Women's History Month: Tell Them She is Rising

Echoing the historical words of Savannah State University's (SSU) first president, Richard R. Wright Sr., "Tell them we are rising," this month's theme for women's history is "Tell Them She is Rising." SSU will spotlight the dynamic women hard at work at the University by the Sea. These SSU SHEroes are the fabric of our campus and community.

Kimberly Ballard-Washington, J.D.
President, Savannah State University

Savannah State University President Kimberly Ballard-Washington was born and raised in Montezuma, Georgia. President Ballard-Washington received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia. She earned her Juris Doctorate at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she was a leader in the Black Law Students Association and the Student Bar Association.

To date, President Ballard-Washington is the only person to have led all three of Georgia’s public Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

President Ballard-Washington has practiced law in the state of Georgia for 20 years and most recently served the University System of Georgia as associate vice chancellor for Legal Affairs and as the assistant secretary to the Board of Regents.

President Ballard-Washington previously served as an associate director for legal affairs at the University of Georgia and as assistant to the president for Legal Affairs and director of Equal Opportunity Programs at Valdosta State University.

Read President Ballard-Washington's full bio here.

Carolyn Jordan

Mentoring Coordinator, The Wright Choice Initiative

Carolyn Jordan, Ph.D., is the coordinator of The Wright Choice Initiative mentoring program and the interim director of the Honors Program. Jordan is also the great granddaughter of Savannah State University’s first president, Richard Robert Wright Sr. 

Prior to her arrival at SSU, her career spanned over 30 years in education and includes the roles of early childhood and adult education teacher. In 2001, Jordan was appointed as the executive director of the CST Academy, a faith-based counseling and mentoring program for inmates in the Philadelphia Prison System. 

In 2006, Jordan served on an interdisciplinary team as the hospice chaplain at Phoenixville Hospital’s inpatient unit. During that time, Jordan was appointed as senior pastor for the African Methodist Episcopalian Church. She became the first female pastor there in over 100 years.

Jordan graduated magna cum laude from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She received her master's degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in divinity and her doctorate from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She believes that each learner is an individual person, with individual strengths and weakness.

Jordan holds membership in numerous local, state and national organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia, Board of Directors National Freedom Day Association, member of American Association of Christian Counselors, and Georgia Conference Board of Examiners.

Nancy Linden, Ph.D.

Lecturer, Humanities

Nancy Linden, Ph.D., is the director of the Center for Teaching and Faculty Development and the Quality Enhancement Plan director. She is also one of the University Assessment coordinators for College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and College of Education (COE) at Savannah State University.  She has been a professional educator for more than 30 years. Linden has been a college instructor of Critical Thinking and Communication; a K-12 assessment consultant; and an author of 32 self-published books. 

Linden has been working at SSU for almost nine years. 

She holds two intellectual patents for inventing a reading comprehension method called: Book & Brain Reading. Nancy earned her bachelor's degree in secondary English/speech from the University of Texas at Austin; and a master's in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. 

She went on to earn her doctorate in education in professional leadership from the University of Houston and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University, at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning in Cambridge, MA.

Linden has been committed to SSU by prepping freshmen students to be guest speakers for the radio show, Stir It Up, on WHCJ 90.3 FM.

She is an advocate for student community engagement and volunteerism and involves SSU students in St. Jude Hospital, Walk-a-Thon, etc. Linden also organizes field trips for students to explore The Beach Institute African American Cultural Center for the Savannah Black Heritage Festival.

Linden is active with outreach in women's ministry presenting Christian Apologetics to interested women who want to know how to defend their faith for all different denominations in local churches. She was one of the few women invited to Oxford University in England to attend an intensive certification program with the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics in 2019.

Elaine Campbell

Chief Audit Officer

Elaine Shavers Campbell is a certified public accountant who brings more than 35 years of experience in financial management, accounting and internal auditing to her role as the chief audit officer. Since March 2020, Elaine has led Savannah State University’s response to COVID-19. In this role she developed safety protocols and organized a testing center and vaccine clinic on campus to minimize the impact of the pandemic on SSU’s campus.

Campbell has been employed with SSU for 25 years. In addition to serving as the chief audit officer, Campbell served as the interim vice president for Business and Financial Affairs and the assistant vice president/ comptroller for the Division of Business and Financial Affairs.

Campbell served on the accounting faculty in the College of Business Administration (COBA) from 1996 to 2003. After becoming a senior administrator in 2003 with the University, Campbell continues to teach accounting courses in COBA as an adjunct faculty.

Campbell earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University. She has a master's degree in accounting from Georgia Southern University and a master's degree in business administration from Savannah State University. 

