Dr. C.B. Rathburn was formally announced as the third president of Texas A&M University-Texarkana on Wednesday afternoon.
“For the last seven years, President Rathburn has led Savannah Technical College through a period of exceptional growth,” said Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson. “He has been in constant motion, yet he always found time for his number one priority, his students. Providing those students with the very best that technical education has to offer will be a hallmark of his tenure at the college. Being named the next president of Texas A&M University-Texarkana is an incredible occasion for him to put his leadership talents and vision for education to work for a prominent university system.”
In his seven years at Savannah Technical College, Dr. Rathburn has:
• Expanded Savannah Technical College — four additional campuses, including Liberty County, Fort Stewart, Crossroads and the brand new Effingham campus, which opened in fall 2007
• Increased enrollment — college topped 4,000 students this year giving Savannah Technical College the largest percentage gain in enrollment among the state’s technical colleges since 2001
• Increased graduates – since 2003, the number of Savannah Technical College graduates has increased almost 30 percent, ranking the college ninth among state technical college system
• Increased career services — more than 225 area businesses have partnered with the Career Center to hire 99.5 percent of graduating students
• Increased business partnerships — almost 250 industry volunteers serve on college program advisory boards, working to strengthen instructional programs and ensure currency for graduates in the marketplace
• Increased community outreach — more than 300 students completed community based training programs, bringing classrooms to the neighborhoods throughout the Savannah area
• Increased private support — assets have grown from $232,000 to $2,220,000 in the last seven years
“I want to thank Dr. Rathburn for his commitment to Savannah Technical College and to the Savannah community at large. Because of his leadership, the college is well positioned for a very successful future, “said Don Tomberlin, chairman of the STC board of directors. “The next steps for our local board will be to work closely with the commissioner’s office to establish a community based search process. It is important that the next president understands the college’s continual pursuit of excellence to improve education, economic and workforce development in our region.”
An interim president from within the technical college system is expected to be named soon.
