Savannah State University announces layoffs in a cost-saving measure
"Savannah State University today implemented a reduction in force to help address financial challenges caused by declining enrollment..."
"Savannah State University today implemented a reduction in force to help address financial challenges caused by declining enrollment..."
"Savannah State University today implemented a reduction in force to help address financial challenges caused by declining enrollment..."
Almost two dozen Savannah State University employees are being laid off in a cost-saving measure, officials announced Friday afternoon.
"Savannah State University today implemented a reduction in force to help address financial challenges caused by declining enrollment. The difficult decision comes as colleges and universities across the nation are dealing with similar downward enrollment trends," SSU said in a statement.
Twenty-three employees were notified early Friday that they will lose their jobs by June 30, 2023.
“Savannah State University is its people. Whenever we must make reductions, it deeply impacts our campus and community,” SSU President Kimberly Ballard-Washington said. “This has been one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make as we value all employees."
The university has also frozen vacant positions and is taking additional measures to reduce expenditures.
Savannah State is the oldest institution of higher learning in Savannah and the oldest public Historically Black College and University in Georgia.
Friday's announcement comes days after SSU's president submitted her resignation citing personal reasons. She told WJCL 22 she wants to spend more time with her family.
"Children don't stay little or college-age for too long, so I need to spend some time being a mom," she said. "That's not to say I won't continue working, but being a college president is more than a full time job."
Officials said from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2023, the university’s state appropriation allocation fell by $5.4 million due to declining enrollment. For the same reason, tuition revenue over the same period has decreased by more than $5 million. With the state’s funding formula based on enrollment, SSU is also preparing for additional reductions for the next two budget cycles in Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025.
According to a story in Forbes from February 2022, when compared to their predominantly white counterparts, the nation's Black land-grant universities have been underfunded by at least $12.8 billion over the last three decades.
"The university values and appreciates the efforts of all the affected employees and will miss their contribution in service to the campus and students. It will work closely with those impacted by today’s notice to support their transition," Ballard-Washington said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.