SAVANNAH - Savannah Technical College named Victor Burke as the college's 2008 Rick Perkins Award Winner. Burke has been an employee of STC for more than 14 years and is currently the department head for Criminal Justice.
The Rick Perkins Award honors technical education's most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing, statewide event since 1991 and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.
"It is such an honor to be selected by my peers as the Rick Perkins Award Winner," Burke said. "Knowing that you've made a difference in a student's life is more than enough reward, but to know your colleagues are watching and are equally grateful is an amazing feeling."
Included in Burke's accomplishments at the college is the recent announcement for the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Savannah Technical College was selected as one of six sites across the state of Georgia to house the program and Burke was instrumental in securing the college as a location.
"This new academy will fill a need in Savannah. The current attrition and turnover averages 15-20 percent each year among officers nationwide, we know there is an ongoing need for officers on the street. We're excited to be a part of this initiative," Burke said.
Burke rebuilt the criminal justice program that now spans three campuses and has educated more than 200 students in three years. He has also partnered with South Effingham High School to start the Criminal Science Institute program, which is now in its second year.
With the purchase and implementation of the Fire Arms Training Simulators, Burke improved access for local police, federal and state law enforcement personnel for training purposes, creating opportunities for students and community partners alike.
Burke traveled to Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia on Wednesday and competed in the Southeast Consortia Competition. The winners from the region will then be recognized by the state in September.
The Rick Perkins Award honors technical education's most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing, statewide event since 1991 and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.
"It is such an honor to be selected by my peers as the Rick Perkins Award Winner," Burke said. "Knowing that you've made a difference in a student's life is more than enough reward, but to know your colleagues are watching and are equally grateful is an amazing feeling."
Included in Burke's accomplishments at the college is the recent announcement for the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Savannah Technical College was selected as one of six sites across the state of Georgia to house the program and Burke was instrumental in securing the college as a location.
"This new academy will fill a need in Savannah. The current attrition and turnover averages 15-20 percent each year among officers nationwide, we know there is an ongoing need for officers on the street. We're excited to be a part of this initiative," Burke said.
Burke rebuilt the criminal justice program that now spans three campuses and has educated more than 200 students in three years. He has also partnered with South Effingham High School to start the Criminal Science Institute program, which is now in its second year.
With the purchase and implementation of the Fire Arms Training Simulators, Burke improved access for local police, federal and state law enforcement personnel for training purposes, creating opportunities for students and community partners alike.
Burke traveled to Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia on Wednesday and competed in the Southeast Consortia Competition. The winners from the region will then be recognized by the state in September.