Dr. Kendrick Savage is a native of Oxford, MS. He is a first-generation college student. He earned his B.S. in mathematics from The University of Mississippi, an M.S. in mathematics from Mississippi State University, an M.A. in teaching from Mississippi State University, and a Ph.D. in mathematics education from Mississippi State University. As an undergraduate, Dr. Savage participated in programs such as LSMAMP (Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation), AGEM (Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi), and the the Ronald E. McNair Program. Given his background, coupled with the impact of those programs, he has a heart to give back to first-generation STEM students, which often represents those that did not come from educationally rich background.

Dr. Savage has over 15 years of motivational speaking experience. He started speaking to students in a motivational capacity while in college. His first experiences came by way of programs such as the LSMAMP and Ronald E. McNair Program. He was given numerous opportunities to use his gift of speaking, such as: keynote speaker at closing banquets, motivational speaking at retreats, speaking to mentors during mentor training sessions, and open discussions. Once he graduated from college he continued to give back to his undergraduate alma mater by accepting motivational speaking engagements from the LSMAMP and Ronald E. McNair Programs. Dr. Savage has worked with a number of schools, including: The University of Mississippi, University of Georgia, The University of North Georgia, East Mississippi Community College, and Fort Valley State University just to name a few.

Dr. Savage is currently an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics education at Georgia Gwinnett College where in his short time there he has been nominated for Georgia Gwinnett College’s Outstanding Teacher Award twice (most recently in 2021) and for the Student Engagement Award. He is a passionate mentor who does his best to help students keep their dreams alive. He is interested in how to increase students’ motivation and confidence in the field of mathematics. Most recently his research has expanded to topics in mathematics for social justice.

On a lighter note Dr. Savage enjoys running, strength training, spoken word poetry, working with his church, and spending time with his family. His most precious gifts in life are his wife and his two beautiful little girls. He is grateful for the strength, fortitude, and tenacity God has given him to not just succeed but to get back up when he falls. Therefore, his primary goal in life is to take the gifts God has blessed him with and work not only to touch the lives of those he encounters but to also make the world a better place.