Savannah State University Announces Selection of New Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Yolanda W. Page, Ph.D., has been named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. |
Savannah
State University (SSU) has named Yolanda W. Page, Ph.D., the new Provost and
Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective September 6.
In this role,
Page will serve as the chief academic officer for the university and will provide
academic leadership, guidance, and resources between the academic and other
units on campus to create an integrated student experience. As a strategic
leader, Page will guide the academic direction of the university and foster a
cohesive leadership team across all academic and administrative support units
that reflect the university’s mission as an integral part of its overall
intellectual commitment to teaching excellence and research.
“Having been a student, faculty member and administrator at an HBCU, Dr. Page
brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspective to Savannah State
University,” said President Kimberly Ballard-Washington. “After a nationwide
search, we are proud to welcome her to the University by the Sea. She has
decades of experience working closely with faculty to improve student outcomes,
and we look forward to her leadership in academic affairs as we continue to
build upon the rich history and promising future of this institution.”
Page comes to Savannah State from Dillard University, New
Orleans, La., a private HBCU, where she served as Vice President in the Division
of Academic Affairs and Professor of English. During her 28-year career in
higher education, she has held additional leadership roles as dean, assistant
dean, department chairperson, and program director. Under Dr. Page’s
leadership, Dillard University’s Division of Academic Affairs secured
approximately $40 million in external funding. She also successfully led reaccreditation processes and the development of
several academic and co-curricular initiatives.
“In addition to being a savvy, clairvoyant
and veteran administrator, Dr. Page possesses myriad intangible qualities that
do not show up on a resume,” said Dr. Kenneth Jordan, professor of Social and
Behavioral Sciences, and a member of the search committee. “She is charismatic,
dynamic, personable, congenial, and pleasant to work with. She supports
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and believes in a broad-brush approach that
leaves no one behind.”
Dr. Page earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English
and Business Management from Dillard University and a Master of Arts and Doctor
of Philosophy degrees in American and African American Literature from
Louisiana State University. Dr. Page has studied abroad in Ghana as a United Negro
College Fund/Mellon International Faculty Seminar Fellow and is a certified
Supplemental Instruction Supervisor. She has worked extensively with high-risk
students, first-generation students, and learning communities.
Dr. Page has received numerous awards
including the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Chief Academic Officer
Award, and Diverse: Issues in Higher
Education recognized her as one of 25 outstanding women in higher education
(2017). She has completed leadership development programs with the American
Council on Education, CIC, and Millennial Leadership Institute.