Savannah State University (SSU) is proud to announce a significant honor for one of its most accomplished and dedicated supporters. The university will rename the Hyundai College of Education’s essential Literacy Lab in honor of distinguished alumna and devoted philanthropist, Dr. Jacquelyn Stephens. The facility, located in the College of Education’s new home in Payne Hall since July 2025, will be officially designated the Jacqueline Stephens Literacy Lab. The naming ceremony took place during the excitement of Homecoming 2025 on Thursday, October 23rd at 4 PM, making it a particularly meaningful event for the Tiger community.
Dr. Stephens’ connection to SSU runs deep. A proud alumna of Savannah State College, she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education before earning advanced degrees in Reading Education from Illinois State University (M.Ed.) and the University of Oklahoma (Ph.D.). She returned to SSU in 1969 to serve as acting head of the Elementary Education Department.
“Dr. Stephens is not only an accomplished educator and scholar but also my former professor, mentor, and role model,” said Dr. Cora Thompson, dean of the College of Education. “To this day, she continues to provide guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support in my journey as an academic leader. Her passion for teaching children how to read and preparing teachers to do the same has defined her life’s work. She is deeply committed to closing literacy gaps and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and in life.”…