The presidential search at Savannah State University is nearly complete, with the University System of Georgia naming a sole finalist for the role on Tuesday.
The Board of Regents voted for Jermaine Whirl to lead SSU and its 3,200 students, leaving behind Augusta Technical College where he has served as president since 2020.
“Savannah State has a rich history of producing world class artists, educators, scientists, military leaders, corporate executives and public policy advocates,” Whirl said in a USG press release announcing the news. “I look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater Savannah community to continue the legacy of the state’s first public HBCU.”
Whirl has been at dean at two of Georgia’s technical colleges and was a full-time faculty member at Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College. He attended graduate school in Savannah, earning his master’s degree in adult education from Armstrong State University, now a part of Georgia Southern. Some of his family members attended SSU. Regent Patrick Jones said in a statement that Whirl is familiar with the surrounding community, which could help Whirl connect with the campus community.
“His fundraising success and vision for uplifting students, faculty and staff will help SSU grow and strengthen its impact. He also holds great respect for the dedicated alumni who’ve championed the university’s importance,” said Jones, who led the presidential search committee. “I’m confident that under Dr. Whirl’s leadership, SSU will enter a new era of excellence.”
Whirl will be replacing Cynthia Robinson Alexander, who has served as interim president since the summer of 2023; Kimberly Ballard-Washington resigned as the school’s president earlier that year.
The presidential search at Albany State University, another of Georgia’s public HBCUs, is still ongoing.
The board will take action on the position at a future meeting no sooner than five days from naming a finalist.
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