James May-June 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 37
What may have been a hidden gem for many years
along Interstate-20 East, Augusta Technical College is no
longer a secret. The college has consistently strived to be
a center of excellence, providing top-notch education and
training to its students and in recent years has quickly become known as a hub of innovative and exciting collegiate
activities. These days Augusta Tech has not only become
a top choice for local students but also for students from
across the country.
Making a significant impact on Augusta Tech and the
broader community it serves is the institution’s president,
Dr. Jermaine Whirl. Through his focus on collaboration,
inclusivity, and student success, he has helped to elevate
Augusta Tech’s profile and promote its mission of empowering students, enriching communities, and enhancing
economic vitality. Those who know and work with him
say his commitment to workforce development and his
belief in the transformative power of education make him
a valuable asset to the college and the two-state Central
Savannah River Area.
Whirl took over the helm of the college in November
2020 and has been going “full throttle” towards achieving
the school’s mission in three major fields of study— health
and nursing, cyber design and industrial and engineering
studies. Before joining Augusta Tech, he served as the Vice
President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
at Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery,
Alabama. He has also served in various administrative roles
at Southern Union State Community College and Chattahoochee Valley Community College, both in Alabama.
Under his presidency, Augusta Tech offers certificate, diploma, and degree programs in fields such as
healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades—
all of which are in high demand in the region. By providing relevant and accessible educational opportunities,
the college is helping to address the skills gap and support economic growth in the area.
In addition to expanding access to education and promoting workforce development, Whirl has also prioritized
student success. Augusta Tech has implemented several
initiatives to support student retention and completion, including an early alert system that identifies students who
may be struggling academically and connects them with
resources and support services.
A Productive College-Hospital Relationship
Dr. Whirl stresses that he is also committed to providing students with an education that goes beyond the
classroom. The college has a strong focus on experiential
learning, allowing students to gain practical skills that will
prepare them for success in their chosen career paths. With
state-of-the-art facilities including labs, simulation centers,
and industry partnerships, students can put their skills into
practice in real-world settings. And many students have
gone on to work for top employers in the region because of
the unique experiences they received at the college.
“We are following a progressive strategy to ensure that
the learning environment here at Augusta Tech mirrors the
real world,” said Whirl. “One example is Augusta Tech’s
standing as the only technical college in the state with all
health science classes taught at an actual hospital.”
A partnership with the Piedmont Augusta hospital
paved the way for this by allowing for expansion of capacity. The partnership began in 2016 and provided Augusta
Tech students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience
in a hospital setting, while
also helping Piedmont Augusta meet its workforce needs.
Since then, the partnership has expanded to include
other programs and initiatives.
Augusta Tech students now
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DR. JERMAINE WHIRL
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