University System News:
www.ledger-enquirer.com
University System of Georgia chancellor lauds Columbus State
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/education/article96013942.html
BY MARK RICE
A week after announcing he will retire at the end of this year, University System of Georgia chancellor Hank Huckaby lauded Columbus State University and the support it receives from the community. Huckaby made his remarks during the “State of Education” luncheon the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce conducted Tuesday for an estimated 130 local business, civic and education leaders in the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. The chancellor recalled telling Chris Markwood, while hiring him as CSU president last year, “You’re going to a community that there is no other equal in terms of the level of community support in our system.” A year later, Huckaby added, “Recently, he told me, ‘You’re absolutely right.’” Huckaby also called CSU one of the system’s “hidden jewels,” along with the University of West Georgia and Georgia College & State University. “I made it clear to Dr. Markwood that our expectation, quite frankly, is that over the next couple of years, in terms of size and confidence, Columbus State becomes another Georgia Southern,” the chancellor said. Besides praising CSU and Columbus, this was a sort of valedictory speech for Huckaby, who will have been chancellor for 5½ years when he retires Dec. 31. Steve Wrigley, executive vice chancellor of administration for the USG since 2011, will be interim chancellor. In his speech, Huckaby highlighted the chapters of what he called “a great story to tell” as he compared the USG’s condition to what it was five years ago. Among them:
www.ledger-enquirer.com
Chancellor Henry Huckaby discusses the high cost of college textbooks (video)
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/article96059782.html
University System of Georgia chancellor presents ideas to address the high cost of textbooks during the State of Education luncheon at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center
www.wokv.com
One U.S. college has won more Olympic medals than some countries
http://www.wokv.com/news/news/national/one-us-college-has-won-more-olympic-medals-some-co/nsGsh/
By George Mathis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Headlines Tuesday morning highlighted an unexpected win by Bahamian sprinter Shaunae Miller, who beat out Allyson Felix for the gold medal in the women’s 400-meter final when she dove over the finish line. “Things happen,” Miller said about the upset. “Hey, I got a gold medal.”
Miller, 22, is one of many athletes from The University of Georgia to bring home medals. So far, the Bulldogs have as many medals — 10 — as host country Brazil. …UGA’s Gunnar Bentz was one of four U.S. swimmers who were robbed Sunday by gunmen pretending to be Rio de Janeiro police officers. Bentz made history by being the first male Bulldog swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal. UGA swimmers have won 11 gold medals at all games. Most of UGA’s winners have been women.
www.myajc.com
Tech’s Chaunté Lowe has high-jump medal podium in sight
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/college/techs-chaunte-lowe-has-high-jump-medal-podium-in-s/nsGxk/
By Ken Sugiura – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 0
Nat Page has worked with Chaunté Lowe since she arrived on Georgia Tech’s campus in 2002. Tech’s longtime jumps and hurdles coach coached America’s preeminent high jumper ever since, guiding her to four Olympics. Prior to leaving Atlanta for Rio, Page said he believed that her moment had come. “We haven’t put it all together at the Games,” Page said. “She has a lot more in her tank. You look at her and she’s one of the most physically gifted women you’ve seen, but things have to be right. I think it’s time.” Lowe, whose competition begins with preliminaries Thursday, is far from the rising junior who represented the U.S. in the 2004 Olympics, when she became Tech’s first-ever female Olympian.
www.albanyherald.com
HOPE Scholarship could run into the red by 2028
Report says rising tuition costs not in line with lottery spending
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — For the past 22 years, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship has been envied nationwide and promoted as a shining jewel of the state’s educational system. More than 1.7 million Georgia students have received more than $8 billion in tuition assistance from the program, providing college opportunities to those who otherwise may have never obtained a college degree. But in many respects, former Gov. Zell Miller’s baby has been a victim of its own success. According to a recent report from the Committee to Preserve HOPE Scholarships, expansion of programs and overwhelming public demand are straining the system despite, growing contributions from the Georgia Lottery. The report states, “If recent trends continue, the funds available for the HOPE Scholarship for 3.0 GPA students — the very students HOPE was created for more than 20 years ago — will be out of money by 2028.”
USG Institutions:
www.gainesvilletimes.com
University of North Georgia expects enrollment of more than 18,000 this fall
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/118564/
By Ron Bridgeman
The University of North Georgia expects more than 18,000 students at its five campuses next week, and the increase will bring 70 new faculty positions. Bonita Jacobs, president of UNG, used those numbers in her upbeat State of the University address Tuesday at the school’s Gainesville campus. The faculty-staff convocation was given at the Dahlonega campus Tuesday afternoon. If enrollment is more than 18,000, it will be the second year in a row UNG has increased its number of students by about 1,000. UNG’s Gainesville campus has the largest number of students among its five. Dahlonega, the main campus, is second in numbers of students. The school’s Dahlonega campus opened a new dormitory with more than 500 beds this summer.
