Savannah State University

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Savannah State University
Savannah State University Seal
Savannah State University Seal
Motto: "Lux Et Veritas"
(Latin: Light and Truth)
Established: November 26, 1890[1][2]
Type: Public, HBCU[3]
Endowment: $2,433,508[4]
President: Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr.[5]
Staff: 385
Students: 3,169[6]
Undergraduates: 3,041[6]
Postgraduates: 128[6]
Location: Savannah, Georgia,
United States
(32°1′20.76″N 81°3′18.44″W / 32.0224333, -81.0551222)
Campus: 175-acre (708,199.9 m²), coastal setting[7]
Former names: Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth,
Georgia State College,
and Savannah State College
Athletic Director: W. Bart Bellairs
Sports: football
baseball
basketball (m)
basketball (w)
cross-country (m)
cross-country (w)
tennis (m)
tennis (w)
track and field (m)
track and field (w)
volleyball (w)
golf (m)
softball (w)
Colors: Burnt Orange and Reflex Blue
         
Nickname: Tigers or Lady Tigers
Athletics: NCAA Division I
Affiliations: Independent
Website: www.savstate.edu
Savannah State Tigers Logo

Savannah State University is a four-year, state-supported, historically black university (HBCU) located in Savannah, Georgia.[3] Savannah State holds the distinction as the oldest public historically black university in Georgia.[8] Savannah State University's mission statement is "to graduate students who are prepared to perform at higher levels of economic productivity, social responsibility, and excellence in their chosen career fields of endeavor in a changing global community."[9]

Savannah State operates three colleges (College of Business Administration, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of Sciences and Technology) and the Office of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research (OGSSR).[9] It also operates four research centers (Center for Teaching, Learning and Academic Support, Savannah Entrepreneurial Center, The Midtown Project, and "A Collaboration to Integrate Research and Education in Marine and Environmental Science and Biotechnology" with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, part of the University System of Georgia.[9][10] Savannah State was ranked fourth tier in the U.S. News & World Report America's Best Colleges 2008 (Universities–Master's (South) category).[4]

Contents

[edit] Demographics

The student body consists of 3,169 graduate and undergraduate students, and 385 full-time instructional faculty.[6]

[edit] Administration

[edit] Academic oversight

Oversight is provided by the University System of Georgia, the organizational body that sets goals and dictates general policy to all public educational institutions in Georgia.

[edit] Funding

Savannah State is a public institution, receiving funds from the State of Georgia, tuition, fees, research grants, private scholarship funds (including the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Tom Joyner Foundation), and alumni contributions.[11] The University System of Georgia is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents and dispenses public funds (allocated by the state's legislature) to Savannah State, excluding lottery-funded HOPE Scholarships. The university's endowment was $2,433,508[4] As of FY05, the university's budget was $42,155,964.[6] In FY06, the university received $7,725,311 in Research, Instruction, and Public Service Contracts and Grants.[12]

[edit] History

SSU's History at a glance
1890 Established as Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth [13]
1891 Relocated from Athens, Georgia to Savannah, Georgia [14]
1921 First female students admitted as campus residents.[15][2]
1928 College became a full four-year degree-granting institution as high school and normal programs removed.[15][2]
1932 Renamed to Georgia State College [15][2]
1947 Land-grant designation transferred to Fort Valley State College).[2]
1950 Renamed to Savannah State College [2]
1996 Renamed to Savannah State University [9]

[edit] Establishment

Savannah State University was originally founded as a result of the Second Morrill Land Grant Act of August 30, 1890.[9] The act mandated that southern and border states develop Black land grant colleges. On November 26, 1890 the Georgia General Assembly passed enabling legislation creating the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth.[13]

A preliminary session of the school was held in the Baxter Street School Building in Athens, Georgia where Richard R. Wright Sr. was principal.[15] The college operated in Athens for several months in 1891 before moving to its permanent location in Savannah on October 7, 1891, with Wright as the first president.[14] The school had five faculty members. Its eight students were all graduates of Edmund Asa Ware High School, the first public high school for blacks in Augusta, Georgia.[15]

