Savannah State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Savannah State University (SSU), formerly known as Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth, Georgia State College, and Savannah State College, boasts a rich history and a diverse array of accomplished alumni. This article highlights some of the university's most notable graduates, former students, and current students who have made significant contributions in various fields.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
SSU has consistently produced graduates who have excelled in academia and leadership roles.
- Richard Robert Wright Jr.: A pioneering figure, Wright became the first African American to earn a doctorate in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1911. His work as a sociologist, social worker, and minister left an indelible mark.
- Cyrus Gilbert Wiley: Serving as president of Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth from 1921 to 1926, Wiley played a crucial role in shaping the institution's early development.
- Dr. Ndidi Akuta (Class of 2013): Currently the Chief Information Officer at Fort Valley State University, Akuta exemplifies the leadership potential fostered at SSU.
- Dr. ZaDonna Slay (Class of 2005): An Assistant Professor at Tennessee State University, Slay contributes to the academic landscape through teaching and research.
Trailblazers in the Military
Savannah State University's NROTC program has produced exceptional military leaders who have broken barriers and achieved significant milestones.
- Lieutenant General Walter E. Gaskin (Class of 1974): A retired Marine Corps veteran, Gaskin served as the Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and was the first African American to command a marine division. He is a dedicated supporter of SSU and a recipient of The Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence.
- Captain Donnie Cochran (Class of 1976): Cochran made history as the first African American Blue Angels pilot and flight leader. His career is a testament to his skill, determination, and leadership.
- Rear Admiral Annie B. Andrews: A former Assistant Administrator for Human Resources Management in the Federal Aviation Administration and a retired Rear Admiral in the US Navy, Andrews is the third African-American woman to reach that rank in the Navy.
- Lt. Chelsea Parrish (Class of 2013): Currently a Lieutenant and Aviator in the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, Parrish continues SSU's legacy of producing skilled military personnel.
Influential Figures in Politics and Public Service
SSU alumni have made significant strides in the political arena, serving as elected officials, policymakers, and community leaders.
- Van R. Johnson: The current mayor of Savannah, Georgia, Johnson is the fourth African-American mayor in the city's history. His service as alderman for the Savannah City Council's 1st District preceded his mayoral role.
- Barbara J. Mobley: Former member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
- Derek Mallow (Class of 2020): Currently serving as a Georgia State Senator, Mallow represents his community and advocates for its interests.
- LeAndrea Mikell (Class of 2013): As the Executive Director of Governmental Relations and Community Relations at Savannah State University, Mikell plays a crucial role in connecting the university with the broader community.
- Eunicia Baker (Class of 2013): Serving as the Director of Communications for the City of North Miami, Baker utilizes her communication skills to inform and engage the public.
- Dr. LaDena Bolton (Class of 2006): A Synthetic Organic Chemist and Dekalb County Commissioner, Bolton combines her scientific expertise with her commitment to public service.
Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship
Savannah State University has fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship, with many alumni launching successful businesses and making significant contributions to the business world.
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- Tatia Adams Fox (Class of 1993): An entrepreneur and marketing executive, Adams Fox has held leadership positions at ViacomCBS and Warner Music/ADA. She is also the founder of The New School of Etiquette.
- Traci Adams (Class of 2000): Currently the Executive Vice President for Promotion at Epic Records, Adams has worked with numerous prominent artists and has been recognized as a leader in the music industry.
- Christopher Banks (Class of 2011): The Owner of Mernae Media Group, LLC, Banks exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at SSU.
- Cassidy Bass Jones (Class of 2007): As the Owner of LOL Burger Bar, Jones has created a successful culinary venture.
- Aaron Binion (Class of 2007): Serving as Senior Vice President at Pinnacle Financial Partners, Binion has achieved success in the financial sector.
- Anthony Bowden (Class of 2010): The Founder & CEO of The Pivot Schools, Bowden is dedicated to providing quality education.
- Rolando Cantrell (Class of 2007): As the Owner and Head Chef at Cantrell Occasions LLC and Saucy Aprons LLC, Cantrell has established himself as a culinary entrepreneur.
- Raquel Curtis (Class of 2011): A Finance Executive & Data Analytics Director at Be Boujee Enterprises LLC, Curtis combines her financial expertise with data analytics skills.
- Meghan Dunn-Woods (Class of 2013): Serving as Vice President of Business Development at Paradies Lagardère, Dunn-Woods has excelled in the business development field.
- Amber T. Jones-King J.D. (Class of 2007): As an Attorney at Amber T. Jones & Associates, Jones provides legal services to her community.
- Carl Miller (Class of 2017): The CEO of C.A. Miller Publishing Co., Miller is involved in the publishing industry.
- Donovan Ringo (Class of 2010): Serving as Senior Manager of Emerging Markets at Genuine Parts Company, Ringo is involved in the automotive industry.
- Rashamod Torrance (Class of 2012): A Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager and Assistant Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Torrance also founded the Active Dad Organization.
- Jerome Miller (Class of 1975): Founder, owner, and CEO of J. Miller & Company management consulting firm, and VP for Global Diversity and Community Affairs at Delta Air Lines and president of Delta Airlines Foundation.
Champions in Athletics
SSU has a proud athletic tradition, with numerous alumni achieving success in professional sports.
- Shannon Sharpe (Class of 1990): A Pro Football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl Champion, Sharpe is one of SSU's most accomplished athletes. He is also the co-host of the sports opinion and debate show SKIP AND SHANNON: UNDISPUTED.
- Matthew “Showbiz” Jackson: The first Savannahian to be honored as a Harlem Globetrotter Legend, Jackson toured with the Globetrotters for 20 seasons.
- Ernest Miller (Class of 1986): An actor and former professional wrestler, Miller competed in World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
- Ezinne Kalu (Class of 2015): Kalu led the Nigerian women's basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She was also an integral part of the first MEAC Championship winning team in 2015.
- Crissa Jackson: An American basketball player who played college basketball for Savannah State University from 2008 to 2010 and later played for the Harlem Globetrotters.
- Jeremiah Hill: An American-born Cameroonian basketball guard for Élan Chalon of the LNB Pro A.
- Troy Hambrick: Former NFL player.
- Wesley McGriff (Class of 1990): The co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach at the University of Louisville.
Contributions to Arts and Media
Savannah State University alumni have made their mark in the fields of arts and media, showcasing their creativity and talent.
- Tone Bell: An American stand-up comedian and actor.
- Louise Simonson: A comic book writer and editor known for her work on titles such as Conan the Barbarian, Power Pack, and X-Factor.
- Jeffrey Catherine Jones: An American artist known for her work in comics and fine art.
- Scotty ATL: An American actor, entrepreneur, rapper, record producer, and songwriter.
- Tommy Smalls: An influential African-American radio disc jockey in New York City during the early days of rock and roll.
- James Anthony: A Photographer/Director, Writer, Actor at James Anthony Media
- Ulyssa Salett (Class of 2015): Working as a Production Manager at Netflix, Salett contributes to the entertainment industry.
- JaQuitta Williams: News Reporter and Anchor
Community Impact and Social Change
SSU alumni are dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities and addressing critical social issues.
- Curtis V. Cooper (Class of 1955): A health and civil rights leader, Cooper reshaped healthcare for the poor in Savannah.
- Art Gordon (Class of 2013): Serving as Senior Pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church and Director of Community Engagement in the Office of Governor Maura Healey, Gordon is actively involved in community development.
- Maurice Nelson (Class of 2016): As the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Sacred Heart University, Nelson promotes diversity and inclusion in higher education.
- Taqwaa Saleem (Class of 2008): An English Professor at Savannah Technical College Liberty Campus, Saleem is dedicated to educating and empowering her students.
The 40 Under 40 Awards
Savannah State University recently launched the 40 Under 40 Awards to recognize and celebrate the achievements of its young alumni. The inaugural class of recipients represents a diverse range of fields and embodies the values of collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, integrity, openness and inclusion, and sustainability.
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