NEWS
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).
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Jermaine Whirl, a dynamic and inspiring leader in higher education, to our community and to the state’s oldest HBCU,” said Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bert Brantley.
“It was an honor to serve on the presidential search committee, where we were able to meet several impressive candidates who were interested in Savannah State’s rich history and exciting future,” said Brantley. “Savannah State is well positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of every Tiger that comes through campus, and I am confident that Dr. Whirl is the right person at the right time to maximize SSU’s influence on this entire region.”
Currently serving as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), Dr. Jermaine Whirl has nearly 20 years of experience as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in Georgia and his native South Carolina.
“We prioritized finding a leader who values Savannah State’s historic legacy and embraces its modern role in advancing the workforce,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Dr. Whirl understands the power of higher education and how a degree transforms lives. His enthusiasm and energy make him an ideal candidate to lead Georgia’s oldest public HBCU.”
Since 2020, Whirl has led ATC, a Predominantly Black Institution, through strategic enrollment and retention efforts, achieving record first-year enrollment and a 20.3% headcount increase between Fall 2021 and Fall 2024. Previously, he served as vice president of learning and workforce development at Greenville Technical College and as vice president of economic development and corporate training.
“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for the Savannah State presidency,” Whirl said. “SSU has a rich history of producing world-class artists, educators, scientists, military leaders, and corporate executives. I look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater Savannah community to continue this legacy.”
Whirl has held leadership roles at Gwinnett Technical College and Savannah Technical College and served as a full-time faculty member at Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College. A Charleston native, he attended graduate school in Savannah, and several family members are SSU graduates, most recently in December 2020.
“With his background in higher education, understanding of SSU’s needs, and familiarity with the community, Dr. Whirl is an outstanding choice,” said Regent Patrick Jones, chair of the presidential search committee. “His fundraising success and vision for uplifting students and faculty will help SSU grow and strengthen its impact.”
Whirl holds degrees from Winthrop University, Charleston Southern University, Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern), and Valdosta State University. Recognized among Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40,” he also serves on multiple advisory boards. He and his wife, Marqueta, have two children.
SSU is currently led by Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander, who took office in July 2023.
