Hyundai Motor America has made a landmark $5 million donation to Savannah State University (SSU) to establish the Hyundai College of Education, marking the largest corporate investment in the university’s 135-year history. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, workforce development, and community impact across Georgia’s coastal region.
Empowering Future Educators and Workforce Professionals
“The Hyundai College of Education represents more than just a name or sponsorship; it’s a proud milestone in our commitment to transformative community impact and expanding pathways for students from all backgrounds to excel,” said Erik Thomas, Director of Experiential and Multicultural Marketing at Hyundai Motor America.
The college will serve as a hub for training future educators and workforce professionals while enhancing access to scholarships, technology, and innovative learning opportunities that meet the needs of 21st-century education.
Strengthening Community and Education
“This gift represents more than a name — it’s a statement about what happens when higher education and industry work together to create opportunity,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Savannah State University. Hyundai’s investment will expand teaching programs, fuel innovation, and broaden educational access for students across Georgia and beyond.
Founded in 1890, SSU is Georgia’s oldest historically Black public university. The new Hyundai College of Education builds on its legacy of academic excellence and community engagement, aligning with Hyundai’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive future.
Driving Regional Growth and Workforce Development
This collaboration complements Hyundai’s ongoing investments in Coastal Georgia, including the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, the company’s first dedicated electric vehicle mass-production plant in Bryan County. Hyundai has committed to supporting education and workforce readiness programs that prepare local residents for high-demand careers.
The transition of SSU’s current College of Education into the Hyundai College of Education will begin immediately, with new branding, signage, and scholarship initiatives expected in early 2026.
About Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America provides a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Its U.S. operations, including assembly plants, R&D facilities, and dealer networks, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.
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