Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. Jermaine Whirl with the 2026 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Alumnus of the Year Award. He is pictured with Dr. David Slykhuis, dean of the Dewar College of Education and Human Services; Dr. Donald J. Green, president of VSU; and Thomas D. Head, president of the VSU Alumni Association Executive Board.

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University recently honored Dr. Jermaine Whirl with the 2026 James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Alumnus of the Year Award. 

“Receiving the Valdosta State University Distinguished Alumni Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful," he said. "VSU played a transformative role in my personal and professional journey, helping shape my leadership philosophy and commitment to service. To be recognized by an institution that invested so much in my growth is a tremendous honor, and I share this recognition with the mentors, colleagues, family members, and students who have been part of my journey.”

Whirl, who currently serves as president of Savannah State University, earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership in 2015.

“Dr. Whirl perfectly captures the spirit of our college," said David Slykhuis, dean of the Dewar College of Education and Human Services. "His intellectual curiosity, deep commitment to service, and extraordinary leadership at Savannah State University make us incredibly proud to honor him as this year’s distinguished alumnus.” 

VSU Alumni Relations: How did your time at Valdosta State University shape your personal and professional lives?

Whirl: VSU really taught me how to conduct high-level research and to shape professional decisions using literature. In short, it made me a true scholar and sparked my passion for organizational leadership.

VSU Alumni Relations: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since graduating from VSU? 

Whirl: Since graduating from Valdosta State University in 2015, I am most proud of the opportunity to serve and lead institutions that transform lives through education. Professionally, becoming president of Augusta Technical College and Savannah State University are highlights. But helping advance initiatives that expand student success, strengthen academic programs, secure historic investments in campus infrastructure, and increase opportunities for students has been especially meaningful. I am equally proud of the many students, faculty, and staff whose achievements I have had the privilege to support throughout my career. Their success is the greatest measure of any accomplishment and remains my greatest source of pride.

VSU Alumni Relations: What person, experience, or opportunity at VSU had the greatest impact on your life?

Whirl: Dr. Richard Schmertzing, Dr. Rudo Tsemunhu, and Dr. Steve Downey were the faculty members who had the greatest impact on me. They were master teachers and did a great job building my research muscle. I use what they taught me daily. 

VSU Alumni Relations: What advice would you give today’s VSU students? What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?

Whirl: Learn and study beyond what’s required of you in the course syllabi. Become a vivid expert in your field while also being intellectually curious about everything. Lastly, learn to be an astute problem solver. 

VSU Alumni Relations: Where do you currently live and how do you spend your time? Your answer could include where you work and what you do there, community service you enjoy doing, the church you attend and organizations you are a member of, your family, your pets, your hobbies, etc.  

Whirl: I live in Savannah, Georgia, and work as president of Savannah State University. I’m on several boards, and I’m very active in my church, Rehoboth Ministries. Outside of work and church I spend time with my family — wife Marqueta Whirl and children Madison and Jaylen Whirl. I enjoy watching football, reading, traveling, and playing golf.