In business, we talk often about legacy—the kind of impact that outlives a title or tenure. For Dr. Jermaine Whirl, legacy is built through leadership that transforms not just institutions, but entire communities. As the newly appointed President of Savannah State University, Dr. Whirl steps into a role that amplifies his lifelong mission: to align education with economic empowerment, and to create opportunity at scale. His transition follows a transformative tenure as President of Augusta Technical College, where he redefined how academic institutions partner with industry to develop talent pipelines that meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. Dr. Whirl approaches higher education with the mindset of a CEO—strategic, data-informed, and relentlessly outcomes-focused. Under his leadership at Augusta Tech, programs in high-demand sectors like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology were expanded to close critical workforce gaps.
These initiatives were more than academic— they served as economic engines, strengthening the regional business landscape by supplying it with career-ready talent. Now at Savannah State, Georgia’s oldest public HBCU, Dr. Whirl brings that same level of strategic foresight and innovation to a new chapter. His focus is clear: elevate academic excellence, build dynamic industry partnerships, and position the university as a key contributor to regional growth. For executives, this vision is familiar—aligning purpose with performance, mission with measurable outcomes. What sets Dr. Whirl apart is his unwavering belief in education as a driver of social mobility and enterprise value. His leadership has expanded access to scholarships, reimagined career services, and prioritized underserved populations—not as an obligation, but as a strategic imperative. In the boardroom or the classroom, innovation remains central to his approach. He champions real-world learning, integrating technology and experiential education to prepare students not only for today’s workforce—but tomorrow’s leadership.
ecognized as a Hall of Fame Titan of Industry, Dr. Whirl is a reminder that true leadership isn’t about personal achievement—it’s about the elevation of others. His legacy is not simply measured in diplomas granted, but in lives changed and communities transformed. To fellow C-suite leaders, his message is one we know well: the responsibility of leadership is to create opportunity where it didn’t exist before. Dr. Jermaine Whirl is doing just that—shaping the next generation of innovators, builders, and bold thinkers who will define the future of our industries and our world.
