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Finalist Named for Savannah State University President

Dr. Jermaine Whirl

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted today to name Dr. Jermaine Whirl as the sole finalist for president of Savannah State University (SSU).

Currently president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), Whirl has spent nearly 20 years serving as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in Georgia and in his native South Carolina.

“We prioritized finding a leader who values Savannah State’s historic legacy and embraces its modern role in moving this state and the region’s workforce forward,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Dr. Whirl understands the power of higher education and how earning a degree can transform a student’s life and prosperity. His enthusiasm and energy in doing that work make him an ideal candidate to lead the oldest public HBCU in Georgia.”

Whirl has served as ATC president since 2020. He’s led the Predominantly Black Institution through enrollment and retention strategy changes that saw record enrollment of new first-year students this past fall and an increase in headcount between Fall 2021 and Fall 2024 of 20.3%. Previously, he was vice president of learning and workforce development at Greenville Technical College (GTC) in Greenville, South Carolina, where he also served as vice president of economic development and corporate training.

“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for the presidency of Savannah State University,” Whirl said. “Savannah State has a rich history of producing world class artists, educators, scientists, military leaders, corporate executives and public policy advocates. I look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater Savannah community to continue the legacy of the state’s first public HBCU.”

Whirl has previously served as dean of Gwinnett Technical College’s School of Business and School of Arts & Design and as a dean at Savannah Technical College. Whirl has been a full-time faculty member at two USG institutions: Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College. He grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and attended graduate school in Savannah. Several family members are SSU graduates, most recently in December 2020.

“With his extensive background in higher education, understanding of SSU’s specific needs and familiarity with the surrounding community, Dr. Whirl is an outstanding choice,” said Regent Patrick Jones, chairman of the presidential search committee. “His fundraising success and vision for uplifting students, faculty and staff will help SSU grow and strengthen its impact. He also holds great respect for the dedicated alumni who’ve championed the university’s importance. I’m confident that under Dr. Whirl’s leadership, SSU will enter a new era of excellence.”

Whirl holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Winthrop University. He also holds an MBA in business administration from Charleston Southern University, an M.Ed. in adult education and community leadership from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University) and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Valdosta State University.

Last year, Whirl was awarded Georgia Southern University's 2024 George and Lucy Armstrong Alumni Award, as well as the Leadership Award from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. Georgia Trend also recognized him as one of 2024’s 40 under 40, a list of the most successful and civic-minded people in the state under the age of 40. Whirl participates as an advisor for many organizations, including as a member of the board of directors for the Warrior Alliance and on the Human Capital Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He and his wife, Marqueta, have two children, Jaylen Lee Whirl and Madison Renee Whirl.

SSU is currently led by interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander, who came to the institution in July 2023 following the departure of President Kimberly Ballard-Washington.

The Board will take action on the position at a future board meeting no sooner than five days from naming a finalist.

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