University System News:
www.albanyherald.com
Board of Regents awards $1 million grant to ASU, Dougherty County, RiverQuarium
$750,000 will be used to complete trail from Albany State University to downtown
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/bor-awards-million-grant-to-asu-dougherty-county-riverquarium/article_987fb3aa-44c5-5a8c-92df-66c7985533a9.html
By Terry Lewis
Albany State University, with support from the University System of Georgia and its Board of Regents, announced at a news conference Friday a partnership between the university, the Flint RiverQuarium and Dougherty County to promote environmental education and health and wellness opportunities for the residents and students of Albany and Southwest Georgia. The USG will provide $1 million in grant funding for the partnership. That money was obtained from a grant from GEFA (Georgia Environmental Finance Authority). The strategic partnerships was established through the signing of two memoranda of understanding — one between ASU and the Flint RiverQuarium and one between ASU and Dougherty County. Up to $750,000 will go to Albany State, which will work in collaboration with the county to complete the campus tie-in with the Flint River Trails system. The county will provide modifications to the Broad Avenue Bridge so students and others can safely cross the Flint River and continue down the existing trail system or visit downtown Albany. Albany State President Art Dunning said the partnership will benefit ASU students, the RiverQuarium as an educational tool, and downtown Albany.

www.bizjournals.com
Georgia Tech about to make big hire for enormous CODA project
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/05/14/georgia-tech-about-to-make-big-hire-for-enormous.html
David Allison
Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle
At the May 16 meeting of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Regents are scheduled to approve a ranking of construction management firms for the interior fit-up of seven half floors and five full floors in the office tower, totaling approximately 289,000 square feet. After the Regents approve the ranking, Georgia Tech would begin contract negotiations with the top-ranked firm. If no deal is reached with the the top-ranked firm, Tech would then attempt to execute a contract with the other listed firms in rank order. The names of the firms competing for the project are not disclosed in a notice about the Board of Regents May 16 meeting … Tech will rent 338,771 square feet of office, data center, and retail space in the CODA building at 771 Spring Street in Midtown. The building, formerly known as the High Performance Computing Center, is the first major expansion at Technology Square and is currently under construction by John Portman & Associates as “CODA Tech Square.”

www.metroatlantaceo.com
KSU Vice President Elected Chair of National Group’s Communications Advisory Council
http://metroatlantaceo.com/news/2017/05/ksu-vice-president-elected-chair-national-groups-communications-advisory-council/
Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO
Arlethia Perry-Johnson, Kennesaw State University’s vice president for marketing, was recently elected chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Advisory Council for Communications and Public Affairs. The advisory council is composed of chief communications officers representing AASCU member institutions from throughout the United States. According to Susan Chilcott, AASCU’s vice president for communications, “One of AASCU’s purposes is ‘to promote broad public understanding of the essential role of public higher education in our society and of the specific responsibilities and contributions of AASCU institutions.’ A key strategic initiative in support of these purposes,” she said, “is to increase public awareness and understanding of the distinctive and diverse missions of AASCU institutions. The council provides advice in these areas. They also support our annual communications conference and the council chair is instrumental in selecting the conference chair and working with the planning group.” Perry-Johnson’s term in office is one year, and she may be re-elected for an additional year.

www.gordon.allongeorgia.com
GHC student Mary-Kate Billings graduates high school and college at nearly the same time
http://gordon.allongeorgia.com/ghc-student-mary-kate-billings-graduates-high-school-and-college-at-nearly-the-same-time/
Mary-Kate Billings will be joining 689 other college graduates at Georgia Highlands College’s Commencement on Saturday, May 13th, at The Forum River Center in downtown Rome at 1PM. The only difference is Mary-Kate is a high school student who will be walking in a college graduation several weeks before she walks for her high school graduation. She joins five others who will also be throwing two caps in the air this graduation season: Macie Campbell, Judy Standeford, Lillian Bell, Shayna Ingram, all from Rockmart High School, and Sydney Greenway from Cedartown High School. Each of these students are part of the Move On When Ready (MOWR) program at GHC.

