New Partnership Supports Workforce Development for Logistics

#1284: June 13, 2012

Savannah Technical College and Georgia Southern University sign articulation agreement for Logistics Management programs

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College President Kathy Love, Ed.D. and Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel, Ph.D. signed an articulation agreement today for Logistics Management between the two institutions of higher education.

     “We are pleased to announce the beginning of an important partnership for workforce development in our region,” said Love. “This agreement makes this critically important program accessible not only for Savannah, but for all of Coastal Georgia.”

     The articulation agreement lays the foundation for students to complete a new 74-credit hour associate of science degree in Logistics Management at Savannah Tech. Students will then be able to articulate or transfer their coursework in its entirety to Georgia Southern University toward the bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics and intermodal transportation.

     “This new partnership is great for students, great for the state of Georgia and great for both area and international business,” said Keel. “With the growth of the port in Savannah as well as others on the east coast of the United States, there is a growing demand for well-educated and well-trained professionals in the field of logistics. This agreement ensures that we will be able to supply a steady and outstanding pipeline of talent to area businesses for years to come.”

     The agreement next goes to both governing boards for endorsement. Savannah Technical College projects to begin offering the program beginning with the fall 2012 semester. Upon board approval, Savannah Technical College will be the first college in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to offer an associate of science degree in Logistics Management. In addition to general core courses, the program will feature 14 semester hours in logistics-related coursework – including supply chain management, transportation and logistics management, warehousing technology and materials management.

     “This program of study grew out of the regional partnership we forged together while working on a regional Work Ready grant to improve workforce development along the I-95 corridor,” said Love. “Today we mark an important step toward actualizing that goal of providing the full range of career development in logistics for southeast Georgia.”

     The Department of Management, Marketing and Logistics in the College of Business Administration at Georgia Southern offers the bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree in the area of Logistics and Intermodal Transportation (LIT). This degree is one of Georgia Southern’s fastest growing majors serving the needs of a dynamic industry. Logistics involves ensuring the availability of the right product, in the right quantity and the right condition, at the right place, at the right time, for the right customer, at the right cost. Intermodal transportation is combining the cost and/or service advantages of more than one mode of transportation in an efficient, seamless product movement.

     The degree prepares students for the many jobs available in this challenging and rapidly expanding field. LIT courses focus on logistics and transportation concepts and principles. Advanced courses focus on logistics operations, international logistics, and intermodal distribution issues.

     Thanks to an agreement signed earlier this year by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents, there are now 27 core curriculum courses transferrable to USG institutions from TCSG institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The increased number of courses enhances how TCSG students are able to pursue baccalaureate degree opportunities at USG institutions. The new articulation agreement provides Savannah Tech students a pathway to transfer their courses to the Logistics and Intermodal Transportation BBA degree from Georgia Southern.

     “Long term, Georgia Southern is looking at how higher education can better serve the needs of students in Georgia. We must ensure that we are remaining competitive on a national and global level,” said Keel. “This collaborative partnership is just the beginning. It is a great example of how we can partner to not only put our students in a position to win, but to have a positive and lasting impact on workforce and economic development in our region.”

     Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University is one of the Top 10 most popular universities in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, and is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.

 ###

 Media Contacts:

Amy Shaffer, APR
Savannah Technical College
912.443.5512
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

Christian Flathman
Georgia Southern University
912.478.6397
cflathman@georgiasouthern.edu