[edit] Early years

The first baccalaureate degree was awarded in 1898.[2] In 1921 the first female students were admitted as residents on the campus.[15][2] In 1928 the college became a full four-year degree-granting institution and removed the high school and normal school programs. Normal schools had been created in the 19th century in many state systems in the United States, after the German model. With the expansion of towns across the United States, and continuing issues in trying to educate four million freedmen and their descendants, there was an urgent need to establish many new schools and to quickly train teachers in the North and the South. States used normal schools for training of teachers for primary school grades and sometimes secondary school as well. Normal schools or colleges tended to have two or three-year programs. Gradually the normal schools were converted to full colleges with four-year curriculum or were left behind.[15][2]

In 1932 the college became a full member institution of the University System of Georgia and its name was changed to Georgia State College.[15][2] The college served as Georgia’s land-grant institution for African-American students until 1947. The designation was then transferred to Fort Valley State College).[2] In January 1950 the college changed its name to Savannah State College.[2]

[edit] Modern history

Notable campus events  

With the growth in its graduate and research programs, in 1996 the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia elevated Savannah State College to the status of state university and the name was changed to Savannah State University.[9]

Savannah State University is the first institution in the state of Georgia to offer the homeland security degree program. It was the second institution in the University System of Georgia to offer wireless Internet connectivity to students throughout the campus.[8][20]

Students may choose from 23 accredited undergraduate baccalaureate and 5 graduate master’s degree programs offered through the university's colleges. The University has developed new partnerships that expand the range of programs and resources for students. Taking advantage of its location on the coast, the university's Marine Biology Department operates two research vessels: the R/V Sea Otter (a 35-ft twin diesel vessel owned by NOAA) and the R/V Tiger (a 22-ft outboard work boat).[21] In the fall of 2007 Savannah State teamed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to offer a new course in environmental regulations, so students can deepen understanding of policy and implementation issues. The program also helps them learn about specific environmental topics.[22]

Savannah State University's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the Office of Student Affairs administer an HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention and awareness program funded by a grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and administered by McFarland and Associates of Washington, D.C.[23]

[edit] Specialized accreditations

Adams Hall, named for A. Pratt Adams was built in 1931 under the administration of Dr. Benjamin Hubert, the third President of the College (1926-1947). Image courtesy the Dixie News Co., Savannah, Ga. from the Historic Postcard Collection, RG 48-2-5, Georgia Archives.
Adams Hall, named for A. Pratt Adams was built in 1931 under the administration of Dr. Benjamin Hubert, the third President of the College (1926-1947). Image courtesy the Dixie News Co., Savannah, Ga. from the Historic Postcard Collection, RG 48-2-5, Georgia Archives.

Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Savannah State University also has achieved fully accredited programs in specialized areas of science and engineering:

  • Civil Engineering Technology (Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology),
  • Electronics Engineering Technology (Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc. (NARTE)), and
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology (Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Additionally, the Chemistry department is American Chemical Society (ACS) certified.[24]

The Bachelor and Masters programs in Social Work are accredited by the (Council on Social Work Education), and the Masters in Public Administration by the (National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

The College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International[9] and the Mass Communications Department is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).[25]

[edit] Campus

Savannah State University is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) east southeast from the center of Savannah, Georgia, 250 miles (402 km) from Atlanta, Georgia, and 120 miles (193 km) from Jacksonville, Florida.[26] The campus is accessible from Interstate 95 and Interstate 16.[27] Spanish moss drapes the dense live oak trees, while palm trees, magnolias, and a wide variety of azaleas, camellias, and other native plants are scattered throughout the 175-acre (708,199.9 m²) marsh-side campus at 32°1′20.76″N, 81°3′18.44″W (32.0224339, -81.0551121)[28] [29]

[edit] Early years

The original campus consisted of 86 acres (348,030 m²) and three buildings (Boggs Hall, Parsons Hall and a farmhouse) with 51 acres (206,390 m²) of the land serving as the school's farm.[30] Several of the campus' older buildings were originally constructed by students and faculty members, and display architectural styles from the past century.[31]

