SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Kenneth McKenzie as department head for Construction Management. He will develop, manage and teach classes, develop and coordinate curriculum, conduct assessments, evaluate effectiveness of courses through student data, graduate surveys and employer surveys.

McKenzie has 35 years of experience working in all aspects of construction for commercial and residential projects. He was an interim Construction Management instructor for the College during the past year. He worked as a journeyman carpenter for the New York City District Council of Carpenters (Local 926) working on major corporate building projects. He also worked for projects like hospitals and university buildings for the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (Local 408 – now part of Local 1912).

He is a Savannah Tech graduate with an associate of applied science degree in construction management. As a student, he was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa honor society and competed on the College’s SkillsUSA Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) team that won gold in the 2021 state competition. In 2020, he was one of STC’s GOAL finalists for student of the year.

Construction Management prepares students for careers in some aspect of construction supervision. Basic carpentry skills include laying footings and foundations, framing, roofing, and interior and exterior finishing. Management skills include principles of accounting, construction drafting, code review, scheduling, and contracting. Construction Management graduates have had a 100% placement in field rate for nearly a decade. For more information about Construction Management, contact STC Industrial Technology Advisor Secene Dorsey at 912.443.5859 or ssdorsey@savannahtech.edu.

#2227 | January 26, 2022
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Civic leader Bill Cathcart will be honored at the 17^th annual Opportunity Award Gala, Friday, April 22, 2022. Reception begins at 6:15PM followed by dinner at 7PM. This is a black-tie event.

The event, hosted by the Savannah Technical College Foundation, honors deserving leaders in our community for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed. Proceeds will support the College’s Freedom Fund military scholarship.

The STC Foundation will honor Cathcart for his visionary and exemplary leadership in supporting and serving the military community throughout Coastal Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Mass Communication (Ohio State), and a Bachelor’s degree in History (Hope College). Following ten-years as a university professor in Illinois, he transitioned to commercial television station work in Minnesota.  Then, in 1985, he bade farewell to his snow-blower, and welcomed the opportunity to come to Savannah and WTOC-TV.  He retired from WTOC-TV in 2014, after 29-years of service, the last 24 as the station’s Vice-President & General Manager.

Cathcart’s Savannah-area community involvement includes past-Board Chair of the National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force (and a current board member), as well as a long-time continuing membership on the Savannah-Area Chamber of Commerce Board, where he served as a past-chairman, and is its current Military Affairs Council chair. He is also a Board member of the STARBASE Savannah Foundation (STEM instruction for area 5^th grade students, hosted on Hunter AAF), a past Board member of USO Savannah, and a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Savannah.

He holds honorary member status with Hunter Army Airfield’s 1st of the 75th Rangers; Hunter’s 3rd of the 160th Night Stalkers; and the 3rd Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade (Hunter).  He has also been named a Third Infantry Division “Rock Star” (“Rock of the Marne”) at Fort Stewart.  Additionally, he served for many years as the Honorary Wing Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard’s 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah

In 2013, Cathcart was nominated by then-3^rd Infantry Division Commander, Major-General Robert B. “Abe” Abrams, and selected by the Department of the Army, to become the first Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) for the Coastal Georgia Region, a position in which he continues to serve.

The Opportunity Award Gala is a fundraiser for the Savannah Technical College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that raises funds to support Savannah Technical College. STC Foundation Board officers and event co-chairs, Gary Sanchez and Kay Ford, are leading the fundraising efforts.

The event gathers 300 community and civic leaders for a celebratory evening honoring a special individual. The evening also showcases the talents of students enrolled in Savannah Technical College’s award-winning Culinary Arts programs. Past recipients include: Former Governor Zell Miller, Arnold Tenenbaum, Judge Griffin Bell, Tom Coleman, Dick Eckburg, Arthur M. Gignilliat, Jr., Bob and Alice Jepson, Howard Morrison, Stratton Leopold, Chef Jean Vendeville, Ted Kleisner, and Kevin “Catfish” Jackson. For ticket and sponsorship information visit savannahtech.edu/gala or contact Gail Eubanks (geubanks@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.3022).

