Savannah State University Announces Leadership Appointments in the College of Education

Savannah State University (SSU) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Cora Bragg Thompson as Dean of the College of Education and Dr. Kisha Cunningham Aites as Associate Dean. These appointments coincide with a transformative milestone for the university: the September 2024 approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to expand the College of Education, reinforcing SSU’s mission to prepare exceptional educators and support Georgia’s growing P–20 educational pipeline.

A proud Savannah State alumna, Dr. Cora Thompson has served as Interim Dean since November 2019, providing more than four decades of impactful

leadership across K–12 and higher education. She returned to her alma mater in 2013, dedicated to revitalizing the teacher education program and mentoring future educators. She has served as Middle Grades Education Coordinator, Post-Baccalaureate Program Coordinator, Field and Clinical Coordinator, and tenured professor.

Dr. Thompson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State College, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Troy State University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She holds Georgia educator certification in Elementary and Middle Grades Education, along with endorsements in Reading, Gifted Education, and Teacher Leadership. With more than 30 years in the Savannah-Chatham and Liberty County School Systems, Dr. Thompson has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, resource teacher, and new teacher induction coordinator—bringing a wealth of experience to her work in higher education.

Dr. Thompson is also servant leader in her community and on campus. She is a charter member and co-organizer of the Savannah Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW), where she serves as First Vice President. She is a charter member and organizer of the Pi Lambda Theta Educational Honor Society at Savannah State University. She is a member of the Savannah Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD), a Governing Board Member of Tybee Island Maritime Academy, a Life Member of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association, and a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. On campus, she advises numerous student organizations including Educators Rising, the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), iTIGER Male Educators Program, Pi Lambda Theta, and the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

A respected voice in the state’s educator pipeline conversation, Dr. Thompson contributes to the GaPSC Teacher Pipeline Summit Planning Committee, serves on the GACE Ethics Assessment Design Team, and is an active member of Mayor Van Johnson’s R.E.A.L. Education Taskforce on Literacy. A published children’s book author, servant leader, and breast cancer survivor, she remains committed to uplifting communities through education, equity, and service.

“Dean Thompson’s experience and vision for student-centered educator preparation are critical to SSU’s future,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Savannah State University. “As an alumna and lifelong educator, she embodies the values of Savannah State and brings a legacy of excellence to this leadership role.”

Joining Dr. Thompson in leadership is Dr. Kisha Cunningham Aites, who served SSU since 2013 as an accomplished Professor of Engineering Technology Education and since 2019 as Interim Department Chair. With more than 20 years of experience in workforce Education, teacher preparation, and interdisciplinary program development, Dr. Aites is a national leader in STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) innovation, curriculum reform, and equity-driven research.

She holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Training Development from The Pennsylvania State University, where her research centered on vocational choice and technical program responsiveness to industry needs. She also earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Technology education from North Carolina A&T State University, where she was a Ronald McNair Scholar with a research focus on gender equity in high-tech fields and the labeling of African American males in education.

Dr. Aites has served in significant academic leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Faculty Senate and Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Studies. Her teaching portfolio spans engineering education, educational technology, curriculum design, and arts-integrated instruction—including a standout course on Dances of the African Diaspora.

Dr. Aites has contributed to over $2 million in externally funded projects, including NSF Noyce Scholarships, NASA MUREP programming, and robotics-based literacy initiatives that bridge K–12 and postsecondary education. She is a Fulbright-Hays Scholar (2016), USG Chancellor’s Learning Scholar (2019–2020), USG Executive Leadership Institute Scholar (2023), and a current Advance CTE Fellow (2024–2025).

“Dr. Aites brings an unmatched blend of innovation, research, and service to our College,” said Dr. Whirl. “Her leadership and vision will be key to growing programs that reflect 21st-century learning and workforce needs.”

Beyond academia, Dr. Aites is a choreographer, community organizer, and arts advocate. She serves as Third Vice President of the Greater Savannah Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) and is a proud member of the Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Together, Drs. Thompson and Aites represent the next chapter of leadership at Savannah State University—one that honors tradition while boldly advancing toward educational excellence and innovation.

For more information about the College of Education and its programs, visit https://www.savannahstate.edu.