Savannah, Ga. – Savannah Technical College selected Vinh Pham as its 2024 Alumni of the Year. An Aviation graduate, Pham’s inspiring journey from Vietnam to becoming an Airworthiness Inspector at Gulfstream highlights the transformative power of technical education and determination.

Born in Vietnam, Pham initially pursued a college education in Print and Design before moving to the United States in 2004. Navigating a new country, language, and culture, Pham taught himself English using various resources, including STC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Despite familial expectations to work in the family nail salon, Pham envisioned a brighter future for himself and his family.

Encouraged by customers who spoke of the opportunities at Gulfstream, Pham enrolled in STC’s Aircraft Structural Diploma program, graduating in Summer 2016. Determined to advance his career, he continued his studies and earned an Aviation Maintenance Technology Degree in Summer 2018—all while working weekends at the family salon and attending classes during the week.

“Vinh’s story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of technical education,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “His commitment to pursuing his dreams while balancing work and family responsibilities is truly inspiring.”

Starting as an Aircraft Tech I in Gulfstream’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) shop, Pham spent six years honing his skills before earning the role of Airworthiness Inspector. In this position, he is responsible for final sign-offs before corporate aircraft are returned to service—an essential role in ensuring aviation safety and quality.

Pham’s influence extends beyond his professional accomplishments. Within Savannah’s Vietnamese community, he openly shares his journey, encouraging others to consider the opportunities available through Savannah Technical College.

“I’m proud of the education I received at Savannah Technical College,” said Pham. “It not only changed my life but also set a strong foundation for my family’s future.”

Pham was honored at the Technical College System of Georgia’s Fall Leadership Conference along with the other 21 alumni of the year from their respective technical colleges.

#2516 | December 2, 2024

Savannah, Ga. – Savannah Technical College was ranked as #104 overall in the United States by Military Times Best for Vets. The College was ranked #6 in Georgia, #26 in the Southeast, #71 for Primarily in-person, and #81 as a public institution.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation for military service members, veterans, and their families,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “This ranking reflects our deep commitment to supporting those who have served our country and their families by providing access to quality education, robust resources, and tailored services to help them succeed.”

Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive ranking of the best schools for military service members and veterans. The ranking looks at services available to veterans and practical information that will help veterans make important decisions about their career planning and how to use the education benefits they earned through military service.

The College has the highest military-affiliated enrollment in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Nearly one in five STC students is a veteran, active-duty service member or a military dependent/spouse.

The College waives all general mandatory fees for active-duty service members using military tuition assistance. Other services Savannah Tech offers for veterans include workshops and grants. The College has multiple scholarships for military-affiliated students. This includes scholarships that provide gap funding for military with U.S. Coast Guard members, a Freedom Fund to provide needs-based scholarship assistance for soldiers, veteran and spouses and a scholarship that supports Savannah Tech’s military spouses is funded by The Landings Military Family Relief Fund.

For more information about military services or enrollment, visit www.savannahtech.edu/military.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College has recently selected Heather Hartley-Cowden, Ph.D. as Dean of Adult Education. Dr. Hartley-Cowden will manage adult education
programs for individuals and employers throughout the College’s four-county service area (Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties). Her other responsibilities include:

• Administering instructional services for adult education students;
• Promoting the adult education program to public and private organizations;
• Preparing the specifications and managing the program budget;
• Overseeing administration of assessment and student placement tests for adult education students;
• Creating and maintaining a high-performance environment characterized by positive leadership and a strong team orientation

“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Hartley’s expertise and leadership in Adult Education guiding this vital program for our community,” said Tal Loos, Savannah Technical College’s Vice President of Economic Development. “Her experience positions our Adult Education program for new levels of success and impact in the years ahead.”

She has more than 20 years working in the education field. Her approach to teaching and learning includes a holistic framework that tailors programs to meet the learning community’s curriculum, instruction, and assessment needs. As an educational leader, Dr. Hartley-Cowden focuses on crafting services to identify and support the needs of the whole learner: evaluating academic readiness and skill mastery; screening and monitoring MTSS progress; screening and implementing SEL programs.

Dr. Hartley-Cowden holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, N.C.; a Master of Arts degree in English Education from Piedmont University in Demorest, Ga.; and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Business Administration from Northcentral University in San Diego, Calif.

In her previous leadership roles, Dr. Hartley-Cowden has served as the academic program coordinator and student services administrator at Dublin City Schools; the assessment program coordinator at the Georgia Center for Assessment, part of the College of Education at the University of Georgia; and the director of assessment at WorldRight Learning Group.

