University System News:
www.myajc.com
Funeral set for second officer killed in Americus shootings
By Raisa Habersham – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three days after his best friend’s funeral, the second officer killed in a double shooting in Americus last week will be laid to rest Wednesday, GBI officials said. Services for Georgia Southwestern State University Officer Jody Smith will take place at the school’s Student Success Center Storm Dome at 11 a.m. A brief memorial took place at 11:45 a.m. Monday as Smith’s body was taken through the campus.
www.wbtv.com
GSW honors slain officer; Family fund established
http://www.wbtv.com/story/34030514/gsw-honors-slain-officer-family-fund-established
By Emileigh Forrester, Anchor
Just a day after his best friend and fellow officer was laid to rest, Officer Jody Smith took a final trip through the campus he served, as his body was transported from the crime lab in Macon back to Americus. As Georgia Southwestern State University faculty and students looked on, Officer Smith’s brothers in blue traveled through the campus, transporting their fellow peacemaker home. “Knowing that a life itself is gone, hearing it, and seeing the police it’s just been real crazy,” said GSW senior Kwantesha Love. With sirens blaring, GSW’s campus welcomed Patrol Officer Jody Smith, killed in the line of duty last week, back home. “I feel real sad to know that somebody lost their son and to know that their life was cut so short,” said GSW sophomore Khayla Owens. Though the campus is emptier than usual because of the holiday break, everyone from students, to the school’s interim president, packed the streets to pay their respects. “It’s a down time for us to not have him here anymore,” explained Owens. “It’s not the best, but we’re pushing through and to have the support of the community is great.” “I think you could see it on their faces. They understand the gravity of the sacrifice that he’s made,” said GSW Interim President Dr. Charles Patterson.
www.wsfa.com
ASU-Darton will join Jan. 1
http://www.wsfa.com/story/34015762/asu-darton-will-join-jan-1
By Dave Miller, Digital Exec. Prod.
ATLANTA, GA (WALB) – Final approval came Friday for the consolidation of Albany State University and Darton State College. The schools will become one on January 1, 2017. “The University System of Georgia is committed to the Albany community and to serving southwest Georgia,” said USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby. Dr. Arthur Dunning, current president of Albany State, will serve as president of the newly consolidated Albany State University. He issued this statement Friday-
www.rollingout.com
HBCU news: Albany State University expands by consolidating
http://rollingout.com/2016/12/09/hbcu-news-albany-state-university-expands/
By Yvette Caslin
On Friday, Dec. 9, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) granted final approval for the creation of the new Albany State University from the consolidation of Albany State University (ASU) and Darton State College (DSC). The board approved a resolution consolidating ASU and DSC effective January 1, 2017. The board recognizes the many strengths both institutions bring to the new ASU. The new ASU builds upon the HBCU mission to serve an increasingly diverse student population and community and will continue to serve the access mission, offering workforce related degrees. Both institutions were key business and community partners; the new ASU will expand on those partnerships for the benefit of the region and state. “The University System of Georgia is committed to the Albany community and to serving southwest Georgia,” USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby said in a statement. “The new Albany State University represents a long-term investment to better serve students, faculty and staff through public higher education focused on the needs and opportunities for today and well into the future.” Dr. Arthur Dunning, current president of Albany State, will serve as president of the newly consolidated Albany State University.
www.macon.com
First master’s students graduate from Middle Georgia State
http://www.macon.com/news/local/education/article120040708.html
BY ANDREA HONAKER
Middle Georgia State University is awarding its first master’s degrees on Dec. 15. The school became a university in July 2015 and started graduate programs in technology and nursing in January. Ten students have completed their Master of Science in Information Technology. The degree has concentrations in security and digital forensics, software development and health informatics, according to a news release from the university.
