Preparing Future Educators, Leaders & Changemakers

Dr. Cora Thompson serves as Dean of the Hyundai College of Education at Savannah State University, where she provides visionary leadership focused on academic excellence, educator preparation, literacy advancement, and student success. With extensive experience in education and instructional leadership, Dr. Thompson is committed to preparing compassionate, reflective, and highly skilled educators who are equipped to meet the needs of today’s diverse learners and evolving educational environments. As Dean, Dr. Thompson leads initiatives that strengthen teacher preparation, community engagement, workforce readiness, and innovative instructional practices across the College. Her leadership emphasizes the integration of the Science of Reading, culturally responsive teaching, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to become impactful educators, leaders, and advocates for student achievement. Dr. Thompson is deeply committed to fostering meaningful partnerships between the university, schools, families, and community organizations to expand educational access and strengthen outcomes for learners throughout Coastal Georgia and beyond. Under her leadership, the Hyundai College of Education continues to grow as a hub for literacy, STEAM education, workforce development, and transformative learning experiences that empower students to lead with purpose and serve with excellence. Known for her student-centered leadership approach, Dr. Thompson is passionate about mentoring future educators and supporting environments where innovation, collaboration, scholarship, and service thrive. Her work continues to shape the next generation of educators and leaders who are prepared to make lasting contributions in classrooms, schools, and communities.

Dr. Kisha Aites serves as Associate Dean of the Hyundai College of Education, Professor of Engineering Technology Education, and Program Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies at Savannah State University. A nationally recognized educational leader, researcher, and innovator, her work focuses on STEM education, artificial intelligence in education, workforce development, literacy advancement, interdisciplinary learning, and transformative educator preparation. Dr. Aites earned her Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development from The Pennsylvania State University and is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. Throughout her career, she has secured and led multi-million-dollar grant initiatives supporting AI integration, STEM access, literacy development, civic engagement, and workforce-focused educational innovation. Her leadership emphasizes innovative teaching practices, community partnerships, experiential learning, and the integration of emerging technologies, robotics, and mixed reality simulations into educator preparation programs. Dr. Aites is passionate about preparing future educators, leaders, and changemakers who are equipped to thrive in evolving educational and workforce environments. Known for building impactful partnerships across school districts, higher education, industry, and community organizations, Dr. Aites continues to position the Hyundai College of Education as a hub for STEAM education, workforce readiness, literacy advancement, AI integration, and transformative community engagement throughout Coastal Georgia and beyond.

Dr. April D. Thomas is an experienced literacy educator, instructional leader, and scholar with extensive expertise in reading education, Science of Reading practices, MTSS literacy intervention, teacher development, and curriculum design. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Urban Literacy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and has served in a variety of educational leadership and instructional roles across K–12 and higher education settings. With more than 15 years of experience in education, Dr. Thomas has worked as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, literacy interventionist, adjunct instructor, and educational trainer. Her work focuses on literacy instruction, multicultural literature, instructional coaching, teacher mentorship, and data-driven interventions that support diverse learners and improve student achievement. She has taught undergraduate and graduate literacy courses, developed literacy-focused instructional materials, and provided instructional feedback and coaching to teacher candidates and educators. Dr. Thomas is also an active presenter, researcher, and advocate for equitable literacy practices, with scholarly work and presentations centered on multicultural literature, literacy instruction, and urban education. Her passion for empowering students and supporting future educators reflects her commitment to educational excellence, leadership, and transformative learning.

Lorraine Bowers is an experienced educator, educational leader, and higher education professional with more than 15 years of experience in public education, instructional leadership, and student support services. She currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Hyundai College of Education at Savannah State University, where she supports future educators through engaging instruction, mentorship, and student-centered learning experiences. Ms. Bowers holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Armstrong Atlantic State University, a Master of Public Administration from Savannah State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Savannah State University. She also earned certifications in Civil Mediation and Educational Leadership, reflecting her commitment to leadership, advocacy, and educational excellence. Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Bowers has served as an assistant principal, special education department chair, instructional leader, mentor teacher, and educational advocate within Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Her expertise includes school leadership, special education, instructional support, school improvement, community engagement, and mentoring future educators. Passionate about student success and educational transformation, she is committed to creating supportive learning environments that empower students, families, and communities.