Savannah State University News

The Savannah State University Model African Union team at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference.  From left: Dr. Benn Bongang, Carey Bynes-Jones, Kayla Jordan, Anayah Lewin, Tanayah Henderson, Dr. Philip Omunga. Top row, left to right: Kenza Ouedraogo, Naomi Allen, Markeema Cranston. Savannah State University's Model African Union (MAU) team took center stage at the 27th edition of the Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference held at Fort Valley State University from November 20-23, 2024. The eight-member team represented the nations of Liberia and Rwanda in this year’s simulation of the African Union proceedings, earning a total of 10 awards, including the Outstanding Delegation Award for both countries. This year’s Outstanding Delegate awards were presented to the following students: freshman mass communications major Naomi Allen, who represented Liberia in the Economic Matters committee; Carey...

Inaugural Class of Nominees Recognizes Achievements of Young Alumni Savannah, GA – Savannah State University (SSU) recently announced the inaugural Class of 40 Under 40 Awards recipients, a prestigious recognition to applaud the outstanding success stories of its young alumni and inspire current and future students.   SSU will honor the recipients with an award ceremony including recipients, guests and faculty on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.   The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields before the age of 40. This year’s recipients work in a wide array of environments from municipalities to universities to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. The list includes company founders, executives, state representatives, doctors and lawyers.    “We’re overjoyed to share with the world what these young alumni have accomplished in just a few short years since graduating from this beloved institution,” said SS...

Isaiah Clark, Class of 2025 Savannah State University (SSU) Junior Isaiah Clark has been selected as one of 25 members of the AT&T Rising Future Makers Class of 2024. The initiative recognizes and supports students from Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs) who are making an impact in their communities and on their campus. “Our Rising Future Makers program hit a significant milestone this year, helping 100 HBCU students advance their careers and make the valuable connections they need to make impactful change in the world,” said Sabina Ahmed, Assistant Vice President of Sponsorships & Experiential at AT&T. “Through our purpose-driven sponsorships, we continue to champion innovation and growth by connecting the next generation of changemakers with the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to life.” A native of Austin, Texas, Clark is pursuing a double major in accounting and computer information systems, logistics and supply chain. Clark is a member...

Savannah State University Athletics has announced the hiring of Florentino "Tino" Burgos as the new head coach of the Tigers' baseball program. Burgos comes to "The Marsh" with a wealth of experience as a head coach, with his most recent post coming at Florida Memorial University, where he spent eight seasons, leading the Lions to their most successful era of baseball in program history. "Becoming the head baseball coach at Savannah State University is more than an opportunity, it's a calling to lead, inspire, and elevate young men both on and off the field," remarked Coach Burgos. "Together, we will build a culture of excellence, resilience, and pride that represents the very best of Tiger Nation." During Burgos' tenure at the Miami Gardens, Florida based institution, the FMU baseball program developed into one of the best baseball teams among Historically Black Colleges and University's (HBCU's) and grew to be a hig...

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...