News Summary
The University System of Georgia has selected Jermaine Whirl as the sole finalist for president of Savannah State University. Whirl, who previously served as president of Augusta Technical College, has extensive experience in higher education and aims to enhance student success and academic excellence at SSU. He will succeed interim president Cynthia Robinson Alexander and is committed to continuing the legacy of SSU as a historically significant institution in Georgia.
Savannah, Georgia – The University System of Georgia has announced Jermaine Whirl as the sole finalist for the position of president at Savannah State University (SSU). Whirl’s appointment comes after a six-month national search conducted by AGB Search, and he is set to replace Cynthia Robinson Alexander, who has served as interim president since July 2023 following the resignation of Kimberly Ballard-Washington.
Whirl brings with him a wealth of experience in higher education, having previously held the position of president at Augusta Technical College since 2020. Under his leadership, Augusta Technical College achieved record enrollment and saw a significant increase in student headcount from Fall 2021 to Fall 2024. His tenure was marked by successful partnerships aimed at enhancing student success, particularly with organizations such as Augusta University and Amazon.
As he prepares to lead SSU, Whirl is expected to oversee an institution that serves approximately 3,200 students. The university is recognized for offering various graduate and undergraduate studies, supported by 200 full-time faculty members and featuring nationally accredited programs in multiple fields. Whirl has expressed enthusiasm for continuing the legacy of SSU, which is noted as the first public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Georgia.
Whirl’s career spans nearly 20 years in higher education, during which he has held various roles, including vice president for learning and workforce development at Greenville Technical College. Additionally, he has previously served as a dean at two technical colleges in Georgia and has experience as a faculty member at Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College. His academic qualifications include a master’s degree in adult education from Armstrong State University, which is now part of Georgia Southern University. Whirl comes from a family with ties to SSU, as several of his relatives are alumni of the institution.
Regent Patrick Jones emphasized Whirl’s familiarity with the local community and expressed confidence in his ability to raise funds and his vision for uplifting SSU. Whirl’s leadership is anticipated to focus on enhancing student success, academic excellence, financial sustainability, and leadership stability at the university.
While the appointment of Whirl marks a new chapter for SSU, the ongoing presidential search at Albany State University, another public HBCU in Georgia, remains unresolved. The developments around leadership changes in these institutions reflect the broader need for strong administrative guidance within the state’s public higher education system.
With Whirl at the helm, SSU looks forward to capitalizing on his extensive background in community engagement and educational leadership as it strives to expand its impact on students and the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta Honors Dr. Jermaine Whirl Day Amid Transition to SSU
Augusta Community Celebrates Dr. Jermaine Whirl’s Legacy
Savannah and Charleston Collaborate for Community Growth
Savannah State University Welcomes New Leadership
Savannah State University Names Dr. Jermaine Whirl as Finalist for Presidency
Savannah State University Selects New President
Additional Resources
- Hunts Canlon
- Savannah Now
- WSAV
- Wikipedia: Savannah State University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah State University
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
