Savannah State University Establishes John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences – Savannah Herald

Savannah State University today announced the establishment of a new School of Public Policy and Social Sciences, expanding the university’s academic portfolio and strengthening its commitment to preparing students for careers and leadership in public service, policy, government and community impact. The new school brings together academic programs and disciplines focused on understanding and addressing the complex social, civic and public policy challenges facing communities today.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia recently approved naming the new school the John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences. Developed in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation and the John Lewis Trust, the naming creates a distinctive academic home where Congressman Lewis’ commitment to civic engagement, public service and transformative leadership will inspire teaching, scholarship and student development for generations to come. The John Lewis School represents a historic opportunity to extend his legacy by educating and preparing future public servants, policymakers and community leaders.

“The establishment of the John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences represents an important moment in the continued evolution of Savannah State University,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University. “Congressman Lewis dedicated his life to public service and demonstrated the extraordinary impact one individual can have when courage is combined with purpose and action. This school will carry those principles forward by preparing students not simply to understand the challenges facing our communities, but to become the leaders who help solve them.”

“Congressman Lewis believed deeply in the power of young people and education to move our country forward,” said Michael E. Collins, Board Chair and Interim President of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “The John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences creates an opportunity to carry that belief forward by preparing generations of students to lead, serve and engage in the work of strengthening their communities. We are proud to partner with Savannah State University to ensure Congressman Lewis’ legacy is not only remembered, but put into action through education, civic engagement and public service.”

The John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences will be housed within Savannah State University’s College of Sciences and Humanities and led by a director who will oversee its academic, research, experiential learning and community engagement priorities.

The school houses undergraduate and graduate programs in Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Political Science, Sociology and Social Work, providing students with pathways into government, nonprofit leadership, law and public policy, human services, behavioral health and community development. By bringing these complementary disciplines together, the school will create greater opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, research and collaboration around issues affecting communities at the local, state and national levels.

A defining feature of the John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences will be the creation of four specialized experiential learning environments that connect classroom instruction with real-world practice.

A Mock Trial Courtroom will provide students with hands-on experience in legal proceedings, advocacy, debate and the judicial process, while a Simulated Emergency Management Center will allow students to respond to realistic crisis scenarios involving natural disasters, public safety and emergency operations.

The Public Policy Leadership Lab will serve as an interdisciplinary space for policy analysis, civic engagement, leadership development, applied research and the study of contemporary public challenges. Additionally, dedicated Clinical Spaces for Behavior Analysis and Social Work will support supervised training, client-centered learning, assessment and community-based practice.

Together, these facilities will distinguish the school as a highly applied learning environment where students can develop the practical skills, professional competencies and leadership capacity needed to make an immediate impact in their professions and communities.

The partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation and the John Lewis Trust will further connect the school’s academic mission with Congressman Lewis’ lifelong commitment to civic engagement, democracy, equality, nonviolence and public service.

“Congressman Lewis demonstrated that public service is more than a profession; it is a responsibility to use your voice, education and influence to improve the lives of others,” Whirl said. “Through this school, Savannah State has an opportunity to build upon that legacy while creating meaningful pathways for students to become the policymakers, public servants, advocates and community leaders of tomorrow.”

John Lewis represented Georgia’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than three decades. Before his service in Congress, Lewis emerged as a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and helping lead the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights campaign. Throughout his life, Lewis remained a steadfast advocate for democracy, voting rights, equality and nonviolent social change.

The establishment and naming of the John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences connects Lewis’ extraordinary legacy of service with Savannah State University’s longstanding mission of preparing students to become engaged citizens and leaders who positively impact their communities.

Additional information regarding the school’s leadership, academic programs, experiential learning facilities and upcoming initiatives will be announced by Savannah State University.