www.ledger-enquirer.com
Cuthbert girl, child of homicide victim, graduates at 19 from Georgia Southern
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/education/article150494372.html
BY LARRY GIERER
A teen from Cuthbert, Ga., the daughter of a homicide victim, has graduated from Georgia Southern University at age 19. According to the Georgia Southern University website, Arianna Archer received a Bachelor of Science degree in public health May 6 and plans to work her master’s degree in healthcare administration at the school. Archer, whose father was murdered when she was five years old, attended Randolph-Clay High School and at the same time took classes for credit at Andrew College in Cuthbert. Her mother had complications during pregnancy and birth, leading doctors to believe Archer would be developmentally delayed. Instead, at 17, the gifted Archer brought 18 college credits with her to Georgia Southern.

www.valdostadailytimes.com
Father graduates after loss of son
http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/father-graduates-after-loss-of-son/article_db174b9b-fde0-5a35-ab2b-8dd51806c6ec.html
By Desiree Carver
“We were supposed to do this together.” Teary eyed outside of Valdosta State University’s Odum Library, Josh Cowger sat holding his recently earned chemistry degree and his son’s two degrees in finance and economics. …Father and son started just one semester apart, with Michael beginning in chemistry and Josh being undecided. …Though they started the journey together, father and son finished at different times. …“After receiving my cancer diagnosis, I was upset knowing I wouldn’t be able to finish my last semester,” Michael Cowger said in a 2016 Valdosta Daily Times interview. “All I wanted out of life was to get an education.” With Michael’s dedication to his studies, VSU allowed him to graduate early in May 2016. A private ceremony was held inside West Hall with all of his friends, family and professors in attendance. Michael graduated cum laude with a grade-point average of 3.65. He received degrees in economics and finance. One month later, Michael passed away in his home. Now, less than a year after Michael’s passing, Josh has completed their joint venture by graduating with his degree in chemistry.

www.ledger-enquirer.com
Founding principal of Early College retiring from career helping students like her
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/education/article150481787.html
BY MARK RICE
Susan Willard told the 2017 Early College Academy of Columbus graduating seniors, “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” Holding back tears, Willard acknowledged during an interview with the Ledger-Enquirer that the quote attributed to Dr. Seuss is wise advice for her as she prepares to retire from 31 years as an educator, the past 11 as the founding principal of Early College. …With approximately 170 students this year from throughout Muscogee County in this total magnet school, Early College fast-tracks them through most of their high school requirements in grades 9 and 10, then helps them dually enroll in Columbus State University or Columbus Technical College. By taking college courses in grades 11 and 12, they can graduate high school with as much as two years’ worth of college credit. … Willard didn’t know how high she could climb in her career as a professional educator after earning three degrees from Columbus State University, a bachelor’s degree in English in 1986, a master’s degree in secondary English education in 1992 and a specialist’s degree in educational leadership in 2002. But toward the end of her 20 years in teaching — four years at Waycross High School (1986-1990), one year at Greenville High School (1990-91), followed by 15 years at Kendrick High School (1991-2006) – she was ready for the opportunity when then-Kendrick principal Ed Barnwell asked her in 2004 to coordinate a new magnet program the Muscogee County School District was establishing with CSU at Kendrick.

www.gainesvilletimes.com
UNG’s Gainesville campus expected to see 4-6 percent growth in fall
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/123515/
By Norm Cannada
Officials are expecting a 4 to 6 percent enrollment increase this fall at the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus, solidifying the all-commuter campus as the largest of the five UNG locations. “Gainesville, by design, will be our largest campus, and it’s already somewhat larger,” UNG President Bonita Jacobs said in an interview with The Times Friday. “Gainesville is such a dynamic city. It’s much larger with more opportunities.” Student enrollment was 7,171 at the Gainesville campus compared with 7,026 at the Dahlonega campus this spring, according to numbers provided by the university. The Dahlonega campus is expected to grow by 1 to 2 percent this fall, Jacobs said.

www.daltondailycitizen.com
Dalton State faculty and staff receive Excellence Awards
http://www.daltondailycitizen.com/community/dalton-state-faculty-and-staff-receive-excellence-awards/article_53ef9cc6-e76f-5956-9cc7-f49704472c16.html
Tricia Scott makes taking students to local industries to see the relevance of what they’re studying a priority. Often, those experiences lead to co-ops, internships and possible job offers. Scott, a Dalton State College chemistry professor, receives glowing student evaluations, which have stated she makes the subject “come alive.” For that, and her other contributions to the students and academics at Dalton State, Scott was honored with this year’s Dalton State Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award. …Others receiving Foundation Awards include Marsha Mathews, Excellence in Scholarship and Professional Development; Kim Hays, Excellence in Service; Aisha Meeks, Barbara Shiffler ’76 Award for Business Teaching; and Janet Hayes, Beth Burdick Service Excellence Award.

