The Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) community remembers the passing of its former President, Dr. Kathy S. Love. Dr. Love dedicated a lifetime to technical education, serving as President of Savannah Technical College from 2009 until March 2024. The College extends its respectful sympathies to Dr. Love’s family, friends, and all those she impacted.

Dr. Ryan W. Foley, current President of Savannah Technical College, offered this statement on her passing: “Dr. Love’s impact on Savannah Technical College and the Technical College System of Georgia cannot 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.”

Dr. Love championed key capital projects and academic transitions essential for meeting the demands of Coastal Georgia’s leading industries. Under her leadership, Savannah Tech also earned national recognition from Community College Magazine as one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges of its size in the country. 

Key projects completed under her guidance include:

Aviation Training Center: A landmark achievement was breaking ground on the long-awaited Aviation Training Center at the Crossroads Campus. This facility was crucial for delivering the full range of aviation training programs required to support the region’s booming aerospace sector.

Healthcare Education: Dr. Love oversaw the successful transfer of the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program, formerly with Armstrong Atlantic State University, to STC. This move was solidified with the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Dental Hygiene Clinic on the main campus, directly responding to the needs of local healthcare providers.

Student Support Facilities: The completion of the Student Enrichment Center stands as a testament to her focus on the whole student. This facility, a joint public/private effort, consolidated vital services including Adult Education, Learning Support, English as a Second Language (ESL), and the Learning Enrichment Center, providing a centralized hub for student success.

Dr. Love’s career within the Technical College System of Georgia, providing leadership at multiple colleges. Before joining Savannah Tech, she served as President of Flint River Technical College from 2002 until 2009. Her previous administrative roles included Vice President of Instructional and Student Services at Middle Georgia Technical College (1994-2001) and Vice President of Administrative Services at South Georgia Technical College (1990-1994).

A dedicated scholar, Dr. Love earned a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University, an Education Specialist degree from Columbus State University, and a D.Ed. from Northcentral University. Throughout her career, she also devoted substantial time to active involvement in civic, business, and charitable organizations in the communities she served.

The Savannah Technical College Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students express profound gratitude for Dr. Love's indelible contributions to the institution and the State of Georgia. Her leadership established a powerful foundation for the College's future success.

The College will share details regarding any memorial or service arrangements as that information becomes available.