Savannah State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Savannah State University has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative operations, student government, faculty governance, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence and community empowerment, Savannah State University delivers transformative education through innovation and hands-on learning experiences for diverse student populations.

Leadership Roles at Savannah State University

  • Sophomore Class President SGA - Derrin Davis
  • Faculty Senate President - Philip Omunga
  • Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of - Ashia Broadbent
  • President - Jermaine Whirl
  • Chief Information Officer - Gary Miller
  • Interim Chief of Staff - Michelle Thomas
  • Derrin Davis - Sophomore Class President SGA

    Derrin Davis, the Sophomore Class President SGA at Savannah State University, represents the interests of second-year students within the Student Government Association. Davis advocates for academic resources and campus programming that enhance the undergraduate experience. By organizing student-led initiatives, the Sophomore Class President SGA fosters community engagement and promotes leadership development among peers. This leadership role involves collaborating with university administration to address student concerns and improve campus life. Derrin Davis facilitates open dialogue between the student body and faculty, ensuring that student perspectives inform institutional decision-making. Through active participation in student government, the Sophomore Class President SGA drives efforts to increase student retention and satisfaction. By championing inclusive events, Davis strengthens the cultural heritage and vibrant campus atmosphere of the university. The Sophomore Class President SGA maintains a focus on student success, ensuring that all activities support the academic and personal growth of the sophomore class.

    Philip Omunga - Faculty Senate President

    Philip Omunga, the Faculty Senate President at Savannah State University, leads the representative body for academic staff, ensuring faculty participation in institutional governance. Omunga facilitates discussions on curriculum development, research standards, and academic policies that define the university's educational quality. By representing faculty interests to the administration, the Faculty Senate President promotes transparency and shared governance. This leadership role involves overseeing committees that evaluate academic programs and faculty welfare. Philip Omunga drives initiatives that support professional development and research excellence across all departments. Through collaborative efforts with the Provost, the Faculty Senate President ensures that academic standards remain competitive and aligned with industry needs. By fostering a culture of academic rigor, Omunga strengthens the university's reputation as a premier institution. The Faculty Senate President maintains a focus on faculty engagement, ensuring that all academic policies support the overarching mission of providing a transformative education for every student.

    Ashia Broadbent - Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of

    Ashia Broadbent, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of at Savannah State University, manages the daily operations and strategic scheduling for the Office of the President. Broadbent coordinates high-level meetings and ensures that administrative tasks align with the university's mission of student empowerment. By overseeing office workflows, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of maintains the efficiency of executive communications and institutional outreach. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics for university events and community engagement programs. Ashia Broadbent facilitates collaboration between the President and various campus stakeholders, ensuring that institutional goals receive proper attention. Through meticulous organization, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of supports the execution of strategic initiatives that enhance the university's market position. By managing administrative resources, Broadbent ensures that the office remains a central hub for institutional progress. The Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of maintains high standards for operational excellence, supporting the university's commitment to academic success.

    Jermaine Whirl - President

    Jermaine Whirl, the President at Savannah State University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Whirl oversees the expansion of degree programs and the implementation of innovative learning models that prepare students for competitive careers. By driving partnerships with industry leaders, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological and scientific education. This leadership role involves managing the university's financial health and securing resources to support student aid and campus development. Jermaine Whirl fosters a culture of excellence, promoting community engagement and the celebration of cultural heritage. Through decisive leadership, the President aligns institutional goals with the needs of the regional workforce. By prioritizing student success, Whirl strengthens the university's impact as a public institution. The President maintains a focus on long-term growth, ensuring that all academic and operational efforts support the transformative education provided to every student.
    Jermaine Whirl

    Gary Miller - Chief Information Officer

    Gary Miller, the Chief Information Officer at Savannah State University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the academic mission. Miller architects secure network environments and scalable cloud solutions to facilitate seamless research and learning across the campus. By modernizing data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures robust connectivity for students and faculty alike. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional assets while driving digital transformation initiatives. Gary Miller oversees the integration of advanced software tools into the classroom experience, enhancing pedagogical delivery. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer aligns technology investments with the broader goals of the university. By optimizing technical resources, Miller supports the expansion of online degree programs and remote learning capabilities. The Chief Information Officer maintains high standards for system reliability, ensuring that all digital platforms remain accessible for the entire academic community.

    Michelle Thomas - Interim Chief of Staff

    Michelle Thomas, the Interim Chief of Staff at Savannah State University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all administrative departments. Thomas manages the flow of critical information to the President, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and strategic objectives. By streamlining internal processes, the Interim Chief of Staff improves organizational efficiency and supports cross-functional collaboration. This leadership role involves overseeing special projects that advance the university's commitment to student success and community engagement. Michelle Thomas monitors the execution of board directives, providing essential oversight for high-level initiatives. Through careful management of administrative workflows, the Interim Chief of Staff fosters a cohesive environment for faculty and staff. By facilitating effective decision-making, Thomas strengthens the operational foundation of the institution. The Interim Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for project management, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute directly to the long-term growth and stability of the university.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Savannah State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Savannah State University?
    Savannah State University is led by Derrin Davis (Sophomore Class President SGA), along with executives such as Philip Omunga (Faculty Senate President) and Ashia Broadbent (Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of).
    Who is part of Savannah State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Savannah State University includes leaders such as Derrin Davis (Sophomore Class President SGA), Philip Omunga (Faculty Senate President), Ashia Broadbent (Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Savannah State University have?
    Savannah State University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Savannah State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Savannah State University includes roles such as Sophomore Class President SGA, Faculty Senate President, Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of, President, Chief Information Officer.