SAVANNAH, Ga () — University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Savannah State University (SSU) President Jermaine Whirl are looking for ways to make the school better.

On Monday, both leaders said it starts with hearing from students and the local community. People from all walks of life gathered on the campus to ask questions or voice concerns. Many of them shared one common goal: ensuring student and university success.

According to the university, “…there is no merger nowhere in the thinking of the Board of Regents.”

One of the biggest questions involved how the university plans to increase enrollment and retention rates after taking a hard hit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Whirl reiterated that it is one of his top priorities. He said hosting town halls is just the first step to making this happen. Perdue echoed in agreement and told attendees that Whirl would be the best person to the get the job done.

spoke with students, and they said that this a positive start for Whirl as the university’s new president.

“I feel like it’s great for us to really know the president and actually see his face and for him to see us and all the different organization leaders,” Nigel Deville, a student said. “I feel like it’s very important when it comes to the impact of Savannah State [University] and the community here in Savannah” 

Business leaders were also in attendance including Hyundai, Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. It is a part of Whirl’s strategy that he says will connect the community to the university and create endless job opportunities. It also allows educators to know what requirements are needed for their students to secure jobs. Whirl said this will ultimately drive success in all areas for SSU.

We also spoke to faith-based leaders who are eager for the future.

“It is just exciting to know that we have a leader here at Savannah State University who seeks to involve and interact with the faith community,” Billy McFadden said. “And oftentimes in the faith community, we do have that opportunity to connect with people all around the community.”

Whirl told his goal for SSU is to be among the top 25 HBCU’s in the country within the next decade.