How can veterans, military families, and students turn education into meaningful career opportunity?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Coward welcome Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University and Warrior Alliance board member. Dr. Whirl shares how Savannah State is preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce, expanding support for military-connected learners, and strengthening career pathways across coastal Georgia.

The conversation also explores Dr. Whirl’s work at Augusta Technical College, including the transformation of Augusta’s “The Patch” golf course into a workforce-development pipeline. Learn how Operation Double Eagle helps veterans earn golf-industry credentials, gain hands-on experience, and connect with employers in agronomy, horticulture, golf-course operations, landscaping, and related fields.

Dr. Whirl discusses Savannah State’s Uproar 2030 strategy, the university’s focus on graduation and career placement, AI certification opportunities with IBM, and the Warrior Alliance’s expanding services for veterans and families in Savannah, Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, and beyond.

Key Takeaways

· Savannah State’s Uproar 2030 plan focuses on student success, workforce alignment, and community engagement.

· Savannah State is integrating IBM AI certifications and AI literacy into students’ education.

· Dr. Whirl emphasizes graduation and employment outcomes, including a reported 91% in-field placement rate.

· Operation Double Eagle provides free, short-term golf workforce training and credentials for veterans.

· The program creates career and entrepreneurial opportunities in golf operations, landscaping, turf management, horticulture, and pest control.

· Warrior Alliance is expanding veteran services across Savannah, coastal Georgia, and potentially nationwide.

· Savannah State is strengthening programming and engagement with Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, ROTC, veterans, and military families.