Her professional memberships includes the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Campbell is very passionate about public service. Her community work includes being treasurer for the Board of Directors of the Small Business Assistance Corporation and a member of the Audit Committee for the Savannah Chatham County Public Schools System. She was also president and treasurer for the Board of Directors of Greenbriar Children’s, treasurer for the Board of Directors of the Economic Opportunity Authority for Savannah-Chatham County, Inc., treasurer for Frank Callen’s Boys and Girls Club, and board chair for the Savannah Delta Foundation.

Campbell is a member of the Saint Paul C.M.E. Church, where she is a steward and serves on the Christian Youth Fellowship Ministry.

Campbell is also a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and currently serves as the president of the Savannah Alumnae Chapter as well as South Georgia Risk Management Coordinator for the Southern Region.

Campbell was recently awarded the Polished Pearls Production 2022 Leadership Legacy Award and Savannah State University’s Student 2021 Life Angel Award.

Kisha Cunningham Aites, Ph.D.

Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor, 

Engineering Technology Education

Kisha Cunningham Aites, Ph.D., traveled to Ghana as a Fulbright-Hays Group Program Fellow to explore the composition of dance that blends traditional Ghanaian dance with movements from American modern dance.

Kisha Cunningham Aites, Ph.D., has been at Savannah State University since 2013 and now serves as the interim department chair of the College of Education and associate professor of Engineering Technology Education. Cunningham Aites is also the principal investigator for the Robert Noyce Teaching Scholarship and the program coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Studies Program. She was also vice chair of Faculty Senate from 2019-2021.

For two consecutive years, Cunningham Aites served as editor on the publication, Introduction to Critical Issues in Education, and was selected as a Georgia Association for Engineering & Technology Education Awards Honoree. Today, she continues to travel and focus on educational topics such as gender equity in technology and critical issues in teaching and learning.

Cunningham Aites is also a trained dancer with over 30 years' experience. She is a graduate of  The School of the Arts in Rochester, NY, where she majored in dance and clarinet. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work in technology education at North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) where she was also a member of The E. Gwynn Dance Company.

Aites has studied dance at Joyce Winters School of Dance, Hochstein School of Music, Garth Fagan, The University of the West Indies (E. Gwynn), and The Jamaican School of Dance (E. Gwynn). 

While working on her Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University, Cunningham Aites was the assistant director for NOMMO Performing Arts Company and taught Introduction to African Dance and Culture.

Cunningham Aites has performed in numerous theatre productions, including, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood", "Black Nativity", "The Wiz", "Once on This Island", and "The Prodigal Daughter." She was a member of the Richard B. Harrison Players at NCAT where she was a principal in several productions. 

Her favorite role has been "TiMoune" from "Once on This Island", under the direction of Mabel Robinson. From her role as Clara Ward to her portrayal of a '70s militant, she has continuously shown her depth and diversity as an actress and choreographer. In 2004, she founded the Paisley Academy of Performing Arts. In 2011, her dance ensemble was presented the NAACP Youth Achievement Award.  

In 2017, she traveled to China as a part of the Education Delegation from Georgia and in the summer of 2017, her piece, "Dance of the Orisas", was performed in China by members of Obsidians during their collaborative dance production with dance majors at Jiujiang University. 

Cunningham Aites has directed and co-directed numerous productions and continues to choreograph artistic works for special events, theatrical productions, and music videos. She travels and performs workshops in different genres of dance locally, nationally, and internationally.

Cunningham Aites holds membership in numerous local, state, and international organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society for Technology, and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.

Shetia C. Butler Lamar, DBA
Assistant professor, Computer Information Systems

Shetia C. Butler Lamar, DBA, is the assistant professor of Computer Information Systems (CIS) and the program coordinator of the newly developed CIS, Logistics and Supply Chain major. She distinguished herself as the first woman and African American to hold the position of information technology manager at the Hyatt Regency and Westin Hotels in Savannah, GA. Educated in the Chatham County Public School System, she also received degrees in CIS and the Master of Business Administration from the College of Business at Savannah State University. 

Butler Lamar currently serves as logistics officer for the Savannah State Faculty Senate and the chair-elect/recorder for The University System of Georgia Regents Advisory Committee for Data Science.

For over 10 years, she has served as advisor to Kappa Chi, one of the only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities chapters, of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi. She is a proud member of the organization and the recipient of numerous awards as the fraternity’s Atlantic Coast Region and Southern Province Advisor of the Year. She has also distinguished herself as chapter advisor to Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

A believer in life-long learning, she earned a Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool in 2019 and in December 2021, received a master's degree in cybersecurity management from Columbus State University.

Taqwaa Saleem

Lecturer, Department of English, Languages and Cultures

Taqwaa F. Saleem, a Savannah, GA native, is an English professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Savannah State University. Saleem has been an SSU employee for 12 years.

