Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Technical College, has been named one of Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 honorees for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and industries.

Dr. Whirl has led Augusta Tech since 2020 and was then hired as one of the youngest presidents in the Technical College System of Georgia’s history at the age of 35. Under his leadership the college’s enrollment has grown significantly and has developed many new programs of study to fill the workforce needs of the Greater Augusta Region. Numerous initiatives, projects and partnerships have been established under his tenure, and the institution has achieved national recognition from major corporations to include the White House.  

Dr. Whirl is very involved in local boards to include the United Way of the CSRA, the Alliance for Fort Eisenhower, SRS Community Reuse Organization, Queensborough National Bank and Trust, and chairman elect for the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. At the state and national level he serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Human Capital Advisory Board, TD Bank New Market Tax Credit Board, The Warrior Alliance, The American Association of Community Colleges, and he is the only college president in the United States selected to serve a three-year term on the U.S. Inaugural 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board that provides guidance to the Secretary of Energy. 

Above all, Dr. Whirl attributes his success to his family, the college’s board of directors, board of trustees, employees, and community support. “I’m humbled and blessed to be selected in the 2024 class with other distinguished young leaders throughout Georgia," said Dr. Whirl. "Special thanks go to my family for their unwavering support of my professional endeavors and the amazing employees and board members of Augusta Technical College. This recognition reflects each of you." 

According to Georgia Trend, each year the magazine “recognizes 40 of the most successful and civic-minded people in the state under the age of 40. These young leaders are your neighbors who might work or volunteer in your community. They live in various regions of the state, from Staham to Savannah, Arabi to Augusta, Macon to Metro Atlanta.” The group includes educators, business and nonprofit staff members and leaders, along with entrepreneurs, executive directors and medical professionals. According to Georgia Trend, the magazine selects the annual group from hundreds of nominations submitted statewide by the nominees’ supervisors, co-workers, neighbors and loved ones.