College of Sciences and Humanities (COSH)
Transforming Ideas into Innovations
With programs in fields like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, History, English, and more, the College of Sciences & Humanities promotes hands-on learning with state-of-the-art resources like the VITAL VR Lab.
COSH By The Numbers
A Community of Discovery & Innovation
Explore the numbers that reflect the strength, growth, and impact of the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities. From a growing student body and dedicated faculty to an expanding network of accomplished alumni, these figures represent a community committed to discovery, research, critical thinking, and preparing Tigers to make an impact across science, health, humanities, and beyond.
1147
Student Enrollment
A growing student body reflects a strong community of students pursuing careers and opportunities across the sciences, health professions, humanities, research, and public service fields.
45
Full-Time Faculty
Dedicated full-time faculty bring expertise in research, teaching, and mentorship while helping students build the critical thinking and hands-on experience needed for success across a wide range of disciplines.
6000+
Alumni
Our alumni network reflects the lasting impact of the College of Sciences and Humanities, with graduates making meaningful contributions in healthcare, science, education, research, public service, and communities around the world.
Dr. Teresa Shakespeare
Meet the Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Teresa Shakespeare leads COSH with a commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and student discovery. Whether in the lab, the field, or the classroom, she supports programs that challenge students to think critically, explore boldly, and engage deeply with the world around them.
Connect with Dr. Shakespeare at 912-358-4444 or [email protected] to learn more about the diverse programs and experiences offered in COSH.
COSH Points of Pride
Trailblazing Academic Programs
SSU Marine Sciences has a significant impact on the diversity in the geosciences. The department is #1 in the nation in producing African American marine science graduates at the undergraduate and master’s levels. While the SSU’s Behavior Analysis program leads the way as the first offered at an HBCU and one of only a few undergraduate degrees in the nation. Estuary is an undergraduate literary magazine and the recipient of the 2025 Associate Writers Program (AWP) Price for Best Undergrad Lit Mag.
COSH Points of Pride
Research-Driven Faculty Leadership
The faculty members in the Biology department maintain a strong research profile, with faculty serving as Directors, Principal Investigators, and Senior Personnel on federally funded grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense (DOD), and Department of Energy (DOE).
COSH Points of Pride
Hands-On Learning Through Modern Technology
The forensic science program is centered in a state-of the-art crime lab and photography lab, including virtual immersive learning, virtual Crime Scene and Blood Spatter Simulation, equipped with high-resolution rotating cameras and microphones, as well as a control and (IRIS) room for viewing and recording.
The College of Sciences and Humanities
Programs
The College of Sciences and Humanities (COSH) at Savannah State University offers a diverse range of academic programs across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. With departments spanning biology, chemistry, mathematics, history, English, and more, COSH provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication. Whether you're exploring the natural world, analyzing human behavior, or engaging with culture and ideas, COSH prepares students to lead with knowledge, curiosity, and purpose—in the classroom and beyond.
Biology
The biology program provides instruction and hands-on training in life sciences. A broad range of course materials emphasizing critical thinking will be cultivated by involvement in investigative techniques ranging from laboratory experiments to individual research projects. Graduates can pursue careers in research, education, biomedicine, biotechnology and more.
Chemistry/Forensic Science
The chemistry program at SSU has been approved to offer the American Chemical Society (ACS) certified bachelor of science degree to students who complete the ACS required curriculum. The program also offers a non-ACS-certified bachelor of science in chemistry.
English, Languages, & Cultures
The Department of English, Languages, and Cultures offers exciting and versatile courses in English Language and Literature, World Languages and Cultures, and Writing and First-year Composition. Recent graduates with English backgrounds have used it to pursue professional studies in law and education, graduate study in literature, and careers in fields ranging from public service to commissioned military officer to non-profits.
The department also offers a variety of courses in Spanish language, literature, and culture.
The department also offers a variety of courses in Spanish language, literature, and culture.
Marine Sciences
Strengths of the SSU Department of Marine & Environmental Sciences are quality teaching using high impact practices, student research engagement embedded throughout the degree programs, numerous student-focused grants providing students with extracurricular engagement and funding, and post-graduate success in the workplace and in graduate studies.
Student engagement in research and hands-on learning is a hallmark of each of our degree programs.
Student engagement in research and hands-on learning is a hallmark of each of our degree programs.
Public Affairs (Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Political Science, & Public Administration)
Whether studying political science, homeland security and emergency management, or public administration, the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs (DPSPA) programs prepare students for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, law, and international institutions.