Saleem graduated summa cum laude from SSU in 2008 and was also a recipient of the President’s Second Mile Award, the highest award a student may receive at SSU. Additionally, Saleem earned her Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from Georgia Southern University. There, she currently serves on the Queen’s Council and Intercollegiate Athletics Committee. 

Saleem is also president and creative director of her boutique company, Polished Pearl Productions, LLC. She is an active member of Living Hope Community Fellowship serving in many ministry roles including director of operations, special assistant to the pastor, and overseer of Women’s Ministry.

In the community, she is a member of the Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, several academic honor societies, and the Savannah Tourism Leadership Council. She's the program consultant for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Phi Lambda Chapter debutantes. 

Saleem is also a certified wedding and event planner and a certified life coach. She is working on her second book and hosts an annual Boost Brunch Women’s Empowerment celebration each March. Saleem loves to travel internationally and believes in women living "polished in every detail," she says.

Andrea Moore, Ph.D. 

Associate Professor, Biology 

Andrea Moore, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Biology at Savannah State University. Moore is also a 2001 summa cum laude graduate of SSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science. She is one of 13 family members to have matriculated at SSU. 

In 2006, Moore became the first African American to complete the M.S. in Interdisciplinary Math and Sciences degree at Andrews University. In 2013, Moore earned her Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in Environmental Science. 

Moore currently serves as vice chair of Faculty Senate at SSU and faculty secretary. She also holds membership with the following professional organizations: Association of Southeast Biologists and Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education Southeast and Northwest. 

She is also a member of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., a national humanitarian and service organization serving youth and adults. 

Moore’s additional accomplishments include: 

Six professional publishings 

20 posters and oral research presentations 

Principal Investigator for a grant 

Mentoring students in research projects and seminars 

Maintaining research in biology education

Patrice Davis White, Ph.D. 

Professor, Education

Patrice White, Ph.D., is a professor in the College of Education at Savannah State University. White is a highly motivated, ambitious, and determined professional educator with over 39 years of experience in P-12 / post-secondary education, service, and leadership. 

White has a strong passion for student learning, talent development, and academic excellence. She is a graduate of Sol C. Johnson High School in Savannah, GA, Valdosta State University, Troy State University and Jacksonville Theological Seminary Institute. 

White worked in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System for 36 years. Concurrently, her summer employment at SSU began in 1982-1986, with the Upward Bound Program. 

Later, she returned to SSU in the summer of 2004-2008 to work with Student Support Services. Finally, in 2019, White became a professor in the College of Education.

White's organizations and community affiliations include Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, Chatham Retired Educators Association, Georgia Retired Educators Association, National Retired Educators Association, and National Council of Negro Women. 

White's awards and accomplishments include: 

• 1983 Savannah Jaycees Layman of the Year First Runner-Up, 
• Savannah Chatham-County Public School System Teacher of the Year 1999 & 2015 
• 2021-2022 Gartland Award Winner for Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church 
• 2022 Georgia’s Own Credit Union Sweepstakes winner.

White is also the wife of Donald White and mother of Roneal White.

Otilia Iancu, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Public Administration

Otilia Iancu, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Public Administration in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at Savannah State University. Iancu is also chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs and coordinator of the Master of Public Administration Program (MPA).

She began at SSU as a assistant professor in the fall of 2012 after earning an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas. Since that time, she became the chair of the MPA program in 2015 and served as the chair and interim chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs in 2018. 

Through hard work and sincere care for SSU students, Iancu was able to steadily grow the MPA Program from nine students in 2015 to 71 students currently (a 689% increase). Iancu helped to establish two graduate certificate programs (the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Organizations and Leadership and the Graduate Certificate in Museum Administration), revitalized the MPA Advisory Board, successfully led the MPA Program to full reaccreditation (2017-2023), and served as co-advisor to SSU’s award winning Model United Nations and Model African Union student organizations. 

Iancu was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016 and was an inaugural recipient of the President’s Faculty Award for Innovation and Excellence in 2017. Additionally, in 2019, Iancu was a recipient of the President’s Leadership and Service Award and was awarded a Certificate of Recognition and Achievement in Leadership and Service by the Dean of CLASS in 2020. 

Recently, Iancu was promoted to a full professor. Iancu is extremely proud of her unique relationships with each of her students.

Emily Brown-Ruth

Coordinator,

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Administrative Services

Emily Brown-Ruth is the coordinator of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) administrative services. Brown-Ruth is a 13-year employee of Savannah State University and has worked in an administrative support role for the state of Georgia for more than 37 years. 

A Savannah native, Brown-Ruth graduated cum laude from SSU with a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis. She also earned a master’s degree in public administration from SSU. 