www.mdjonline.com
Kennesaw State graduate first to earn three degrees
Mary Kate McGowan
Soon-to-be Kennesaw State University graduate Cole Daniel will celebrate earning more degrees than any other KSU student this week, a feat KSU officials say has never been done. Daniel, 25, is one of more than 2,400 KSU students who will graduate this week, but he is unique among them — Daniel will become the first KSU honors student to complete three undergraduate degrees, said Liza Davis, the director of KSU’s honors program. Daniel earned bachelor’s degrees in biology, economics and finance with a 3.66 grade point average. He will graduate with KSU’s highest academic honor — Honors Scholar — that requires honors students to graduate with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
www.patch.com
Georgia Gwinnett College to graduate largest fall class ever
Ariella Phillips The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More than 400 students will graduate from Georgia Gwinnett College this semester, the largest fall class in the college’s 10-year history. The college will award 455 bachelor’s degrees Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Infinite Energy Center arena in Duluth, the school announced. During the ceremony, two students will be commissioned as U.S. Army officers.
www.onlineathens.com
More than 2,700 students eligible for UGA’s fall Commencement
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2016-12-13/more-2700-students-eligible-uga-s-fall-commencement
The University of Georgia welcomes its newest alumni on Friday as 1,649 undergraduates and 1,108 graduate students — for a total of 2,757 — met requirements to walk in the university’s fall Commencement ceremonies. The undergraduate Commencement ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in Stegeman Coliseum, and tickets are required. The graduate ceremony follows at 2:30 p.m.
www.bizjournals.com
GSU names Cassius F. Butts executive in residence
Cassius F. Butts, former regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, has joined Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business as an executive in residence. GSU said Butts plans to focus on industry outreach to build mentoring and advisory boards, and connecting students with the local and broader entrepreneurial community; and fundraising and seeking venture capital for student-led startups. Butts was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011 as the regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
www.chronicle.augusta.com
Interim dean named for Medical College
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/2016-12-13/interim-dean-named-medical-college
By From Staff Reports
Dr. David Hess has been named interim dean for Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, it was announced today. He will assume the job in January, upon the departure of Dr. Peter F. Buckley, who was named last month dean at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. A national search will also begin to select a permanent replacement. Hess, a stroke specialist and researcher, has served as chair of the MCG Department of Neurology since 2001. “David has proven himself to be an exceptional leader, scholar and clinician,” said President Brooks A. Keel in a news release. “His knowledge of academic medicine, coupled with an understanding of the Medical College of Georgia’s statewide clinical service mission, makes him uniquely qualified to lead during this time of transition. He is widely respected by MCG’s faculty, staff and students. Provost Caughman and I are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working more closely with him in the months ahead.” According to a biography provided, Hess graduated from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1983. He then completed a neurology residency and cerebrovascular fellowship at MCG before joining the faculty. He is board-certified in internal medicine, neurology and vascular neurology.
www.valdostatoday.com
- RICHARD CARVAJAL NAMED PRESIDENT OF VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
http://valdostatoday.com/2016/12/dr-richard-carvajal-named-president-of-valdosta-state-university/
Newsdesk
VALDOSTA – The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Richard A. Carvajal, interim president of Darton State College in Albany, Ga., president of Valdosta State University in Valdosta. Carvajal will assume his post on January 1, 2017, according to USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “Dr. Carvajal is a proven leader in the System having already led two USG institutions,” said Huckaby. “I am looking forward to what he will bring to Valdosta State and the Valdosta community.” Regent Rusty Griffin, chair of the Regents’ Special Committee for the presidential search at Valdosta State University, added, “Carvajal shows tremendous ability to lead a campus and I am confident that choosing him to lead VSU is the right decision for the success of the faculty, staff, students and VSU community.” He will replace Valdosta State University Interim President Dr. Kelli Brown, who has served in that capacity since June 1. Prior to his appointment as interim president of Darton State College in December 2015, Carvajal served as president of Bainbridge State College in Bainbridge, which he began January 2011.
