

STC teaches adult education classes in the morning, afternoon, evening and online. They are offered in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Adult education classes for GED®-prep are currently free for all U.S. citizens. To register for free GED® classes, call 912.443.5446 or visit www.savannahtech.edu/FreeGEDClasses. For GED® testing information, go to www.ged.com to sign up to take test or go to www.savannahtech.edu/testingcenter to learn more about our testing locations.

#2425 | January 26, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute offers its eleventh annual online, pre-order Sweetheart Sale featuring assorted artisan chocolates, pastries and artisan breads just prior to Valentine’s Day at www.bistrosavoir.com.

Hand-made artisan chocolates truffles will be sold in a heart-shaped cardboard box for $32 and in four-packs for $10 with vegan and nut-free options. The sale has new items: raspberry + chocolate Paris brest; ruby heart minis; chocolate + peanut butter croissant; chocolate chip cookie dough brownie; black forest cookie; mocha crunch cake (6”), berries and cream salted caramel cake (6”); ruby + pistachio chocolate bar; chocolate snack pack; and chocolate truffle pops. There is a gluten-free, sugar-free coconut macaroon.

This sale features a limited-edition pair of glass etched “Savannah Culinary Institute” espresso cups in the Spanish Drinking Chocolate Kits. The kit includes spiced chocolate, spoons, and instructions for serving.

The Sweetheart Sale features the finest quality ingredients that are locally sourced, milled and handmade. Proceeds will benefit STC’s Junior Chefs Fund, which supports activities like competitions.

Online pre-order sales are available through February 8, or when quantities are sold out. Orders will be available for pickup at the College’s Savannah campus Tuesday, February 13 from noon until 6PM in the Eckburg Auditorium (5717 White Bluff Road). By request only, pickup will be available at the Crossroads, Liberty and Effingham Campuses. For a list of items for sale and to place orders, visit www.bistrosavoir.com.

Savannah Tech’s baking and pastry program was developed by the College to teach the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students learn a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic and advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards.  

Graduates are working as pastry chefs in the area’s finest restaurants and establishments, including Local 11 Ten, Le Café Gourmet, Savannah Yacht Club, and The Landings Club. There are more than 40 students are currently enrolled in the baking and pastry program.

With support from the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the College has purchased 7 West Bay Street as the new downtown location for an expansion of its Culinary Arts program, which will more than double the available instructional space. Senior level (second year) students will take classes and work in the bakery and restaurant. The hands-on, real-world experience in the restaurant/bakery will allow students the opportunity to apply techniques learned in the classroom to practical use, complete a required field placement, and gain first-hand experience in restaurant operations. 

New students are admitted to the baking and pastry program year-round. For more information about Culinary Arts at Savannah Tech visit: www.facebook.com/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

About Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute
The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to the ACF committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

#2424 | January 12, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Jasmine Sanders as its Executive Director of Human Resources. She is responsible for directing the College’s human resources functions including compensation, benefits, recruitment, employee relations, training and payroll.

Sanders has more than a decade of experience with human resources management. Most recently, she was a talent development manager for Virginia Peninsula Community College. She specializes in employee and labor relations, talent development, inclusion and diversity, business operations, and information systems.

She has a master of business administration (MBA) and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy University. She has been an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Federal Investigator since 2021 and a Title IX Coordinator since 2022. She is a member of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity Recruiting Strategy, Psi Lambda, Business Analyst Professionals and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

#2423 | January 11, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. will be honored at the 19th annual Opportunity Award Gala on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The event, hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, honors deserving leaders in the local community for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed.

The STC Foundation will honor Gulfstream for its commitment to workforce development, hiring locally and building the region’s talent pipeline.

The event gathers community and civic leaders for a celebratory evening honoring a special individual or organization. The evening also showcases the talents of students enrolled in Savannah Technical College’s award-winning Culinary Arts programs. Past recipients include: Former Governor Zell Miller, Arnold Tenenbaum, Judge Griffin Bell, Tom Coleman, Dick Eckburg, Arthur M. Gignilliat, Jr., Bob and Alice Jepson, Howard Morrison, Stratton Leopold, Chef Jean-Yves Vendeville, Ted Kleisner, Kevin Jackson, Dr. Bill Cathcart, and Chef Mashama Bailey. 

The event is a fundraiser for the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds to support Savannah Technical College. STC Foundation Board members are leading the fundraising efforts. For ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.savannahtech.edu/gala or contact Robert Grant rgrant@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3022. Sponsorships secured by March 18 will be included in the program.

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 Foundation also supports student success through its many privately funded scholarships.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958. Today, more than 3,000 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies and services. With a fleet that includes the super-midsize Gulfstream G280, the high-performing Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER, and a next-generation family of aircraft including the all-new Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the flagship Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream offers an aircraft for every mission. All are backed by Gulfstream’s Customer Support network and its worldwide team. Visit our website at gulfstream.com.

More information about General Dynamics is available at generaldynamics.com.

#2422 | January 5, 2024