[edit] Historic facilities

Walter Bernard Hill Hall
(U.S. National Historic Landmark)
Walter Bernard Hill Hall
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Built/Founded: 1901
Architect: Unknown
Architectural style(s): Classical Revival
Added to NRHP: 1981
NRHP Reference#: 81000197
Governing body: Georgia Board of Regents

Walter Bernard Hill Hall, built in 1901, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.[32] The Georgia Historical Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have recognized both the Savannah State campus and Hill Hall as a part of the Georgia Historical Marker Program.[33]

[edit] Athletic facilities

CDR Donnie Cochran at the dedication ceremony for the A4 Memorial on the campus of Savannah State University on May 10, 1991.Photo courtesy of Savannah State University, NROTC.
CDR Donnie Cochran at the dedication ceremony for the A4 Memorial on the campus of Savannah State University on May 10, 1991.Photo courtesy of Savannah State University, NROTC.

Tiger Arena is the 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena which serves as the home for the university's basketball team and athletic department offices. Ted A. Wright Football Stadium is the home of the university's football team and has an Olympic outdoor track. The 7,500-seat multi-purpose stadium opened in 1967. The track was constructed in 1995.[34]

[edit] Planned improvements

On October 15, 2007 Savannah State broke ground on a new academic building.[35] Planned student facilities in the building include 10 classrooms, three lecture rooms, three computer labs, and an applied research and observation labs.[36] The building will also house the Africana studies exhibit, the Dean of Humanities and faculty offices, the Public Administration/Urban Studies and the Social Work and Social and Behavioral Sciences departments.[36] The currently unnamed building is scheduled to open in 2009.[36]

[edit] Student life

The University offers organized and informal co-curricular activities including 75 student organizations, leadership workshops, 15 intramural activities, student publications and student internships.[37]

[edit] Wesleyan Gospel Choir

The SSU Wesleyan Gospel Choir was established in 1971.[38] In 2004 the choir completed and released a live album, entitled RLW: "Revelation, Love, & Worship".[39] Members of the Wesleyan Gospel Choir participated in the NBCAHF Inaugural Gospel Explosion competition in 2006 and the International Gospel Retreat which aired on the The Word Network.[38] In 2007 the choir performed at the Dr. Bobby Jones International Gospel Music Industry Retreat which was also broadcast on the The Word Network. The choir performed with Ann Nesby during the 13th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival.[40]

[edit] Marching Tiger band

The university band, nicknamed the "Coastal Empire Sound Explosion", performs during Savannah State football games. They were featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands in 2004 and 2005. The current Director is Mr. Lorne Lee.

[edit] National fraternities and sororities

All nine of the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations currently have chapters at Savannah State University.[41][42] These organizations are:

Organization Symbol Chapter Chapter Symbol
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ΑΚA Gamma Upsilon ΓΥ
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ΑΦΑ Delta Eta ΔΗ
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ΔΣΘ Delta Nu ΔΝ
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. IΦΘ Savannah State Colony [43]
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. ΚΑΨ Gamma Chi ΓΧ
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. ΩΨΦ Alpha Gamma ΑΓ
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. ΦΒΣ Gamma Zeta ΓΖ
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. ΣΓΡ Alpha Iota ΑΙ
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ΖΦΒ Rho Beta ΡΒ

Other National fraternities and sororities with registered chapters currently on campus include:

Organization Symbol Chapter Chapter Symbol
Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity ΔΣΠ Kappa Chi ΚΧ
Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority ΙΦΛ
Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity ΦΒΛ
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity ΦΑΔ
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority ΤΒΣ Iota Zeta ΙΖ
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity KKΨ Lambda Upsilon ΛΥ
Delta Phi Omega Band Fraternity ΔΦΩ

Additionally, Alpha Phi Omega (ΑΦΩ) National Fraternity, at one point, had a registered chapter at Savannah State.

