University System News:
www.accesswdun.com
Deal: Some state offices to be closed Monday
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/1/623011/deal-some-state-local-governments-to-close-early-monday
Non-essential state agencies from Columbus to Augusta and northward will be closed Monday due to the winter weather advisory. Gov. Nathan Deal made the announcement Sunday evening. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are closing non-essential agencies to ensure our employees’ safety as well as ensure the Georgia Department of Transportation’s ability to maintain and treat our roads,” said Deal. “This closure will run from Columbus across to Augusta and northward. The Capitol will remain open, however, so that the Legislature may gavel in to the 2018 session as constitutionally required.”
www.ajc.com
Metro Atlanta colleges, universities announce closures, delays Monday
http://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/metro-atlanta-colleges-universities-announce-closures-delays-monday/X2ZgTjTTEVwGoRJWusx36K/
Vanessa McCray Eric Stirgus The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Most colleges and universities in north Georgia are closed today, but the University of Georgia students won’t be getting much of a break. In Athens, classes will be delayed only. The school whose football is playing for the national championship today will delay its opening until 10 a.m. Officials will continue to monitor conditions throughout the morning, so please watch for potential updates. Georgia Tech will be closed Monday, along with several other metro Atlanta area colleges and universities. Georgia Tech announced the closure just before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, citing Gov. Nathan Deal’s announcement that non-essential state offices will remain closed Monday because of a National Weather Service winter weather advisory. Georgia State University, Georgia Gwinnett College and Kennesaw State University also will be closed Monday.
www.wsbtv.com
Winter weather advisory in effect, icy roads expected for your morning commute
http://www.wsbtv.com/weather/warm-up-expected-for-national-championship-game/678838976
By: Severe Weather Team 2
ATLANTA – A winter weather advisory has been issued for most of north Georgia and parts of the metro until Monday afternoon. Severe Weather Team 2 says you can expect scattered light freezing rain and drizzle during your morning commute. Rain will have a lot of dry air to overcome as it moves toward Georgia. That means there could be some ice pellets at the onset and ice accumulation will generally remain less than a tenth of an inch with slightly higher amounts in Northwest Georgia. …A number of universities will also be closed on Monday. Georgia Tech announced it would be closed tomorrow. Georgia State University will close all of its campuses due to inclement weather. All University of North Georgia campuses will delay opening until 1 p.m. on Monday. The administration of UNG is monitoring the weather situation throughout the region and will re-evaluate the weather and road conditions before re-opening, according to a news release. Kennesaw State University will be closed Monday. The closure applies to all campuses. Georgia Gwinnett College will also be closed.
www.bizjournals.com
Football fever will mean slower start for General Assembly
https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/01/08/football-fever-will-mean-slower-start-for-general.html?ana=e_mc_prem&s=newsletter&ed=2018-01-08&u=xw%2BDRjRaikB6EdaliSJBWQ0ae2f198&t=1515419658&j=79464571
By Dave Williams – Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Despite a winter weather advisory for Monday morning and an expectation of heavy traffic starting in the afternoon, the 2018 General Assembly is due to gavel into session at 10 a.m. While there will be a lot of excitement under the Gold Dome in anticipation of Monday night’s College Football Championship Game down the street between the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide, not much legislative business is on tap for Day One. With lawmakers kicking off the second year of a two-year term, most of the legislative leadership is already in place. However, the state Senate will elect a new president pro tempore to succeed Sen. David Shafer, R-Duluth, who is stepping down from leadership to focus on his bid for lieutenant governor.
www.bizjournals.com
Goodyear Blimp lands in Atlanta for college football national championship (Video)
https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/01/06/goodyear-blimp-lands-in-atlanta-for-college.html
By Phil W. Hudson – Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle
One of the biggest marketing promotions in sports has landed in Atlanta. The Goodyear Blimp, Wingfoot One, arrived at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport Jan. 6, in preparation of the University of Georgia versus University of Alabama game for the College Football Playoff National Championship, which will be played at the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8. The Goodyear Blimp has become synonymous with major sporting events. It is operated by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (NASDAQ: GT). (Watch the video at the bottom to see our interview from inside the blimp.)