In 2014, Brown-Ruth was awarded the inaugural Outstanding Professional Achievement by a CLASS Graduate/Supporter Award. She holds membership in numerous organizations, including Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, where she also served as the local advisor. 

She firmly believes in the saying, “You have two hands–one to help yourself, and the other to help others.” 

Brown-Ruth’s mother and daughter both earned their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively, from SSU. Currently, the legacy continues with Brown-Ruth’s grandson, who participates in the TRIO program.

 

Tarsena Owens

Custodian, Physical Plant

Tarsena Owens has been a integral piece in the Department of Physical Plant at Savannah State University for 12 years. Born and raised on the westside of Savannah, near River Street, Owens graduated from Sol C. Johnson High School. 

In 1985, Owens received a diploma in accounting from Savannah Technical College. In 1986, she attended Massey Business College, now Herzing University in Atlanta, GA, for a year to study computer information systems before returning to Savannah.

Owens' recommitment to continuing her education was sparked in 2015 by a promise she made to her daughter, who she also says is her "biggest accomplishment."

"I promised her that when she went to college, I would come back to school," said Owens.

After years of trying to decide on a career that aligned with her true passion for being a caregiver, Owens, who worked in the Social Science Building, was inspired by the daily work of the students in The Department of Social Work. She realized that there was exactly where she wanted to be. 

In 2018, Owens received her bachelor's degree in social work from SSU and in 2021, she received her master's degree in social work. 

During the pursuit of both degrees Owens experienced the tremendous loss of her mother, sister, and grandson, but she credits her life and her perseverance to her tremendous faith. Anyone who knows Owens will tell you that her life is a testament to her Christian faith. Owens is a 30-year member and an usher at Greater Gaines Chapel AME Church.

In addition to maintaining a clean environment for the SSU campus community, Owens also works part-time in social services. Her hope is to soon be a full-time social worker.

By her peers, Owens is described as compassionate, giving, dependable, and trustworthy. She says that her greatest reward as an SSU employee is interacting with the students. 

"I love witnessing the growth of our students, from when they first arrive here to their graduation. I like being able to assist them," she said.

Owens is dedicated to her work with the University's Students That Are Rising (STAR) program and helping students who experience food insecurity, are designated as homeless or housing insecure in anyway possible.

In her free time, Owens enjoys shopping for purses and cooking. 

Patricia A. West

Assistant Professor, Department of English, Languages and Cultures

Patricia A. West is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Languages and Cultures in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at Savannah State University. A Savannah native, West has walked the SSU campus since 1972 when she arrived as an anxious freshman daughter of working-class parents to major in English language and literature. 

She later graduated in the first class of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications students in 1976. While attending SSU, her activities included the Tiger’s Roar newspaper, Tiger Yearbook, the Navelrette Club, WHCJ Radio, and the Black Action Committee. Since then, she has applied the historical SSU saying, "You can get anywhere from here," as a mantra for her daily life. 

After 19 years of teaching English for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and as an SSU Adjunct Professor, she made the permanent transition to higher education teaching in 2005. While working part-time for SSU in 2003, she was named the Georgia Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Council of Teachers of English. In April 2007, she received a Savannah Morning News Award of Excellence in Teaching. 

Upon returning to SSU full-time, she initiated the celebration of National Freedom Day on campus in 2013 and proposed and designed an online course for African-American Literature. As she nears the end of 10 years in the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures, she has taught over 100 varied classes. 

West has demonstrated presentations locally, nationally, and internationally and takes great pride in representing SSU as both a faculty member and an alumna. Aside from teaching, her most satisfying work has been servicing the CLASS Curriculum Committee, SSU National Alumni Association and the SSU Community Booster Club. She also collects donations for SSU's STAR Program, the LePageville Memorial Project, and volunteers with the Ossabaw Island Foundation. 

Since the 1950s, 22 of West's family members have earned degrees from SSU. In 2019, her Scott-West family was recognized by the Savannah State University National Alumni Association as Family of the Year for its long-standing legacy of service and success.

In 2020, West published Still Water Words: Poems and Stories from Ancestral Places in which she shares her Gullah Geechee heritage. Her additional publications include two book chapters, reviews, journal articles, The Savannah Herald, and more scholarly work pending release. 

In December 2021, Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. named her a “Hidden Figure.” 

Nancy Riggs

Director, Research and Sponsored Programs

Receiving the most nominations as a "Dynamic Woman of SSU," Nancy Riggs is an 11-year employee at Savannah State University. She is the Director of the Office of Sponsored Research Administration.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Riggs received her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Chicago and her master's degree in business administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. 