 

About STC’s Freedom Fund Military Scholarship:

STC’s Freedom Fund has supported 219 military-affiliated students with $130,151.11 in scholarship awards during the last five years. This needs-based fund provides up to 95% for out-of-pocket expenses for soldiers, veterans and spouses, whose tuition assistance does not cover tuition, fees, books, or equipment. Examples of support for those who serve includes:

• buying books and tools for active duty service members;
• paying registration fees each semester for military spouses (MyCAA) students;
• covering unpaid tuition and registration fees up to 95% for those with VA benefits less than 100% education benefits;
• supporting a veteran who has run out of education benefits before completing their program of study.

One in four STC students is a veteran, active duty service member or a military dependent/spouse. Last year, the College was ranked as the top Military Friendly® and Military Spouse Friendly School in the U.S. (2021-22). For the past four years, the College has been ranked as one of the top Best for Vets public technical and career college in the U.S. by Military Times.

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.

#2226 | January 24, 2022
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Jacqueline E. Korengel, Ed.D. as Dean for Adult Education. She 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

She has more than 15 years working in adult learning including professional development, technical assistance, policy development, monitoring and accountability, and programmatic and curricula/training development.

She has a bachelor’s of business administration in Marketing from Kennesaw State University, an MBA in international business from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Education (VTEdD) from Clemson University with a focus on occupational training/human asset management, workforce development and training.

Previously she was the deputy executive director for the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Kentucky Skills U, Office of Adult Education and Training for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and was acting executive director during 2020-2021. Her state leadership roles include: associate vice president for Kentucky Adult Education, Skills U, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

“We are excited to have someone of Dr. Korengel’s experience and knowledge in Adult Education lead this important program for our community,” said STC’s Vice President of Economic Development Brent Stubbs. “We believe she can help bring our Adult Education program to new heights of excellence in the years to come.”

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program 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.

#2225 | January 24, 2022
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

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

Hand-made chocolates include dipped strawberries (6) and an assortment of 15 handmade chocolate truffles in five flavors: orange, Kahlúa, passion fruit, raspberry, and salted caramel. Truffles will be sold in a heart-shaped cardboard box for $24 or an artisan dark chocolate bon bon box for $40. The sale also features chocolate crème eclairs, dark chocolate coconut macaroons, fudgy brownies, lemon/raspberry mousse cake and chocolate/strawberry mousse cake. Artisan breads include a Nanterre brioche loaf and a sourdough white chocolate baguette.

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

Online pre-order sales are available through February 8, or when quantities are sold out. Orders will be available for pickup at the College’s Savannah campus Thursday, February 10 from 4-6PM and Friday, February 11 from 8AM – 1PM in the Eckburg Auditorium (5717 White Bluff Road). By request only, pickup will be available at the Crossroads, Liberty and Effingham Campuses. For a list of items for sale and to place orders, visit www.bistrosavoir.com.

Savannah Tech’s baking and pastry program was developed by the College to teach the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students learn a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic and advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards.  Graduates are working as pastry chefs in the area’s finest restaurants and establishments, including Local 11 Ten, Le Café Gourmet, Savannah Yacht Club, and The Landings Club. There are 40 students are currently enrolled in the baking and pastry program.

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

New students are admitted to the baking and pastry program year round. The priority application deadline for summer semester 2022 is April 29. 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 the ACF committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

Savannah, GA – Michelle Maynard has been selected as the 2022 Savannah Technical College Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) recipient.

“Michelle’s perseverance to make a better life for herself and children is to be commended,” said STC Adult Education Instructor Keon Green. “Her willingness to assist others in hopes that they too will have a brighter future speaks volumes about her character.”

She is a dual enrollment student taking GED-prep classes, along with Cybersecurity courses through STC’s Fast Forward program. Fast Forward allows students to begin career training prior to earning their high school equivalency certification.

Maynard’s goal is to work as a cybersecurity analyst with the government. She has five children.

The EAGLE Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes. Selection criteria include student character, attitude, attendance, leadership and community involvement and activities. From this group, one student is selected to represent the local program at the state EAGLE Leadership Institute (March 14-16, 2022). The Institute provides workshops in leadership topics to build on the strong leadership characteristics the student already exhibits.

