Savannah Technical College recognized 358 students for excellence in academics for the Fall 2023 Dean’s List. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must have at least a 3.5 GPA and have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours (or full-time) for that semester. These students represent 28.3% of the full-time students for Fall 2023.

• Faheem Ahmadzai (Cybersecurity Diploma)
• Chelsea Akahi (Business Management Diploma)
• Mykal Allen (Cybersecurity Diploma)
• Grayson Allen (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Ethan Anchors (Computer Support Specialist)
• Emma Anderson (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Kasha Anderson (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Tyechia Andrews (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Kaiya Angelino (Hair Designer)
• Iann Aponte (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Lavey Austin (Early College Essentials)
• Brandon Avery (A.S. Information Technology)
• Angelhene Bacon (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Tanner Bailey (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technician)
• Jerome Bailey (Drafting Degree)
• Carter Baldinelli (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Caleb Baldinelli (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Bella Banker (Early College Essentials)
• Fiore Barile (Accounting Degree)
• NyJeria Barnes (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Ismael Barrera (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Rashida Belk (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Antony Bell (Business Management Degree)
• Sadie Bennett (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Matthew Bennett (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Kloey Bidwell (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Destiny Black (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Keyshauna Blackwell (Marketing Management Degree)
• Devin Blake (Industrial Maintenance System Technology)
• Brianna Blige (Marketing Management Degree)
• Sohan Bolle (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Heather Bonham (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Anthony Bonheur (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Talia Bonilla (Film Prod On-Set Production)
• Stephanie Bourgeois (Marketing Management Degree)
• Callaway Bowers (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Tyler Braddy (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Anna Marie Bragg (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Symone’ Branson (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Danyel Braxton (Phlebotomy Technician)
• Shannon Brewton (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Malcolm Brinson (Industrial Maintenance System Technology)
• Levi Broughman (Early College Essentials)
• Karl Brown (Medical Coding/Insurance Data)
• Caleb Brown (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Justyce Brown (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Keosha Brown (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Ian Bruker (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Kamrin Bryant (Business Management Degree)
• Tieshia Bryant (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Ieshia Bryant (Cybersecurity Diploma)
• Demetrius Bryant (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Lesline Buchanan (Medical Coding/Insurance Data)
• Taylor Budd (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Miracle Bungy (Early College Essentials)
• Wilfredo Calderon (Networking Specialist Degree)
• MacKenzie Campen (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Bela Carroll (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Jaliya Carter (A.S. Criminal Justice)
• Taylon Celestine (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Kathryn Chaffin (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Nia Champen (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Natalia Chery (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Madison Christiansen (Technical Studies)
• Victoria Chung (Culinary Baking/Pastry Art AAS)
• Carlee Claybrook (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Charles Coleman (Automotive Engine Repair Technician)
• Maya Conley (Early College Essentials)
• Taylor Cotton (Salon and Spa Support)
• Imani Covington (Early College Essentials)
• Steven Cowart (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Jetasia Cox (Early College Essentials)
• Dreshawna Cuevas (Cybersecurity Fundamentals)
• Derek Dalgo (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technician)
• Matthew Davenport (Construction Management Degree)
• Angel Davis (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Leshawna Davis (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Lisha Davis Mbigbo (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Maykon De Oliveira Siqueira (Air Conditioning Technician Degree)
• Reynamie De Vega (Accounting Degree)
• Mario Dean (Air Conditioning Technician Assistant)
• Matthew DeFalcon (Construction Management Degree)
• Darrell Deffenbaugh (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Johnathan Diaz (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Alexis Dillahunt (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Andrew Dimathas (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Arlie Dipolito (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Calvin Dogger (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Joshua Dorsey (Advance Airframe and Powerplant)
• Allison Duncan (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Tania Duncan (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Moraya Eldridge (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Tyler Ellis (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• Carter Ellison (Electrical & Computer Engineer)
• Preston Emerson (Basic POST Certification)
• Jennifer Evans (Accounting Degree)
• Arthur Evans (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Donell Evans (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Brenda Feliciano (A.S. Information Technology)
• Carly Fellman (Phlebotomy Technician)
• Tanaja Felton (Health Care Science)
• Jessica Fields (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Deondra Fields (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Haley Fitts (Early College Essentials)
• Debanhi Flores (A.S. Information Technology)
• Hannah Floyd (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• William Fordham (Drafting Degree)
• Samantha-Brooke Freeman (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Connor Frick (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Anthony Gamble (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Damien Gavins (Vertical Shielded Metal Arc)
• Leslie George (Salon and Spa Support)
• Parks Girardeau (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Ronald Girtman (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Jordan Glover (Early College Essentials)
• Grace Glover (Culinary Baking/Pastry Art AAS)
• Teylor Gomez (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Maunisa Gordon (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Raphael Greene (Logistics and Supply Chain)
• William Greenwood (Technical Studies)
• Mercedes Guzman (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Kianna Hamilton (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Dixon Harbuck (Historic Preservation/Restoration Diploma)
• Steven Harden (Construction Management Degree)
• Hayley Hardnett (Early College Essentials)
• Kristyn Harrelson (Accounting Degree)
• Patrick Hart (Construction Management Degree)
• Lauryn Harvey (Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS)
• Genevieve Hassan (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Edward Hayes (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Kevin Hayes (Air Conditioning Technology Assistant)
• Richard Hayes (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Nevaeh Hayes (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Breyona Hepburn (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Diana Hernandez (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Jose Hernandez (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Damani Herrington (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Chasiti Hills (Health Care Assistant)
• Brandi Hines (Early College Essentials)
• Keaten Hodges (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Dylan Horne (Cyber Forensics Technology)
• Rebecca Horrocks (Business Technology Diploma)
• Golam Hosseini (Cybersecurity Diploma)
• Daniel Howard (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Tyrone Hughes (Air Conditioning Tech Degree)
• Tristen Ingram (Air Conditioning Tech Degree)
• Caleesha Jackson (Basic POST Certification)
• Yashika Jackson (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Aeriela Jemison (Salon and Spa Support)
• Mason Jenkins (Early College Essentials)
• Joshua Johnson (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Abigail Johnson (Early Childhood Care/ED Degree)
• Summer Johnson (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Ashanti Jokkene (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Chloe Jones (Business Management Degree)
• Jeannette Jones (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Jerry Jones (Air Conditioning Technology Degree)
• Esther Joy (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Bernarda Juarez Campechano (Accounting Diploma)
• Shawn Kagwa (Business Management Degree)
• Hannah Keldie (Culinary Baking/Pastry Art AAS)
• Jacob Kendrick (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Jonathon Kirkendall (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• Wendi Knight (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Marquis Knight (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Bazhena Kolesova (Business Management Degree)
• Maddux Kress (Early College Essentials)
• Tyson Lasota (Electrical Technology)
• Ethan Lathrop (Electrical Technology)
• Tyler Latour (A.S. Information Technology)
• Aedan Le (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Mindy Lechuga Nevarez (EMS Professions)
• Angel Lee (Business Technology Diploma)
• Natalie Lewis (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Kathy Lewis (Culinary Arts Diploma)
• Rebekah Lingenfelser (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Marcus Lo (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Luigi Lockhart (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Kaylei Long (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Adriyanna Long (Criminal Justice Fundamentals)
• Haydee Lopez Soutelo (Entrepreneurship)
• Erick Lopez-Martinez (Accounting Degree)
• Jada Lovett (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Tyrek Lyles (Automotive Technology Diploma)
• Christopher Madey (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Angelina Madison (Early College Essentials)
• Nicole Magnani (Criminal Justice Tech Degree)
• Roxanna Mandes Rivera (Cosmetology Diploma)
• William Maney (Precision Manufacturing)
• John Manzanares (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Jessica Martin (Accounting Degree)
• Christopher Maultsby (Barbering)
• Samantha Maxwell (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Andre McCall (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Wyatt McCart (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Scott McGinnity (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Dominique McGlynn (Paramedicine Degree)
• Tina McKinnon (Health Care Assistant)
• Andrew McMickens (Electrical Technology)
• Luis Medina (Air Conditioning Tech Degree)
• Victoria Meier (Business Management Degree)
• Kynnedy Melendez (Early College Essentials)
• Gelina Melograno (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Brooklyn Meyer (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Michael Migoski (Technical Studies)
• Breanna Miles (Health Care Assistant)
• James Miller (Culinary Arts Diploma)
• Nickeria Miller (Early Childhood Care/ED Diploma)
• Garcia Milton (Air Conditioning Tech Degree)
• Nicolas Mincey (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Sidney Mitchell (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Stuart Mixon (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Myranda Mobley (Health Care Assistant)
• Azea Morgan (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Laura Morris (Culinary Baking/Pastry Art AAS)
• Amariah Moultrie (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Brandi Moyer (Air Conditioning Tech Degree)
• Bakruddin Muhammad (Industrial Maintenance System Technology)
• Troy Mullen (Criminal Justice Fundamentals)
• Norma Murillo (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Caleb Nace (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Conner Nadolski (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Kentasha Nesbitt (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Onyx Nethles (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Zavier Newmarch (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Gerardo Noguera (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Nasiriyah Northcutt (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Larraine Oakes (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Elizabethe O’Donnell (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Mikell Ogle (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Kaden Oglesby (Business Management Diploma)
• Doris Marie Okain (Technical Specialist)
• Brittany Oldham (Health Care Assistant)