Riggs worked for the Southern Company (Mississippi Power - Gulfport, Southern Company Services – Birmingham, Savannah Electric) for over 20 years before starting at SSU in 2007 as a Grants Specialist.

During her time at SSU, she has contributed to many successful grant proposals, which have added to the University revenues by over 10%. Riggs' work has provided critical scholarships and fellowships for the students (about $1.5M/year supporting ~150 merit scholars/year), and funded faculty research and community initiatives.

"I am honored to work with the dedicated faculty and staff of SSU," she said. 

"Working in grants is especially rewarding as it exemplifies the best and the brightest who take the initiative to come up with creative and innovative ways to strengthen our teaching and learning and provide our students with real-world applied learning, research training, and credentials to meet the needs of the global workforce."

Riggs' has two daughters and two grandchildren.

Denise Johnson

Custodian, Physical Plant

Denise Johnson, a Savannah, Ga. native and a mother of three, has been an employee at Savannah State University in the Department of Plant Operations for seven years. During her time at SSU, Johnson has won the Staff Excellence award four times and was named 2021 Staff Person of the Year. Her unwavering dedication to the University paired with her positive mindset makes a lifelong impact on the students, faculty and staff at SSU.

Growing up in Hitch Village, Johnson was a standout basketball player at Memorial High School. "Ms. Denise" (as she is affectionately known on campus) recognized at an early age the importance of a solid educational foundation and the value of a positive environment. She encouraged her children to surround themselves with those who would influence good choices and she stressed that choices have consequences.

Johnson has worked on the custodial staff of almost every campus building after years of working in the King Frazier Dining Hall. However, of all of the experiences she's had thus far at SSU, her fondest memories include working in the Jasmine building during the time that her son, SSU alumnus Johnny Scott, worked there as the TRiO Upward Bound Program Specialist.

With a warm smile that brightens every room she enters, Johnson works tirelessly towards a cleaner and safer campus environment. Her favorite sayings are, “Manners will take you a long way,” and “Always remember, kill them with kindness.”

"Because of the people here at Savannah State University and the family-oriented environment, my heart is constantly full," Johnson said.

Kathleen Platt

Registrar

Kathleen Platt, also know as Kathy, has served as Savannah State University's Registrar since 2017. Born and raised in Savannah, Ga., she has worked for the University System of Georgia for almost 18 years.

During this time, she has served in all positions within a Registrar's office. Platt has proven her commitment to customer service and student success by improving accessibility and efficiency of registrar services and implementing tools like Degree Works.

As the first of her family to receive an advanced degree, she is aware of the obstacles first-generation college students may face and is passionate about enhancing processes and removing roadblocks that may hinder students from accomplishing their educational goals.

The daughter and wife of a veteran, Platt is also dedicated to serving military-connected students and creating a welcoming environment for all students at SSU.

Platt earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and Master of Education in adult education and community leadership with a certification in instructional technology from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University).

As a lifelong learner, Platt is currently taking classes in the Educational Leadership Doctorate Program at Georgia Southern University.

Evelyn Williamson 

Coordinator, Administrative Services, 

Department of Journalism and Mass Communications 

Evelyn L. Williamson is a native of Springfield, Illinois and has been the Coordinator of Administrative Services in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) at Savannah State University for two years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. 

Aside from her work in JMC, Williamson is a professional grassroots political organizer and community development consultant. She served as a legislative liaison on numerous community projects for The Democratic National Committee. In 1999, she was named Georgia Outstanding Citizen Goodwill Ambassador and awarded Outstanding Public Service by the Georgia Secretary of State. 

In 1999, Williamson founded E.L. Williamson & Associates, Inc., in Atlanta, Ga., that specializes in Organizational Development. 

In 2008, Williamson served as a Community Field Director for the Obama Campaign for Change in Georgia and Philadelphia where she successfully organized, recruited, and trained over 1,200 volunteers and support staff. 

In 2013, Williamson also created and designed the Out of Africa Arts and Cultural Enrichment after school program. In 2017, the program design received The Directors award from the U.S. Department of Interior, for summer camp program enriching the lives of youth in Illinois. As part of her many opportunities to be a change agent, Williamson continues to be a dedicated supporter of numerous local, state, national, and international arts and cultural enrichment organizations.

Joline Keevy

Assistant Director, International Education Center

Joline Keevy is the Assistant Director of the International Education Center. She has been a part of the Savannah State University family since 2010 and a part of higher education for more than 15 years. Keevy holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master's degree in public administration and an Ed.S in school counseling. 

Keevy is committed to developing strong relationships with international students to provide support and guidance during their time at SSU. She works to advocate for their needs, helping them gain access to health care, food or even a bicycle so they can ride to campus. Over the years she has worked to recruit students from around the world, meeting students where they are, helping to determine whether they fit in the English Language Institute studies, undergraduate, or graduate programs. 