Social & Behavioral Sciences (Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice & Sociology)
SBS is a research-oriented department where our priority is the discovery of new knowledge and understandings about human behavior, social issues and cultural processes; the application of that knowledge to the betterment of physical, mental, and social health; and the transmission of that knowledge to our students and the Savannah community.
Social Work (BSW & MSW)
The social work program combines social, behavioral and natural sciences with group social work skills, values and methodologies of intervention at the individual, family, group, institution and community levels. Graduates are educated to respond in an informed way to identifiable social work needs in a variety of settings, including rural, urban and international. Students will be prepared for careers in government, social policy, community outreach and health care management.
Classroom to Career
Preparing Students for a Career in STEM
The Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities’s Outreach & Career Development Office (SSU COSH O&CD) delivers services for students and graduates that will impact success in the job market in the STEM disciplines and sustains active learning opportunities and scholarly involvement for SSU COSH undergraduates.
Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Tomikia LeGrande, Class of 2001
Tomikia P. LeGrande, President of Prairie View A&M University, is a 2001 graduate of Savannah State University, and a nationally recognized higher education leader known for her work in student success, strategic planning, and institutional innovation.
A first-generation HBCU graduate, Dr. LeGrande has built a distinguished career centered on expanding access, advancing opportunity, and creating student-focused cultures of care across higher education, continuing to reflect the impact and legacy of Savannah State far beyond campus.
Amanda Grant-Lewis, LCSW
Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work
Behavioral Health Clinical Liaison, Centene Corporation
Behavioral Health Clinical Liaison, Centene Corporation
Amber Clarke
BS in Behavior Analysis
Housing Coordinator, Legacy Behavior Health
Housing Coordinator, Legacy Behavior Health
Dr. Tangee Summers
BA in Sociology
Maternal Health Project Director, State of South Carolina
Maternal Health Project Director, State of South Carolina
Akela Wright, MPA
BA in Political Science & Masters of Public Administration
Planning Manager, Effingham County, GA
Planning Manager, Effingham County, GA
Jordan E. Jones, M.Ed.
BA in Political Science
Director, Policy and Government Affairs, Atlanta Apartment Association
Director, Policy and Government Affairs, Atlanta Apartment Association
Michael France, MDPEMP
BA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Emergency Management Coordinator, BSI
Emergency Management Coordinator, BSI
Jeremy Grissom
BS in Criminal Justice
Macon Violence Prevention Coordinator & Special Projects Manager, Macon-Bibb County Consolidated Government
Macon Violence Prevention Coordinator & Special Projects Manager, Macon-Bibb County Consolidated Government
Kizmi Clark
BS in Chemistry
R&D Analyst, Johnson Matthey
R&D Analyst, Johnson Matthey
Tiffany Stoeckig-Dixon, M.S.
MS in Marine Science
Fish Biologist, US Army Corps of Engineers
Fish Biologist, US Army Corps of Engineers
Chantrell Frazier, Ph.D.
BS in Forensic Science
Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, Roger Williams University
Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, Roger Williams University
Student Involvement
Where Future Changemakers Grow
Student involvement is an important part of the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities experience. Through student organizations, honor societies, research opportunities, service initiatives, and leadership experiences, students have the chance to build connections, strengthen career readiness, and engage with a community of future scientists, researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and changemakers both inside and outside the classroom.
Social Work and Behavioral Sciences Student Organizations
Behavior Analysis Student Association (BASA), Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA), Estuary Creative Writing Club, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Phi Alpha Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu – International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Social Work Honor Society, Social Workers of Tomorrow (SWOT), and Social Worker Invested in the Future (SWIIF)
Political Science and Public Affairs Student Organizations
Association of Pre-Law Education Students (APLES), Epsilon Pi Phi – National Honor Society, Graduate Association of Public Administrators (GAPA), Model African Union (MAU), Model United Nations (MUN), Political Science Organization, Savannah State Chapter of the Sword and Shield, The Homeland Security & Emergency Management Student Organization, and Tiger Chapter of Epsilon Pi Phi
Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science, and Marine Sciences Student Organizations
AMSA- American Medical Student Association, Biology Science Club, Marine Science Club, National Society of Black Women in Medicine, SSU Forensic Science Club, and STEM Volunteer Club
Research in STEM
The COSH research program is organized to enable and support the pursuit of knowledge by faculty and students in all areas of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Research
Scholarships
Savannah State University has partnered with Federal Funded programs to discover STEM specific scholarships for students pursuing their degrees in Sciences & Technology
View Our Scholarships
VITAL : Virtual Reality (VR)
This center will provide Visual, Immersive and Tangible Applications in Learning (VITAL) for STEM disciplines such as biology, chemistry and forensic science.