www.jbhe.com
The University of Georgia Reports an Increase in Black First-Year Students
The University of Georgia reports that its entering class is the most academically qualified in history and is the most diverse in university history. There are more than 5,400 students in the entering class. They have an average grade point average of 3.98 on a 5.0 scale. The average score on the SAT college entrance examination was 1302, the highest in university history. The university accepted just over half of all applicants this year, down from 63 percent of all applicants in 2011. Some 1,730 students self-identify as students of color. More than 460 students self-identify as African Americans. This is an increase of 10 percent since 2015. Blacks are about 8.5 percent of entering class.
www.campusreform.org
College rankings should include diversity, engineering dean argues
http://www.campusreform.org/?ID=8008
Amber Athey, Investigative Reporter
According to a dean at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT), U.S. News & World Report needs to include “diversity” as part of their popular college rankings. Gary S May, Dean of the College of Engineering at GT, argues that inclusion of diversity in college rankings would force universities to play up their diversity efforts, lest they suffer in the rankings. “If U.S. News and similar organizations started paying attention to diversity, universities would start paying attention, because—rightly or wrongly—these rankings drive behavior,” he writes in an op-ed for Inside Higher Ed. “Factoring diversity into rankings will establish an imperative: attract and retain students from diverse backgrounds or risk university reputations.”
www.myajc.com
Aiming for Georgia Tech? Take tough high school courses and calculus
By Maureen Downey – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ok, parents, what does it take for your child to get into Georgia Tech? A lot of college-level courses while in high school. Georgia Tech released the profile of the nearly 3,000 freshmen who begin classes Monday. Among the qualifications setting them apart: These students have taken an average of 10 college-level courses, and 95 percent have taken college-level calculus or an equivalent.
www.getschooled.blog.myajc.com
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Freshmen starting Georgia Tech Monday set new high for achievement
Last week, I shared the profile of the arriving University of Georgia freshmen. Here is what Georgia Tech has to say about its freshmen: On Monday, another impressive group of students will begin their careers as Yellow Jackets. A record number of students applied for acceptance to Georgia Tech this year, with applications exceeding 30,500 for the first time. Of those who were accepted, around 2,860 will make up the new class. As has been the trend in recent years, their credentials set new highs for an incoming class. These students have taken an average of 10 college-level courses, and 95 percent have taken college-level calculus or an equivalent.
www.wctv.tv
BSC partnership offers options in bachelor’s degrees
By: Lanetra Bennett
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WCTV) — A partnership between two Georgia institutions will offer a range of bachelor’s degrees. Under a new articulation agreement, once students at Bainbridge State College receive their two-year associate’s degree, they’ll have a straight pathway into a bachelor’s program at Georgia Southwestern State University. BSC Interim President Stuart Rayfield said, “One of the greatest needs in southwest Georgia are bachelor degrees from an education perspective. These articulation agreements, this one in particular, will really open up the door to bachelor degrees for this part of our state.”
www.wctv.tv
BSC Cosmetology accepting clients from community
http://www.wctv.tv/content/news/BSC-Cosmetology-accepting-clients-from-community-390363862.html
By: Lanetra Bennett
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WCTV) — Bainbridge State College Cosmetology is now taking clients from the community. The program provides opportunities for students to apply what they learn in real-life settings and situations. …Annie Turnage is a cosmetology student. She said, “We get clients coming in here. We not only get experience of learning how to do hair and nails and everything else, but we also get experience with customers. So, we know what we’re getting into before we start our career.”
www.thegeorgeanne.com
President Hebert and other leaders address GS community during annual Fall Convocation
http://www.thegeorgeanne.com/news/article_1c0a1969-291d-5d33-a467-bbb028332c57.html
Bailey Adcock the George Anne staff
Pesident Jaimie Hebert addressed faculty, staff and a select few students Wednesday, August 8 at the annual Fall Convocation after an introduction from VP of Student Affairs and former interim president, Jean Bartels. Prior to joining the Eagle family, Hebert, GS’ thirteenth president, spent time in Boone, North Carolina and is an alum from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. “I have been told that any residue that may remain from Boone, North Carolina or Lafayette, Louisiana was all washed off in Eagle Creek,” Hebert said. The Fall Convocation address mostly consisted of thanks and praise for the staff and faculty of GS and the city of Statesboro. “During my first hundred days I said that my primary goal would be to listen… to listen deeply to everyone associated with the university,” Hebert said. He addressed two main goals which he would like to focus on for the school year: institutional growth and economic impact.
www.ajc.com
Former Kennesaw State president Dan Papp won’t lead Cobb Chamber
Janel Davis, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Kennesaw State University president Dan Papp will not serve as chairman of Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors next year as he had planned. In a letter late last month, Papp informed current board chairman, Terry DeWitt, of his decision to “relinquish” the position. “I did not reach this decision easily, but I believe that it is in the best interest of both the chamber and myself,” read the letter. “… Since Sue and I will continue to make Cobb County home, we intend to participate in chamber events as our schedule allows.” Papp retired from Kennesaw State on June 30 after a decade leading the school. Prior to his retirement, Papp was cited in an auditors’ report that noted a series of financial policy violations. A separate audit of the school’s food service department also found a number of other violations committed by department administrators during Papp’s tenure. He abruptly announced his retirement three weeks before the reports were published.