In an effort to engage students in international conversations, Keevy launched The International Students’ Speakers Bureau. This program offers professors the opportunity to invite international students, current SSU study abroad students, and alumni to classrooms to provide a global perspective on a variety of topics. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the International Education Center sought creative ways to expand the program's services since students couldn’t travel. Under Keevy's leadership, the center developed an experiential learning plan that included kayaking, bicycling, gardening, and language learning.

Additionally, Keevy, who earned her Master Gardener’s certificate in 2020, worked alongside Sue Ebanks, Ph.D., Associate Professor for Marine and Environmental Science, to receive a $2,500 grant from Center Parc Credit Union for garden supplies.

The campus community garden has just reached it’s one-year mark and students, faculty and staff can be seen working side by side in the garden learning from each other and sharing surplus crops with the campus community. 

Keevy serves the college and students in a variety of other ways. She is a student conduct investigator and sits on hearing panels. She is also the Primary Designated School Official for SSU, the Co-Advisor for the International Students Association, and a member of the university wellness committee.

Even in her free time, Keevy enjoys serving the University. She helps international students obtain driver’s licenses, guides students to campus and community resources, and ensures students make the most of their time at SSU.

Sherrie Andino-Jackson 

Program Coordinator, Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

Sherrie Andino-Jackson is Program Director of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), which is a pre-college program designed to assist middle and high school students in preparation for college. Jackson has been employed with Savannah State University for the last 19 years.

Andino-Jackson was born in Okinawa, Japan and raised in Augusta, Georgia. Jackson graduated from Augusta College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a minor in social work. 

She is also a graduate of Troy State University with a Master of Science degree in foundations of education. Jackson moved to Savannah 24 years ago and is connected with different community, education and health programs. 

Jackson's professional career began with the Department of Family and Children Services. She later worked at Gateway Community Services Board and served adolescences with mental health issues. Jackson’s mission in life is to encourage and uplift students to reach their full potential.

LeAndrea Mikell

Executive Director, Governmental Relations and Community Outreach

LeAndrea Mikell is the Executive Director of Governmental Relations and Community Engagement at Savannah State University (SSU). In this role, she is responsible for directing the University’s governmental affairs strategy, and she works to cultivate strategic partnerships that support the University’s economic development and community engagement efforts. 

Mikell is active with a number of community organizations including the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Savannah International Alliance, the United Way of the Coastal Empire and the Gulfstream Student Leadership Program. In addition, Mikell serves on the boards of directors for the Savannah Jaycees, Chatham Savannah Citizens Advocacy, Future Minds Literacy and Adult Education, Union Mission and was recently appointed as the first African American to serve as President of the Georgia Jaycees. 

Mikell has been recognized as the 2017 Ambassador of the Year by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, a 2018 GenerationNEXT Rising Star of Business by Business in Savannah/Savannah Morning News, 2020 Jaycee of the Year by the Georgia Jaycees, and as a 2021 member of the New Guard by Savannah Magazine.

Mikell earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in mass communications from SSU in 2013.

Elissa T. Purnell, Ph.D.

Professor, Biology

Elissa T. Purnell, Ph.D. is a Professor of Biology and serves as the Biology Coordinator and primary advisor for the Savannah State University Chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Purnell is the first alumnus to chair the department of Natural Sciences (2009-2013) and the second female alumnus to serve as the Chair of Biology (2013-2015). 

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Purnell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Savannah State College in 1990 and a Master of Science degree in biology from West Georgia College in 1992. 

Purnell served as a part-time biology instructor at Savannah State (1994-1996) before pursuing doctoral studies at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she earned a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology and pathobiology in 2000. She returned to Savannah State University as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in 2001 and joined the faculty in 2004. 

Purnell was selected as a participant in a yearlong Steps Toward Academic Research (STAR) Fellowship in Health Disparities at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX (2007-2008). Her health disparities pilot project won one of the two grants awarded at the end of the fellowship. 

She is a Minority Role Model Award Recipient and received recognition in 2019 as a Community Change Agent (Women in STEM). Purnell is a member of Beta Beta Beta National Honor Society and has trained more than 40 biology majors in hemolytic anemia research. She has numerous peer reviewed publications in reproductive biology and hemolytic anemia. 

Purnell was instrumental in the establishment of the Savannah Student Educational and Enrichment Program (SEEP) sponsored by the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. 

Purnell has played the piano for the senior choir at Bethel A.M.E. Church where she has been a member for 32 years. 

