Savannah Technical College announced earlier today the passing of former president Kathy Love.
Love served as Savannah Tech’s president from 2009 until March 11, 2024. On Tuesday March 12, 2024, Ray Perren, deputy commissioner for technical education at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), had issued a memo that Love would no longer be serving as the president. A day later Ryan Foley was named interim president before being appointed permanent president in April 2024.
Foley provided a statement on Love’s passing in an Oct. 10 press release from the college. He said her impact on both the college and the Technical College System of Georgia could not be overstated. “During her tenure as president, she led with compassion, vision, and a steadfast commitment to student success. Under her leadership, Savannah Tech expanded its programs, strengthened community partnerships, and enhanced its role as a vital contributor to workforce development across our region. She championed access to technical education and believed deeply in the transformative power of opportunity.”
Savannah Tech president change: Why is Kathy Love out as president of Savannah Technical College?
Former Savannah Technical College President Kathy Love
The college’s press release lauded Love for her role in crucial capital projects and academic transitions that were “essential for meeting the demands of Coastal Georgia’s leading industries.” Highlighted initiaves included the college’s Aviation Training Center at its Crossroads Campus as well as the transfer of the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program, which had been a part of Armstrong Atlantic State University and led to a Dental Hygiene Clinic built on the main campus. The college also noted her oversight of the Student Enrichment Center completion. The facility centralized such services as Adult Education, Learning Support, English as a Second Language (ESL), and the Learning Enrichment Center.
During her tenure, Savannah Tech even earned a national distinction from Community College Magazine as one of the fastest growing two-year colleges of its size in the country.
She had previously been president of Flint River Technical College between 2002 and 2009. She had also served in numerous technical college education administrative roles prior to the Flint River role. She attended Georgia Southwestern State University, Columbus State University, and Northcentral University throughout her educational experience.
A cause of death was not included in Savannah Tech’s statement, but an official confirmed Love passed away Friday morning. Funeral arrangements are pending. Details about potential memorial or service arrangements will be shared as made available.
Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Former Savannah Technical College president has passed away
