Savannah State University News

We are monitoring weather reports about Tropical Storm Helene, which predict strong to severe thunderstorms for the Savannah area over the next couple of days. The storm(s) may produce high winds, heavy rain, lightning and isolated tornadoes, which may result in flooding, power outages, wind damage, downed trees and scattered debris. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following Preparation & Safety Steps before the storm:  Sign up for the SSU Emergency Alert system known as Everbridge- Everbridge - Emergency alerts (savannahstate.edu) Keep your laptop and cell phone charged. If possible have a rechargeable portable charger ready for use Locate or purchase a flashlight and ensure you have extra batteries on hand (on-campus residents can secure flashlights from Housing Staff) Pack a backpack-size bag with necessities to include your charging devices and chargers, prescription medicine, several days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, textbooks, and other essential ite

Aly Keys graduated in 2023 and has since started a career at the Tesla dealership in Savannah, Ga. A native Savannahian who grew up attending summer camps on the Savannah State University (SSU) campus, Aly Keys started his academic journey at SSU in 2020 as a mass communications major and a 6’8’’ forward for the Tigers basketball team, which went on to clinch the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 2022. “One of my most memorable experiences as a student-athlete at SSU was undoubtedly the entire championship run during the 2021-2022 season,” said Keys. “We struggled to maintain a .500 record throughout the season, entering the playoffs as the 3rd seed in the East. No one expected us to make it past the first round.” After graduating in 2023, Keys catapulted his career by taking his people skills to the floor of the Tesla dealership in Savannah. “I began my journey with Tesla on April 1, 2024, working in sales, community outreach and organizing local events,” said Key

From left: Dr. Mohamad Mustafa, interim provost and chief academic officer; Dr. Cora Thompson, College of Education interim dean, SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander; and Dr. Kisha Cunningham Aites, College of Education interim department chair. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents today voted to enlarge Savannah State University’s (SSU) College of Education. “We are overjoyed that the Board of Regents approved our proposal to expand the College of Education,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “It was the right decision for the education students at Savannah State, it was the right decision for the state’s elementary schools, and it was the right decision to make sure our youngest, most eager minds receive the education they deserve.” Today’s decision allows SSU to expand its certified degree offerings to include elementary education. The expansion aligns with Gov. Brian Kemp and Ga. Sen. Billy Hickman’s recent initiatives to improve elementary ed

We are excited to cheer for our Tigers during the home opener game on Saturday, September 14. Click HERE to get your passes! Go Tigers! Please see below for important game day information. Game-Day Parking During all home football games, there will be campus gate closures and parking restrictions beginning three hours prior to kickoff. The LaRoche Avenue gate will close three hours prior to kickoff. No vehicles may enter or exit. The LaRoche gate will remain closed throughout the event for the safety of pedestrians. The Jasmine Avenue gate will be for entrance only. The Falligant Avenue gate will be for exit only. The Whatley Avenue gate will be for entrance and exit. Parking fees to enter campus will begin 2.5 hours prior to kickoff. Students, faculty and staff with valid parking decals will be allowed to enter campus at no charge. University decals will not allow for stadium parking. Students will be able to access all student parking areas with valid student parking permits. O

Dr. Carolyn V. Jordan, director of SSU Honors Program Dr. Carolyn V. Jordan’s great grandfather was Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr., the first president of Savannah State University. Dr. Wright’s legacy as educator, banker, and family patriarch serves as a guide post for Jordan’s own journey as an educator for more than 40 years and was the impetus behind her relocation to Savannah in 2017. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA into a family of educators – both parents were teachers - Jordan attended Yeadon High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Temple University graduating cum laude, a master’s in divinity from Palmer Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary. The earliest memory that she has of Dr. Wright is sitting around the dinner table and hearing the now famous quote being shared, “Tell Them We Are Rising.” “My mother was born in Savannah in 1917 and I returned to Savannah 100 years later to continue serving in the university that my gr

Aaron R. Whitely, Chatham County Commissioner for District 6. Chatham County Commissioner Aaron R. Whitely is a community activist, entrepreneur and advocate for education representing District 6. He received his bachelor’s in mass communication and a master’s in public administration from Savannah State University. A track and field scholarship from Savannah State University brought him to the Hostess City. A U.S. Army combat veteran who served a tour in Afghanistan, he is focused on providing educational opportunities to Savannah’s youth. He has served as a youth mentor through 100 Black Men of Savannah and the PitBulls Athletic Organization. “I believe that public service is in my DNA,” said Whitely. “My father was a Vietnam veteran.” He added, “Once I was medically retired from the U.S. Army, I wanted to continue serving our community in another way,” he said. Whitely has coached young men in basketball and baseball and young women in track and field. His passion for education led