• Melissa Olson (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Shamon Orr (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Susan Ortega (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Robert Osterman (Accounting Degree)
• Emanuel Overstreet (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• De’keria Padgett (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Yasmin Palomares (Barbering)
• Paul Panas (Drafting Degree)
• Christopher Parker (Construction Management Degree)
• Jordan Parker (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Nilay Patel (Business Management Degree)
• Phillip Pauley (Industrial Maint Systems Technology)
• Carson Perry (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Reggie Petit-Homme (Automotive Technology Diploma)
• Caden Phillips (Construction Management Degree)
• Julia Pineiro (EMS Professions)
• Crystal Porter (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Lindsay Poythress (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Keontay Price (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Brody Proctor (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Richard Proszek (Culinary Arts Diploma)
• Michael Puleo (Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder)
• Sidney Pullen (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Carl Denver Punzalan (Accounting Degree)
• Kay-Lynn Ragan (Early College Essentials)
• K’La Rahman (Health Care Assistant)
• Miley Rahn (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Joseline Rayas Mayo (Health Care Assistant)
• Madison Reed (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Courtney Reed (Accounting Degree)
• Jeanette Reese (Automotive Fundamentals)
• Stephen Renshaw (Air Conditioning Technology Assistant)
• Mariah Reyes-Howard (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Brooke Reynolds (Early Childhood Care/ED Degree)
• Joel Rivera (Automotive Technology Diploma)
• Kaden Roberts (Air Conditioning Electrical Technician)
• Kevin Roberts (Basic POST Certification)
• Malajah Roberts (Salon and Spa Support)
• Aliyah Robinson (Medical Assisting Diploma)
• Angeleic Rodgers (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Kimberly Rodriguez (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Ryan Rogers (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Pablo Rosado (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Emma Rowe (Culinary Baking/Pastry Art AAS)
• Stephanie Sampson (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Justin Sanguily (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• Aaron Sather (Automotive Fundamentals)
• Lacie Scardina (Culinary Arts Diploma)
• Allan Scheurer (Business Management Degree)
• Christian Scholar (Aviation Maintenance Technology Diploma)
• Menis Scholtz (Basic POST Certification)
• Ebonique Seaton (Early Childhood Care/ED Diploma)
• Robert Seckinger (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• Matthew Seufer (Advance Airframe and Powerplant)
• Julian Shirah (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Karlee Shores (A.S. Criminal Justice)
• Julia Silva (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Aidan Simich (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Terrion Simon (Barbering)
• Kadynce Singer (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Caden Singleton (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Jacob Sizemore (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Jamie Small (Health Care Assistant)
• Sharon Smiley (Business Technology Diploma)
• Samantha Smith (Health Care Science)
• Elton Smith (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• Anira Smith (Salon and Spa Support)
• Zachary Smith (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Erin Smith (Hybrid/Electric Repair Technician)
• William Smith (Air Conditioning Tech Degree)
• Tamia Spencer (Health Care Assistant)
• Dallas Spencer (Early College Essentials)
• Antrinese Stackhouse (Computer Support Specialist)
• Jeffrey Stamm (Electrical Technology)
• Kiersten Stanley (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Male Steible (Criminal Justice Fundamentals)
• Aubrie Stevens (Technical Specialist)
• Corina Stewart (Business Management Degree)
• Ashley Stokes (Dental Assisting Diploma)
• Luke Strange (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Trielawakena Sudler (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Allison Sullivan (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Scott Szurley (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technology)
• Trent Tate (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Denise Taylor (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Gabrielle Thibodeau (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Faith Tompkins (Marketing Management Degree)
• Alexandrea Trayes (Accounting Degree)
• Pedro Trejo-Morales (Air Conditioning Technology Diploma)
• Erika Treto (Aircraft Upholstery and Trim)
• Kimberly Tuopaeh (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Nicholas Tuper (A.S. Logistics Management)
• Charles Tupper (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Ansley Turner (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Kaili Turner (Health Care Assistant)
• Mallory Tuttle (Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Degree)
• Aubrey Ussery (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Nicklas Vanderhoff (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Jasmine Vann (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Migdalia Vargas (Criminal Justice Tech Degree)
• Jackson Veal (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Norkia Vickers (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Thomas Von Alt (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Jamila Walthour (Health Care Assistant)
• Eddie Walton (Air Conditioning Tech Diploma)
• Luciana Washington (Phlebotomy Technician)
• Ty’Reek Watts (Early College Essentials)
• Carrie Weber (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Shanique Westberry (A.S. Information Technology)
• Gideon Weymer (Industrial Maintenance Systems Techology)
• Alyssa Whitlock (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Daniel Whitman-Agan (Early College Essentials)
• Ryan Wilkins (Industrial Maint Systems Technology)
• Tysherrell Williams (Salon and Spa Support)
• Hailey Williams (Fire Science Technology Diploma)
• Nia Williams (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Kimeka Wilson (Health Care Assistant)
• Ronnie Windham (Air Conditioning Techology Degree)
• Jakkrit Wisetsri (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Emil Wright (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Adam Wright (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Elijah Young (Hybrid/Electric Repair Technician)
• David Yulfo Concepcion (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Michael C. Zolno (Air Conditioning Technology Assistant)
• Michael R. Zolno (Technical Studies)

