From Campus to Classroom: Stories That Shape Education
- Dr. Jermaine Whirl established five new academic colleges and secured a $5 million corporate gift, the largest in university history.
- UPROAR 2030 five-year plan aims to grow enrollment to 6,000 and elevate Savannah State University into the top 25 HBCUs.
- Mayor Van Johnson declared April 17 Dr. Jermaine Whirl Day; Chairman Chester Ellis handed over county keys, honoring supporters and family.
- Tiger Arena filled with students, faculty, and alumni, reflecting renewed energy; investiture week continues with the annual scholarship gala.
Savannah State University held the investiture of its 15th president Friday.
Dr. Jermaine Whirl marked his one-year milestone as president of Savannah State University. Whirl was formally invested in the role, sharing his aspirations for the university.
“We are not here to maintain Savannah State, we are here to elevate Savannah State,” Whirl said.
First year achievements
Whirl began his tenure as president of SSU in April 2025. In his first year in the role, Whirl has established five new academic colleges and received a $5 million corporate gift, the largest in the school’s history.
President Whirl spoke of UPROAR 2030, his five-year plan for the university. The plan is set on five pillars: student success, employee achievement, brand strength, infrastructure innovation and community impact.
Through UPROAR 2030 he hopes to increase enrollment to 6,000 students and make SSU one of the top 25 HBCUs in the country.
“I came to declare today that the best days of Savannah State University are not behind us, they are in front of us,” Whirl said.
Community recognition
During his speech, Whirl thanked his biggest supporters, choking up while honoring his parents and wife. Colleagues, mentors and partners also took to the podium, sharing personal stories of Whirl and his ambition.
Two notable alumni spoke: Chairman Chester Ellis and Mayor Van Johnson. Chairman Ellis handed over the keys to the county, and Mayor Van Johnson made a proclamation declaring April 17 Dr. Jermaine Whirl Day in Savannah.
“He has reinvigorated this campus, students and alumni,” Johnson said. “Ladies and gentleman, the game has changed.”
Tiger Arena was full of students, faculty and alumni. Even those who have yet to meet President Whirl feel confident in his ability to lead the university.
“He comes with a vision, but he comes with enthusiasm as well as energy and we just look to fly with the uproar,” said Rev. Jerome Baker, chaplain of the Alumni Association, Savannah Chapter.
SSU’s investiture week continues Friday with the annual scholarship gala.
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