[mpoverlay]The University System of Georgia Board of Regents last week announced Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier as the permanent president of Savannah State University. Dr. Dozier, a Masters of Social Work alumna of Atlanta University, had held the position on an interim basis since April of 2011, and in that time, created successful initiatives to improve customer service, alumni giving and retention.

“Dr. Dozier has demonstrated a great capacity for leadership and a clear ability to unite the campus and the community,” said (USG Chancellor Hank) Huckaby. “Her work as interim has been impressive and it is the right decision to allow her the opportunity to provide permanent leadership for the University.”

“I am proud of the progress that has been made thus far but the pursuit of excellence is far from over,” Dr. Dozier said in statement. ” With the commitment, engagement and involvement of all of our stakeholders, I am certain that Savannah State University will continue to thrive and flourish as it fulfills its mission to develop productive members of a global society.”

Among Dr. Dozier’s most celebrated projects is the “Closing the Gap” initiative, a financial assistance program for graduating seniors who have an outstanding balance of $1,500 or less.[/mpoverlay]