#2421 | December 20, 2023

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Twenty students from the Savannah Technical College Practical Nursing cohorts celebrated graduation with a recent ceremony.

Ten of these graduates have jobs, and others are in the process of securing employment. This graduating class includes STC’s first night cohort for Practical Nursing along with daytime students.

The capping and pinning ceremony occurs at the end of a student’s program in a school of nursing and signifies the completion of this level of education and official initiation into the profession. More than a tradition, capping and pinning are symbols of the nursing student’s hard work and dedication to their course, practice, and clinicals.

STC’s Practical Nursing is a competitive admission program that prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This includes selected academic and occupational courses (Health Care Assistant/Nurse Aide) providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. Students participate in a variety of clinical experiences to integrate theory with practice under the guidance of the clinical instructor.

Program graduates have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. Satisfactory completion of all program courses may entitle a student to participate in the NCLEX-PN examination and licensure process to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Practical Nursing diploma graduates had a 100% placement rate in field AY2022.

Practical Nursing is offered at the Savannah and Liberty campuses. For more information about the Health Care Assistant, Nurse Aide or Practical Nursing visit www.savannahtech.edu/LPN.

Apply today to start pre-requisites for Practical Nursing. The next cohort begins in January 2024.

# 2420 | December 19, 2023

Congratulations to the Baking & Pastry Arts Wedding Cake Finals winners for Fall 2023. The top scoring (1st place in middle) wedding cake ranked by community judges was created by Christine Barratta. Wedding cake class was led by Chef Jackie. Nicole McEwen (cake far left) won second and Megan Allen (cake far right) won third. Designers of these top cakes received prizes.

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 30 students are currently enrolled in the baking and pastry program.

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.

For photos of all wedding cake finals in Fall 2023, visit this album on Savannah Culinary Institute’s Facebook page. 

#2419 | December 18, 2023

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Eighteen students from the Savannah Technical College Peace Officer Academy celebrated graduating from the program with a ceremony on December 8, 2023. These graduates 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 43rd group of students to complete the program since its inception in 2009. To date, the program has graduated more than 400 P.O.S.T.-certified officers. Eleven of these graduates have been hired by area police departments. STC’s Peace Officer Academy has a 100% placement rate (AY22).

