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Savannah State Announces New Partnership with Grand Valley State University

University officials from Savannah State University and Grand Valley State University celebrate a new partnership during the official signing ceremony on August 30, 2022. From left: Dr. David Marshall, SSU Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Mohamad Mustafa, SSU Dean of the College of Science and Technology; Dr. Sametria McFall, SSU Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs; SSU President Kimberly Ballard-Washington; Dr. B. Donta Truss, GVSU Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach and Dr. Paul Plotkowski, GVSU Dean of Padnos College of Engineering and Computing.

Today officials at Savannah State University (SSU) held a signing ceremony to celebrate a new partnership with Grand Valley State University (GVSU), that will offer SSU students an expedited pathway to earn a Master of Science degree in three areas of study – Communications, Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity.

Attendees included students, faculty and staff from SSU's College of Science and Technology and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, as well as visitors from GVSU.

“This partnership capitalizes on Savannah State University’s strong foundation in STEM and social science education, and we are proud to partner with GVSU on this exciting alliance to further student success,” said SSU President Kimberly Ballard-Washington, J.D. “We are continually seeking opportunities that remove barriers and position our students for seamless transition into graduate school and for career readiness.”

The collaboration will benefit SSU students with expanded discipline offerings and mentoring and guidance opportunities. The partnership includes funding for campus visits to GVSU in Allendale, Mich., in-state tuition, scholarship opportunities, internship/co-op experiences prior to transfer, graduate assistantships and industry sponsored fellowships.

The agreement allows SSU students access to a broader portfolio of degree opportunities that include graduating with their undergraduate (SSU) and graduate (GVSU) degrees simultaneously or beginning their graduate matriculation immediately after graduating from SSU.

"We are thrilled to partner with Savannah State University and grow this consortium," said GVSU President Philomena Mantella, Ph.D. "Innovative partnerships that drive supported outcomes for all students is core to Grand Valley’s mission. Thank you to the leaders who made this possible. We are continuing to reach higher to empower all learners in their pursuits."

Additional areas of study currently in development to be included in the program are Biomedical Science and Engineering. Students who qualify may begin enrolling immediately. For more information, contact SSU’s Office of Admissions by calling (912) 358-4338 or by emailing admissions@savannahstate.edu.

GVSU President Philomena Mantella also joined the event virtually.

About Savannah State University
Established in 1890, Savannah State University is the oldest public Historically Black College or University in Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. Students select majors from 30 undergraduate and five graduate programs in four colleges — Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology. Learn more by visiting SavannahState.edu.

About Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University attracts nearly 23,000 students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from across Michigan and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 300+ areas of study from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland, and from regional centers in Battle Creek, Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.