USG Institutions:
www.chronicle.augusta.com
Governance, spending questioned at GRU
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/health/2015-04-23/governance-spending-questioned-gru
By Tom Corwin
Staff Writer
While it helped solve problems working together years ago, Georgia Regents University and its health systems and faculty practices should re-evaluate whether that integrated governance is still working for them and whether the financial needs of some are being met, according to a draft special audit presented Thursday to the board of Georgia Regents Health System. In particular, the audit questioned the spending of reserves for the Medical Associates faculty practice, a move defended by GRU officials as necessary for strategic growth. University System of Georgia Chief Audit Officer John Fuchko began a Special Review in August 2014 at the request of Chancellor Hank Huckaby, which Fuchko said the chancellor requests regularly to look at the financial strength of institutions. GRU is unusual because the finances of the university are so clearly tied to the performance of the health system and its clinicians and “while legally separate (they) truly are integrated,” Fuchko said.
wwww.myajc.com
Valdosta State cancels classes Friday in wake of security concerns
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/valdosta-state-cancels-classes-friday-in-wake-of-s/nk2rS/
By David Markiewicz – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Valdosta State University officials announced Thursday night that all classes and on-campus events scheduled for Friday have been canceled in the wake of security concerns that arose following protests related to the treatment of the American flag. On its website, the school said: “After further discussions with local law enforcement and in the interest of the safety of our students, faculty, and staff, Valdosta State University will suspend normal business operations for Friday, April 24.” The school also said that: “For students living in on-campus housing, we will have an increased law enforcement presence on campus to ensure their continued safety throughout the protests scheduled to occur around Main Campus.” The university plans to resume normal operations for all classes and events scheduled Saturday, April 25.
www.vidaenelvalle.com
Georgia university cancels classes in flap over flag protest
http://www.vidaenelvalle.com/2015/04/24/2432684/georgia-university-cancels-classes.html
The Associated Press
VALDOSTA, Ga. Student demonstrators who walked on an American flag to protest racism have sparked a counter movement, prompting a south Georgia university to cancel classes Friday ahead of a rally expected to draw large crowds of flag supporters to Valdosta. …Flag supporters planned a rally for Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, tensions were heightened at Valdosta State when campus police found a backpack containing a handgun Tuesday. Police said they traced the gun to a protester who was part of the flag-walking demonstration, and they issued a warrant for Eric Sheppard’s arrest on charges of bringing a firearm onto a college campus. Sheppard fled and has not been found by authorities, Clark said. But university administrators said it was the possibility of thousands of people rallying on the outskirts of campus Friday that ultimately led to the decision to give students a day off.
www.statesboroherald.com
Georgia Southern vigil remembers lost ‘sisters’
Dr. Keel: ‘Hold on to that love. Hold on to that support.’
http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/1/article/67298/
By BRITTANI HOWELL
A hurting Eagle Nation turned out in force Thursday evening to remember, honor and cry together over the five “sisters” lost in Wednesday’s tragic accident on Interstate 16. About 2,500 people gathered on Georgia Southern’s Sweetheart Circle to mourn the friends and colleagues gone forever, but also to celebrate their lives and support one another. “Today, we are all Eagles,” university President Dr. Brooks Keel said, his voice cracking with emotion. “Hold on to that love. Hold on to that support, Eagle Nation. Hold on to each other.”
www.ajc.com
Who were the 5 Georgia Southern students killed in a crash?
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/who-were-the-5-georgia-southern-students-killed-in/nk2Pk/
Mike Morris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flags flew at half-staff Thursday morning at Georgia Southern University, where students, faculty and staff planned to remember five nursing students killed Wednesday morning in a seven-vehicle pileup on I-16.
Two of those killed in the fiery pileup in Bryan County were from metro Atlanta – Emily Clark, 20, of Powder Springs and Catherine “McKay” Pittman, 21, of Alpharetta. Clark was a 2012 graduate of Harrison High School, while Pittman graduated from Milton High School. Also killed in the wreck were Caitlyn N. Baggett, 21, of Millen, Abbie L. Deloach, 21, of Savannah and Morgan J. Bass, 20, of Leesburg. All five were juniors on their way to a Savannah hospital for their final rotation of clinicals when the two vehicles they were riding in were involved in the pileup.
