Savannah State Update:
- Dr. Bradley S. Gardner appointed Director of the Center for Professional Excellence at Savannah State University.
- Gardner brings extensive academic leadership from Bethune-Cookman University, Florida A&M University, and Kennesaw State University, plus public service in the Florida Senate.
- Gardner is an accomplished scholar researching community policing, democracy, governance, and justice in post-colonial societies, with recent 2024 work on Jamaica.
In his new role, Dr. Gardner will lead a dedicated team focused on supporting SSU’s faculty and staff through dynamic professional development, mentorship, and the sharing of best practices.
Dr. Gardner joins the SSU community as a tenured associate professor of political science and international affairs. He comes to Savannah with a rich background in academic leadership, having recently served as the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Bethune-Cookman University.
Beyond his leadership in the classroom, Dr. Gardner is an accomplished scholar. His research focuses on community policing, democracy, governance, and justice systems in post-colonial societies, with a special focus on the Caribbean. His most recent 2024 publications offer an insightful look into the impacts of community policing in Jamaica.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Gardner to the Center for Professional Excellence,” said Dr. Jan Boulware, associate vice president of academic affairs. “He is a dedicated professional whose deep expertise in faculty development, administration, and civic engagement makes him the perfect fit to lead the center forward and support our campus community.”
Dr. Gardner’s diverse career spans international relations, conflict resolution, national security, and social justice. He brings a wealth of hands-on experience to SSU, including previous leadership roles at Florida A&M University, Kennesaw State University, and valuable service within the Florida Senate.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to join SSU during such an exciting, transformative time,” said Dr. Gardner. “I am excited to contribute to the continued excellence and enduring legacy of this historic institution.”
Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Gardner earned his Ph.D. in International Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University. He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Hult International Business School in London and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. He is a certified General and Civil Mediator.
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