See also:
www.unionrecorder.com
Carvajal named new VSU president
www.insidehighered.com
New Presidents or Provosts: Albright College, Clinton CC, Contra Costa CC District, Northwest Florida State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, U of Central Arkansas, U of Missouri System, Utah State U
By Doug Lederman
…Houston D. Davis, interim president of Kennesaw State University and former executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer of the University System of Georgia, has been appointed president of the University of Central Arkansas.
www.myajc.com
Cobb rep. dismisses concerns over dearth of women in STEM at KSU
By Meris Lutz – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kennesaw State University President Sam Olens and State Rep. Sharon Cooper sparred Monday over whether the school needs to do more to attract women students and faculty to its math and science departments. The exchange took place during a meeting of the Cobb legislative delegation and local business and elected leaders to discuss the upcoming legislative session. Cooper dismissed concerns over the dearth of women professors and students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as “political correctness” run amok after Olens said he had observed a gender imbalance on the Marietta campus of KSU, previously Southern Polytechnic State University. The two schools merged in 2015. Cooper said she hoped Olens was not planning on hiring faculty based on anything other than qualifications, to which Olens replied that the school could maintain standards while increasing the number of women. “It’s not that you want to lower the standards at all, but you’ve got to create that welcoming environment. And when a female high school student walks on that campus and sees hardly any females, they’re more apt to go to another institution,” Olens said.
www.athensceo.com
UGA Students Awarded Grants for Sustainability Solutions
Staff Report From Athens CEO
The University of Georgia awarded $40,000 to fund 11 interdisciplinary student projects through the Office of Sustainability’s annual Campus Sustainability Grants program. Funded by student green fees, the program provides financial and staff resources to help students implement projects that further the university’s sustainability mission. …Students were given freedom to develop and propose innovative solutions to address goals in UGA’s 2020 Strategic Plan to promote stewardship of natural resources and advance sustainability research, education and service at UGA and beyond. Since inception of the Campus Sustainability Grants program in 2010, the Office of Sustainability has awarded a total of $210,000 to fund 58 student-initiated projects on campus and in the community. …Three students will be recognized as First Honor Graduates during the undergraduate exercises for maintaining a 4.0 cumulative grade point average in all work attempted at UGA as well as all college-level transfer work prior to or following enrollment at the university.
www.middlegeorgiaceo.com
Columbus State University and Middle Georgia State University Team Up to Host Program for Emerging and Front-line Leaders
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
The Leadership Institute at Columbus State University and Middle Georgia State University have teamed up to host “How Deep is Your Bench? Leadership Excellence Certification for Rookie Leaders,” a series of programs for front-line managers and emerging leaders in Middle Georgia. Beginning in January, sessions will be held on Middle Georgia State University’s Macon Campus, from 8 a.m. to noon, on the second Wednesday of each month.
www.athensceo.com
UGA Named Top Research Institution in the Nation for Service to Student Veterans
Staff Report From Athens CEO
The University of Georgia has been named the top tier one research institution in the nation in Victory Media’s Military Friendly Schools 2017 rankings. The designation recognizes the university for its outstanding commitment to and programs for student veterans and their families. Nearly 1,200 colleges and universities nationwide have achieved the Military Friendly designation, which results from a comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student success rates. “We are delighted by these national recognitions highlighting our support for student veterans,” said Victor K. Wilson, vice president for student affairs. “For all that these remarkable students have given of themselves to our nation, it is our honor to provide outstanding, tailored resources to aid in their academic, personal and professional success.” UGA’s comprehensive service to student veterans is the result of collaborations across multiple divisions and departments, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, the Office of the Dean of Students, UGA Athletics and the Student Veterans Resource Center.
www.wgxa.tv
MGSU’s VECTR program partners with United Way to offer veteran services
http://wgxa.tv/news/local/mgsus-vectr-program-partners-with-united-way-to-offer-veteran-services
by Danielle Apolinar
Veterans in the Middle Georgia area will soon have more access to employment assistance thanks to a new partnership between the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition (VECTR) Center and United Way of Central Georgia. Middle Georgia State University’s VECTR Center is teaming up with United Way of Central Georgia’s Mission United, a program that provides Middle Georgia’s veterans access to a network of resources including financial services, housing support and legal assistance. The VECTR Center provides education, career coaching, employment assistance and workforce development training as well as other resources for veterans in the hopes to help them and their families transition to civilian work and careers. According to Sheron Smith of Middle Georgia State University, the partnership will expand services to veterans in the area.