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

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

Savannah Tech’s Adult Education Program 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.

#2221 | December 7, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Wendy Herndon as department head for Dental Assisting. She will develop, manage and teach classes, develop and coordinate curriculum, conduct assessments, evaluate effectiveness of courses through student data, graduate surveys and employer surveys, and ensure compliance with dental assisting accreditation standards of the national accrediting agency.

Herndon has nearly four decades of experience as a dental assistant and dental hygienist. She has taught both dental hygiene and dental assisting. She has been a dental hygiene instructor at Savannah Technical College for the past 2.5 years.   

She has earned a bachelor of interdisciplinary studies from the University of North Carolina in non-profit/public administration. She earned an associate of applied science in dental hygiene from Fayetteville Technical College and has an associate of arts from the University of Maryland. She is pursuing a master in public administration from the University of North Georgia.

She earned a certificate of achievement in 2017 from the Dental Assisting National Board. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association and the Georgia Dental Hygiene Association.

STC’s Dental Assisting program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in dental offices. This training provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, students have opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of dental assisting. Satisfactory completion of all program courses entitles students to participate in the Dental Assisting National Board Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination and certification process. Dental Assisting graduates have had a 100% placement in field rate for the past two years.

#2220 | November 29, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College Construction Management student Cristian Veloso is one of 11 students in the U.S. to receive a $2,500 scholarship from Fine Homebuilding. This honor makes him a member of the #KeepCraftAlive class of 2021.

Veloso is president of STC’s SkillsUSA chapter. His OSHA team won gold/first in the national SkillsUSA competition, after winning gold in the state competition. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and National Technical Honor Society.

He moved to Savannah from New Jersey to attend SCAD for an undergraduate degree in architecture, but dropped out after a year due to tuition. As a graphic designer, he had worked in visual merchandising and furniture assembly/installation at IKEA. So, shifting to Construction Management at Savannah Tech was the logical next step. He is poised to complete an associate of applied science in construction management next month.

“Cristian was voted the one of the best students in the Construction Management program at this year’s SkillsUSA State Conference,” said STC’s Dean of Industrial Technology and former department head for Construction Management. “He has shown a high level of maturity and is respectful to his peers. He is also a great team player, who not only takes pride in his work, but also takes his work seriously.”

Fine Homebuilding awards scholarships to SkillsUSA high school or college/post-secondary students continuing their education or certification programs in construction-related fields.

Construction Management prepares students for careers in some aspect of construction supervision. Basic carpentry skills include laying footings and foundations, framing, roofing, and interior and exterior finishing. Management skills include principles of accounting, construction drafting, code review, scheduling, and contracting. Construction Management graduates have had a 100% placement in field rate for nearly a decade.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical national student organization that annually serves more than 320,000 high school, college and post-secondary students–and their instructors–in technical, skilled and service-occupation instructional programs. It has developed more than 10 million workers through active partnerships between employers and educators.

#2219 | November 23, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Savannah Technical College recently selected Bridget Betterson as department head for Surgical Technology. She will develop, manage and teach classes, develop and coordinate curriculum, conduct assessments, evaluate effectiveness of courses through student data, graduate surveys and employer surveys, and ensure compliance with surgical technology accreditation standards of regional and national accrediting agencies.

Betterson has more than 19 years of experience as a certified surgical technologist with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. She has been a full-time Surgical Technology instructor for the College since 2018. While employed at Memorial Health University, she had the opportunity to work in many surgical specialties to include General, ENT, Plastics, Orthopedics, and Neurology. 

A Savannah native, she is a graduate of Herschel V. Jenkins High School and a STC Surgical Technology graduate. She is a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists.

STC’s Surgical Technology Associate Degree program requires a competitive admissions process. It is taught at STC’s Savannah campus. Surgical technologists work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Graduates test to be certified with successful completion of the national Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination to be awarded national certification as a surgical technologist. In AY2020, program graduates had an in-field placement (employment) rate of 93.3%. For more information visit savannahtech.edu/SurgicalTech.

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#2218 | November 17, 2021
Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu