Nationwide — At just 36 years old, Dr. Jermaine Whirl has made history as the youngest president ever appointed at Savannah State University (SSU), where he officially began serving as the institution’s 15th president on April 1, 2025. His appointment marks a new era for Georgia’s oldest public Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and the campus community is preparing to welcome him with excitement and optimism.
Before arriving at SSU, Dr. Whirl served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC) beginning in November 2020, where he became known for strong leadership and record-breaking growth. An Aspen Fellow with nearly two decades of experience in higher education, he has served as both a faculty member and administrator at institutions across South Carolina and Georgia, including Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University, and East Georgia State University. His diverse background reflects a career marked by innovation, collaboration, and long-term student success.
Dr. Whirl says he is eager to return to Savannah and build upon the university’s legacy. “I am looking forward to returning to the beautiful city of Savannah and helping to shape the next generation of leaders in our area and region,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of engaging alumni and community partners, noting that their support will be crucial in elevating SSU to new heights and expanding opportunities for the entire Tiger Nation.
According to Savannah State’s website, Dr. Whirl has outlined several ambitious goals for the coming decade. His vision includes transforming SSU into a doctoral-degree-granting institution, making it the first-choice and largest HBCU in Georgia, and positioning it as a leading force for economic development and social mobility throughout the Greater Savannah Region. He also hopes to elevate SSU into a top 25 HBCU by 2035 as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, supported by strong academics, modern facilities, and groundbreaking partnerships.
SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander, JD, expressed confidence in Whirl’s ability to take the university forward. Having served in the role for 21 months, she noted that many of the changes she implemented were designed to lay a strong foundation for Whirl’s future plans. “Although I am sad to leave the SSU community, I am encouraged that I am leaving it in good hands,” she said, pointing to his leadership record and strategic experience.
Throughout his career, Dr. Whirl has earned numerous honors, including Georgia Southern University’s 2024 George and Lucy Armstrong Alumni Award, the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award, the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for new presidents, and recognition as a 2025 Georgia Titan 100 Hall of Fame inductee. A dedicated community leader, he has served on multiple boards and holds degrees from Trident Technical College, Winthrop University, Charleston Southern University, Armstrong State University, and Valdosta State University. He and his wife, Marqueta, are the proud parents of two children, Jaylen Lee Whirl and Madison Renee Whirl.