www.myajc.com
Campus reeling a day after deaths of 5 Ga. Southern students
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/campus-reeling-a-day-after-deaths-of-5-ga-southern/nk2dq/
By Mark Davis and Tyler Estep – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A day after the shocking interstate crash that killed five of her classmates, one Georgia Southern University nursing student injured in the wreck was released from one hospital and transferred to another. Few other details have been released about the crash.
www.myfoxatlanta.com
State Honors Nursing Students Killed in Accident
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/28888431/state-honors-students-killed-in-accident
By Marc Teichner, FOX 5 Reporter
Flags at all state buildings and parks will fly half staff today in memory of 5 Georgia Southern University nursing students killed in a traffic accident earlier this week.
www.myajc.com
GSU students ‘made a huge impact’ on hospital staff training them
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/gsu-students-made-a-huge-impact-on-hospital-staff-/nk2qW/
By Tina A. Brown
For The Atlanta Journal Constitution
SAVANNAH — Once a week the seven nursing students involved in the fatal crash Wednesday carpooled for the hour long drive from Georgia Southern in Statesboro to Savannah’s St. Joseph’s Hospital where they experienced what real nursing was all about. …The hospital staff offered a glimpse Thursday into the students’ clinical experience at the St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital System and how in life and now in death they’ve affected the staff here. …“The students bonded with the nurses and the patients,’’ said Taylor, who took a deep breath as she attempted to compose her raw emotions. … “We want the families to know that these young ladies stood out. They were engaged with the patients and they always demonstrated professionalism. They were Georgia girls who really made a huge impact,’’ she said.
www.getschooled.blog.ajc.com
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
A fellow nurse mourns tragic loss of five Georgia Southern students
http://getschooled.blog.ajc.com/2015/04/23/a-fellow-nurse-mourns-tragic-loss-of-five-georgia-southern-students/
This tribute to the five young women killed in an accident on I-16 near Savannah Wednesday morning is from a fellow nurse, Nancy McLaughlin of Woodstock.
www.savannahnow.com
Memorial fund created for GSU nursing students killed in crash
http://savannahnow.com/news/2015-04-23/memorial-fund-created-gsu-nursing-students-killed-crash
By Savannah Morning News
The Georgia Southern School of Nursing Students’ Memorial Fund has been established to honor the five nursing students who tragically lost their lives on April 22.
www.thebrunswicknews.com
CCGA launches Go Back to Move Ahead campaign
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/ccga-launches-go-back-to-move-ahead-campaign/article_5fe9ec84-bdcb-50ba-b634-e38c3f6602d5.html
by Anna Hall
…Selder enrolled at the College of Coastal Georgia, where he found he could transfer and apply 80 credit hours and begin a pathway to earning a degree in business administration. Since starting at the college, he has landed a position working in the Human Resources Department and has plans for an internship in human resources at the Jekyll Island Authority this summer. …It’s become clear going back to college was the best possible decision I could make.”Students like Selder, who started a degree but never finished, are a top priority for state education officials as they launch the Go Back to Move Ahead campaign. College of Coastal Georgia has been picked as one of the colleges in Georgia where the campaign will start, said John Cornell, director of public relations for the college. The program is designed to make returning to college or starting for the first time as an adult and earning a bachelor’s degree more affordable, more attainable and more realistic for non-traditional students and adult learners, Cornell said.
www.gwinnettdailypost.com
Peach State Federal Credit Union CEO gives $100K to GGC
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2015/apr/23/peach-state-federal-credit-union-ceo-gives-100k/
By Keith Farner
For the second time in less than a year, Georgia Gwinnett College has announced a six-figure donation. This time it came from Peach State Federal Credit Union President/CEO Marshall Boutwell and his wife, Lee. The school announced on Thursday that the Boutwells gave $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship fund. The scholarship — the Lee and Marshall Boutwell Veterans Scholarship Fund — will be set up for full-time students who are veterans and maintain a GGC grade-point average above 2.0.
www.northwestgeorgianews.com
GHC advances eLearning program by offering fully online associate degree options
http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/education/ghc-advances-elearning-program-by-offering-fully-online-associate-degree/article_f955b7ba-e9c8-11e4-ae83-7f06900af1f5.html
In order to keep up with the demand for more flexible degree options, Georgia Highlands College is now offering degrees in 11 fully online obtainable areas of study. “For years, Georgia Highlands has provided online courses that transfer easily,” Dean of eLearning Diane Langston said. “Now students can get whole programs, too.” GHC now offers a full online associate degree in the following areas of study: Business, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Foreign Language, General Studies, History, Political Science and Teacher Education: Middle Grades. These nine areas of study join the recently added fully online bachelor’s degree in nursing or dental hygiene.
