At Savannah Technical College, my education and future in the baking and pastry industry are at stake due to the current state of the Baking & Pastry program. As a student deeply passionate about pursuing a career in this field, I am facing significant challenges that extend beyond the classroom walls.

We, the undersigned students of the Baking and Pastry Arts Program at Savannah Technical College, are formally expressing our concern regarding the current state of instruction under Chef Hope Cranford. Over multiple semesters, students have experienced a consistent lack of structure, guidance, and instructional support, resulting in diminished learning outcomes and reduced confidence in our preparedness for industry standards. The students who take classes with Chef Hope are constantly under high amounts of stress due to her lack of knowledge, structure, and unprofessional classroom management, with many being afraid to speak out due to fear of her retaliating against them thus affecting their grades and how they are treated in the classroom.

A further concerning matter involves Chef Nicole “Nicki” Griffin. At the start of this semester, Chef Nicki’s teaching hours were taken away from her, forcing her to step down from her position. This raised serious concerns among us students, particularly regarding the integrity of not only the Baking and Pastry program, but Savannah Technical College as a whole. In contrast to Chef Hope, Chef Nicki demonstrated professionalism, strong instructional structure, and a clear commitment to student success and industry readiness. Her teaching consistently produced higher-quality outcomes and a more effective learning environment. She is well loved by all students due to these positive attributes she brought to her classes, which is why this situation raised serious concerns among us students, particularly regarding the integrity of not only the Baking and Pastry program, but Savannah Technical College as a whole.

Despite raising these concerns to program leadership, no meaningful action has been taken, and conditions have continued to decline. Students have been placed under unnecessary stress due to disorganization, excessive and mismanaged workloads, and limited opportunities to develop essential skills and creativity—particularly in advanced courses designed to showcase our abilities.

The Baking & Pastry program should be a nurturing ground for aspiring bakers and pastry chefs, full of creativity, skill development, and professional growth, which we had with Chef Nicki as an instructor. Instead, it has become an environment where students like myself lack the support and guidance needed to thrive. The instructor currently responsible for our education exhibits a concerning lack of knowledge and skills themselves, which jeopardizes our learning and our future opportunities in this increasingly competitive industry. 

Without a solid foundation of skills, our ability to excel in culinary arts is compromised, and our dreams of contributing to the baking and pastry world diminish. We deserve instructors who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about teaching and committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

To address this urgent issue, I am calling for Savannah Technical College to conduct an independent review of the Baking & Pastry instructor, Chef Hope Cranford. This review should evaluate her qualifications, teaching methods, and interaction with students to ensure they meet high educational and professional standards. I propose that students be involved in providing feedback during this review to give a comprehensive and accurate assessment of current conditions. Furthermore, I am calling for Savannah Technical College to consider bringing Chef Nicki back on as a full-time instructor, so students receive the education they deserve. We respectfully ask Savannah Technical College to take immediate action to restore the level of education and training that students deserve.  

By signing this petition, you will join me in advocating for a learning environment where students receive the education they deserve and are fully prepared to achieve their career aspirations in the baking and pastry industry. Please help us bring about the necessary changes that can transform our educational experience and secure the future of every aspiring baker and pastry chef at Savannah Tech. Together, let’s ensure that the next generation of culinary artists is nurtured, inspired, and equipped to succeed. Sign the petition today!