News Summary
Savannah State University has appointed Dr. Mohamad Mustafa as Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer, effective September 1. This appointment follows Dr. Richard Miller’s tenure. Dr. Mustafa aims to enhance student success and academic governance, drawing on his extensive experience at SSU. His interim goals include reaffirming accreditations, integrating AI into the curriculum, and fostering high-impact educational practices. The leadership transition comes at a critical time as the university adapts to evolving educational needs.
Savannah, Georgia – Savannah State University (SSU) has announced that Dr. Mohamad Mustafa will assume the role of Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer beginning September 1, 2024. This move follows the tenure of Dr. Richard Miller, who has served in the position for the past year.
As Interim Provost, Dr. Mustafa will be responsible for overseeing all academic affairs at the university. This includes managing faculty development and facilitating coordination among students, staff, faculty, and the board of regents. The transition signals a desire for continued progress in academic governance and student success as the university navigates its future challenges.
Interim President Cynthia Alexander expressed appreciation for Dr. Miller’s leadership and looks forward to Dr. Mustafa’s efforts to further enhance student achievement at SSU. Dr. Mustafa has been an integral part of the SSU community for over 30 years, bringing a wealth of experience from his position as Dean of the College of Science and Technology, a role he has held for the last seven years.
In addition to his administrative experience, Dr. Mustafa’s research interests lie in Civil Engineering structures. He has acted as principal investigator on numerous grants that have accumulated millions of dollars in funding. His expertise is expected to benefit the university, particularly in addressing key academic and infrastructural needs.
Dr. Mustafa is also a graduate of the University System of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Institute, indicating a solid background in higher education leadership. He has laid out a vision for his interim tenure, focusing on crucial initiatives that include:
- Reaffirming current academic accreditations
- Pursuing new academic accreditations
- Integrating artificial intelligence into the educational curriculum
- Encouraging high-impact practices such as undergraduate research and internships
Dr. Mustafa has emphasized his commitment to making SSU a premier choice for students and recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts in reaching the university’s institutional goals. This approach will aim to improve academic outcomes and ensure that the university remains competitive in an evolving educational landscape.
In terms of administrative changes during Dr. Mustafa’s initial period in office, Dr. Teresa Shakespeare will step in as Interim Dean of the College of Science and Technology, while Dr. Takayuki Nitta will temporarily serve as Interim Chair of the Biology department. These appointments exemplify the university’s strategic planning to maintain stability and continuity in its academic programs.
Interim President Alexander has acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff at SSU, which has played a significant role in positioning the university as a leading institution. The leadership transitions aim to reinforce this progress and implement new strategies that will further advance SSU’s academic mission.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal time as universities across the country adapt to rapidly changing educational needs and economic landscapes. With Dr. Mustafa at the helm of academic affairs, SSU is poised to explore new avenues for growth and development while continually striving for excellence in student education and support services.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Dr. Mohamad Mustafa Named SSU’s New Interim Provost
- Savannah Now: SSU Invites Community Input for Next President
- Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Tech Taps Provost for Presidency
- Diverse Education: Savannah State University President Announces Resignation
- AOL: Savannah State Terminates 13 Faculty Members
- Wikipedia: Savannah State University
- Google Search: Savannah State University
- Google Scholar: Savannah State University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, Georgia
- Google News: 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.