Learn More
College Events
The COSH Experience
Social Work Advocacy & Community Impact Events
Savannah State University Social Work students engage in meaningful, real-world advocacy experiences through annual initiatives like the HUD-required Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and the Savannah Traffick Jam Conference. These events provide opportunities for students to support community outreach, address issues impacting vulnerable populations, and collaborate with local organizations focused on homelessness awareness, human trafficking prevention, education, and social change.
Model UN, Model African Union & Pre-Law Experiences
Savannah State University students participate in impactful annual experiences through Model United Nations, Model African Union, and APLES, including regional and national conferences, the LSAC Conference, and the HBCU Pre-Law Forum. These opportunities help students strengthen leadership, advocacy, diplomacy, and professional development skills while continuing SSU’s legacy of national recognition and success.
Marine Science Research & Outreach Events
Savannah State University Marine Sciences provides students with opportunities to showcase research, engage with the community, and inspire future scientists through semester research seminars, hosting the annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl, and Coast Camp — a summer program introducing K-12 students to marine science exploration and hands-on learning.
Experiential Learning & Research Opportunity-based Events
From hands-on cardiology training through the SSU HEARTSENSE program to student-led research presentations and national conference participation, Savannah State University Biology students gain meaningful experiential learning opportunities throughout the year. Students also participate in annual visits to institutions including Morehouse School of Medicine and the Medical College of Georgia to explore pathways in healthcare, medicine, and biomedical research.
SSU Forensic Science Week & Seminar Series
SSU’s Forensic Science Week and monthly Chemistry & Forensic Science Seminar Series connect students with hands-on learning, research opportunities, and professionals from agencies including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Border Patrol, and regional forensic laboratories while highlighting career, graduate school, and internship pathways in the field.
University Events
Looking for additional events across campus? Explore the full university events calendar below!
Meet Our Faculty
Faculty Information
The faculty of the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities are dedicated to preparing the next generation of scholars, researchers, healthcare professionals, and leaders through mentorship, discovery, and hands-on learning experiences. With a commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom, our faculty help create a learning environment grounded in excellence, curiosity, opportunity, and impact.
Adeniyi, Moses O. (Instructor)
BS, University of Ilorin, Microbiology
MS, University of Ilorin, Microbiology
MS, University of Ilorin, Microbiology
Alexander, Stephanie L. (Associate Professor & Program Coordinator)
BA, University of Oklahoma, Sociology
MA, The University of Oklahoma, Human Relations
PhD, The University of Oklahoma, Sociology
MA, The University of Oklahoma, Human Relations
PhD, The University of Oklahoma, Sociology
Anderson, Adrian D. (Professor)
BS, Northwestern State University, Psychology
MSW, Southern University, Social Work
PhD, Tulane University, Social Work
MSW, Southern University, Social Work
PhD, Tulane University, Social Work
Armstrong, Kiana (Assistant Professor and Director of Social Work Field Education)
BSW, Alabama State University, Social Work
MSW, University of Alabama, Social Work
DSW, University of Kentucky
MSW, University of Alabama, Social Work
DSW, University of Kentucky
Attipoe, Hope (Associate Professor)
MSW, University of Georgia
M.Ed., University of Georgia
PhD, University of Georgia, Adult Education
M.Ed., University of Georgia
PhD, University of Georgia, Adult Education
Bell, Marion D. (Associate Professor)
BA University of Georgia, Political Science
MA Georgia Southern University, Social Science
PhD, Walden University, Public Policy & Administration - Homeland Security
MA Georgia Southern University, Social Science
PhD, Walden University, Public Policy & Administration - Homeland Security
Bongang, Benn L. (Professor)
MA, University of South Carolina, International Studies
MS, Boston University, Journalism
PhD, University of South Carolina, International Studies
MS, Boston University, Journalism
PhD, University of South Carolina, International Studies
Bowden, Geoffrey C. (Associate Professor & Program Coordinator)
BA, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Religious Studies
MA, University of Notre Dame, Social Sciences
MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
PhD, University of Notre Dame, Social Science
MA, University of Notre Dame, Social Sciences
MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
PhD, University of Notre Dame, Social Science
Cheng, Tieniu (Associate Professor)
BA, Sichuan University, Chinese Language and Literature
