Steffen Named University Counsel at SSU

Joseph Steffen Savannah State University (SSU) President Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. has named Joseph J. Steffen Jr. as university counsel.

As a member of the president's leadership team, Steffen will oversee the university's legal affairs and advise the administration on the legality of contemplated actions; interpret matters as they relate to policies and operating procedures; and oversee the successful performance of equal employment opportunity, alternative dispute and risk management functions.

Raised in Virginia, Steffen attended Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, N.C., where he earned his bachelor's degree in history, with honors, in 1979.

He earned his law degree from the College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, Va., in 1982.

Steffen launched his political career in 1984, leading a seven-candidate ticket to become the youngest person ever elected to city council in his hometown of Galax, Va. After serving a four-year term, he won reelection to the seat.

Steffen moved to Savannah in 1999 to pursue his law career and began working to help disadvantaged youth and working families, serving on the board of directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club.

A subscribing life member of the NAACP, Steffen is also a member of the King-Tisdell Foundation Board of Directors, Savannah Economic Development Authority Advisory Board, Leadership Savannah Board, Savannah Business League and the Savannah Historic Review Board.

He is the former vice chairman and spokesperson for the Chatham County Democratic Committee, and regularly serves as a political commentator for local radio and television stations.