News Summary
Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker has been appointed as the new president of Augusta Technical College, effective January 2, 2026. He succeeds Dr. Jermaine Whirl, following a recommendation from the Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner. With over 20 years of experience in academia, Dr. Hooker aims to enhance student outcomes and technical education in the community. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education and various degrees in biology and business. The college intends to leverage his expertise to adapt to post-pandemic educational challenges.
Augusta, Georgia – Augusta Technical College announced the appointment of Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker as its new president, effective January 2, 2026. Dr. Hooker will take over from former president Dr. Jermaine Whirl, who announced his departure months prior. The announcement of Hooker’s appointment was made on Friday, February 11, 2025.
The Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier recommended Dr. Hooker for the position, commending him as an accomplished leader with a strong record in enhancing student outcomes and developing robust academic programs.
Dr. Hooker brings over 20 years of leadership and teaching experience in higher education to his new role. Most recently, he served as the provost of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in North Carolina since 2023. Prior to his position at Cabarrus College, he was the vice president of Academic Affairs at Southwest Tennessee Community College, demonstrating his extensive background in academia.
In addition to these roles, Dr. Hooker held several leadership positions at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin, including dean of the School of Health Education and associate dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. His academic career also includes 13 years as a professor of biology at Baptist Health Sciences University, where he contributed to the training of future healthcare professionals.
Education and Expertise
Dr. Hooker is highly educated, holding a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education, along with multiple degrees in biology and business. His academic credentials include a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University, an MBA from Bethel University, and an Associate in Arts in Biology from Coahoma Community College.
Vision for Augusta Technical College
In his new position, Dr. Hooker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Augusta Technical College. He emphasized his commitment to fostering a workforce-focused education, which aligns with the college’s mission to provide high-quality technical education that meets the needs of the community and local employers.
Transition and Future Plans
Dr. Hooker is set to officially begin his presidency on January 2, 2026, ushering in a new chapter for Augusta Technical College. His extensive experience and proven leadership skills position him well to guide the institution in its efforts to deliver accessible and relevant education to students.
Background on Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College is part of the Technical College System of Georgia and plays a vital role in workforce development in the region. The college provides various technical programs, certifications, and degrees aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary for success in the job market.
Dr. Hooker’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the technical college navigates the challenges of education in a post-pandemic world, focusing on adapting its programs to meet evolving workforce demands and student needs. With his leadership, Augusta Technical College aims to strengthen its position as a leading educational institution, fostering growth and opportunity for its students and the community.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle
- WRDW
- Savannah Now
- WJBF
- The Augusta Press
- Wikipedia: Augusta Technical College
- Google Search: Dr. Kendricks Hooker
- Google Scholar: Technical Education Leaders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Technical College
- Google News: Augusta Technical College
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