MA, The Ohio State University, East Asian Languages and Literatures
MA, Peking University, Comparative Literature
PhD, University of California, Irvine, East Asian Languages and Literatures
MA, The Ohio State University, East Asian Languages and Literatures
MA, Peking University, Comparative Literature
PhD, University of California, Irvine, East Asian Languages and Literatures
Cole, Lakesha (Associate Professor & Program Coordinator)
BA, The University of Southern Mississippi, Criminal Justice
Doctorate of Professional Counseling Professional Counseling
MS, Mississippi College, Marriage & Family Counseling
MS, Delta State University, Criminal Justice
Doctorate of Professional Counseling Professional Counseling
MS, Mississippi College, Marriage & Family Counseling
MS, Delta State University, Criminal Justice
Collazo, Marc (Assistant Professor)
BA, American Intercontinental University, Criminal Justice
MA, Grand Canyon University, Criminal Justice
PhD, Liberty University, Criminal Justice
MA, Grand Canyon University, Criminal Justice
PhD, Liberty University, Criminal Justice
Cox, Tara M. (Regent Professor & Program Coordinator)
BS Davidson College, Biology
MS, Duke University, Coastal Environmental Management
PhD Duke University, Ecology
MS, Duke University, Coastal Environmental Management
PhD Duke University, Ecology
Davis, Christina (Associate Professor)
BA, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Psychology
MA, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Applied Social Science
PhD, University of Georgia, History
MA, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Applied Social Science
PhD, University of Georgia, History
Deloach, Roenia J. (Professor and Coordinator)
BSW, Jackson State University, Social Work
MSW, Ohio State University, Social Work
PhD, The Ohio State University, Social Work
MSW, Ohio State University, Social Work
PhD, The Ohio State University, Social Work
Downs, Kelly A. (Instructor/Coordinator, ELC Department)
BA Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, Psychology
MA George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, Teaching of Writing and Literature
MA George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, Teaching of Writing and Literature
Ebanks, Dwight A. (Assistant Professor)
BS, Savannah State University, Marine Biology
MS, Savannah State University, Marine Science
PhD, University of Miami, Marine Biology and Fisheries
MS, Savannah State University, Marine Science
PhD, University of Miami, Marine Biology and Fisheries
Ebanks, Sue C. (Professor)
BS, Savannah State University, Environmental Studies
BS, Savannah State University, Marine Science
MS, Savannah State University, Marine Science
PhD, University of Miami, Marine Biology and Fisheries
BS, Savannah State University, Marine Science
MS, Savannah State University, Marine Science
PhD, University of Miami, Marine Biology and Fisheries
Faries, Chad A. (Professor)
BA University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, English and Humanistic Studies
MA University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, English
PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, English
MA University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, English
PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, English
Guan, Chao (Assistant Professor)
PhD, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Chemistry
Hintz, Christopher J. (Professor)
BS Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering
MS Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering
PhD University of South Carolina, Marine Sciences
MS Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering
PhD University of South Carolina, Marine Sciences
Hongo Apum, David (Assistant Professor)
MS Biology, Fisk University - Meharry Medical College
PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky
PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky
Hoskins-Brown, Dionne L. (Associate Professor and Director of NOAA Sponsored Programs)
BS, Savannah State College, Marine Biology
PhD, University of South Carolina, Marine Science
PhD, University of South Carolina, Marine Science
Huang, Tao (Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator)
PhD, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
Iancu, Otilia (Professor and Chair)
MPA, University of Kansas, Public Administration
PhD, University of Arkansas, Public Policy
PhD, University of Arkansas, Public Policy
Jindani, Shinaz G. (Professor & Program Coordinator)
BSW, University of Mumbai College of Social Work, Social Work,
DSW, Tulane University, Social Work
MSW, University of Mumbai College of Social Work, Social Work
DSW, Tulane University, Social Work
MSW, University of Mumbai College of Social Work, Social Work
Johnson, Johnny A. (Associate Professor)
BS, Savannah State University, Biology
PhD, Stony Brook University, Biophysics
PhD, Stony Brook University, Biophysics
Jones, Cecil L. (Professor)
BS University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Chemistry
PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Chemistry
PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Chemistry
Jordan, Kenneth A. (Professor)
BA, North Carolina College at Durham, Geography
MA, University of California, Berkeley, Geography
