Strategic Plan

Savannah State University will be a nationally recognized public university known for student success and regional impact, where research, innovation, and industry-embedded learning fuel student growth and economic development.

Savannah State University, the first historically Black public institution in Georgia, educates diverse learners across coastal Georgia and beyond through rigorous teaching, innovative programming, high-impact research, and partnerships that expand regional opportunity and prosperity.

Belonging – Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
Collaboration – Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
Discovery – Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
Excellence – Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
Resilience – Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

• Strategic Priority I – Student Success:
  • Cultivate an exceptional student experience that fosters belonging, achievement,
    and lifelong connections.
• Strategic Priority II – Employee Excellence:
  • Advance academic distinction through innovative teaching, impactful research,
    and faculty and staff development.
• Strategic Priority III – Brand Strength:
  • Elevate the university’s reputation through bold storytelling, strategic marketing,
    and resource growth.
• Strategic Priority IV – Infrastructure Innovation:
  • Build modern, resilient, and technology-enabled systems and spaces that
    support future growth.
• Strategic Priority V – Community Impact:
  • Expand regional and global partnerships that advance workforce development
    and civic engagement.

Strategic Priority I – Student Success
1.1. Attract, develop, support, and retain talented and motivated students.
1.2. Address housing, dining, wellness, and safety concerns with responsive solutions.
1.3. Create a seamless, technology-enabled student journey from admission to graduation.
1.4. Provide clear, consistent communication and customer service that exceeds student
expectations.

Strategic Priority II – Employee Excellence
2.1. Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and staff committed to student success.
2.2. Strengthen signature academic programs while exploring new high-demand disciplines
to include executive education and continuing studies.
2.3. Expand grants, infrastructure, and policies to accelerate research and innovation.
2.4. Build a collaborative, transparent, and high-performance culture that empowers faculty,
staff, and students.

Strategic Priority III – Brand Strength
3.1. Improve SSU’s ability to tell its story across multiple platforms and audiences.
3.2. Position SSU’s athletic department for sustainable growth in a competitive higher
education landscape.
3.3. Expand philanthropy, government support, and alumni giving to strengthen long-term
funding.
3.4. Celebrate student outcomes, faculty and staff achievements, and alumni impact to
enhance prestige.

Strategic Priority IV – Infrastructure Innovation
4.1. Invest in new and improved campus facilities that inspire learning and collaboration.
4.2. Leverage digital tools and process innovation to strengthen organizational performance.
4.3. Mitigate broad infrastructure challenges through advocacy and strategic improvements.
4.4. Ensure cyber, operational, and risk management systems protect people and assets.

Strategic Priority V – Community Impact
5.1. Deepen relationships with business, industry, government, and military partners to
expand career pathways.
5.2. Lead regional impact efforts through K–12 pipelines and college access initiatives.
5.3. Strengthen alumni engagement to build a more active and impactful association.
5.4. Enhance SSU’s presence and contributions to communities across the region.