A New Era Dawns at Savannah State University: Dr. Jermaine Whirl Makes HBCU History

It’s a new day — and a new legacy — at Savannah State University (SSU).

On April 1st, Dr. Jermaine Whirl officially began his tenure as the university’s 15th president, marking a defining moment not only for the institution but for HBCU history at large. At just 39 years old, Whirl has become the youngest president of a historically Black college or university in the United States, according to Black Enterprise.

Founded in 1890, Savannah State holds the distinction of being Georgia’s oldest public historically Black university. Its orange-and-blue Tiger Nation has seen generations of changemakers, but few transitions have carried the kind of excitement that now ripples across campus.

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A Joyful Welcome Fit for History

When Dr. Whirl arrived on campus, students celebrated him in true HBCU fashion — with music, dance, and heartfelt energy. In a moment that felt straight out of The Jennifer Hudson Show, students surprised their new leader with an impromptu serenade, filling the air with cheers and song as they gathered around the main campus building (HBCU Times).

“It was a moment of pure pride,” said senior student Amaya Lewis, speaking with The Savannah Morning News. “We wanted him to feel the love from day one — because this is our president, and we believe in his vision.”

Dr. Whirl, clearly moved by the reception, shared his excitement about returning to Savannah — a city where his educational journey first began.

“I am looking forward to returning to the beautiful city of Savannah and helping to shape the next generation of leaders in our area and region,” Whirl said in a statement (Black Enterprise). “Working with our alumni and community partners, I believe we can elevate the SSU experience and provide even more opportunities for Tiger Nation.”

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From Augusta to Savannah: A Proven Leader

Before stepping into the SSU presidency, Whirl served as president of Augusta Technical College, where he left an indelible mark. Under his leadership, enrollment surged by more than 20% in three years, and he helped forge transformational partnerships with organizations like Amazon, the City of Augusta, and Augusta University (The Augusta Chronicle). His efforts not only expanded access to workforce training but also strengthened the pipeline between technical education and regional economic growth.

These achievements earned him numerous honors, including the Leadership Award from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce and recognition from Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the state’s “Top 40 Under 40” leaders.

Whirl’s earlier career included key faculty and administrative roles at Greenville Technical College (South Carolina), Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University, and East Georgia State University, giving him deep roots in both education and the regional community he now serves.

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Vision 2035: Building the Future of SSU

Dr. Whirl’s presidency arrives with a bold and strategic vision — one that he calls “Vision 2035.” His plan aims to transform Savannah State into a doctoral-degree-granting institution, enhance student research opportunities, and position the university among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 25 HBCUs by 2035 (HBCU Times).

But rankings, he insists, are only one piece of the puzzle.

“Our ultimate goal is to make Savannah State the anchor institution of this region,” Whirl explained. “That means driving innovation, creating economic opportunity, and ensuring that our graduates leave here ready to lead in any field.” (AJC)

The plan also includes expanding SSU’s role in STEM education, entrepreneurship, and coastal sustainability research, capitalizing on Savannah’s growing port economy and environmental resources.

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A Warm Transition and a Shared Mission

Whirl succeeds interim president Cynthia Robinson Alexander, JD, who expressed both pride and confidence in her successor.

“Although I am sad to leave the SSU community, I am encouraged that I am leaving it in good hands,” Alexander said in her farewell statement. “The progress we’ve made over the past year lays a strong foundation for Dr. Whirl’s ambitious goals.” (Savannah Morning News)

With an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University and a Master’s in Adult Education and Community Leadership from Armstrong State University, Whirl combines academic rigor with a results-driven approach to leadership. His professional philosophy — grounded in equity, innovation, and empowerment — has already begun resonating with faculty, students, and alumni alike.

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A Legacy in the Making

As Dr. Whirl takes the helm, there’s an undeniable sense that Savannah State is entering a new era of transformation — one rooted in both tradition and innovation. His presence represents not only progress for SSU but also a larger shift within HBCU leadership nationwide, where younger, visionary presidents are redefining what it means to lead historically Black institutions into the future (Black Enterprise).

For the students who serenaded him on that bright April day, the message was clear: this is more than a presidency — it’s a partnership, and a promise.

Because under Dr. Jermaine Whirl’s leadership, Savannah State University isn’t just making history. It’s shaping it.