SSU President Dr. Jermaine WhirlSavannah State University (SSU) is proud to announce that the formal investiture of its 15th President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, will take place on Friday, April 17. The ceremony, a centerpiece of a week-long celebration of academic excellence and institutional heritage, will take place at 10 a.m. in Tiger Arena on the SSU campus, 3219 College Street, Savannah.
The Presidential Investiture is a historic academic tradition that formally invests a university president with the authority and symbols of the office. The ceremony celebrates the institution’s leadership, legacy, and vision for the future.
“Savannah State University was built on the courage and vision of the leaders who came before me, and I am humbled to continue their work that shaped this historic institution, Whirl said. “As we pay homage to our past, we are also looking toward a bold new horizon. Through our ‘The Uproar 2030’ strategic plan, we are reaffirming our commitment to student success, infrastructure innovation, and community impact to ensure that SSU continues to prepare our leaders of tomorrow.”
Since taking office on April 1, 2025, Dr. Whirl—an Aspen Fellow and one of the youngest HBCU presidents in the country—has focused on “The Uproar 2030,” a strategic plan with focus areas that include student success, employee excellence, brand strength, infrastructure innovation, and community impact. In addition to the development of the strategic plan, his tenure has already seen the establishment of the Hyundai College of Education, the first named college in the university’s history, and the expansion of the number of colleges from four to five.
As Georgia’s first public historically Black college and university, Savannah State University will welcome students, faculty, alumni, elected officials, and community leaders from across the state to commemorate this milestone.
Investiture week highlights include:
Wednesday, April 15
Community Service Day, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Melodies on the Marsh Jazz Concert, 5–7 p.m.
Thursday, April 16
Presidential Pep Rally, 12–3 p.m.
Friday, April 17
Presidential Investiture Ceremony, 10 a.m.
Campus Tours, immediately following the ceremony
Saturday, April 18
Savannah State University Annual Scholarship Gala, 6 p.m.
Additional information and event details can be found at: savannahstate.edu/investiture
