SR464: SR464 Whirl, Dr. Jermaine; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial honor passed by the Georgia Senate. It does not change any law. It recognizes Dr. Jermaine Whirl, who is set to become President of Savannah State University starting April 1, 2025, after serving in leadership roles at Augusta Technical College and other Georgia and South Carolina technical colleges and universities. The resolution details his accomplishments, including rebranding Augusta Technical College, creating a $2.3 million business incubator called Accelerate Augusta, and serving on a national energy workforce advisory board. The Senate formally commends him and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Dr. Whirl.

• Formally recognizes and commends Dr. Jermaine Whirl for his career in higher education leadership.
• Congratulates him on becoming President of Savannah State University effective April 1, 2025.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to Dr. Whirl.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, as it is a ceremonial resolution.

The resolution directly concerns Dr. Jermaine Whirl and Savannah State University. It also reflects on the Georgia Senate itself as the body issuing the honor, but it does not impose obligations on the public, agencies, or other institutions.

The resolution carries symbolic rather than legal weight. It publicly marks a leadership transition at Savannah State University, a Georgia public university, and formally acknowledges Dr. Whirl's prior work in technical college education across the state.

• The whereas clauses describe Dr. Whirl's background, including his presidency at Augusta Technical College and prior roles at several Georgia and South Carolina colleges.
• States that Dr. Whirl becomes President of Savannah State University beginning April 1, 2025.
• The resolved clause has the Senate officially recognize, commend, and congratulate Dr. Whirl.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Dr. Whirl.

1. 2025-03-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)Primary sponsor
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)

• Savannah State University
• higher education leadership
• Senate resolution
• Augusta Technical College