SSU Appoints Dr. Terrance Dixon as VP for Enrollment Management, Student Affairs & Marketing

Savannah State University (SSU) announces the appointment of Terrance Dixon, Ed.D., as Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, & Marketing. Dr. Dixon has served in the interim role since October 2024 and brings over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, with a track record of success in enrollment strategy, student development, and strategic growth.

In this executive leadership role, Dr. Dixon will oversee enrollment services – including admissions, financial aid, and the registrar’s office – as well as all aspects of student affairs, such as housing, wellness, student engagement, and campus life. He will also provide strategic oversight of the university’s marketing efforts, ensuring alignment between institutional messaging, recruitment initiatives, and student support. His appointment reflects SSU’s strategic focus on delivering a seamless, student-centered experience from recruitment through graduation.

“During his interim tenure, Dr. Dixon brought forward innovative practices and implemented process improvements that significantly enhanced our enrollment operations and student support systems,” said President Jermaine Whirl. “His strategic vision, deep expertise in enrollment management and student affairs, and unwavering commitment to the mission of HBCUs will be invaluable as we continue advancing Savannah State’s growth, student success, and long-term institutional impact.”

Prior to SSU, Dr. Dixon held senior leadership roles at Shaw University, including Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success and Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. He also served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Morehouse College, where he led a comprehensive, data-informed strategy that consistently achieved enrollment targets. While at Morehouse, he also taught as a guest lecturer in the Division of Business and Economics.

Earlier in his career, he worked with the College Board as Senior Educational Manager for Higher Education Services, supporting institutions across the Southeast in the areas of admissions, financial aid, and advising. Before entering higher education, he gained corporate marketing experience with Delta Air Lines, Dun & Bradstreet, and Enterprise Leasing Company.  Dr. Dixon has served on numerous regional and national education boards, including the College Board Southern Region SAT Advisory Committee and HBCU Advisory Committee, the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

“I am honored to continue serving Savannah State University and look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place. Together, we will continue advancing efforts that support our students at every stage of their journey—from their first connection with SSU to becoming engaged, empowered alumni,” said Dr. Dixon.

Dr. Dixon earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Morehouse College, an MBA from the Michael C. Coles School of Business at Kennesaw State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership: higher education from Clark Atlanta University. He also holds a certification in Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.