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 Lt. Lisa L. Miller of Glynn-Brunswick 911 Center, who died on August 17, 2021. Lt. Miller had served with Glynn-Brunswick 911 Center for five years as a First Responder Dispatcher. She was survived by her husband, children, family and friends.

The Basic POST Certification Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become competent law enforcement officers. The 11-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. Students that qualify for HOPE may receive additional funds through the HOPE Career Grant with this program.

This TCC offers a first step in law enforcement.  Select courses in the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate program transfer towards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  Many agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers to work toward degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration and pay higher salaries to those who earn one of those degrees.

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.

The next cohort begins in January 2024.

#2418 | December 8, 2023

 

Savannah Technical College Culinary Arts student Santiago Martinez was selected for a $2,500 scholarship by the Tourism Leadership Council. He was one of six students honored at the 25^th annual TLC Tourism Awards and Scholarship Dinner.

“Santiago’s demeanor and professionalism have made a positive impact on his classmates,” said Savannah Culinary Institute Department Head Chef Gearry Caudell. “With his strong work ethic, he will go far in his chosen career path, as he develops into a future leader of our hospitality industry. I am proud to have him in my classroom.”

Martinez was recently promoted to sous chef at Oaks on the River Luxury Boutique Resort in Darien, Ga.

“I promoted him to a supervisory position (at another restaurant) and brought him in as part of the ‘opening’ crew for this new hotel’s restaurant,” said Resort Chef Chris Ciero of Oaks on the River Luxury Boutique Resort. “He has been a key element in this property’s transitional process. He has shown his skills and love for his craft, which will move him forward in this business.”

He has worked in restaurants for eight years, starting as a dishwasher at 15 and cooking for the past three years. He enjoys the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen and enjoys quickly adapting as it changes. He just completed his first semester as a part-time student while working full-time. He plans to earn an associate degree in Culinary Arts and then visit and work in big culinary places to learn as much as possible.

“Santiago is exceptionally hardworking and passionate about the culinary arts,” said Executive Chef Justin Dale of Three Little Birds, Fly-in, Fly-Out. “He consistently puts in extra hours to perfect his skills and dishes, always aiming for excellence and his dedication is truly admirable. His culinary skills are impressive, marked by his creativity and ability to collaborate effectively with his colleagues.”

TLC Scholarships are awarded to current or future students who are for pursuing a career in tourism, culinary, and hospitality arts. TLC has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and made a meaningful investment into the future of its community. Many of the students who have been awarded are currently working in the tourism community in the Coastal Empire.

The Tourism Leadership Council serves as the leading trade organization for tourism, an industry with more than 27,000 employees and a $4.4 billion economic impact in the Savannah area.

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 its committee chair, the Savannah Culinary Institute, 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.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has selected Allison Mathurin as its Business Management Department Head. He is responsible for oversight of all instruction, curriculum development, administrative and budgetary aspects for the College’s Business Management program.

Mathurin has more than four decades of experience with business and operations management. Most recently, he was a management and industrial organizational psychology consultant for a major roofing, rebar, fencing, and PVC pipes manufacturing that employed more than 100 staff members, who he also trained in customer service skills and more than 20 staff members, who he trained in leadership, effective supervision techniques, and quality management. He was the executive director for a premiere quasi- governmental social agency in St. Lucia (Caribbean), where he managed a team of more than 30 full-time and 600 contracted personnel and related operations. Also, he established a registered staff training and development company in St. Lucia more than two decades ago. 

He has a student-centric approach that enhances student motivation, attitude and engagement, while maximizing learning success by infusing real-world work experiences across multiple industries. He has been a lecturer/facilitator for colleges and universities for nearly three decades both in the U.S. and St. Lucia.

He has a doctorate in industrial organizational psychology from Northcentral University, an MBA from the University of Detroit, a bachelor’s degree in business administration (management) and associate’s degree in business management from McMurry University. He also has an associate’s degree in logistics management from the Community College of the Air Force.

STC’s Business Management program is designed to prepare students for entry into management and supervisory occupations in a variety of businesses and industries. Learning opportunities will introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills and abilities required for job acquisition, retention and advancement in management. Graduates of the program receive a Business Management degree or diploma with a specialization in general management, operations management or human resource management or technical certificate of credit in human resource management.

Last year, Business Management diploma/degree graduates had a 100% placement rate in field (AY 2022). Classes are available in-person and online. For information about the College’s Business Management programs, visit www.savannahtech.edu/Business-Management.

