Savannah State University President Cheryl Davenport Dozier announced today her plans to retire at the end of the academic year.
Dr. Dozier, a long-time employee of the University System of Georgia who served as SSU interim president and permanent president beginning in 2011. She is credited with increased enrollment at research funding at the
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead and serve as the 13th president of SSU – with the outstanding faculty and staff,” said Dozier. “The reward is the daily satisfaction of witnessing students succeed in the classroom and become the leaders in their chosen professions and communities. I am grateful to all of the stakeholders who daily support the success of SSU students.”
The announcement comes just one day after Coppin State University President Maria Thompson announced her own resignation plans, and in the same week that news surfaced about SSU’s plans to offer certificate programs at nearby Georgia Southern University.
While the announcement of Dr. Dozier’s retirement was made public today, University System of Georgia officials also named Kimberly Ballard-Washington, a vice chancellor of legal affairs at the University System of Georgia (USG), as interim president effective July 1. The system will also install a transition team to oversee the new leadership, a model recently implemented in North Carolina with Elizabeth City State University and its newly appointed chancellor and former working group member Karrie Dixon.
Interesting when leadership starts jumping ship there is a bigger problem on the horizon
And/or they’re tired, stressed & concerned about their health. Five-ten years seem to be norm nowadays!
The students, alumni, and faculty wanted new leadership for the past few years. So I wouldn’t describe it as jumping ship, but the ship stopping at a dock to allow her to exit. Hopefully with new leadership preferably someone who the community can connect with, will lead effectively. Beyond SSU the Georgia Board of Regents have faced criticism as well. The Board of Regents performance/authority concerning SSU should also be evaluated. Do they advocate for more funding toward SSU? What areas is the funded needed in vs. What the funding goes towards. How many times has the Board of Regents met with students, faculty, and Almuni within the last year and etc. Is the Board of Regents planning to consolidate SSU with GSU? There are many inquires that may help to explain the challenges that are currently making headlines..
I agree that when there are leadership changes and it occurs during controversy, you know it is not good.
Hmmm …I smell a rat.
Virginia Union should be on the list for 2017. Hey Bethune-Cookman we got your left-overs. Can we throw Hakim Lucas back before he cause a real big problem for us, Why was he hired at Virginia Union University? That darn VUU trustee board