The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) have appointed Dr. Jermaine Whirl as the next president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective April 1, 2025.
Dr. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education leadership across Georgia and South Carolina. Most recently, he served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he has held since November 2020. His career includes key leadership positions at institutions such as Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University, and East Georgia State College.
“As we welcome Dr. Whirl back into the USG family, we deeply appreciate the leadership of Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Cynthia has laid a strong foundation for Savannah State’s future, and Dr. Whirl is well-equipped to build upon that. His strategic vision will usher this historic HBCU into a new era of growth and opportunity.”
Dr. Whirl’s appointment follows a rigorous six-month national search, during which he was named the sole finalist last week. SSU has been led by Cynthia Robinson Alexander since July 2023, following the departure of President Kimberly Ballard-Washington.
“I’m honored and humbled to serve as the next president of Savannah State University,” said Dr. Whirl. “SSU’s rich HBCU legacy is inspiring, and I’m excited to work alongside students, faculty, and staff to drive student success, academic excellence, leadership stability, and financial sustainability. Together, through collaboration and innovation, we’ll position SSU for long-term success.”
Beyond his academic work, Dr. Whirl serves on several boards and advisory councils, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Human Capital Advisory Council, TD Bank New Market Tax Credit Advisory Board, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board.
Dr. Whirl holds an Associate of Arts from Trident Technical College, a Bachelor’s in Economics from Winthrop University, an MBA from Charleston Southern University, an M.Ed. from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University), and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University.