#2415 | December 1, 2023

Savannah Technical College Welding student Dylan Youghn has been selected to receive the Wayne J. Engeron Scholarship by the American Welding Society Atlanta Section.

Youghn is the vice chairman for the AWS Student Chapter at Savannah Tech. He competed on the SkillsUSA 2023 Fabrication Team and placed second at the 2023 Xcel Welding Competition. He has maintained a 3.5 GPA and is on track to graduate in Spring 2024.

Welding & Joining Technology training prepares students for careers in all types of welding including shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc and flux cored arc. Graduates master all types of welding with a degree or diploma or may take short-term technical certificates of credit to focus on specific types of welding. Welding and Joining Technology is offered at the Savannah and Effingham campuses, along with welding labs in Hinesville and Richmond Hill, Ga. Welding diploma graduates have had a 100% placement in field for the past four academic years (AY19-22).

For more information about Welding and Joining, contact STC Industrial Technology Advisor at 912.443.5859 or landerson@savannahtech.edu.

About American Welding Society

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals. The AWS Foundation awards over $2 million annually for education and training in welding and related fields.

Photo (left to right): Rene Engeron (American Welding Society – Atlanta Section Secretary), Dylan Youghn (Student/Recipient), Ernest D’Alto (Owner/Employer – Thunderbolt Marina), Tracy Thompson-Lee (Human Resource Manager – Thunderbolt Marina), Robert Trudelle (American Welding Society – Atlanta Section Chairman), Daryl Peterson(American Welding Society – District 5 Director)

# 2416 | December 1, 2023

JACKSON, Mississippi – Nicole Magnani, a Criminal Justice student at Savannah Technical College has received the Gordon Graham Leadership and Ethics in Criminal Justice Scholarship of $1,000 from the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

Corporal Magnani works full-time as a senior instructor with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. She is on track to graduate this semester with an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah Tech. She is a member of PTK and the National Technical Honor Society. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati for an undergraduate paralegal/law degree.

The Graham Scholarship program provides scholarships exclusively to Phi Theta Kappa members who demonstrate potential for excellence in the criminal justice field while enrolled in a regionally accredited associate degree public safety program.

The Graham Scholarship was established by IPSLEI and Phi Theta Kappa in honor of Gordon Graham. Graham is a retired law enforcement commander, attorney, and an internationally known speaker, author, and lecturer in the field of criminal justice and risk management.

The Graham Scholarship is one of a growing number of scholarships available to Phi Theta Kappa members in career or technical programs. Learn more about the scholarship.

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

About IPSLEI – IPSLEI brings the concepts of leadership and ethics to the forefront of an individual’s career, rather than waiting until a person is promoted into a supervisory position. This program is based on the belief that one need not be a supervisor or manager to understand leadership principles and contribute to the leadership process. Learn more about IPSLEI.

About Phi Theta Kappa – Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

#2414 | November 20, 2023

Savannah Technical College and its Foundation received three awards when the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) gathered for its annual leadership conference in Savannah recently.

Savannah Technical College wins first runner-up for TCSG LEAD Award

Savannah Technical College was the first runner-up in TCSG’s Leadership and Excellence in Attendance and Dedication (LEAD) award. This competition between TCSG colleges is based on metrics for each local board and foundation with point allocation based on:

• Percentage of board and foundation members who attend the leadership conference (based on registration)
• Distance traveled from main campus to Savannah
• Being 100% local board certified
• Being a Role Model Foundation
• Points are also given to the host college for teaching a class.

STC Foundation Board of Trustees earns Role Model Board designation

Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees earned the designation of Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA) 2023 Role Model Foundation Board Certification for the seventh consecutive year at TCSG’s Fall Leadership Conference.

The TCFA Role Model Foundation Board Certification is an annual certification process sponsored by the TCFA of Georgia, a membership organization that represents the 22 Technical College System of Georgia foundations and more than 600 trustees statewide.

The TCFA Delegate Council presents this award to encourage and recognize foundation boards that engage in outstanding business practices and demonstrate the highest level of commitment. In order to obtain the certification, not only does the board as a whole have to meet certain requirements, but each individual board member must meet specific requirements.

