Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named President Of Savannah State Making Him The Youngest HBCU President In History At Age 39

Dr. Jermaine Whirl officially began his presidency at Savannah State University on April 1st, marking a historic milestone as the youngest president in HBCU history at 39 years old. His arrival at the oldest public historically Black university in Georgia was met with a warm, celebratory welcome from students, who serenaded him in true HBCU fashion. “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,” Whirl said in a statement. “Working with our alumni and community partners, I think we can take an SSU education to the next level and provide more opportunities for the Tiger Nation.”

Whirl’s appointment comes after a career marked by transformative leadership. As president of Augusta Technical College, he increased student enrollment by over 20% and led strategic partnerships with organizations like Amazon and the City of Augusta, earning the Leadership Award from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. His experience also spans faculty and administrative roles at several institutions, including Savannah Technical College and Georgia Southern University.

His vision for SSU is bold and future-focused. Whirl aims to make the university a doctoral-degree-granting institution, boost regional economic development, and see SSU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 25 HBCUs by 2035. More than rankings, though, he wants SSU to serve as Savannah’s “anchor institution,” driving innovation, social mobility, and deeper community engagement.

Outgoing interim president Cynthia Robinson Alexander, JD, expressed confidence in the transition, saying, “Although I am sad to leave the SSU community, I am encouraged that I am leaving it in good hands. I have had the opportunity to implement many changes that I think will lay a firm foundation for Dr. Whirl’s ambitious goals.”

With an Ed.D. in organizational leadership and a background rooted in educational access and equity, Dr. Whirl is more than ready to lead. His appointment signals not just a new chapter for Savannah State, but a broader vision of what’s possible for HBCU leadership and legacy.

Link: Because Of Them We Can