[edit] Student media

[edit] Tiger's Roar

The Tiger's Roar is the official student-produced newspaper of Savannah State University and provides both a print and on-line version.[44]

[edit] WHCJ (College Radio Station)

Main article: WHCJ

SSU operates WHCJ (FM) radio, which broadcasts 24 hours a day from the campus, covers all of Chatham County, and can also be heard in Effingham, Bryan, Beaufort, and Liberty counties.[45]

Established in 1975 and known as "the Voice of Savannah State University", WHCJ's current play formats include gospel, jazz, reggae, blues and salsa music, as well as talk shows, commentaries, and cultural enrichment programming.[46]

[edit] Athletics

Additional athletics information  
Main article: Savannah State Tigers

Intercollegate athletics at Savannah State University are administered by the Savannah State University Athletic Department. The department dedicates about $2 million per year for its sports teams and facilities.[47]

Savannah State University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (as an independent) and participates in the following sports: football, baseball, basketball (men and women), cross-country (men and women), tennis (men and women), track and field (men and women), volleyball (women only), golf (men), and softball (women).[48]

The school gained notoriety when they finished the 2004–2005 men's basketball season a winless 0–28, the first Division I team to do so since Prairie View A&M University in 1991–1992.[49][50] The team’s final game (a 49–44 loss to Florida A&M) was covered by several national sports organizations including ESPN.

[edit] See also

Additional faculty information  

[edit] Suggested readings

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:


[edit] References

This article is a part of a series on
Savannah State University

Schools and Colleges  
Athletics  
Other Articles  
See also:
This box: view • talk • edit
  1. ^ New Georgia Encyclopedia: Savannah State University. Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Savannah State University. Retrieved on 2007-08-27.
  3. ^ a b List of HBCUs -- White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2007-08-16). Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
  4. ^ a b c USNews.com:America's Best Colleges 2008:Savannah State University:At a glance. USNews.com. U.S.News & World Report, L.P. Retrieved on 2008-01-30.
  5. ^ Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., Ph.D President Savannah State University. Retrieved on 2007-08-27.
  6. ^ a b c d e Semester Enrollment Report (PDF). Office of Research and Policy Analysis. University System of Georgia (2007-11-12). Retrieved on 2007-12-23.
  7. ^ a b Savannah General Information. Savannah State University Office of Institutional Research & Planning (2003). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
  8. ^ a b Savannah State University Admission: About Us. Savannah State University (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Savannah State University 2005-2007 Catalog. Savannah State University (2005). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  10. ^ Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  11. ^ Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Member Schools. Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund (2004). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  12. ^ Extramural Funds Received for Research, Instruction, and Public Service - Fiscal Year 2006. Research Funding Received - Research Contracts and Grants. University System of Georgia. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
  13. ^ a b SSU - Where Savannah Meets the Sea.... Retrieved on 2008-08-31.
  14. ^ a b Savannah State University was founded in 1890, <http://www.umes.edu/lmrcsc/ssu%20overview.htm>. Retrieved on 27 August 2007 
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h New Georgia Encyclopedia: Savannah State University. Retrieved on 2007-08-30.
  16. ^ TV Listing:Trading Spaces (2007-11-16). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  17. ^ a b c d Evangelical group sues college over foot-washing. Biloxi Sun Herald (2007-09-06). Retrieved on 2007-09-26.
  18. ^ a b Court Rules in Favor of Christian 'Foot Washing' Group (2007-08-29). Retrieved on 2007-09-26.
  19. ^ a b Felty, Dana Clark (2008-02-29). SSU allows foot-washing religious group back on campus. SavannahNow.com. Savannah Morning News. Retrieved on 2008-03-03.
  20. ^ Savannah State to offer Bachelor of Arts degree in homeland security and emergency management. Savannah State University (2006). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  21. ^ Marine Sciences Program, Savannah State University. National Association of Marine Laboratories (2006). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  22. ^ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers teams with Savannah State to offer new course in environmental regulations. Savannah State University (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-27.
  23. ^ SSU receives $65,000 grant for HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse prevention education program (2006-01-16). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  24. ^ SSU’s chemistry department. Savannah State University (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
  25. ^ SSU’s mass communications program accredited by ACEJMC. Savannah State University (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-27.
  26. ^ Savannah State University Location. Savannah State University (2003). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  27. ^ Savannah General Information. Savannah State University Office of Institutional Research & Planning (2003). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
  28. ^ Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  29. ^ Geographic Names Information System Feature Detail Report. U.S. Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey). Retrieved on 2007-08-28.
  30. ^ Historic Thunderbolt, Georgia. Armstrong Atlantic State University Department of History. Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
  31. ^ Savannah General Information. Savannah State University Office of Institutional Research & Planning (2003). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
  32. ^ National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
  33. ^ Georgia Historical Markers. University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government (2006). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
  34. ^ DIAAFOOTBALL.COM Savannah State. Bisonville.com (2006). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  35. ^ SSU Breaks Ground on New Academic Building. WTOC TV (2007-10-15). Retrieved on 2007-11-30.
  36. ^ a b c Academic Building (2007-11-29). Retrieved on 2007-11-30.
  37. ^ Savannah State University Campus Life. Savannah State University (2002). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  38. ^ a b SSU students compete, earn titles during National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend (2006-10-01). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  39. ^ Wesleyan Gospel Choir launches CD project (2004-09-27). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  40. ^ THE ACADEMIC CONNECTION: Black Heritage Festival. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  41. ^ SSU Greek Organizations. Savannah State University (1998). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  42. ^ Hall, Willie. "SSU welcomes Iota Phi Theta to the yard", Tiger's Roar, 2007-02-02. Retrieved on 2007-04-04. (English) 
  43. ^ Chapter Locator. Retrieved on 2008-03-03.
  44. ^ General Information. The Tiger's Roar (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
  45. ^ Savannah State University WHCJ 90.3 FM. Savannah State University (2000). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  46. ^ Savannah State University WHCJ 90.3 FM History and Background. Savannah State University (2000). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  47. ^ "The Mid-majority Report: Savannah State. Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
  48. ^ Savannah State University Athletics. Savannah State University (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  49. ^ "Tigers finish season 0-28", ESPN.com, 2005-05-28. Retrieved on 2005-02-15. 
  50. ^ Winless Savannah State Gets New Coach. CSTV.com. Retrieved on 2007-06-05.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Alabama A&M  • Alabama State  • Albany State  • Alcorn State  • Allen  • Arkansas Baptist  • Arkansas, Pine Bluff  • Benedict  • Bennett  • Bethune-Cookman  • Bishop  • Bluefield State  • Bowie State  • Central State  • Cheyney  • Claflin  • Clark Atlanta  • Coahoma  • Concordia, Selma  • Coppin State  • Delaware State  • Denmark Technical  • Dillard  • Edward Waters  • Elizabeth City State  • Fayetteville State  • Fisk  • Florida A&M  • Florida Memorial  • Fort Valley State  • Gadsen State  • Grambling State  • Hampton  • Harris-Stowe  • Hinds  • Howard  • Huston-Tillotson  • Interdenominational Theological Center  • Jackson State  • Jarvis Christian  • Johnson C. Smith  • Kentucky State  • Knoxville  • Lane  • Langston  • LeMoyne-Owen  • Lewis College of Business  • Lincoln, Missouri  • Lincoln, Pennsylvania  • Livingstone  • Maryland, Eastern Shore  • Meharry  • Miles  • Mississippi Valley State  • Morehouse  • Morehouse School of Medicine  • Morgan State  • Morris Brown  • Morris  • Mount Hermon Female Seminary  • Norfolk State  • North Carolina A&T State  • North Carolina Central  • Oakwood  • Paine  • Paul Quinn  • Philander Smith  • Prairie View A&M  • Rust  • Saint Paul's  • Savannah State  • Selma  • Shaw  • Shelton State CC  • South Carolina State  • Southern  • Southern (New Orleans)  • Southern (Shreveport)  • Southwestern Christian  • Spelman  • St. Augustine's  • Stillman  • Storer  • Straight  • Talladega  • Tennessee State  • Texas College  • Texas Southern  • Tougaloo  • Tuskegee  • UDC  • UVI  • Virginia State  • Virginia Union  • Virginia, Lynchburg  • Voorhees  • West Virginia State  • Wilberforce  • Wiley  • Winston-Salem State  • Xavier (Louisiana)
v • d • e
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service logo