Teresa I. Shakespeare, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor and Chair of the Biology Department

Teresa I. Shakespeare, Ph.D., class of 2001, is an Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Biology Department, and has been employed at Savannah State University for four years. She has earned numerous grants to support undergraduate STEM majors in research and academic excellence. Her research has been sponsored by the American Society for Cell Biology, National Science Foundation, the University System of Georgia (USG), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Since joining the SSU faculty in 2018, she has received grant funding from the USG to improve learning and engagement in STEM and was recently awarded a $2.2 million-dollar National Science Foundation HBCU-UP Implementation Award where she and her colleagues aim to reform course curriculum across STEM disciplines to include Virtual Reality technology.

In addition to her teaching and scholarship, Dr. Shakespeare was a 2016 FVSU Executive Leadership Fellow and a 2019-2020 State of Georgia Governor’s Teachers Fellow.

Dr. Shakespeare has been instrumental in championing the department of biology to new heights. Under her leadership, the department developed a new 3+3 Biology and Pharmacy program with South University. Dr. Shakespeare aims to build other programs and pathways within the biology program, that will ultimately create opportunities of success for SSU STEM students before their departure from SSU.

Dr. Shakespeare enjoys working with her colleagues as a team-player and educating and motivating students, to first pursue undergraduate education in STEM disciplines, followed by advanced degrees in biomedical sciences.

Dr. Shakespeare is a native of Macon, Georgia and proud 2001 Savannah State University alumna. Her favorite mantra is “To Teach, is to Love.”

Tara W. Aikens
Testing Coordinator, Center for Student Success and Retention

Tara W. Aikens, a native of Georgetown, South Carolina, is the Testing Coordinator of the Testing Office in the Center for Student Success and Retention at Savannah State University (SSU). Aikens is a two-time graduate of SSU, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in social work (cum laude) in 1997 and a Master of Public Administration degree, with distinction, in 2000. She was one of two to receive a full fellowship through the federal Community Development Fellowship Program. Aikens also received a Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Kansas State University in 2011.

Aikens has worked at SSU for more than 21 years in Enrollment Management–serving previously as past Freshmen Year Experience Coordinator and instructor, Director of the Office of Retention and Student Success, and Advisor of student organizations. She happily serves as mentor to numerous students (past and present) and youth throughout the community. Under her leadership, the Testing Office received National College Testing Association (NCTA) Test Center Certification.

Aikens is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated and a member of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, where she currently serves as President of the Savannah Chapter. She is a current board member of the Georgia College Testing Association (GCTA), member of the National College Testing Association (NCTA) and member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Leila Robinson
Senior Administrative Specialist, Division of Student Affairs  

Leila Robinson, Senior Administrative Specialist in the Division of Student Affairs, has served Savannah State University for more than 28 years. In 1994, she joined the university as a Secretary in the Center for Student Development and has continued to rise. She later became a Senior Secretary in Student Affairs. In 2002, Robinson earned the position of Administrative Specialist to the Vice President, until she was promoted to Senior Administrative Specialist in 2009. Today she serves as a Senior Administrative Specialist to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. She is the first point of contact for student concerns and a liaison between staff and the campus community. A native of St. George, South Carolina, she earned her high school diploma from Williams Memorial High School.

“These 28 years have been the most gratifying and rewarding,” she said. “As the first and only Secretary for Career Services, I enjoyed working and assisting students in getting jobs, setting up for job fairs and networking with employers. The Office of Student Affairs afforded me the opportunity to work with student volunteers, Upward Bound, student leaders, and students being employed in the office through graduation. I created a bond with the students, and I am proud of where the students are today in their careers.”

Jora M. McDonald
Professional Advisor, Center for Student Success & Retention 

A native of Atlanta, Jora McDonald is a spring 2012 graduate of Savannah State University (SSU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and the first in her family to graduate from college. Following graduation, she worked for TestAmerica, a leader in environmental testing, for nearly five years. In the summer of 2016, she began working at SSU providing leadership and development of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan, titled “The Write Attitude!” During this time, she discovered she wanted to be more involved in developing students for the future.

McDonald joined the Access to Success (A2S) Program in November 2017 as an Academic Success Advisor, where she advised students with not only course selections, but navigating their college experience and pairing students with appropriate campus resources. McDonald was honored as SSU Staff Person of the Year during her first year of employment. She has also been recognized by the Southeastern Province Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. with the Stand Out Performer Award.

McDonald currently serves as a Professional Advisor within the Center for Student Success and Retention where she advises more than 300 students. McDonald always encourages her students to dream big and her students have motivated her to pursue her MBA degree. McDonald is in her second year of graduate school and will be the first in her family to receive her master’s degree.