www.bizjournals.com
UGA, Tarkenton Institute partner to launch Certificate in Entrepreneurship
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2015/04/23/uga-tarkenton-institute-partner-to-launch.html
Phil W. Hudson
Staff Writer- Atlanta Business Chronicle
The University of Georgia Terry College of Business partnered with the Tarkenton Institute to launch the Tarkenton Certificate in Entrepreneurship. The non-degree Certificate program was driven by the vision of National Football League Hall of Famer and veteran entrepreneur Fran Tarkenton (UGA Class of ‘61). The program is for current and aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to gain the knowledge and tools needed to start a new business or operate an existing business more effectively.
www.animalcareers.about.com
Top 10 Veterinary Schools
http://animalcareers.about.com/od/Vet-School/fl/Top-10-Veterinary-Schools.htm
By Mary Hope Kramer
The well known publication U.S. News & World Report has released the 2015-2016 rankings for veterinary colleges. Published every four years, the rankings are frequently quoted in promotional materials and on veterinary college websites. The last two reports, published in 2008 and 2011 respectively, featured Cornell as the top vet school in the nation. This year a new top program was named.The rankings are based on peer assessment surveys that the Report sends to the 30 veterinary colleges accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association every four years.
University of Georgia
Location: Athens, GA
DVM Program Established: 1946
DVM Students Currently Enrolled: 426
Annual Tuition: $18,354 (resident) and $46,054 (non-resident)
Previous Rankings: #9 (tie) in 2011
www.bloomberg.com
Georgia Craft business plan takes first place in CSU competition, $5,000 prize [Columbus Ledger-Enquirer]
http://www.bloomberg.com/research/markets/news/article.asp?docKey=600-201504231602KRTRIB__BUSNEWS_2138_42566-1
April 23–Columbus State University has named the winners of the 2015 Business Plan Competition, which is sponsored by CSU’s Turner College of Business. Jessica Lester, an MBA student at Columbus State and media consultant for the Ledger-Enquirer, took first place and a $5,000 prize. The second place winner was Bobby Matthews, a CSU business major who created Matthews Woodworking, a Troup County, Ga., company specializing in the production of outdoor furniture. Third place went to CSU business students Shane and Greg Meshes for their proposal for Hidden Goat Farms, a business in Warm Springs, Ga., that will sell goat’s milk and milk byproducts. …Kirk Heriot, CSU’s Ray and Evelyn Crowley Endowed Chair for Entrepreneurship, launched the Business Plan Competition in 2010. It aims to promote entrepreneurship and development of startups, build bridges between the university and the Columbus area and encourage commercialization of promising ideas.
www.gcsunade.com
Project Brave reaches out to campus
http://www.gcsunade.com/2015/04/23/project-brave-reaches-out-to-campus/
Braveheart, GC Women’s Center, Georgia College Public Safety mingles with students
Andrew Podo
Students mingled with members of the Women’s Center, Georgia College Public Safety officers and university administrators as part of a meet and greet with members of Project BRAVE, a university task force dedicated to stopping sexual violence this past Wednesday. Junior mass communication major Katie Pruitt organized the event as part of Project BRAVE’s student group, BRAVEHEART. She hopes that meeting members of the staff dedicated to handling these sensitive issues will help spread awareness and allow students to be more comfortable when looking for help.
www.globalatlanta.com
Costa Rican President Visit Shines Light on University Exchanges
http://www.globalatlanta.com/article/27565/costa-rican-presidential-visit-shines-light-on-university-exchanges/
by Trevor Williams
Look at the study-abroad map of most universities across Georgia, and Costa Rica seems like the constant destination. The programs are diverse: some students take Spanish while teaching English; others learn about tropical ecosystems or how to develop ecotourism programs. Study-abroad websites promising “life-changing” experiences show images of lush forests and students zip-lining, riding horses or whooshing down water slides… Georgia Institute of Technology’s Supply Chain Logistics Institute in 2009 launched its Trade, Innovation and Productivity Center in San Jose with lofty goals: to change the way the country gets its export products to market, largely by using research to maximize domestic infrastructure and streamline regulations related to trade… It’s hard to quantify the numbers of links so far, but many students and faculty have worked with center staff on projects with far-reaching implications for the nation as a whole, said Carl Rust, associate vice president for international initiatives at Georgia Tech.
University Systems News:
www.lagrangenews.com
Hogansville presents library designs
http://www.lagrangenews.com/news/news/153066095/Hogansville-presents-library-designs
Hogansville City Council reviewed preliminary design plans for its new public library at its Monday meeting. …City Council members recently met with architects to discuss the design and capacity of the library. The plans focused on the design of the building and the landscape around it. Stankiewicz said that the library will have an expanded computer area and meeting rooms for groups. …City Council members determined a budget for the project of about $3.18 million. The project is funded with $1.1 million in special-purpose, local-option sales tax (SPLOST) funds from Troup County, and a $2 million construction grant from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
Higher Education News:
www.chronicle.com
How Colleges Can Make Student Debt Feel ‘More Real’ to Borrowers Before They Graduate
http://chronicle.com/article/How-Colleges-Can-Make-Student/229621/?cid=at
By Beckie Supiano
In 2012 all campuses in the Indiana University system began sending students — new and returning, undergraduate and graduate — a letter projecting how much debt they were on track to graduate with and what their monthly payments would be. After that, the system saw year-over-year drop in borrowing. This month the State of Indiana enacted a law that will require all colleges whose students can receive its state financial aid to send a similar disclosure. The Chronicle spoke with Phil Schuman, director of financial literacy for the system, about how the debt letter works. The following transcript has been edited and condensed.
www.diverseeducation.com
Overall Retention, Persistence Rates Rise Slightly
http://diverseeducation.com/article/71928/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=0c5edadc16c047ea9eb792f2219bacc4&elqCampaignId=415&elqaid=88&elqat=1&elqTrackId=319b0b1e0d8749df9eeff2a9d9798250
by Jamaal Abdul-Alim
The persistence rate of college students has reached its highest point since 2010, when it began a four-year decline, according to a new “snapshot” report of persistence and retention rates released Thursday by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The overall persistence rate for students who entered college in fall 2013 was 69.6—or one percentage point higher than that of students who entered college in fall 2012. Meanwhile the retention rate increased by 1.1 percentage points to 59.3 percent, the report found. The persistence rate is the rate at which students return to any college during their second fall term, and the retention rate is the rate at which they return to the same college during their second fall term. The NSC analysis found that increases in persistence rates for students who started college full-time were higher than for students who started college part-time—increases of 1.2 percentage points versus 0.2 percentage points, respectively.
www.chronicle.com
Low-Income Students at Elite Colleges Speak of Facing Pressures and Alienation
http://chronicle.com/article/Low-Income-Students-at-Elite/229623/?cid=at
By Scott Carlson
Lansdowne, Va.
Jasmine Miller, who grew up in Tennessee and graduated from Harvard in 2013, has some illustrative anecdotes to explain how low-income students at elite colleges get subtle and not-so-subtle reminders that they aren’t like their classmates. An Ivy League economics professor, for example, might try to elicit a discussion by asking, “How many of you were raised by nannies?” And a low-income student is bound to get a party icebreaker like “Where’s your favorite place to go abroad?” Ms. Miller provided those anecdotes to give perspective to a select group of elite-college presidents and high-level administrators during a symposium here on Thursday at the headquarters of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which gives what it calls the nation’s largest academic scholarships to roughly 250 high-performing, low-income students each year.
www.diverseeducation.com
DOE Data Verify Damage Done to HBCUs
http://diverseeducation.com/article/71920/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=0c5edadc16c047ea9eb792f2219bacc4&elqCampaignId=415&elqaid=88&elqat=1&elqTrackId=8b4163170f994ba28d135033861c8cad
by Autumn Arnett
The Department of Education recently acknowledged that the controversial 2011 changes to Parent Plus Loan qualification standards did, in fact, adversely affect historically Black colleges and universities. In a report released last week, the department acknowledged that, for the 2012-2013 school year—the first full school year the changes were effective—“PLUS loan amounts declined substantially at HBCUs … and they were not fully replaced by other federal aid,” as department officials previously claimed. The report’s authors found that “At HBCUs the share of families with PLUS loans declined 46 percent, and the dollar amount of PLUS loans fell 36 percent,” which was more than the decline experienced by other institutions.