Savannah State University News

Savannah State University is celebrating the generosity of its alumni and community partners who have donated more than $2 million to impact student success. From left: Dr. William T. Simmons, chairman of SSU Foundation Board; President of SSU Kimberly Ballard-Washington; and Dr. Shalonda Mullgrav, interim vice president of advancement and external affairs.  Savannah State University (SSU) is celebrating the generous financial contributions of its alumni and community partners who have donated more than $2 million to support student scholarships, programmatic needs and career development. To recognize these significant gifts, multiple check presentations took place inside T.A. Wright Stadium during the university’s annual Homecoming game. “Thank you to all those who have so generously given to invest in Savannah State University students,” said President Kimberly Ballard-Washington. “These donations are a true reflection of the ongoing loyalty and support of our dedicated alumni an...

The SSU Tigers host the Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons in T. A. Wright Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8 with kickoff at 3 p.m.  Savannah State University (SSU) is celebrating Homecoming 2022 with a weeklong schedule of events themed “We are Significant. Steadfast. Unstoppable.” Notable events include the coronation of Mr. and Miss Savannah State University, a Golf Scramble and Greek Step Show, culminating with the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 8. The SSU Tigers host the Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons in T. A. Wright Stadium with kickoff at 3 p.m.  Festivities include an on-campus parade around Felix Alexis Circle on Friday, Oct. 7. “We are excited to welcome alumni and friends back home for the biggest tailgate in the South,” said Moncello Stewart, Homecoming Committee Chair. “Our annual fish fry and yard fest events promise a lot of fun, and we can’t wait to crown our new Mr. and Miss Savannah State University.”  The dance line will perform wi...

Senior POLS major Sarita Smith (on the right in blue) attended the Georgetown University Security Studies Summer Institute with 17 other HBCU students from around the country.  You never know how a single email can change the trajectory of your life’s path. Sarita Smith, a Savannah State University senior majoring in political science, had her sights set on attending law school after graduation at Georgetown University (GU) in Washington, D.C., but one day an email from her professor, Dr. Otilia Iancu, peaked her interest. The email described an all-expenses paid opportunity for HBCU students at the same university she was interested in attending, but it wasn’t for legal education. The Georgetown University Security Studies Summer Institute , designed to give students a small dose of what it means to study and work in the field of security studies, was not a path Sarita saw herself taking, but she was open to exploring what it was all about. “I didn’t think of myself as a mat...

  Savannah State University (SSU) is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15, and several student activities are planned throughout the month to support diversity while increasing awareness of the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Francisco J. Duque, academic advisor in the Center for Student Success and Retention, and coordinator of Students Organizing a Multicultural and Open Society (SOMOS), says the celebrations have been ongoing at SSU for nine years, and shares why recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is significant at an HBCU. "As Latinos and African Americans, we have a lot more in common than our differences," said Mr. Duque. "We see our shared experiences interwoven in history and culture, dance, arts and food." During the festivities, students will have the opportunity to participate in Latin music dance lessons, attend guest ...

Phillip J. Hampton painting UPDATE: DUE TO HURRICANE IAN, THE OPENING RECEPTION HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO SUNDAY, OCT. 16. Savannah State University’s Visual and Performing Arts Program in partnership with the Telfair Museums is showcasing the ceremonial art installation titled The Early Years posthumously honoring professor and American painter Phillip J. Hampton (1922 - 2016). An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2 on Savannah State’s campus in the Asa H. Gordon Library, followed by a viewing in the Kennedy Fine Arts Gallery from 3 – 6 p.m. The gallery is available for viewing Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. “Phillip Hampton, a professor of distinction and respected local and national artist, led young students by example,” said Peggy Blood, professor of Fine Arts, Humanities and Wellness. “He mentored his students to always explore and discover; never to settle. Hampton transmitted to his students a sense of pride in their cul...

University officials from Savannah State University and Grand Valley State University celebrate a new partnership during the official signing ceremony on August 30, 2022. From left: Dr. David Marshall, SSU Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Mohamad Mustafa, SSU Dean of the College of Science and Technology; Dr. Sametria McFall, SSU Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs; SSU President Kimberly Ballard-Washington; Dr. B. Donta Truss, GVSU Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach and Dr. Paul Plotkowski, GVSU Dean of Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. Today officials at Savannah State University (SSU) held a signing ceremony to celebrate a new partnership with Grand Valley State University (GVSU), that will offer SSU students an expedited pathway to earn a Master of Science degree in three areas of study – Communications, Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity. Attendees included students, faculty and staff from S...

  An 80" x 36" mixed media piece titled, "Jeans" by Gabrielle Torres featuring blue jeans, wood, hemp, and English Ivy from her "Question Everything" installation on display through Sept. 10. Savannah State University’s (SSU) Visual and Performing Arts Program is showcasing a new art installation featuring the work of Gabrielle Torres on display today through Sept. 10. Located on the university’s campus in the Kennedy Fine Arts Center, the Kennedy Fine Arts Gallery is available for viewing Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “At an HBCU, as an interdisciplinary art program, we love to bring in mixed media and feature installation artists to make these works freely available to our students as a learning tool as well as the wider community,” said Christen Clougherty, Ph.D., assistant professor and galleries director. “This allows different audiences to share the communal experience of exploring the ideas.” The solo mixed media exhibition titled, “Questio...