Savannah State University President delivers first State of the University address

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah State’s new President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl delivered his first state of the university address on Tuesday.

The Student Union Ballroom on Savannah State’s campus was filled with students, faculty, and alumni, as Dr. Jermaine Whirl gave his first State of the University address as president.

“It’s exciting. We’re building off the 100-day address, and so now we have a full staff, full team. We have a strategic plan. We have a new vision, a new mission statement,” Dr. Jermaine Whirl said.

He has big plans for the university, unveiling a new vision statement on Tuesday.

“Savannah State University will become nationally recognized public university known for student success and regional impact where research, innovation, and industry embedded learning fuels student growth and economic development,” Whirl said.

It’s been three years since the university has had a strategic plan. Now with one in place, along with a clear vision, the president says he’s ready to move into the future.

“We can really engage multiple stakeholders and move this institution forward,” Whirl said.

Part of his plans include more housing, which will also lead to more students enrolled. The university is working on a housing feasibility study to see how many additional beds are needed.

“We have about 2,100 beds now. We’re at 98% capacity, so we can’t take any more students. And so looking at, do we build on campus? Do we lease and rent some apartments off campus? Or do we build off campus? And so all of those are on the table,” Whirl said.

Dr. Whirl says he’s excited for the future of the university and the direction it’s heading in.

“We want to be a top 25 HBCU. We want to be a doctoral degree-winning institution.... We want to be the first choice and largest HBCU in the state of Georgia. And all of those things are right in front of us,” he said.

Watch address below: