Savannah State University (SSU) has officially announced its second cohort of 40 Under 40 honorees. This prestigious program recognizes 40 outstanding alumni under the age of 40 who are making significant strides in their professions, impacting their communities, and globalizing the university’s legacy.
“Savannah State University is immensely proud to recognize this exceptional group of young leaders,” said Marius L. Davis, Director, Alumni Relations. “These honorees embody the true spirit of SSU through their unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. They serve as a powerful reminder of what a Savannah State education empowers our graduates to achieve.”
Selected through a competitive nomination and review process, this year’s honorees represent the very best of Savannah State University’s legacy of producing leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, attorneys, healthcare professionals, public servants, and change-makers. Members of the second class include:
Tyler Block, Esq., ’14
Christopher Boggs, ’16
Anitra Bosley, ’16
Teri Bright, ’19, ‘24
Capt. Kailynn Brown, Esq., ’16
Ebonee Browning, ’10
Chauntilena Butler, ’17
Shanavia Carter, ’12
Braxton Chadwick, ’23
Me’Kia Davis, ’12, ’15
Deshawn Edwards, ’13
Amber Grigley, ’14
William Hall, ’10
Alysha Harvey, ’11
Ryan Hatchett, ’11
Dolphurs Hayes, M.D., ’16
Folana Houston, Esq., ’10
Ebony Jones Stuckey, ’10, ’13
Terrance Jones, ’11
Ezinne Kalu, ’15
Safiyyah Mack, ’12
Shaina McCluskey, ’08
Kareem McMichael, ’09
K’Rissa Moore, ’24, ’25
James Ofori, Ed.D., ’16, ’18
Khrystyn Owens, ’11
Jasmine Pendergraph, ’12, ’15
Brandie Rajbhandari, ’12
Yakub Sanders, ’14
Ali Simmons, ’17
Louis Smith, ’15, ‘18
Michael Smith, ’14
Paul Smith, ’14
Nakia Stephens, ’13
Kandyce Trim, ’12
Ashley Washington, ’11
Demetrius (Nicole) Whitfield, ’08
“As we continue to advance our vision through #TheUproar2030 strategic plan, it is incredibly inspiring to see these young alumni exemplifying the core values that define Savannah State University,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, SSU President. “They are not only building successful careers but also creating pathways for others to follow and elevating the Tiger spirit nationwide.”
The honorees will be recognized during a special awards celebration hosted by Savannah State University later this year. Through this initiative, SSU continues to strengthen alumni engagement, cultivate institutional pride, and highlight the achievements of graduates who serve as ambassadors for the university’s mission and values.
