SR 238: Alexander, Cynthia Robinson; recognize

Senate Resolution 238

By: Senators Mallow of the 2nd, Jones II of the 22nd, Sims of the 12th, Kemp of the 38th, Davenport of the 17th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Cynthia Robinson Alexander; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Cynthia Robinson Alexander has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of her time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of her community and state, as evidenced by her superlative service as interim president of Savannah State University (SSU); and

WHEREAS, since assuming her role on July 1, 2023, she has focused on attracting, retaining, and graduating students as well as using her financial expertise to stabilize the university's budget by optimizing underperforming areas; and

WHEREAS, drawing on 30 years of leadership in business and higher education, she implemented a shared governance framework, established the SSU Forward Committee, and launched the Inaugural 40 Under 40 cohort while maintaining an open-door policy that emphasizes collaboration; and

WHEREAS, under her leadership, Savannah State University experienced its first enrollment increase since 2019, revitalized the Student Success Center, and expanded academic offerings with new programs in film, digital entertainment, and forensic science; and

WHEREAS, through her efforts, the university's Forensic Science program secured nearly $900 million in federal funding, and Savannah State University became the exclusive HBCU partner of the King and Queen of the Netherlands; and

WHEREAS, she has further overseen significant campus improvements, including a $1.1 million renovation of T.A. Wright Stadium, a $300,000 master plan, and a $7 million HVAC project; and

WHEREAS, Cynthia Robinson Alexander is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, she has served with honor and distinction as interim president of Savannah State University, and her vision and unyielding commitment to student success and institutional excellence have set the standard for leadership in higher education; 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 Cynthia Robinson Alexander for her efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated service to Savannah State University as well as extend the most sincere best wishes for 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 Cynthia Robinson Alexander.