Savannah State University News

This coming fall, Savannah State University (SSU) will celebrate 17 retired faculty and staff members with a combined 289 years of service to the University by the Sea. These individuals represent 14 departments cross-organizationally from Sponsored Research and Engineering Technology to Facilities.   No matter where they have worked, each has played a significant role in the university and the lives of students. We thank and honor them for their commitment and the tireless hours of hard work they have demonstrated to further the mission of Savannah State University.  We caught up with these dedicated Tigers to find out their fondest memories of working at SSU and their plans for retirement. As retirees, they are an extension of the Tiger family, and will always be a part of Tiger Nation. Congratulations to each one and best wishes on the next chapter!    Dr. Carla Curran Dr. Carla Curran has dedicated 20 years of service to SSU as a full professor in the Marine...

  David Marshall, Ph.D., has been named Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Savannah State University, effective July 1. Savannah State University (SSU) has named David Marshall, Ph.D., as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, effective July 1. Marshall comes to SSU from Baltimore, Maryland and has served for more than two decades in multiple capacities in higher education administration. Former positions include: department chair, dean, vice president of academic affairs and college president. Most recently, he was chair of the Department of Strategic Communication in the School of Global Journalism and Communication at Morgan State University. “Having worked in various roles in higher education administration, Dr. Marshall understands the complexities of leading a large and diverse college,” said Dr. Sametria McFall, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “He brings a unique blend of experiences and expertise which ma...

  During Savannah State University’s Upward Bound Program Memorial Day College Tour, students visit Carowinds in May 2022. Savannah State University (SSU) has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $3.1 million to continue the Upward Bound program for an additional five-year period beginning June 1, 2023. Savannah State University’s Upward Bound program has been active since 1966, and is one of eight federal TRIO outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education. The Upward Bound Program at Savannah State University is designed to provide fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides extensive resources for students that come from low-income families and/o...

Kimberly Pitts, Helpdesk Coordinator in the Information Technology Services department, has been voted Savannah State University's 2022-2023 Staff Member of the Year. Of Savannah State University’s approximately 250 staff members, Helpdesk Coordinator Kimberly Pitts has been named Staff Member of the Year. Pitts works in the university’s Information Technology (IT) Services department, and received the award during the annual Staff Appreciation Day event. The Staff Member of the Year receives a commemorative plaque, a one-year reserved parking permit, one complimentary meal in the campus dining hall, and a special stadium announcement at the homecoming football game. “Winning this award means so much to me because it is confirmation that I'm reaching the goal I've set to be a blessing to Savannah State University. It is motivation to continue to do the best job that I can,” said Pitts. “I pray that I can make a difference with the students, just like the faculty and staff d...

  Eligible middle and high school students are invited to apply for educational summer camps at Savannah State University being held throughout the months of June and July.      Savannah State University (SSU) is partnering with area school systems and other local community partners to offer summer camps for middle and high school students, providing exciting learning opportunities and academic enrichment. The summer camps will provide hands-on academic experiences in the areas of English and language arts, math, STEM, cybersecurity, social engineering, public relations, journalism, digital communications, leadership and career readiness. The summer camps are scheduled for the following dates: Journalism and Mass Communications Media Experience Tour: May 23 – June 3 GEAR UP Summer Bridge: June 6 - 4 and July 11 – 15 GenCyber Tiger Guardians Summer Camp: June 6 - 10 Trio Educational Talent Search: June 6 - July 29 Full STEAM Ahead with COE Summe...

Belva Franklin, c/o '22 Belva Franklin's collegiate journey gives new meaning to the phrase "never give up."   A non-traditional student originally from Brooklyn, New York, Belva says Savannah State University gave her the opportunity to reach her lifelong goal of attaining a college degree. She graduated with the Spring Class of 2022, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing, but a car accident, a broken leg and a time of serious illness almost kept her from walking across that stage.   She began her collegiate journey while living in Vidalia, Georgia in the fall of 2012, and working full-time overnight as a Corrections Officer. She commuted 95 miles each way, four to five days a week, some weeks driving up to 950 miles. She would leave two hours prior to the start of her classes, between 6:30 and 7 a.m., not arriving home until 6 p.m. This rigid schedule took a toll on her family and social life, and she learned she could not do it all....

Savannah State University students learn to kayak at Butterbean Beach  on the Isle of Hope , just 20 minutes South of downtown Savannah. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock With a 201-acre campus uniquely positioned on the Georgia coast, being a student or employee at Savannah State University (SSU) has its perks. One of those is the ability to learn to kayak, and even to take a kayak to class! If you don't have experience kayaking, don't worry - lessons are available.  Just in time for summer, we caught up with Joline Keevy, assistant director of the International Education Center, to learn more about this exciting mode of transportation.  Who can learn to kayak and how? Students, faculty and staff now have opportunities to go kayaking off the dock located on our campus.  Last fall and this spring, we saw the addition of many new kayaks, thanks to a  $25,000 HBC-You Mobility Challenge grant from the Ford Fund , obtained by Dr. Carol Pride, professor and chair of the De...