Savannah State University News

Savannah, GA –  Savannah State University (SSU) is launching a Forensic Toxicology track — the first of its kind at any Historically Black College and University (HBCU) — to promote diverse representation in law enforcement. SSU recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Minority Science Engineering and Improvement Program (MSEIP) to develop a new Forensic Toxicology track within the Forensic Science program. The award of $899,061 is split over the next three years starting on Oct. 1, 2024 and ending on Sept. 30, 2027. Out of the hundreds of minority-serving institutions, SSU was one of just 8 universities to receive funding in the highly-competitive process. “This pioneering, unique program is another way we are pushing the boundaries and creating new pathways for our SSU Tigers,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “Graduates will have the confidence to combat the growing drug crisis providing much needed assistance locally and nationally.” S...

Dr. Marilyn Taylor, ’73  and Dr. Thomas “Teddy” Adams, ’80 received the Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award and the Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence, respectively. Savannah State University (SSU) recently celebrated the founding of Georgia’s first public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) by recognizing two distinguished alumni who reflect the institution’s high ideals. Executive Director of the State Bar of Georgia Damon Elmore, ’93, delivered the keynote address for SSU’s 134th Founders Day Observance. In a ceremony that celebrated the university’s rich heritage, legacy, traditions, and unwavering commitment to education and academic excellence, the university observed Founders Day by presenting awards named for the first two presidents of the college. The university presented the Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence to Dr. Thomas “Teddy” Adams, ’80, and the Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award to Dr. Marilyn Taylor, ’73. “Our Founders Day Awards ...

Savannah, GA – Georgia Trend recently recognized Savannah State University (SSU) staff member and alum Kareem McMichael in its prestigious 40 Under 40 edition. The annual publication recognizes 40 successful and civic-minded leaders among hundreds of nominations from across Georgia. McMichael was one of only two honored from Savannah, the other being Syed Hussain, director of sales at Nexstar Media Group Inc. McMichael, 37, was nominated for his award-winning film career as well as his dedication to supporting a number of local causes through film. In addition to writing and producing films through his company, Karmac Productions, McMichael also supervises his alma mater’s student newspaper, the Tiger’s Roar and acts in film and television. “We are so proud of Kareem [McMichael],” said Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “His exemplary work epitomizes the values we are trying to bestow on the next generation of SSU Tigers. Not only does he push for excellence in his craft, but he also...

Campus Map Showing Marathon Route and Lots on Campus Where Students Should Par k   This is to inform you about the Every Woman’s Marathon happening this weekend in Savannah. The Marathon will affect several streets and traffic patterns in the surrounding areas, including those on the university campus. All students, faculty, staff, alumni, student organizations, and friends are invited to cheer on the runners. Students will be able to earn volunteer hours for this event. The marathon is slated to be on campus from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please be aware of the following road closures and detours. Campus Road Closures: Alexis Circle will be CLOSED starting at 5 p.m., Friday, November 15 through 1 p.m. Saturday, November 16. Vehicles that are still on the circle Friday night by 10 PM will be towed at the owner's expense. The LaRoche gate will close at 7 a.m. on Saturday, November 16; the Jasmine, Whatley and Falligant entrances will be accessible on race day. Residents of University C...

  Savannah, GA — Savannah State University (SSU) is pleased to announce that Attorney Damon Elmore, ’93, has been selected as the keynote speaker for SSU’s 134th Founders Day Observance. This event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the New Student Union Ballrooms. The event will be shown via live stream at  savannahstate.edu/founders-day/ Attorney Elmore serves as the Executive Director of the State Bar of Georgia, where he manages and oversees the operations of the Bar, representing a distinguished membership of more than 55,000 individuals. Appointed by the Board of Governors in October 2020, he is charged with implementing the strategic direction and policies of the organization. Elmore’s noteworthy legal journey commenced with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Law, and he subsequently contributed to Gorby, Reeves, Peters & Burns, P.C. Throughout his career, he has held several senior leadership positions, including Partner at Nowell Sparks, ...

    Dear SSU Campus Community, Savannah State University would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for their swift and coordinated response during Thursday’s torrential rains. We are grateful to our Emergency Management Team, the Office of Public Safety, the Student Affairs Team, students, faculty, staff, and all those who contributed to keeping the campus safe and operational. As of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, the heavy rains have ceased. The primary impact was temporary flooding, which was mainly limited to the canal area and surrounding parking lots. We are pleased to report that the campus remained open, there were no injuries and scheduled activities, including sporting events proceeded as planned while classes were shifted online. Less than 24 hours later, the water had receded on our campus and throughout the city. Students' inquiries and concerns were promptly addressed by the offices of Public Safety and Student Affairs. We appreciate your conti...

  Good morning Savannah State University community, We would like to take a moment to update you regarding the current weather conditions in Savannah. Our leadership and emergency management teams continue to monitor the weather to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals on campus. As of this morning, conditions are returning back to normal on campus. We ask that you exercise caution while driving on and off campus. Please adhere to the barricades established for your safety, and refrain from driving through or around any orange cones. We encourage you to stay informed by following local news, CEMA, weather.gov, and visiting savannahga.gov/floodalert for the latest updates on current conditions. Classes are proceeding on their normal schedule today. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to public safety at 912.358.3004. Thank you for your cooperation and unders...

Hill Hall on the Savannah State University Campus Earlier this year, Savannah State University received funding from the University System of Georgia to update the SSU Facilities Master Plan. The Facilities Master Plan is a roadmap that helps institutions plan for the physical development of campus facilities over time. After completing the bid procedures, SSU initiated the Facilities Master Planning process with The Sizemore Group leading the effort. Grounded in SSU’s historic mission, the 2024 Facility Master Plan will support the framework for campus physical development for the next five to ten years. To ensure the success of this plan, which is crucial for recruiting, retaining and graduating more students, our consultants have provided surveys to collect feedback from faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni and the local community. The feedback is critical to help us assess current campus conditions, usage of building and other campus facilities. The deadline to submit t...

  Good evening Savannah State University community, Savannah State University’s leadership and emergency management teams are actively monitoring current weather conditions in Savannah. Everyone on campus is confirmed safe, and student affairs and public safety are working together to respond to any inquiries. The torrential rains appear to have subsided, and our team continues to assess the situation. We will provide further updates as necessary. Please exercise caution while driving both on and off campus. Respect the barricades set up for safety, and please do not drive through or around any orange cones. From the City of Savannah: Due to a recently issued Flash Flood Warning for Chatham County and nearby areas until 6:45 PM, check out these key reminders to stay safe during heavy rainfall. Avoid Flooded Areas: Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Even shallow moving water can be dangerous, and water may be deeper than it appears. Turn ...

  Attention Campus Community: Due to torrential rainfall, there is limited flooding on campus and throughout the Chatham County community. Out of an abundance of caution, all classes will be shifted online for this afternoon, November 7th, in an asynchronous style learning environment. Classes are expected to resume according to normal schedules   on Friday, November 8th, 2024. At this time, it appears that the rain is subsiding, and we will send further updates. Please continue to use caution while driving both on and off campus. Please contact public safety with any questions or concerns at 912.358.3004.