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. “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.”