Senate Resolution 464
By: Senators Mallow of the 2nd, Anderson of the 24th, Burns of the 23rd, Jones II of the
22nd, Wicks of the 34th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Dr. Jermaine Whirl, the incoming President of Savannah State
University; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Dr. Jermaine Whirl has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the
vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare
of the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, is a nationally sought-after, award-winning
authority in workforce and higher education; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Whirl has demonstrated his exceptional leadership talents as the President
of Augusta Technical College, as well as in various positions at Greenville Technical
College, Gwinnett Technical College, Savannah Technical College, East Georgia State
College, and Georgia Southern University; and
WHEREAS, beginning April 1, 2025, Dr. Whirl will serve as the President of Savannah State
University; and
WHEREAS, during his remarkable tenure at Augusta Technical College, Dr. Whirl
completed a full rebrand of the institution, implemented a new five-year strategic plan,
established five new academic schools, and was instrumental in the creation of innovative
and progressive programs; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Whirl established Accelerate Augusta, a $2.3 million incubator-
microenterprise center in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority of
Augusta; and
WHEREAS, he is also the only college president in the United States selected to serve a
three-year term on the United States Inaugural 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory
Board that provides guidance to the Secretary of Energy; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Whirls commitment to excellence has been recognized by the numerous
awards he has received, including the Paragon Award for new presidents from Phi Theta
Kappa, the Leadership Award from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, as
a 2024 Georgia Trend 40 Under 40 honoree, and as a 2025 Georgia Trend Notable Georgian
honoree; and
WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for
integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend Dr. Jermaine Whirl, congratulate him upon becoming the President
of Savannah State University, and extend their most since best wishes for his continued
success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dr. Jermaine
Whirl.