Dr. Carlton E. Brown, who has overseen the growth of Savannah State University’s endowment, enrollment and academic offerings over the last nine years, announced this week he is stepping down as president to run a special initiative of the University System of Georgia.
Brown’s resignation from the public historically Black university is effective Dec. 31, 2006; the next day he will join the staff of USG Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr.
“Serving as president of Savannah State University has been an enormous pleasure,” Brown wrote in an e-mail announcement to faculty and staff. “My love for this institution, its people and its history will continue to grow, as will my pride and gratitude for having been part of an incredible team that has accomplished so much in a short period, often against seemingly insurmountable odds.
“I am confident that the university’s foundation is solid enough to sustain this transition while continuing the growth trajectory and character of the institution.”
Beheruz N. Sethna, USG interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, called Brown a visionary leader who was “the driving force behind a number of student-centered initiatives.”
During Brown’s tenure, Savannah State’s endowment grew to $2.6 million, up from $800,000. Student enrollment increased 48 percent, or by 1,000 students, from fall 1998 to fall 2005. As of this fall, about 3,230 students are enrolled.
Among the undergraduate degree majors the university has added is Africana studies, behavior analysis, and homeland security and emergency management. The institution more than doubled its graduate degree program with the addition of urban studies, marine sciences and business administration.
