Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Technical College, has been selected as a 2023 Georgia Titan 100.
Sponsored by Wisconsin-based tax and accounting company Wipfli LLP, Titan 100 is a program to recognize outstanding figures, mostly CEOs and executives, in the public and private sectors “who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field,” according to its website.
The program acknowledges 100 leaders, or “titans,” from six regions (the states of Colorado, Georgia and Wisconsin; and the cities of Philadelphia, Phoenix and St. Louis) for their accomplishments. The designees are honored at an awards ceremony, featured in a “Titan 100” book published annually, and presented with exclusive networking and speaking opportunities.
“I’m so honored and humbled to be included in this star-studded group of CEOs serving the great State of Georgia,” said Whirl, who was appointed president of the college in fall of 2020, and has gone on to oversee the school’s rebranding as well as several expansion and capital projects. “This award is a direct reflection of the faculty, staff, and students at Augusta Technical College who strive everyday to fulfill our mission of being a nationally recognized academic institution that transforms lives, organizations, and communities through excellence, innovation, and partnerships.”
The Georgia Titan award ceremony will be on April 27, at Zoo Atlanta: Savannah Hall.
Augusta Preparatory School will host the groundbreaking ceremony for its W. Rodger Giles Institute for Inquiry on Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.
The school is investing some $11 million in building the upcoming science and engineering building. Augusta Prep first submitted its plans for the two-story facility to Columbia County Planning early last year.
“This facility is going to have a much more modern and collegiate feel to it,” said Head of School Derrick Willard. “When you walk in the door, this is going to look and feel more like the Georgia Cyber Center downtown than a typical school.”
Willard’s comparison would be particularly apt considering the building is to be equipped for instruction in tech sciences such as coding and robotics, virtual reality and 3D-printing, alongside traditional science education such as biology and physics. The new building is scheduled to open in 2024.
Across the river in Aiken County, educator Beth Taylor has been named interim director of Special Programs with Aiken County Public Schools.
Taylor has worked in the school district for 20 years, beginning as a special education teacher for students with emotional disabilities, holding Masters degrees in both Education Technology and Education Administration.
In 2020 Taylor helped launch XSEL, the district’s behavior intervention program for elementary school students, which uses social-emotional learning and behavioral analysis to help students develop positive behavior and self-regulation skills.
District Superintendent King Laurence announced his selection of Taylor on Jan. 10. She replaces the current Special Programs Director LaToya Wiley accepting a position at North Augusta High School as assistant principal.
“I’m honored to be able to serve the students of Aiken County in this capacity, and also grateful for the opportunity to work closely alongside LaToya to ensure a smooth transition,” Taylor said.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