www.bizjournals.com
Georgia Tech launching masters degree in real estate development
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/05/14/georgia-tech-launching-masters-degree-in-real.html
David Allison
Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia Tech is planning to launch a new master of real estate development degree. “The new degree is a collaborative academic program that has technical, design, and construction components that are aligned with business, planning, and policy aspects of real estate development,” says a summary posted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. “The program promotes the sustainable utilization of land and property. Program resources will be leveraged among three academic units within the College of Design, specifically the School of Architecture, the School of Building Construction, and the School of City and Regional Planning. Broader collaborations will occur with the Scheller College of Business, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the School of Public Policy. The curriculum is a design based real estate development program that focuses on planning, design, finance, and construction. Opportunities will be developed and made available for multidisciplinary research in real estate design and sustainability.” …”It is anticipated that the proposed new degree will place Georgia Tech in a position of leading academic programs in the region and country in this area,” the Board of Regents said.

www.onlineathens.com
Two UGA Business Learning Community buildings named for donors
http://onlineathens.com/business/local-news/2017-05-13/two-uga-business-learning-community-buildings-named-donors?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=5f407f3be1-eGaMorning-5_15_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-5f407f3be1-86731974&mc_cid=5f407f3be1&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
By Staff Reports
Two new University of Georgia buildings have been named in honor of donors with lasting connections to the Terry College of Business. Construction of Benson Hall and Moore-Rooker Hall is near completion as part of the second and largest phase of UGA’s Business Learning Community. The buildings are located on the Athens campus at the corner of Lumpkin and Baxter streets. “I want to thank these outstanding alumni for their tremendous loyalty and support,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Their generous gifts will enhance the learning environment for business students at the University of Georgia for generations to come.” The two new buildings adjoin Amos Hall, the centerpiece of Phase II’s construction, and are next to Correll Hall, which opened in 2015.

www.americustimesrecorder.com
Albany State Golden Rams men’s track and field team wins SIAC Championship

Albany State Golden Rams men’s track and field team wins SIAC Championship

From STAFF REPORTS
Albany State University (ASU) senior, Jared Jordan, capped an exciting run to the 2017 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men’s Track and Field Championship with a comeback lap for the 4×400-meter relay team. The Albany State men’s team won the title after trailing Benedict for most of the meet.
This victory marks Albany State’s first conference title since 2014.

www.coinworld.com
Collector donates Dahlonega Mint gold coins to University of Georgia
62-coin Reed Creek Collection prominent in June 5 to Dec. 5 exhibit
http://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/2017/05/collector-donates-dahlonega-gold-coins-for-exhibit.all.html?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=5f407f3be1-eGaMorning-5_15_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-5f407f3be1-86731974&mc_cid=5f407f3be1&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56#
By Paul Gilkes
A complete 62-coin set of gold coins struck at the Dahlonega Mint that was assembled for the express purpose of one day being donated and put on public display will go on exhibit June 5 at the University of Georgia in Athens. The collection of Dahlonega Mint gold coins is a major component of an extensive multi-gallery presentation on the history of gold and gold mining in Georgia, the production of gold coins in the Branch Mint of the United States at Dahlonega, and the evolution of currency in America, including paper money, with a focus on Georgia.

www.georgiatrendblog.com
Top UGA entrepreneur focuses on wise water use
http://georgiatrendblog.com/top-uga-entrepreneur-focuses-wise-water-use/?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=5f407f3be1-eGaMorning-5_15_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-5f407f3be1-86731974&mc_cid=5f407f3be1&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
BY MARY ANN DEMUTH
A senior University of Georgia horticulture student has won national UGA’s Next Top Entrepreneur honors and a prize of $10,000 for his novel moisture sensor, which is designed for landscapers. Jesse Lafian developed the automated sensor to measure how tightly water is bound to the soil, which reveals whether plants can actually use the water. His winning entry was selected Shark-Tank style from among 36 student teams, representing 22 colleges and universities across the U.S. Lafian’s sensor offers a solution to a very expensive problem: overwatering often kills a large number of trees installed and warrantied by landscapers.

