Whirl Named to Georgia Trend Top 500 Leaders
Savannah State University President Dr. Jermaine Whirl has been named to Georgia Trend Magazine's Top 500 Influential Leaders list for a second time.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Savannah State University, was named to Georgia Trend Magazine's Top 500 Influential Leaders in the State of Georgia list. It marks his second time being named to the list.
Why it matters
The annual list recognizes individuals whose work shapes leadership across Georgia, and repeat selection signals sustained recognition of Whirl's role at the university. The honor places a Savannah-based higher education leader alongside other influential figures statewide.
The list features 500 honorees across Georgia, and Whirl has been selected twice. The publication's selection methodology was not detailed in the available material.
The players
Dr. Jermaine Whirl
Dr. Jermaine Whirl is the President of Savannah State University, a public historically Black university in Savannah, Georgia.
Georgia Trend Magazine
Georgia Trend Magazine is a monthly business and lifestyle publication covering Georgia, known for its annual lists of influential leaders.
The details
Dr. Jermaine Whirl took over as President of Savannah State University in April 2025. He shared news of the honor on his Facebook page, and the full list of honorees is published by Georgia Trend Magazine.
Timeline
April 2025: Dr. Jermaine Whirl became President of Savannah State University.
November 6, 2026: Georgia Trend Magazine published the list naming Whirl to the Top 500 Influential Leaders.
Leadership Landscape
Georgia Trend Magazine's annual Top 500 Influential Leaders list has become a recurring marker of statewide business and civic leadership. Repeat selections, like Whirl's second honor, show how individuals sustain visibility within that ongoing recognition cycle.
For Georgia readers, the list highlights which education and business leaders are shaping the state's institutions. Those interested in Savannah State University's direction can follow its leadership announcements and public statements.
The takeaway
Recognition lists like Georgia Trend's Top 500 offer a snapshot of who is steering the state's institutions. Tracking repeat honorees can reveal which leaders maintain influence over time.
Further reading
Explore more People profiles from across the state in Georgia business coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSAV News 3.