www.bizjournals.com
How Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship will impact the College Football Playoff National Championship
https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/01/06/how-georgia-s-hope-scholarship-will-impact-the.html
By Phil W. Hudson – Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle
The University of Georgia Bulldogs will face off against Alabama Crimson Tide for its sixth national championship in Atlanta, less than 100 miles from its Athens home in what could be the biggest college football game in history. And for many students and alumni of the schools in the Hope Scholarship-era, the game is about some serious bragging rights. According to data provided to Alabama Business Chronicle from the University of Alabama, 2,279 of the school’s current 33,305 undergraduate students hail from Georgia, the highest percentage (6.8 percent) represented in its out-of-state student population. Only 13,665, or 41 percent, of Alabama’s undergraduate student population are in-state students (from Alabama). According a 2006 study by economists at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, when the state implemented the HOPE Scholarship in 1993, one of its goals was to increase retention of the state’s best students. The researchers found that the scholarship reduced the number of students leaving Georgia to attend college elsewhere by 560 students per year. Freshman SAT scores, a measure of student quality, increased by nearly 40 points statewide after HOPE was implemented, the study found. However, a study conducted in conjunction with Georgia State University and the University of Cincinnati found that “HOPE might cause some students to ‘leave’ the University System of Georgia because of HOPE’s increased selectivity in admissions.
www.savannahnow,com
Savannah ties with UGA run deep: Local players suiting up for Georgia in national championship game
http://savannahnow.com/news/sports/sec/2018-01-06/savannah-ties-uga-run-deep-local-players-suiting-georgia-national
By Dennis Knight
Benedictine’s ties with the University of Georgia run deep — with a large number of Cadet graduates moving on to study at Athens since BC opened its doors in 1902. The Cadet football program has had a strong representation with Georgia, including five players who were on the last UGA team to win a national title in 1980. Former UGA player, Savannah entrepreneur Catfish Jackson waiting 37 years for national championship Two former BC players will be in uniform Monday night when the Bulldogs take on Alabama in the College Football Playoff Championship game. Sean Fogarty, a redshirt junior, is the second-team center, while Miles McGinty is a senior reserve tight end. Both are walk-ons. Fogarty transferred from Savannah State, and McGinty from Kennesaw State.
www.onlineathens.com
Championship watch party planned for Stegeman Coliseum
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/sports/dogbytes/2018-01-05/championship-watch-party-planned-stegeman-coliseum?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=dbcc153cbf-eGaMorning-1_8_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-dbcc153cbf-86731974&mc_cid=dbcc153cbf&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
By Red Denty
The University of Georgia is hosting a national championship watch party for students, faculty and staff on Monday at Stegeman Coliseum. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the game between the Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide will kick off at 8 p.m. “We’re hoping the campus community takes advantage of this opportunity to come together to support the Dawgs,” said Stan Jackson from UGA’s Office of Student Affairs. “We look forward to welcoming as many students, faculty and staff as possible.” Because of the limited space provided by the Coliseum, the event is open only to students, faculty and staff with valid UGACards; children and spouses will not be admitted.
www.myajc.com
Kempner: Some green is missing from the Georgia-Alabama championship
http://www.myajc.com/business/kempner-some-green-missing-from-the-georgia-alabama-championship/revhMMZ0iF5sNKBGG4o1GI/
By Matt Kempner – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It looks like the neighborhood college football championship game between Georgia and Alabama won’t be nearly as juicy for the state’s economy as it could have been. Too bad Monday’s national championship doesn’t involve two out-of-town teams we absolutely don’t care about. Of course, that wouldn’t be nearly as wonderful for our psyches (Go you Hairy Dawgs!) nor offer Georgia a shot at the championship we’ve been waiting for, all bundled up right here in our own metropolis. But it surely would have netted Georgia’s economy more money … if you care about such things. …William Pate, the head of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, told me he thinks an extra 50,000 to 60,000 fans, who have no tickets, will come into the city to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy an assortment of free and paid game-related activities over the long weekend. With all that, Pate told me, “I don’t think there is going to be a significant difference” in the game’s economics compared to other potential matchups. Bruce Seaman begs to differ. The Georgia State University economist was hired by the local host committee to project the economic impact of the national championship game. He put it at about $85 million, a figure he came up with before the Georgia-Alabama matchup was known.