www.hortidaily.com
UGA CAES researchers bring in $69 million in external funding
Researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences broke records in fiscal year 2016 with $69 million in external funding to fuel college projects. From research plots across Georgia to state-of-the-art laboratories in Athens, Tifton and Griffin, CAES faculty members use this funding for research to support Georgia’s $74.3 billion agricultural industry and improve the food security and health of people around the world. “This (achievement) was only possible because of the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff and graduate students,” said Sam Pardue, dean and director of CAES. “We’re proud of their creativity, their hard work and their commitment to identifying solutions to the challenges that face Georgia, our nation and the world.” CAES’s external research funding totals helped contribute to a record-breaking year for research funding across the university.
www.tiftongazette.cnhi.newsmemory.com
Upcoming field day to feature UGA CAES research
http://tiftongazette.cnhi.newsmemory.com/?selDate=20160817&goTo=A001&artid=art_0.xml
By Clint Thompson
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
TIFTON – A field day focusing on University of Georgia research at the Southeast Research and Education Center (SEREC) in Midville will take place at 9 a.m. on August 24. Southeast Georgia industry personnel and farmers are invited to attend and learn more about the research trials being conducted at the center with high-value crops like cotton, peanuts and soybeans. “Having this field day in Midville is essential to farmers in the southeastern part of Georgia. The growing conditions in Midville are not the same compared to Plains, Tifton or other areas of the state where UGA research is conducted. It’s important to let farmers in Midville and the surrounding areas know what the research is telling our scientists. Producers can then make those applications to their day-to-day farming operations,” said Joe West, assistant dean of the UGA Tifton Campus, who also oversees the SEREC in Midville. According to Anthony Black, superintendent of the SEREC, the following scientists will be on hand to discuss research projects: UGA Cooperative Extension cotton and soybean entomologist Phillip Roberts; research entomologist John All; Extension cotton agronomist Jared Whitaker; Extension peanut agronomist Scott Monfort; Extension peanut entomologist Mark Abney; Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait; Extension irrigation specialist Wes Porter; and precision agriculture specialist George Vellidis.
www.bizjournals.com
$110 million-plus data center planned for Midtown’s Coda office tower (SLIDESHOW)
Urvaksh Karkaria
Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle
A 90,000-square-foot data center will account for about a third of the cost of a proposed $350 million office development in Midtown’s Tech, according to a public filing by developer Portman Holdings LLC. The data center — the heart of the 25-story Coda mixed-use tower — will cost more than $110 million and deliver about 9,000 kilowatts of critical power and cooling, according to a filing with Invest Atlanta. The city’s economic development arm will vote Thursday on nearly $14 million in economic incentives for the overall project… Georgia Tech will serve as the anchor tenant for the 750,000-square-foot Coda (formerly referred to as the High Performance Computing Center), occupying about half of the office and data-center footprint. The remaining space will be available for corporations and Georgia Tech research partners.
www.atlantamagazine.com
Georgia Tech’s Living Building will create all the energy it needs
Net zero is great, but to be a real show-off today, a building needs to be net positive—actually improving the availability of energy, enhancing water quality, and even removing waste from the environment. That’s the ultimate goal for Georgia Tech’s Living Building, a 42,000-square-foot education and research facility slated to open in 2019.
Higher Education News:
www.latime.scom
UC Berkeley chancellor to resign following widespread criticism by faculty
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-uc-berkeley-chancellor-resign-20160816-snap-story.html
By Teresa Watanabe
UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks announced Tuesday he would resign, a move that follows months of criticism by some faculty and others over his handling of sexual misconduct cases, a major budget deficit and other campus issues. Dirks, who took the reins of the nation’s leading public research university in 2013, did not spell out his reasons for stepping down but said he would stay until a successor was in place. A distinguished professor of history and anthropology specializing in South Asia studies, Dirks said he would return to teaching and research at Berkeley. “I have come to the personal decision that the time is right for me to step aside and allow someone else to take up the financial and institutional challenges ahead of us,” he said in a letter to the campus community. “We need fresh approaches and new ideas as Berkeley forges a path to maintain its excellence along with its full commitment to a public mission.” UC President Janet Napolitano accepted his resignation, expressed appreciation for his efforts and said a committee would be formed immediately to launch a global search for a new chancellor.
www.chronicle.com
How 3 College Presidents Are Trying to Move Their Campuses Past Racial Tensions
http://chronicle.com/article/How-3-College-Presidents-Are/237479
By Sarah Brown
During the last academic year, dozens of college presidents faced a similar dilemma. Minority students were occupying administrative offices, marching across campuses, and demanding immediate action to combat what they saw as racial injustices. The atmosphere was tense, and campus leaders had little time to decide how to react. At least four of them — including two top administrators at the University of Missouri — eventually resigned. Some pledged to address activists’ demands, while a handful refused to respond directly. Others incorporated the concerns into continuing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. The Chronicle checked in with three presidents who have witnessed turmoil on their campuses. What progress have they made in calming racial tensions and keeping their promises to bring about change? Here’s what they had to say.