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Savannah State University Appoints Interim Provost

Students engaging in collaborative learning at Savannah State University.

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.