www.getschooled.blog.myajc.com
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
The campus carry law brings questions, challenges
http://getschooled.blog.myajc.com/2017/05/12/the-campus-carry-law-brings-questions-challenges/
The new state law allowing students over 21 to carry concealed weapons in most areas of Georgia’s public campuses contains challenges for Georgia’s universities. Colleges must resolve these issues by July 1 when the campus carry law goes into effect. First, where do students store their Glock or Beretta in light of the law’s ban on firearms in fraternity and sorority houses and dorms? The law makes no mention of storage, not does it appropriate any funding for gun lockers. The logical choice for students living on campus is to leave guns in their car or a friend’s car, which could spur more break-ins, undercutting the purported safety benefit of campus carry. Even more perplexing: How do colleges fulfill the law’s provision prohibiting firearms in classes attended by dual enrolled high school students?

Higher Education News:
www.insidehighered.com
Discounting Keeps Climbing
The average first-time, full-time tuition discount rate edged even closer to 50 percent in 2016-17 as net tuition revenue and enrollment struggled.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/05/15/private-colleges-and-universities-increase-tuition-discounting-again-2016-17
By Rick Seltzer
Tuition discounting at private colleges and universities is up again. Tuition revenue is straining to keep up. And enrollment is weak. Those are the top takeaways from the 2016 Tuition Discounting Study from the National Association of College and University Business Officers. The latest version of the annual study, which was released today, provides a look at how much colleges and universities are awarding students in scholarships and grants — and how much they are effectively undercutting their own tuition and fee sticker prices. It also offers a glimpse at how such tuition discounts affect other key measures of college and university financial health. The latest findings show no break from long-established trends of rising tuition discounting. The headline average institutional tuition discount rate for first-time, full-time students hit an estimated 49.1 percent in 2016-17, up from 48 percent the previous year. For all undergraduates, the average institutional tuition discount rate rose to an estimated 44.2 percent, up from 43 percent. Both rates are all-time highs for the NACUBO study, breaking records set after preliminary estimates came out in last year’s study.

www.diverseeducation.com
Tennessee Legislature Passes Free Tuition Program
http://diverseeducation.com/article/96469/?utm_campaign=DIV1705%20DAILY%20NEWSLETTER%20MAY15&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
by Adrian Sainz, Associated Press
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee’s new plan to allow older adults without a college degree or certificate to attend community college free of charge will serve as a model as more states consider similar policies, experts and school administrators said Friday. The state General Assembly passed the bill pushed by Gov. Bill Haslam, who is expected to sign it into law. The tuition program is an extension of Haslam’s Tennessee Promise program that makes all new high school graduates eligible for free tuition at the state’s community colleges and technical schools. The initiative is part of Haslam’s “Drive to 55” campaign to boost the percentage of Tennesseans with higher education degrees or certificates from the current 38 percent to 55 percent by 2025. Experts predict states will study Tennessee’s plan and its progress and consider passing similar laws. “This is sort of like a cold — everybody is catching it,” said Anthony P. Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “This is being talked about all over the place.”

www.nytimes.com
Free Tuition? Tennessee Could Tutor New York

By DAVID W. CHEN
A high school assembly changed Nicole-Lynn Riel’s life. In the fall of 2014, as Ms. Riel, a senior, was applying for jobs at Red Lobster, J. C. Penney and Target, a speaker came to her school to talk about a new state program, Tennessee Promise, that would pay the tuition for all students at the state’s community colleges. When the speaker said school would be free for everyone, Ms. Riel said, she “perked up and said, ‘What?’” This month, Ms. Riel graduated from Motlow State Community College here, and she will soon start working toward her bachelor’s degree at a four-year school. Her journey is an increasingly familiar one in Tennessee, and one that a growing number of states are trying to replicate with programs that pay tuition, usually at the community college level, for a broad number of students. Oregon started its program last fall, Arkansas and Kentucky are developing initiatives, and Rhode Island has proposed one. New York, in April, became the first state to offer free tuition at all public two-year and four-year institutions, with an income cap that will climb to $125,000 over three years.