www.savannahbusinessjournal.com
Georgia Department of Economic Development Renews Grant for Transitioning Veterans Education
Savannah Business Journal Staff Report
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) recently announced plans to renew its grant to fund an online entry-level course for all active duty service members transitioning from Ft. Stewart, Hunter Army Air Field and Ft. Benning to corporate life throughout 2017. The Veterans Education Training and Transition (VET2) 101 program, developed by Georgia Tech Professional Education, will ensure Georgia service members are provided employment opportunities and assistance in their transition. “We are so pleased the Department of Economic Development recognizes the value of the VET2 101 program and the much needed assistance it provides to our men and women transitioning from the service,” said James Wilburn, director for Military Programs at Georgia Tech Professional Education. “The reduction in military force will have the largest impact to Georgia’s military installations – specifically Ft. Benning and Ft. Stewart – so it’s imperative to give our veterans the skills they need to succeed in the corporate workforce. Our online course will allow service members to access these resources anywhere in the world.” Georgia Tech’s short online course, “VET2 101,” teaches career soft skills, including résumé building and interview skills. The course is based on ‘Boots to Loafers, Finding Your True North’ by retired Lt. Col. John W. Phillips. Phillips currently collaborates with the Military Program, (VET2), offered through Georgia Tech Professional Education, and his book is required reading for students enrolled.
www.insidehighered.com
Looking for Low-Income Students
A group of 30 top colleges and universities wants to enroll more low-income students, but critics question whether the focus should be elsewhere.
By Rick Seltzer
A new effort to enroll low- and moderate-income undergraduates at colleges and universities with high graduation rates is being announced today in an attempt to have more students from modest backgrounds graduate from prestigious campuses seen as opening doors to top careers. The effort, called the American Talent Initiative, aims to add 50,000 highly qualified students from modest backgrounds to campuses with high graduation rates by the year 2025. A group of 30 colleges and universities have signed on to the initiative, which is being coordinated by the nonprofit Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R. Bloomberg Philanthropies is providing $1.7 million over two years to start the project, money that won’t go directly to colleges and universities but will be used to fund research on their efforts and related activities. …American Talent Initiative Participating Institutions…Georgia Institute of Technology
www.getschooled.blog.myajc.com
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Opinion: When Georgia told Emory no black students, university fought. Stand now for immigrants.
In a column today, U.S. Marine Corps veteran J. Stephen McIntyre takes on state Rep. Earl Ehrhart and all those criticizing Emory University for its stand on behalf of undocumented students. McIntyre recalls another effort by Georgia legislators to tell Emory officials who could attend their university; Georgia leaders warned Emory 56 years ago that it would lose its tax exemption if it admitted African-American students. So Emory sued the state. And won. I asked McIntyre for a short bio. He responded: “I have lived in Atlanta for most of my life dating back to 1965. I am a proud father, American, reader of history, and UGA football fan. I do not work for Emory and do not have children who attended Emory. I wrote this commentary because I really care about Emory as a private institution. I am also a Methodist who knows a thing or two about Emory’s commitment to Wesleyan values.”
www.ajc.com
Should state open all its colleges to children of illegal immigrants?
Maureen Downey The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia produces too few college graduates, a problem recognized by the governor and the new chancellor of higher education. In fact, Gov. Nathan Deal has set a goal of increasing college graduates in the next few years under the Complete College Georgia program. A University of Georgia professor emeritus has a solution, but one that is politically charged: Change the state law that limits where children of illegal immigrants can attend college in Georgia and stop charging them out-of-state tuition.
www.getschooled.blog.myajc.com
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Opinion: If Georgia wants to increase college degrees, stop blocking children of immigrants
JoBeth Allen is a professor emeritus in the University of Georgia department of language and literacy education. She is co-director of U-Lead Athens, which supports equal access to higher education for students of immigrant families. In this essay, Allen says Georgia could meet its goal to increase postsecondary graduates by enabling more children of immigrants to attend college and technical schools.