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program offers high school equivalency (HiSET/GED/Career Plus High School Diploma) preparation and testing, adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, civics education, family literacy programs, and workforce training.

Free GED® prep serves those who need to improve their basic literacy and math skills, improve their oral and written English, practice for the GED® test to attain a high school equivalency 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 with multiple locations in each community. 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.

#2515 | November 19, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) granted initial approval for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Savannah Technical College today. The first cohort of 24 students will begin in January 2025.

“We are thrilled to receive initial approval for our Associate of Science in Nursing program from the Georgia Board of Nursing,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “With this program, Savannah Tech will expand access to high-quality nursing education in Coastal Georgia, preparing students to step into critical roles in healthcare.”

The College will host this program at its Effingham Campus in a new Nursing/Science lab addition. The ASN 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. The competitive selection application is now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2024, at www.savannahtech.edu/competitive.

“Savannah Technical College has been a key partner in developing our healthcare workforce, and we’re excited to support this growth through the addition of the ASN degree,” said Effingham Health System President and CEO Dr. Fran Witt, who is also a member of STC’s Board of Trustees. “Effingham Health System is currently a clinical site for CNA and LPN students, so expanding the program to include ASN offers a strategic response to both local and national nursing shortages. This program will help meet our staffing needs and benefit healthcare systems across our region.”

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.

STC’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program will prepare graduates to provide quality patient care through academic and occupational knowledge attained throughout their program of study. To learn more about ASN and other nursing programs at the College, visit: www.savannahtech.edu/nursing. Vickie Nylander, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN, is the Associate of Science in Nursing Program Director. 

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

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.

#2514 | November 14, 2024

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

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) 2024 Role Model Foundation Board Certification for the ninth 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 2024-25 membership includes: David Burkoff, Chair; Jesse Dillon, Vice Chair; Kay Ford, Past Chair; Taylor Mongin, Treasurer; Gary Sanchez, At-Large; Sam McCachern, At-Large; Dr. Bertice Berry; Scott Center; Lisa Colbert; Patrick Connell; Monica Dorsey; Matt Dowling; Dr. Franklin Goldwire; Nina Gompels; Brynn Grant; Denise Grabowski; Nick Puhala; Alfonso Ribot; Steven Stowers; Cecilia Russo Turner; Michael Traynor; Stacy Watson; Dr. Fran Witt; and Maria Whitfield.

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 seventh consecutive year in academic year 2024. 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 2024-25 membership includes Donald Lovette, Chairman (Liberty); Brandt Herndon, Vice-Chairman (Effingham); Dr. Kathleen Benton (Chatham); Col (R) Pete Hoffman (Chatham); Harry Lloyd (Chatham); William Mock (Chatham); and Tom Ratcliffe (Liberty).

#2513 | October 29, 2024

Savannah, GA – The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) has renewed Savannah Technical College’s grant ($190,638.72) for the fifth year (FY25) to operate the Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety.

Grant funds will continue to provide distracted and impaired driver prevention education for youth, young adults, and parents in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties. These activities include community- and school-based workshops, virtual reality simulation education, and social media messaging.

“Part of the GOHS mission is to assist in the implementation of programs and campaigns designed to prevent crashes and eliminate traffic deaths on our roads,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “GOHS will continue to develop new partnerships and continue existing ones in order to create, refine, and implement safety programs designed to help our state and nation reach our goal of zero traffic deaths.”

The Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety partnered with the SCCPSS, and colleges, attended resource fairs, and spent more time networking to reach nearly 20,000 high school students and their parents in FY24. The Center also continued its outreach by distributing traffic safety materials, using Fatal Vision kits to share the dangers of distracted, drowsy, and impaired driving and sharing monthly media campaigns about the dangers of distracted driving and impaired driving with a focus on young adult drivers in FY24.

The top five dangers for younger drivers include distractions like cell phones and passengers; driving at night (drowsiness); speeding and street racing; not wearing seat belts; and impairments like underage drinking and drugs.

The Coastal Georgia Center for Driver Safety builds on Savannah Technical College’s stellar driver’s education program and utilizes grant funding for distracted driver education and alcohol-impaired driving prevention. It serves youth, young adults, and parents in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties.

#2512 | October 9, 2024

Savannah Technical College has selected Shonesha Evans as its Accounting Department Head. She is responsible for oversight of all instruction, curriculum development, administrative and budgetary aspects for the College’s Accounting program.

Evans has decade of experience with various accounting roles. Most recently, she was a senior accountant with St. Joseph’s/Candler. She has been an adjunct (part-time) instructor for the College since April 2022. She has a master of science in accounting/business from Liberty University and is a doctorate of business administration candidate with Franklin University.

She served in the U.S. Army for more than six years, as an Operations Non-Commissioned Officer. Stationed at Fort Campbell, Kent., she played a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing operational tasks for her unit. Her responsibilities included overseeing mission preparation, managing logistical support, and ensuring communication between various departments to meet mission objectives. In addition to her leadership role, she earned her Air Assault qualification, a testament to her physical endurance and tactical expertise. This specialized training equipped her with the skills necessary for helicopter operations, including sling load operations and rappelling. Her military experience instilled discipline, teamwork, and a strong ability to adapt and perform under pressure, all of which translate into her civilian career and academic pursuits.

STC’s Accounting training provides the skills necessary to handle financial accounting tasks such as maintaining a set of books for business entities, account classifications, subsidiary record accounting, fixed and intangible assets, current and long-term liabilities, partnerships, corporations and long-term liabilities. They will also be able to handle managerial accounting tasks such as financial statement analysis, job costing, cost behavior and cost-volume-profit analysis budgets, capital investment analysis; accounting for payroll, using computerized accounting systems, using spreadsheet for accounting applications, and income tax preparation. Graduates may earn an associate degree or diploma, along with short-term training in Computerized Accounting Specialist TCC and Tax Preparation Specialist TCC.

Last year, Accounting diploma/degree graduates had a 100% placement rate in field for the past five years (AY 2018-2022). Classes are available in-person and online. For information about the College’s Accounting programs, visit www.savannahtech.edu/Accounting.

#2511 | October 8, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College will host an interactive event led by Savannah Culinary Institute instructors with hands-on demonstrations paired with wines, known as Interactif, at 5:45 p.m., on Thursday, November 14 in the Eckburg Auditorium (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405).

Interactif 2024 will feature four destinations stations along with appetizers and desserts. Guests will travel around the world with elegant tasting opportunities paired with wine selections at the destination stations with take-home recipes. Three stations will feature chef demonstrations where guests work alongside chefs to learn techniques of making boxty potatoes, Vietnamese pancakes, and a cheese/potato pie. International cuisine will include Ireland, Vietnam, and Georgia. The fourth station will feature Sidney Lance.

Cost is $150 per person with proceeds supporting the Patrick Ansley Williams Memorial Scholarship at Savannah Technical College. Seating is limited to 100. Advance tickets may be purchased online: www.savannahtech.edu/Interactif.

Guests will enjoy Guinness braised Irish beef short rib with boxty potatoes, herb glazed root vegetables and spiced red cabbage, Banh Xeo “Happy Pancakes,” Ossetian Cheese and Potato Pie, along with artisan breads, cheeses, charcuterie, and hors d’oeuvres. The event is 21+ and all IDs will be checked. No one under 21, please.

This year Sidney Lance, owner of Rhoot Man, returns to the event to lead a tour of shrubs with craft cocktails. He was the lead bartender at the new Kimpton Hotel (Pacci) in Savannah. He has been voted Best Bartender in Savannah. He has designed bars, created menus and provided staff training. He has consulted distilleries for pairings and started his own line of mixers with Rhoot Man in 2021.  

This event has raised nearly $137,000 to benefit the Patrick Ansley Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund.

This scholarship was started in 2012 by Bill Dickinson to honor the late Patrick Williams. Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to STC culinary and hospitality students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, who are selected by the College’s scholarship committee. Funds are applied toward tuition, fees, books and required supplies.

STC scholarship funds are managed by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501 (c)3 organization whose sole purpose is to raise private funds to support the mission of Savannah Technical College. Gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

With support from the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the College 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 the 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 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.

#2510 | October 7, 2024

Savannah Technical College academic enrollment for fall semester achieved an increase 14.2% students, bringing total enrollment up to 3,783 students, compared with the start of the semester the previous year.

“This growth is a testament to the quality of our programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “Savannah Technical College continues to be committed to provide students with training and hands-on experience they need to be career ready and to provide a qualified workforce for our region.”

Increased enrollment in high-demand programs reflects growing interest in industries vital to the region and state’s economy, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and aviation

Students may still enroll in classes for fall semester. The Fall mini-mester begins October 11. Classes are available in-person and online.

Savannah Technical College graduates are career ready with training employers want for high-demand jobs. Within one year of graduation, 100% of STC graduates are working or continuing their education and 92.5% are working in their field of study (AY22). With more than 45 programs, the College has training for careers in health care, manufacturing, aviation technology, business and professional services, industrial technology, and general studies. High demand industry training is also available with additional HOPE Career Grant funding for those that qualify. Students may also start at Savannah Tech and transfer 28 general education (core) courses to any University System of Georgia institution.

#2509 | September 16, 2024

Savannah Technical College recognized 70 students for excellence in academics for the Summer 2024 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 30.4% of the full-time students for Summer 2024.

Tanaja Felton is STC’s first dual enrollment Surgical Technology student. She is a senior at South Effingham High School, who has attended the STEM Academy at the Effingham County College & Career Academy and Savannah Technical College. This is her second year at Savannah Tech. She enjoys the fast pace of the operating room and plans to continue her education after graduation to be a surgeon (general or cardiac).

Felton said she could not have done any of this on her own. “I have been guided by my parents my whole life to follow the plans God has for me, which is why everything has worked out perfectly for me to accelerate my education early,” she said.

She is on track to complete STC’s Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree in Summer 2025 – months after she graduates from high school. She was recently inducted into STC’s chapter of National Technical Honor Society.

• Cynthia Amelar (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Chadwick Barber (Industrial Maintenance Systems Technician)
• NyJeria Barnes (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Anthony Bonheur (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Charles Boor (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Shaquise Brown (Automotive Technology Diploma)
• Jane Campbell (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Natalia Chery (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Gabrielle Cooper (Business Management Degree)
• Woodrow Crosby (Historic Preservation and Restoration)
• Angel Davis (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Natasha Dejesus Quick (Health Care Assistant)
• James Douglas (Basic POST Certification)
• Allison Duncan (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Brenden Eldridge (Electrical Utility Technology Degree)
• Kanesha Ellison (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Tanaja Felton (Health Care Science)
• Jessica Fields (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Timothy Gill (Basic POST Certification)
• Parks Girardeau (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Roberto Gonzales (Precision Manufacturing)
• Unique Green (Computer Support Specialist)
• Robert Gwin (Air Conditioning Technology Assistant)
• Justin Harris (Aviation Maintenance Technician AAS)
• Patrick Hart (Construction Management Degree)
• Benjamin Hart (Electrical Technology)
• Michael Healy (Basic POST Certification)
• Brian Heinhold (Basic POST Certification)
• Tonie Hester (Accounting Degree)
• Chi Hoang (Culinary Arts Degree)
• Quinton Humphrey (Barbering)
• Andrew Jacques (Business Management Degree)
• Hannah Jewell (Basic POST Certification)
• Destiny King (Basic POST Certification)
• Jacob Koshinski (Barbering)
• Steven Malarkey (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Angel McCollum (Early Childhood Care/Education Degree)
• Amelia McCullough (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Kashaunie McKenzie (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Tyler Miller (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Leen Mol (Air Conditioning Technology Assistant)
• Elijiah Newsom (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Jeri Newsome (Early Childhood Care/Education Degree)
• Rudrakumar Ashokbhai Patel (Information Technology)
• Danielle Pecht (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Martin Perez Lopez (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Abida Qayyum (Health Care Assistant)
• Chelsey Quinlan (Basic POST Certification)
• Madison Reed (Cybersecurity Degree)
• Hunter Sessions (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Duoming Shi (Electrical Technology)
• Emily Smith (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Nicole Smith (Aircraft Assembly Technician)
• Randall Smith (Basic POST Certification)
• Chastity Spruill (Interdisciplinary Studies)
• Shatara Stanley (Aircraft Structural Technology)
• Kaliah Stevens (Electrical Construction Technology)
• Che Thompson (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Charles Turner (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Aubrey Ussery (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Conner Vanhorn (Electrical Technology)
• Mackenzie Waters (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Malasha Williams (Cosmetology Diploma)
• Paul Willman (EMS Professions)
• Demetria Winters (Paralegal Studies Degree)
• Andrew Wolboldt (Barber II)
• James Wright (Basic POST Certification)
• Jarrin Young (Welding and Joining Diploma)
• Bo Yum (Automotive Technology Degree)
• Shou Hua Zheng (Welding and Joining Diploma)

#2508 | September 6, 2024