PhD, University of California, Berkeley, Geography
MA, University of California, Berkeley, Geography
PhD, University of California, Berkeley, Geography
Kalantari, Behrooz (Professor)
BA, Avila University, Public Management
BA, Tehran Business College, Business
MPA, Southern Illinois University, Public Affairs
PhD, Southern Illinois University, Political Science
BA, Tehran Business College, Business
MPA, Southern Illinois University, Public Affairs
PhD, Southern Illinois University, Political Science
Kaltenberg, Amanda M. (Professor & Chair)
BS, University of North Dakota, Biology
MS, Texas A&M University, Oceanography
PhD, Oregon State University, Oceanography
MS, Texas A&M University, Oceanography
PhD, Oregon State University, Oceanography
McCoy, Brandon (Instructor)
MA Georgia College & State University, English
Moore, Andrea L. (Professor)
BS, Savannah State University, Environmental Science
MS, Andrews University, Mathematics & Physical Science
PhD, Oklahoma State University, Environmental Science
MS, Andrews University, Mathematics & Physical Science
PhD, Oklahoma State University, Environmental Science
Neloms, Brandon (Instructor)
BS, Alabama A & M University, Biology, 2007
MS, Alabama A & M University, Biology, 2008
MS, Alabama A & M University, Biology, 2008
Nitta, Takayuki (Professor)
BS, University of Tsukuba, Biological Sciences, 2001
MS, University of Tsukuba, Medical Science, 2003
PhD, University of Tsukuba, Biomolecular and Integrated Medical Sciences, 2007
MS, University of Tsukuba, Medical Science, 2003
PhD, University of Tsukuba, Biomolecular and Integrated Medical Sciences, 2007
Omunga, Philip (Associate Professor)
BA, University of Nairobi
MA, University of Nairobi, Valuation and Property Management
PhD, Kansas State University, College of Architecture, Environmental Design & Planning
MA, University of Nairobi, Valuation and Property Management
PhD, Kansas State University, College of Architecture, Environmental Design & Planning
Purnell, Elissa T. (Professor)
BS, Savannah State College, Biology, 1990
MS, West Georgia College, Biology, 1992
PhD, Medical University of South Carolina, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology
MS, West Georgia College, Biology, 1992
PhD, Medical University of South Carolina, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology
Rivera, Pedro R. (Associate Professor and Chair)
BA, The City College of New York, History
PhD, Howard University, History
PhD, Howard University, History
Serdikoff, Sherry L. (Associate Professor)
BA, Temple University, Psychology
MA, West Virginia University, Psychology
PhD, West Virginia University, Psychology
MA, West Virginia University, Psychology
PhD, West Virginia University, Psychology
Shakespeare, Teresa (Dean & Professor)
BS, Savannah State University, Biology
PhD, Stony Brook University, Physiology and Biophysics
PhD, Stony Brook University, Physiology and Biophysics
Song, Zhiyan (Professor & Coordinator)
PhD, Stockholm University, Physical Chemistry
Steedley, Savannah (Lecturer)
BS, Biology, Georgia Southern University
MS, Public Health, George Washington University
MS, Public Health, George Washington University
Stewart, Katherine L. (Associate Professor & Program Coordinator)
BA, University of North Carolina, Psychology
MA, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Psychology
PhD, University of Kansas, Behavioral Psychology
MA, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Psychology
PhD, University of Kansas, Behavioral Psychology
Treible, Laura M. (Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator)
BS, University of Delaware, Environmental Science
MS, Stony Brook University, Marine and Atmospheric Science
PhD, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Marine Biology
MS, Stony Brook University, Marine and Atmospheric Science
PhD, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Marine Biology
Wright, Dynisty (Lecturer)
BS, Biology Education, Savannah State University
Ph.D, Biology, Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D, Biology, Pennsylvania State University
Zhang, Xiaorong S. (Professor)
BS, Beijing Normal University, Biology
MS, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Plant Physiology
PhD, Virginia Tech, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
MS, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Plant Physiology
PhD, Virginia Tech, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Show Your Tiger Pride
Visit the SSU Bookstore
From everyday essentials to your favorite blue and orange gear, the Savannah State University Bookstore has everything you need to represent Tiger Nation in style. Shop apparel, gifts, accessories, and more while showing your Savannah State pride on campus and beyond.
Visit the Bookstore
Support COSH
Invest in Tiger Excellence
Support the next generation of scholars, researchers, healthcare professionals, and changemakers at the Savannah State University College of Sciences and Humanities. Your gift helps create opportunities for student success through scholarships, academic programs, research experiences, and hands-on learning that prepare Tigers to make a lasting impact long after graduation.
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