To be eligible to receive the certification a foundation must engage in best practices in nonprofit governance, board management, and operations; have policies in place to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, especially in financial matters; be led by a Board of Trustees whose members are actively engaged in the foundation’s development activities; and support the professional development and state-level participation of their Trustees, Executive Director and college advancement personnel.

All trustees must demonstrate active engagement in the work of the board through regular attendance at board and committee meetings and college and foundation events, participation in leadership activities and personal professional development, and fundraising on behalf of the board.

The STC Foundation Board of Trustees 2023-24 membership includes: Kay Ford, Chair; David Burkoff, Vice Chair; Gary Sanchez, Past Chair; Taylor Mongin, Treasurer; Sam McCachern, At-Large; Alfonso Ribot, At-Large; Dr. Bertice Berry; Scott Center; Lisa Colbert; Patrick Connell; Jesse Dillon; Monica Dorsey; Matt Dowling Dr. Franklin Goldwire; Nina Gompels; Kevin Jackson; Nick Puhala; Steven Stowers; Cecilia Russo Turner; Michael Traynor; Stacy Watson; Dr. Fran Witt.

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.

Local Board earns TCDA of Georgia, Inc. board certification for all members

Savannah Technical College’s Board of Directors earned 100% board certification for all members for the sixth consecutive year in academic year 2023. All local board members become members of the Technical College Directors’ Association (TCDA of Georgia, Inc.) when they join their respective local board. TCDA provides the training necessary to become a certified board member. To achieve the status of “certified board member,” board members are required to attend a series of professional development classes consisting of: new board orientation/governance; building relationships with elected officials; community advocacy; understanding the legislative budgeting process and financial management of technical colleges and an elective workshop.

In order to become TCDA Certified, a local board member must complete the four required workshops, one elective workshop plus two required and eight selected activities. Selective activities include attending 80% of local board meetings, going on a tour of the technical college, attending a TCSG State Board meeting or TCSG Leadership Conference, etc.

The STC Local Board of Directors 2022-23 membership includes Donald Lovette, Chairman (Liberty); Brandt Herndon, Vice-Chairman (Effingham); Dr. Kathleen Benton (Chatham); Col (R) Pete Hoffman (Chatham); Todd Hoffman (Effingham); Audrey King (Chatham); and Tom Ratcliffe (Liberty).

#2413 | November 17, 2023

Atlanta, GA – During the inaugural Governor’s Workforce Summit (October 6, 2023), Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the launch of GEORGIA MATCH, one of the largest state-run direct admissions initiatives in the nation. The culmination of multiple state agencies working together to ease the process of connecting students with higher education opportunities, this program will engage all learners and households, including those that do not typically consider postsecondary education pathways. No other state in the country currently has a direct admissions initiative of this scope and scale.

“GEORGIA MATCH is a great example of the historic success we can achieve when stakeholders across the education spectrum work together,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This program will ensure that every high school student in our state knows they have options to learn and succeed here in the No. 1 state for business.”

GEORGIA MATCH is an innovative education and workforce initiative developed in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget, Georgia Student Finance Commission, Technical College System of Georgia, Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, Georgia Department of Education, and University System of Georgia. The number of schools listed on a GEORGIA MATCH letter is determined by the individual student’s 11th grade HOPE GPA and freshman index score. All students will receive a letter of academic eligibility for admission to the twenty-two Technical College System of Georgia institutions. Students with higher GPAs will also see up to twenty-three University System of Georgia institutions. The three USG institutions not participating in the GEORGIA MATCH program utilize a different holistic admissions process.

Beginning next week, over 120,000 high school seniors in Georgia will receive a personalized letter from Governor Kemp listing the public technical institutions, colleges and universities that are holding a spot for them in the Fall 2024 semester, based on academic eligibility. The letters will provide information on next steps to claim a spot at a college on the student’s individual list.

All GEORGIA MATCH participating institutions will waive application fees for students during November 2023 for students who apply through GEORGIA MATCH. Students may view their personalized MATCH list, request more information, and claim their spot at gafutures.org/GEORGIAMATCH beginning next week.
 

Press Contacts

Garrison Douglas – Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
garrison.douglas@georgia.gov

Carter Chapman – Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
carter.chapman@georgia.gov

Hayley Corbitt – Director of External Affairs
Georgia Student Finance Commission
hcorbitt@gsfc.org