Savannah State University President Dr. Jermaine Whirl reflects on first year, investiture, and what’s next

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah State University is preparing to make it “official, official.” On April 17, Dr. Jermaine Whirl will be formally invested as the 15th president of the university during a public ceremony that campus leaders say reflects both tradition and a new era of momentum.

Whirl, who began the role last year, said the past several months have been “extremely busy” — but also “very blessed.”

Building a team — and a plan

Whirl said his first priorities were stabilizing leadership and setting a clear direction.

“When I came in, we had a number of vacancies, a lot of interim appointments,” he said. “My first five months really was just trying to develop a team.”

After that, he said, the next step was creating a strategic roadmap.

“That’s probably one of the biggest things that I’m most proud of… having our Uproar 2030 plan developed,” Whirl said, calling it a community effort that helped clarify where Savannah State should be headed.

A leadership style centered on students

Whirl credits day-to-day collaboration — and a focus on students — for the energy many on campus say they’re feeling.

“I tell everybody I’m a colleague and I’m a co-worker. I don’t really use my title around campus,” he said. “We’re there to serve the students… educationally, socially, and of course that job when they graduate.”

Investiture ceremony set for April 17

Savannah State, founded in 1890, has seen generations of leaders, and Whirl said he feels the weight of that history.

“When you think about the leaders that have been here — the 14 presidents before me — you get chills,” he said. “I’m very, very honored to be among that list of presidents.”

The investiture is scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 17 and is open to the public.

“Our chancellor of the University System, Sonny Perdue, comes down… and they actually invest me as the president,” Wuerl said. “I get the presidential charge… the official medallion of the university and receiving the mace.”

Major funding, campus projects, and academic growth

Looking ahead, Whirl said the university is tracking potential new investment through the state budget.

“Just recently we got in the Georgia budget $42 million,” he said. “Assuming [the governor] supports that… that will be a tremendous shot of neon for us.”

He said the funding would support what could become the largest capital project in Savannah State’s history, including:

• A new Wilcox-Wiley gymnasium
• Renovation of King-Frazier 
• A Marshview expansion

Whirl also said Savannah State is preparing to launch additional academic programs over the next year.

“Open for business” — and growing online options

Whirl said he wants the broader community to know Savannah State is ready to serve students at multiple points in their education.

“We are open for business,” he said. “There is something for everybody. We encourage those who may have started and stopped to come back and finish.”

He also highlighted graduate options, including programs that can be completed online.

One-year MBA for $6,000

Whirl pointed to a fast-paced MBA option designed to meet demand while staying affordable.

“An AACSB-accredited MBA… you can get the MBA in one year, $6,000 tuition,” he said. “That’s the same accreditation as Harvard, MIT, UGA, Georgia Tech… and you can do it from your home.”

Hyundai-backed push to train future teachers

Whirl also praised a major partnership supporting Savannah State’s College of Education.

“Teacher education is paramount right now,” he said. “Hyundai really understood that assignment.”

He said a $5 million gift will help expand curriculum, support innovative learning opportunities, and reduce costs for students entering the program.

The university’s elementary education program is expected to begin this summer, adding to existing offerings in middle grades education.

“I would encourage anybody to come visit us at Payne Hall,” Whirl said. “We have some of the best labs in the state of Georgia.”

What to know

• Event: Investiture of Dr. Jermaine Whirl, 15th President of Savannah State University
• Date/Time/Location: April 17, 10 a.m. Tiger Arena on SSU campus
• Cost: Free and open to the community