Augusta, GA
Augusta Tech gets additional $500K to boost auto repair program
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Master Automotive has pledged $500,000 to support the Automotive Institute at Augusta Technical College.
To be located on the site of former Johnson Cadillac at 1122 Walton Way, the first classes will be offered at the site in fall 2025. The college currently offers a diploma and numerous technical certificates of credit programs in automotive technology.
These offerings will be expanded to include more programs in the new institute, including auto body and collision, and light, medium and heavy diesel.
Augusta Tech also plans to add automotive industry classes to its Associate of Applied Science degrees in the School of Business. The institute will also provide noncredit training and upskilling through the college’s Division of Economic Development.
At 65,000 square feet, the Automotive Institute will dwarf the college’s current 10,000 square feet occupied by the automotive program.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND:
- Augusta Technical College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl and his wife, Marqueta, have pledged $10,0000 to create a new endowed scholarship fund at Augusta Tech. Called the Dr. Jermaine Whirl Presidential Leadership Scholarship, the annual award will be given to the student who is elected as the College’s Student Government Association president. The first recipient Rashell Tanner.
As revealed in November 2023, the facility itself will be named the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute in recognition of a $1 million gift from the Jim Hudson Automotive Group. The college also received $1 million each from the Augusta National Golf Club and the Knox Foundation to acquire the facility.
Augusta Tech is currently in conversations with individuals and companies across the automotive industry in the CSRA, throughout Georgia and South Carolina, and even nationally to raise additional money to renovate and equip the building.
“Together with partners like Will Schafer at Master Automotive, we are building a national model for automotive training,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Tech.
Master CEO Will Schafer said: “There is a major need for a facility such as this in our community and we are excited to be a part of it.”
The institute is among the “big 5″ projects that are turning Augusta Technical College into a destination school.
Also at Augusta Tech …
- College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl as the distinguished recipient of Georgia Southern University’s 2024 George and Lucy Armstrong Alumni Award. Dr. Whirl earned his second master’s degree in adult education and community leadership from Armstrong State University, which merged with Georgia Southern University in 2018. This accolade is bestowed upon an Armstrong alumnus/alumna who epitomizes the University’s fundamental values, including collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, integrity, openness and inclusion, and sustainability.
Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
With deepest and heartfelt sympathy, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Mr. Willie J. Tanksley who entered into rest April 18, 2026.
Mr. Tanksley, a native of Richmond County, was a 1985 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. He was a member of Greater Young Zion Baptist Church where he served in the Brotherhood Ministry.
Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Tanksley; two daughters, Ashley Tanksley and Taylor Tanksley; siblings, Elise Tanksley of Augusta, GA, Wilhelmina Roland of Atlanta, GA, Terry Tanksley, Tommy Tanksley, Watler Tanksley and Elder Claude (Kimberly) Tanksley all of Augusta, GA; an aunt, Frances Tate; an uncle, James Tanksley; mother-in-law, Sandra Harrison of Beech Island, SC; father-in-law, Jimmy (Elnora) Bing; three sisters-in-law, Fonda Rainey, Nicole Harrison and Nina Bing; a brother-in-law, Eric Bing; a host of nieces , nephews, along with other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Greater Young Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. William A. Blount officiating. Interment will follow at Walker Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
The family will not be receiving visitors at the home. We ask that you continue to pray for them during this time.
Professional Services are under the compassionate care of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.
-
Health2 minutes agoLoneliness may be silently eroding your memory, new research reveals
-
Sports8 minutes agoESPN’s Stephen A Smith hears boos from WrestleMania 42 crowd
-
Technology14 minutes agoChinese robot breaks human world record in Beijing half-marathon
-
Business20 minutes agoCivil case against Alec Baldwin, ‘Rust’ movie producers advances toward a trial
-
Entertainment26 minutes agoKarol G at Coachella was a global hit. Yet other foreign acts fear touring the U.S.
-
Lifestyle31 minutes agoL.A.’s unofficial Statue of Liberty is a Fashion Nova billboard off the 10 Freeway
-
Politics38 minutes agoOrdered free, still locked up: Judges fume as Trump administration holds ICE detainees
-
Science44 minutes agoA renewed threat to JPL as the Trump administration tries again to cut NASA