By JoBeth Allen
Welcome to Steve Wrigley, the new chancellor of the University System of Georgia. He identified Gov. Nathan Deal’s Complete College Georgia’s goal of increasing postsecondary education from 47 percent to 60 percent of the state’s workforce. The Complete College Georgia Initiative specifically calls for more African-American, Hispanic, and other underrepresented groups to complete their degrees. One of the barriers is paying for college, a “far greater challenge for today’s students” than for previous generations, noted Dr. Wrigley. I have great news for Dr. Wrigley, the Board of Regents and Gov. Deal. There are several thousand students who have attended K-12 schools in Georgia, who have resided here most of their lives, whose families pay taxes, and who are eager and ready to attend our universities, colleges, and technical institutions.
www.myajc.com
Five things to know about ‘Coda,’ the second phase of Tech Square
By Scott Trubey – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dignitaries including Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Portman Holdings Vice Chairman Jack Portman and Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson will be on hand Tuesday for a ceremonial ground breaking for one of the city’s most anticipated new developments. The second phase of Technology Square, known as “Coda,” will be a 21-story office tower featuring space for Georgia Tech and the private sector. Tech and developer Portman hope the tower, expected to be finished in early 2019, will burnish Midtown’s status as a technology hub. If all goes as planned, the L-shaped glass building at Spring and Fourth streets will be home to some 2,400 workers, including Tech researchers and staff and employees from private sector firms that would collaborate on new technologies.
www.insidehighered.com
Seeking ‘Culture of Integrity’ in College Sports
Following a series of high-profile cases of academic fraud in college sports, the American Council on Education releases a new report calling on institutions to better align athletics with their academic mission.
By Jake New
Citing high-profile cases of academic fraud at some of the country’s most visible universities, the American Council on Education released a report today urging colleges and universities to better align their athletics departments with their academic mission and to “ensure a culture of integrity.” The report is based on a roundtable discussion, organized by the council in April, that included college presidents, coaches, athletes, faculty members, researchers, conference commissioners and the president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The panel was convened, ACE said, in the wake of a series of cases of academic fraud. Earlier that month, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Syracuse University — two men’s basketball programs that had recently been investigated over academic fraud by the NCAA — met in the Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. A week later, the NCAA punished the University of Southern Mississippi for academic fraud. Since the April meeting, more cases of academic fraud emerged at the University of Mississippi, Georgia Southern University, the University of Notre Dame and California State University, Northridge
www.wtoc.com
Georgia Southern provides 3D printer to elementary school in Statesboro
By Dal Cannady, Reporter
Students at an elementary school in Statesboro just took a big leap in technology. Faculty from Georgia Southern University’s College of Education surprised technology teacher Ansley Mays at Sallie Zetterower Elementary by delivering a 3D printer the school won in a contest hosted by the College of Education. Both sides say printers and other technology open new worlds for students. “They get to plan their ideas, then they get to see it actually made in the printer, then take it out and get to manipulate it,” said Mays. “Students who have access to this technology are asking new questions and are generating answers,” said College of Education Dean Dr. Thomas Kobolla.
Higher Education News:
www.hechingerreport.org
Will changes in online college applications help students chase the American dream?
‘One more hoop to jump through’
by RICKI MORELL
…The Common Application, the online gateway to some 700 American colleges, can seem like an impenetrable wall for many low-income and first-generation students. As January’s admissions deadlines loom, the Common App has made some changes this year that may ease students’ anxieties. Applicants can now watch videos that explain how to fill out each section and, if they qualify for a fee waiver, request an online mentor. In addition, for the first time, current juniors can start filling out their applications this year and roll them over to their senior year, instead of waiting until next August to begin. This change will give students extra time to get familiar with the questions and seek answers from knowledgeable adults. College admissions experts praise the changes, particularly as the Common App faces new competition from The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success, an application system created last year to improve access for all students. But the experts emphasize that deeper, systemic problems remain with the college admissions process that are reflected in the Common App.
www.insidehighered.com
Bill Aims to Improve Veterans’ Career Readiness
Spending bill contains provision aimed at blocking veterans from attending institutions where path to a job isn’t assured.
By Ashley A. Smith
Last week’s U.S. Senate-approved spending bill contained a provision that seeks to block student veterans from using their GI Bill benefits on career programs that won’t help them land a job. The Career Ready Student Veterans Act, which was attached to the continuing resolution to fund the government through April 28, would prohibit institutions from receiving GI Bill benefits if their programs don’t meet the requirements needed for required licensing exams or certification in order to enter the chosen career field.