During her six years of service to Savannah State, McDonald has advised several campus organizations and currently serves as the Pageant Director and Advisor of the Miss Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Pageant. Additionally, she is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), the Savannah Chapter President of the National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Journalist of Southeastern Province Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. McDonald is a certified event planner and has assisted in the planning efforts of the 100 Black Men of Savannah, Inc.’s Annual Scholarship Gala, SSU Annual Scholarship Gala, SSU Homecoming Coronation, Miss Southeastern Province Scholarship Pageant, Southeastern Province Silhouettes Council Meeting and more.

McDonald is married to Johnny McDonald, a 2011 and 2013 alumnus of SSU, and they are the proud parents of Jada Savannah (3) and baby Jeremiah (8 months). McDonald is a fervent believer in “ONE SSU” and loves her Tiger Family!

Jacqueline Awe
Director of Student Development and Coordinator of the Students That Are Rising (STAR) program

Jacqueline Awe, class of 2002, is the Director of Student Development at Savannah State University (SSU) and Coordinator of the Students That Are Rising (STAR) program, which supports former foster youth, students in need and homeless students. She has practiced in the field of social services for over 26 years, and is the first person from her maternal side of the family to graduate from a university.

Awe began working for SSU in December 2004. A clinical social worker and master addiction counselor, she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago campus), and attended New York University School of Social Work. She completed her master’s degree with a 4.0 GPA in social work with an emphasis in social administration at SSU, where she also served as a graduate assistant in the Department of Social Work. Awe is currently completing her Master of Public Administration degree at SSU and is enrolled in the Doctor of Public Administration program at Valdosta State University. She is also a suicide prevention trainer in the Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) models.

Awe is the mother of three college students. A member of numerous professional organizations, she has been honored with the 2016 Living Legend Award from the National Council of Negro Women Incorporated – SSU Collegiate Section; Excellence in Service to Students Award from the National Society of Leadership and Success; Trendsetter Award 2016 – Department of Public Health; audit special recognition and outstanding performance awards at Gateway Community Service Board; Georgia College Counseling Director of the Year 2006-2007 and Distinguished Staff Award at SSU in 2010.

Shalonda K. Mullgrav, DBA 
Interim Vice President of University Advancement and External Affairs

Shalonda K. Mullgrav, DBA, Class of 1994, is the Interim Vice President of University Advancement and External Affairs and the Faculty Athletics Representative at Savannah State University (SSU). She is responsible for managing all university relations and marketing activities. Preceding her appointment as Interim VP, Dr. Mullgrav held multiple leadership positions at SSU including: Interim Dean of the College of Business Administration (COBA), Chair of the Business Department, Marketing Program  Coordinator, and Director of Business Outreach for the Global Logistics and International Business Center.

Dr. Mullgrav made history as the first woman to serve in the role of Dean in the College of Business Administration at SSU.Dr. Mullgrav, a native of Atlanta, GA,  joined Savannah State University in 2006 as a Lecturer of Management, responsible for developing COBA’s Leadership and Professional Development series. During her time in COBA, Dr. Mullgrav was instrumental in the development and/or enhancement of several major initiatives including: Globetrotters Live Events Certificate Program, Tiger’s Awesome Sauce, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Professional Sales Certificate Program, and the Bachelor of Science in Global Logistics & International Business.  She was recently the recipient of a $900,000 Department of Commerce grant award to revamp COBA’s entrepreneurship curriculum.  

Dr. Mullgrav has received many accolades for her accomplishments over the years and for her scholarship activities in the areas of human resources, sales and marketing. Most notable are the Congressional Service Medallion awarded by Senator Lester Jackson and the White House Faculty Distinction awarded by President Barack Obama. She has been featured on various media outlets, locally and nationally, highlighting her work with SSU students as well as her service to the community.  Most recently, she was featured on Savannah CEO discussing entrepreneurship and the opening of COBA’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Prior to joining Savannah State University, Dr. Mullgrav worked for 14 years as a Senior Business Development Manager for the second largest human resource services provider in the world.  There, she  was responsible for maintaining profitability and driving productivity for 3 locations with a combined $20.5 million budget.  With global operations in more than 40 countries, she developed customized business solutions for an impressive portfolio of national and international accounts. 

Dr. Mullgrav completed the University System of Georgia (USG) 2019-2020 Executive Leadership Institute, an 8-month comprehensive professional development program that prepares participants for high-level advancement within the USG. In addition, she is a member of the 2022 class of Leadership Savannah, a year long program designed to inspire individual leadership growth.

Dr. Mullgrav earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Savannah State University.  She holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University and a Doctor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing from Kennesaw State University.  

She is member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity, Inc., Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. as well as Beta Gamma Sigma and Golden Key honor societies, and she is a Life Member of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. She is married to alumnus Sal Mullgrav, former drum major of then ‘Orange Crush March Band.’