Dr. Jermaine Whirl has been named as the sole finalist for president of Savannah State University by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Whirl is the current president of Augusta Technical College (ATC). He has been working in the public college sector for almost 20 years.

“We prioritized finding a leader who values Savannah State’s historic legacy and embraces its modern role in moving this state and the region’s workforce forward,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Dr. Whirl understands the power of higher education and how earning a degree can transform a student’s life and prosperity. His enthusiasm and energy in doing that work make him an ideal candidate to lead the oldest public HBCU in Georgia.”

Winthrop University is where Whirl earned his bachelor’s degree in economics. Additionally, he has an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Valdosta State University, an M.Ed. in adult education and community leadership from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University), and an MBA in business administration from Charleston Southern University.

Since 2020, Whirl has been the president of ATC. He oversaw the Predominantly Black Institution’s enrollment and retention plan adjustments, which resulted in a 20.3% growth in headcount between Fall 2021 and Fall 2024 and a record enrollment of new first-year students this past fall. He previously held the positions of vice president of business training and economic development and vice president of learning and workforce development at Greenville Technical College (GTC) in Greenville, South Carolina.

“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for the presidency of Savannah State University,” Whirl said. “Savannah State has a rich history of producing world-class artists, educators, scientists, military leaders, corporate executives, and public policy advocates. I look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater Savannah community to continue the legacy of the state’s first public HBCU.”

Whirl has worked at two other USG institutions in addition to Gwinnett Technical College’s School of Business and School of Arts & Design and Savannah Technical College. Although he didn’t graduate from Savannah State, Whirl has several family connections to the university. Several members of Whirl’s family graduated from Savannah State, most recently in the fall of 2020.

Regent Patrick Jones, chairman of the presidential search committee expresses his confidence in Whirl in this new position.

“With his extensive background in higher education, understanding of SSU’s specific needs, and familiarity with the surrounding community, Dr. Whirl is an outstanding choice,” he said. “His fundraising success and vision for uplifting students, faculty, and staff will help SSU grow and strengthen its impact. He also holds great respect for the dedicated alumni who’ve championed the university’s importance. I’m confident that under Dr. Whirl’s leadership, SSU will enter a new era of excellence.”