Bonita Bradley serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Savannah State University (SSU). In the role of Dean of Students, she is responsible for providing assistance and support services to students and the University community. In addition, she aids in the development of students who exercise personal responsibility, practice ethical decision making, and seek social justice. She also serves as a Title IX Deputy Coordinator for the university.
Ms. Bradley began her career in student services at the Savannah College of Art & Design as Administrative Assistant to the President and later served as the Student Employment Coordinator in Career Services. She joined SSU staff in June 2002 and has served as Coordinator for Student Engagement, Instructor for Freshman Year Experience, Activity Director for the Center for Leadership & Character Development (Title III grant activity), Director for the Department of Student Leadership & Development, and Chief Judicial Officer for the Office of Student Conduct. She assists in the coordination of co-curricular programming to include the Fall Freshman Leadership Academy program; the Alternative Spring Break Service-Learning Experience, and the Distinguished Lecture Series along with other programs to engage students in preparing for their future as leaders. Ms. Bradley recently expanded the university’s student support services for women and LGBTQ students with the addition of two resource centers to address the needs specific to those populations. She is a recipient of the Benjamin L. Perry Service Award through the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP). This award recognizes individuals for their leadership and commitment to excellence in the student affairs profession.
Ms. Bradley currently serves on the Advisory Board for the St. Joseph’s Candler African American Health Information and Resource Center. She has also served on the Regional Youth Detention Center in Chatham County and the Keep Savannah Beautiful Advisory Boards. She holds memberships with professional and social organizations to include, the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP), Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority, Inc., Order of the Eastern Star (PH), Daughters of Isis, an auxiliary to the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (PH) and currently serves as 1st Vice President for the Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, she is a graduate of SSU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (1995) and earned a Master’s degree in Education with emphasis on Adult Education & Distance Learning (2004) from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Savannah, Georgia.