AUGUSTA, Ga. — Dr. Jermaine Whirl, who has served as the president of Augusta Technical College since 2020, is leaving his role to take on the presidency of Savannah State University. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Whirl shared his thoughts on the accomplishments during his tenure at Augusta Tech and the plans he has for the future.

When Dr. Whirl first joined Augusta Tech in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges were many. With a significant portion of the student body transitioning to virtual learning, and much of the faculty and staff working remotely, the first months of his tenure were marked by uncertainty. However, this time also gave him the chance to build relationships and familiarize himself with the team and the community.

“The first month was really just getting to know the team,” Dr. Whirl said, acknowledging the difficulty of those early days when business partnerships and face-to-face connections were limited. “It allowed me to build plans for what I wanted to accomplish.”

Under his leadership, Augusta Technical College became a recognized institution, rolling out several transformative initiatives that included the launch of a new automotive technology center, the expansion of a golf management program through a partnership with the Augusta National Golf Club, and even the introduction of a student housing project. These initiatives have positioned Augusta Tech as a destination school for students looking to get a hands-on education that aligns with real-world needs.

One of Dr. Whirl’s core philosophies was the importance of community partnerships, which he believes played a crucial role in the college’s growth. “It was really just taking those connections and expanding on them,” he explained. “We wanted to make sure that we were an anchor institution and ensure that Augusta Tech was a part of the community in a broader sense.”

His partnership with organizations like the Augusta National Golf Club and First Tee is a testament to his ability to bring together local stakeholders for the betterment of the community. The golf management program, in particular, has grown into a flagship initiative with a long-lasting impact on the city and its youth.

“People will come here to play at the golf course, but more importantly, they’ll be talking about the history of the caddies, the history of those who have come and played,” Dr. Whirl said. “They’ll be proud of what’s going to happen here, and it will really impact how we grow the game for young and old alike.”

In addition to his work with the golf program, Dr. Whirl also spearheaded an expanded nursing training program in partnership with Piedmont Augusta Hospital. This collaboration, aimed at addressing the critical shortage of healthcare workers exacerbated by the pandemic, led to over $1 million being raised to support the expansion of nursing education.

While these initiatives have significantly shaped the college’s reputation, Dr. Whirl is equally proud of the broader impact they have had on the local economy. He highlighted the positive ripple effect of Augusta Tech’s expansion, which has contributed to the revitalization of downtown Augusta. Partnerships with the Downtown Development District and SRP Credit Union have helped grow the small business community, which is essential for the city’s future prosperity.

“It’s not just about education; it’s about everything around it,” he said. “We’re not just transforming lives through learning but helping organizations and communities grow as well.”

As Dr. Whirl prepares to leave Augusta Tech, he reflected on the vision that has earned the school national recognition and increased interest from students. “People are saying, ‘I want to go to Augusta Tech because they have something special,’” he noted, pointing to the programs, faculty, and opportunities available.

Although Dr. Whirl is excited for his new role at Savannah State University, he offered advice to his successor at Augusta Tech. “Listen to the community and stay plugged in,” he said. “That’s what made all of this possible.”

Dr. Whirl’s leadership has undeniably left a lasting legacy at Augusta Technical College, and his future at Savannah State University holds promise for even greater contributions to the world of higher education.