Technical Education

Savannah Technical College’s Cindy Cole Receives 2025 TCSG Student Impact Award 

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Savannah Technical College is proud to announce that Cindy Cole, an Academic Advisor, has been named the College’s recipient of the 2025 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Student Impact Award. 

The TCSG Student Impact Award is a new statewide honor that recognizes one exceptional student affairs or student services professional at each TCSG institution. Criteria include student-centered service, innovation and initiative, collaboration and leadership, and measurable impact in supporting student success. 

Cole was recognized during a ceremony at the Student Affairs Summit, which brought together award recipients from across the state for their contributions to students at Georgia’s technical colleges. 

“I am honored to receive the Student Impact Award because working with students is my passion. The impact that we make is a team effort, so I’m grateful to collaborate with such talented and caring colleagues who are deeply committed to student success,” Cole said. 

Cole has served Savannah Technical College for 15 years, with experience in multiple student-facing roles. She began her career at the College as an Admissions Assistant, supporting prospective students through the admissions process and assisting with orientations. She later supported testing services, including facilitating COMPASS®, ASSET®, Georgia WorkReady®, and GED testing.  

For the past 10 years, Cole has served as an Academic Advisor, specializing in assisting students in health-related majors.  

Throughout her tenure, she has been known for her consistent focus on building strong relationships with students and her dedication to helping them navigate academic pathways and resources. 

“Cindy sets an exemplary example for others to follow. She is a go-to person for students, faculty, and staff, and her advisement numbers are often unbelievable,” said Terry O. Sellers, Dean of Advising and Support Services. 

“I’m pleased to see Cindy earn this well-deserved honor. She is absolutely amazing,” said Terry G. Brasier, Vice President for Student Affairs.  

The TCSG Student Impact Award is part of a statewide effort to highlight student services professionals who contribute to student engagement, retention, satisfaction, and success across Georgia’s technical colleges. 

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

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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

The Manufacturing Institute and Savannah Technical College Celebrate Landmark Heroes MAKE America Triple Cohort Graduation

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

(FORT STEWART, Ga.) Savannah Technical College, in collaboration with The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America (HMA) initiative, celebrated a milestone achievement in workforce development, honoring graduates from three distinct cohorts of HMA’s SkillBridge training programs. This ceremony marked a significant first for the initiative, as it included the inaugural graduating class of the Fast Track Automation & Robotics program, and graduates from the Fast Track Logistics and Fast Track Airframe & Powerplant Prep (A&P Prep) tracks. 

The graduation represents more than the completion of a curriculum; it signifies the next step in transition for service members, helping them move from military duty to civilian careers. These graduates have translated their service, training, and experience into high-demand technical skills, directly addressing the workforce needs of the Coastal Empire’s booming manufacturing and aviation sectors. 

Launched in April of this year, graduates of the new Fast Track A&P Prep course are the third cohort to complete the intensive six-week course designed to fast-track participants toward earning their FAA Aviation Mechanic certification. Their entry into the workforce comes at a critical time, providing essential talent for aviation giants like Gulfstream Aerospace. Alongside them, graduates from the Fast Track Automation & Robotics program are now prepared to step into roles supporting advanced manufacturing facilities, while Fast Track Logistics graduates are ready to manage the complex supply chains that drive the regional economy. 

“These programs are a dynamic response to the evolving demands of American manufacturing,” said Ryan W. Foley, President of Savannah Technical College. “Our partnership with Heroes MAKE America ensures service members and their families have access to cutting-edge training and opens opportunities for these folks right here at home.” 

“The Manufacturing Institute congratulates all the students who will start the New Year with life-changing skills and certifications for in-demand careers,” said Amy Thomas, National Director of Heroes MAKE America. “This milestone graduation reflects the strength of our partnership with Savannah Technical College and the potential for transitioning service members to start their second career in manufacturing. We wish them well are excited to welcome them into the manufacturing workforce.” 

For many of these transitioning service members, this program bridges the gap between military experience and a clear civilian career path. The training provides not only technical proficiency but also renewed confidence, direction, and a sense of professional belonging in the civilian sector. By validating military skills with industry-recognized certifications, the program removes uncertainty from the post-service career transitions. It eliminates guesswork for employers, giving them confidence in a candidate’s readiness from day one. The success of these cohorts highlights the critical role industry partnerships and donor support play in building the skilled talent manufacturing needs. Through these investments, partners help prepare job-ready veterans whose skills strengthen the manufacturing workforce.

ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE 

The Manufacturing Institute builds and strengthens the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow. As the 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI serves as a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. Heroes MAKE America, an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, collaborates with manufacturing leaders to strengthen the pipeline from military service to manufacturing careers. This program supports military hiring strategies by connecting manufacturers with the broader military community through accelerated certification training programs, hiring events, facility tours, career fairs, and other direct engagement opportunities. For more information, visit https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/heroes-make-america/training-program/.  

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

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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

Savannah Technical College Names Top 2026 Faculty and Student Leaders 

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) has announced its four top honorees for 2026, selecting a slate of student and faculty leaders who represent the highest standard of technical and adult education. The college named Javiera Scott as the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, Stephanie Grant as the Rick Perkins Award (RPA) winner, Abimbola “BeBe” Ojelabi as the EAGLE delegate, and Dr. Cheryl Cale as the Adult Education Teacher of the Year. 

These four individuals will represent the college at regional and statewide competitions, advocating for the critical role technical education plays in workforce development and economic mobility in the Coastal Empire. 

Javiera Scott, the 2026 GOAL winner, was selected as the Student of the Year for her academic excellence and leadership potential. The GOAL program is the first of its kind in the nation and honors excellence in technical education. Scott will serve as a spokesperson for technical education, sharing her story of how hands-on training leads to high-demand careers. 

Stephanie Grant, Department Head and Instructor for Early Childhood Care and Education, was named the 2026 Rick Perkins Award winner. The award recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership. Grant will represent Savannah Technical College in the statewide competition for technical instructor of the year. 

The college also celebrated excellence within its Adult Education department, which provides vital pathways for students seeking high school equivalency and literacy education. 

Abimbola “BeBe” Ojelabi was named the 2026 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) delegate. This program celebrates adult learners who demonstrate superior achievement in adult education classes. Ojelabi was selected for her powerful ability to articulate the impact of literacy education on her life and career goals. She will now advocate for adult education at the state level, representing the thousands of Georgians who utilize these programs to transform their futures. 

Dr. Cheryl Cale was honored as the 2026 Adult Education Teacher of the Year. A 40-year veteran of education, Dr. Cale currently serves as an HSE Instructor and Instructional Lead at the Effingham Campus. Her colleagues selected her for her deep commitment to student success and her expertise in guiding adult learners through the challenges of earning their high school equivalency. Dr. Cale’s career spans early childhood to higher education administration, bringing a wealth of experience to her classroom where she prepares students for the next step in their careers. 

The selection of these four winners underscores Savannah Technical College’s commitment to servant leadership and its 10-Year Master Plan to expand access to workforce training. By honoring achievement at every level—from adult literacy to technical specialization—the college reinforces its mission as the region’s primary pipeline for skilled professionals in industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. 

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

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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

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

Posted on by Cynthia Cradduck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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