Savannah State President Named Top Georgia Leader
Operators pursuing university and workforce partnerships in Savannah and across Georgia should note the continued influence of this higher education leader.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Savannah State University President Dr. Jermaine Whirl has been named to Georgia Trend Magazine's Top 500 Influential Leaders in the State of Georgia list, for a second time. The honor recognizes leaders whose work shapes Georgia's institutions and economy.
Why it matters
Recognition on a statewide influence list signals that Georgia's higher education leadership is viewed as a significant force across the state's business and civic landscape. For operators, university presidents in Georgia often shape regional workforce pipelines, research partnerships and local economic development.
The list recognizes 500 honorees across Georgia, and this is Dr. Whirl's second appearance on it. The source does not provide the ranking or the full list of selection criteria.
The players
Savannah State University
A public historically Black university in Savannah, Georgia, part of the University System of Georgia, serving undergraduate and graduate students across the region.
Georgia Trend Magazine
A Georgia-focused business and economic publication that produces annual rankings of influential leaders, executives and civic figures across the state.
The details
Georgia Trend Magazine publishes an annual Top 500 Influential Leaders list drawn from across the state. Dr. Whirl took over as President of Savannah State University in April 2025 and was named to the list in the magazine's November 2026 edition. He posted a statement about the honor on his Facebook page, and the full list of honorees is published by the magazine.
Timeline
April 2025: Dr. Jermaine Whirl took over as President of Savannah State University.
November 6, 2026: Georgia Trend Magazine article naming Dr. Whirl to the Top 500 list was published.
Market Landscape
Georgia Trend's annual Top 500 list is a recurring statewide recognition of business, civic and academic leaders. Repeat selection, as with Dr. Whirl, indicates sustained visibility rather than a single-year appearance.
Operators in Georgia's higher education, workforce and regional economic development sectors should note the continued influence of university presidents in shaping local partnerships and talent pipelines. Businesses seeking regional collaborators may find that Savannah State University leadership is a relevant point of contact.
The takeaway
Track the annual Georgia Trend Top 500 list as a signal of which state leaders are gaining regional influence. Businesses building relationships with Georgia institutions should consider university leadership changes as indicators of shifting partnership priorities.
Further reading
For more profiles of the executives and civic figures shaping the state, browse the Georgia People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSAV News 3.
