Savannah State University has moved to officially lock in its president with a familiar face. Find out who she is and why SSU believes she’s a perfect fit in the story from Barbara Augsdorfer at Savannah Morning News below!

Savannah State University has promoted interim president Kimberly Ballard-Washington to the permanent position, the University System of Georgia announced Thursday. 

Ballard-Washington is the sole finalist for the position she inherited after taking over for president Cheryl Dozier upon her retirement in 2019. The Board of Regents will take action on Ballard-Washington’s appointment as early as next week’s board meeting.

“Savannah State’s 130-year history could not be better served than with a candidate of Ms. Ballard-Washington’s leadership and determination to honor its legacy while helping students successfully complete their degrees in the 21st century,” said USG chancellor, Steve Wrigley in a statement Thursday. “Kimberly has invaluable experience gained from working at a number of public universities across the state, and understands the important role Savannah State plays as the oldest public HBCU in Georgia. She truly and deeply cares for SSU, its students and its mission.”

Ballard-Washington comes into the position having practiced law for 20 years and served as associate vice chancellor for legal affairs at USG. She has worked in legal affairs at the University of Georgia and was president for legal affairs and director of Equal Opportunity Programs at Valdosta State University. 

Her experience at Historically Black Colleges and Universities also includes interim leadership at Fort Valley State and Albany State. 

“Finding excellent candidates to become president of any institution is an awesome responsibility, and Savannah State’s campus-based Presidential Search and Screen Committee worked tirelessly on behalf of the university’s stakeholders and the Board of Regents,” Regent Don Waters, chair of the Regents Special Committee which also helped with the search, said in a statement released by the USG. “While a number of outstanding candidates were considered, ultimately there is no match for Ms. Ballard-Washington’s passion for SSU, as well as her knowledge and understanding of the campus, its needs and the considerable opportunities it offers both Georgia and its students.”

Ballard-Washington is a Georgia native and graduate of UGA. She earned her juris doctorate from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

“I have long admired and now love Savannah State University,” Ballard-Washington said through the USG. “For almost two years, I have had the privilege of leading one of the most historic and influential institutions in our state on a temporary basis. I am honored to now have the opportunity to continue to lead the University into the next phase of its future.”