The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has named Dr. Kendricks Hooker as the next president of Augusta Technical College. He is currently provost of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in North Carolina.
Hooker will take over as president of Augusta Tech on Jan. 2, 2026, succeeding Dr. Jermaine Whirl who accepted the position of president of Savannah State University. ABD had the opportunity to interview Hooker by phone and learn his plans for the college.
Hooker believed he had the skill set TCSG was looking for based on the requirements in the position announcement. High on the list was the importance of continuing to address workforce needs through existing or innovative programs.
“I would also tell you this, that being a product of a community slash technical college, this is my passion,” he explained. “I believe in helping students who may not know exactly what they want to do in their career. I try to help those that dream accomplish their goals. And I believe at a technical college, we are able to do that, whether it’s through diplomas, certificates or transfer opportunities.”
Hooker had served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southwest Tennessee Community College. It has satellite campuses in addition to the main campus, much like Augusta Tech utilizes Summerville Hospital as a Health Sciences campus and the recent opening of the Accelerate Augusta microenterprise center on Broad Street. Still ahead is the Automotive campus being created at the former Johnson Motor Company on Walton Way.
“It was great to understand that that foundation has sort of already been laid, and I get to come in and kind of continue to make sure that we’re very responsive to the needs of the communities, and to make sure that the programs that we have actually meets their workforce needs,” he said.
One challenge he said he faces is to continue to spread awareness of what Augusta Tech can provide as training for a well-paid job in an in-demand career field.
“We’re in their backyards, and sometimes they have no idea of all the great opportunities and things that we do at technical and community colleges. And I’ve been adamant about doing an amazing job of telling our story and all the great relationships that we’ve built and how well our students are performing when they get into the workforce, and how responsive we are to business and industry,” he said.
Earlier this year, a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Industry reported that the Bureau of Labor Statistics found a continuing shortage of skilled trade workers. Roughly 400,000 unfilled jobs exist with that number potentially reaching two million by 2033. The trend is exacerbated by retiring workers and declining enrollment in vocational education.
Hooker believes getting parents to understand the critical role technical colleges play in their student’s future career success is crucial.
“Because years and years ago, two year institutions, technical institutions were essentially frowned upon. And that is that is simply not the case now,” he said. “Looking at the strategic plan, Commissioner Dozier (TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier) wants to close the middle skills gap, and it is the technical colleges are going to play a vital role in ensuring that. I’m also a big proponent of securing career opportunities without being significantly in debt.”
In addition to leadership roles, Hooker’s career also includes teaching positions, giving him experience both in the classroom and at the administrative level.
“I’m excited, really excited, to get involved in this community, to hear what the amazing opportunities are, and to make sure that we at Augusta Tech are continuing to address for workforce and community need,” said Hooker.
