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Highlights from SSU's May 1st "Conversations with the President"

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Thursday, May 2nd, 2024

Yesterday, Savannah State University Interim President Cynthia Alexander hosted “Conversations with the President” on campus and covered the following topics:

GOOD NEWS ON CAMPUS:

  • In Fall 2024, SSU is expected to have the second consecutive academic year of positive enrollment growth.

  • Savannah State’s  204th Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, May 3rd at the T.A. Wright Stadium, where 355 students will receive Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees.  “Pinky” Cole Hayes, founder of the Atlanta-based Slutty Vegan restaurant chain, will give the  Commencement address, “Thriving In the Midst of Change”,

  • Saturday, May 4 - SSU’s 25th Annual Scholarship Gala---- the event is completely SOLD-OUT Gala raising close to $400,000 for SSU Student scholarships.  

  • SSU will host approximately 50 admitted freshmen in a six-week-long Summer Bridge Program designed to introduce college-level academic work focused on English and math, and navigating student life on campus. 

  • Based upon the continued enrollment growth, no further budget reductions are planned for FY25.

SSU TO HOST ROYAL COUPLE:

On June 11th, the Royal Couple of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, will make a historic visit to Savannah State University and is expected to unveil a new era of international programs and student and faculty exchanges with SSU.

DETAILS DISCUSSED RE: SSU 2023 REDUCTIONS IN FORCE:

In response to several years of declining enrollment, and resulting  budget reductions, in 2022, the academic programmatic reviews that led to the 2023 Reduction in Force began in Summer and Fall 2022 semesters.  The RIF process followed the requirements for faculty engagement and review by a USG Study Committee set forth in BOR Reduction in Force Policy.

SSU UNVEILS NEW “SSU FORWARD” COMMITTEE:

“SSU Forward” - A new University-wide Committee charged to help foster greater communication across campus and campus communities. The Committee—called —will provide an avenue for input on  topics that cut across university units, or, that require several units to work together for effective solutions.  

Members of the SSU Forward Committee:

  • Mr. Shed Dawson (Student Affairs)

  • Ms. Dana Daniels (Human Resources)

  • Mr. Opio Mashariki (Athletics)

  • Mr. Marius Davis (Alumni Relations)

  • Ms. Jessi Travis (Budgets, Payroll & Procurement)

  • Ms. Katelyn Green (Student Government President)

  • Dr. Antonio Valazquez (COST)

  • Dr. Sherri Serdikoff CLASS)

  • Dr. Dale Cake (COBA)