SSU Alumni voice vision for next university president

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)— Savannah State University (SSU) alumni are speaking up about the qualities and vision they hope the next president of the university will embody.

“I wanted my voice to be heard. I want to have some input and opportunity to engage and to share what my vision was for the institution that I had graduated from,” Carl Miller, SSU Class of 2008 alum said.

Miller is not alone. Many SSU alumni are eager to see the university reach its full potential.

“To see my university grow not only just survive, but to thrive in the future,” Miller said. “More academic programming, more money for athletics, presidential scholars, and things of that nature.”

SSU has been led by interim presidents since 2019, following the departure of the last full-time president, Cheryl Dozier. The current interim president is Cynthia Robinson Alexander.

Jacquelyn Stephens, who is part of the SSU class of 1960, believes the search for the next president should be thorough to ensure the best candidate is chosen.

“I think our current interim is doing a great job, but of course, we want to make sure that we’re getting the best candidate possible to open it up to other applicants. I think it’s important,” Stephens said.

The conversation among alumni is clear, whoever takes on the role of president must continue the work already being done and lead the university in a way that preserves and enhances its legacy.

“Look at our city council,” Stephens said. “Most of them are graduates of Savannah State University. Many on the county commission are graduates. We had two former mayors in our meeting that we just held with graduates of Savannah State University. So, we have a great legacy, and I’d like to see that legacy continue.”