When Savannah State University graduate Kim Frank walked the campus in 2026, she did so not just as a former student but as a Distinguished Alumna eager to give back. In 1980, Frank earned a degree in Social Studies Education from the College of Education, a foundation that launched a decades‑long career shaping young minds. Today, she is returning the favor by donating approximately 17 books to the Hyundai College of Education’s brand‑new Reading Resource Lab.
Why the donation matters
The collection is more than a stack of volumes; it is a tangible expression of gratitude, legacy, and a commitment to the future of education. Frank says the university’s guiding message—“You Can Get Anywhere from Here”—has always reminded her that education opens doors to possibilities she could never have imagined as a student. By placing these books in the Reading Resource Lab, she hopes future teachers will discover fresh ideas, challenge their assumptions, and bring new resources into their own classrooms.
Investing in teachers, investing in the community
Frank emphasizes that the impact of a dedicated teacher extends far beyond the classroom. A single educator can inspire a child to read, boost a student’s confidence, and plant seeds of ambition that ripple through families, neighborhoods, and even generations. When teachers are equipped with strong instructional tools, the benefits multiply: students become better learners, families see improved outcomes, and the broader community enjoys a more educated citizenry.
Reading Resource Lab: A hub for aspiring educators
The new lab, housed within the Hyundai College of Education, is designed to give aspiring teachers hands‑on access to current research, pedagogical strategies, and practical guides. Among the titles donated are classics such as The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary Tripi Wong, and contemporary works like Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen. The list also includes resources on inclusive schooling, multiple intelligences, and practical action research—materials that align with the university’s goal of preparing teachers who can meet diverse classroom needs.
Connecting education to faith and family
Frank’s donation reflects the values that many Savannah families hold dear: a belief in the power of education to lift families out of hardship and a commitment to nurturing the next generation. By supporting future teachers, she is also supporting the families those teachers will serve, reinforcing the idea that strong, faith‑grounded families are the bedrock of thriving neighborhoods.
Looking ahead
Frank hopes the books become more than items on a shelf; she envisions them as tools for learning and sources of inspiration. “When we invest in future teachers, we are investing in every student those teachers will eventually serve,” she says. One teacher can influence hundreds of lives throughout a career, and those students, in turn, carry what they have learned into their own families, professions, and communities.
About Savannah State University
Savannah State University, a historically Black university in Savannah, Georgia, continues to expand its academic offerings and student resources. The Reading Resource Lab is part of a broader effort to enhance teacher preparation and ensure that graduates are ready to meet the challenges of modern classrooms.
Frank’s contribution is a reminder that alumni engagement can play a pivotal role in strengthening local institutions. As Savannah State moves forward, the university’s message remains clear: with faith, family support, and quality education, anyone can chart a path to a brighter future.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