www.ajc.com
Georgia group makes recommendations to improve HOPE scholarship
http://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/georgia-group-makes-recommendations-improve-hope-scholarship/o2P6J1BeOEgFOhiwFjaqtN/
Eric Stirgus The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just days before Georgia lawmakers return Monday for this year’s legislative session, an education group released a report Friday outlining six ways to leverage Georgia’s HOPE college scholarship program to help more students. The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute’s recommendations are: …Gov. Nathan Deal has said he wants to expand the HOPE Career Grant to include tech college students taking courses in five more fields: automotive technology, aviation, construction, electrical line work and logistics.
www.bizjournals.com
Georgia State University gaining 5.6 acres downtown to expand campus
https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/01/08/georgia-state-university-gaining-5-6-acres.html?ana=e_mc_prem&s=newsletter&ed=2018-01-08&u=xw%2BDRjRaikB6EdaliSJBWQ0ae2f198&t=1515419687&j=79464571
By David Allison – Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia State University will gain 5.7 acres of state property in downtown Atlanta for the future expansion of its campus. The Georgia Building Authority will give Georgia State 5.7 acres at 445 Capitol Avenue, which is just off Hank Aaron Drive south of Interstate 20 between the university’s main downtown campus and Georgia State Stadium (formerly known as Turner Field.) The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia is scheduled to vote on the property transfer at its Jan. 11 board meeting.
www.bizjournals.com
Georgia Tech plans new $10 million sports broadcasting facility
https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/01/08/georgia-tech-plans-new-10-million-sports.html
By David Allison – Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia Tech is planning a new $10 million sports broadcasting facility. The school wants to convert an existing administration building into a high-definition production facility for events to be broadcast on ESPN’s Atlantic Coast Conference (“ACC”) Network. The total estimated project cost of $10 million would be funded by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. The project is scheduled to be voted on by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at its Jan. 11 meeting.
www.covnews.com
BOC approves $15,000 to help citizens get jobs
https://www.covnews.com/news/county/boc-approves-15000-help-citizens-get-jobs/
Darryl Welch
COVINGTON, Ga. – By a narrow 3-2 vote Tuesday night, the Newton County Board of Commissioners approved spending $15,000 to help fund county residents’ tuition for the next class of the LEAP program. District 1 Commissioner Stan Edwards and District 3 Commissioner Nancy Schulz cast the dissenting votes. The Georgia Tech LEAP (Logistics, Education and pathways) Newton pilot program is designed to help high school students, entry level job seekers, people changing careers and veterans compete for jobs and successful careers in supply chain management and logistics.
www.albanyherald.com
Run will help ASU student attain seizure alert dog
Laura Golden of Albany has frequent, unpredictable epileptic seizures
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/run-will-help-asu-student-attain-seizure-alert-dog/article_c1b6fd37-24dd-5770-b3f4-510f335bc2b2.html
By Sue Hite
Laura Golden, a sophomore at Albany State University, has epileptic seizures. They can happen at any time, at any place, and without warning, often resulting in injuries. She can be walking to class, sitting in her dorm room, or simply brushing her teeth. The seizures are unpredictable. Like most students her age, Laura yearns for greater independence. Her neurosurgeon suggested a seizure alert dog to help her gain that independence so eagerly desired. Dogs that undergo yearlong seizure alert training are able to sense certain chemicals in their owners’ breath prior to a seizure, allowing the person to sit down or get to a safe place before the seizure occurs. Laura’s parents located a seizure alert dog in Arizona. His name is Bruno, and he is currently in training to be Laura’s dog.
www.wtvm.com
ASU police donate to Liberty House of Albany
http://www.wtvm.com/story/37202220/asu-police-donate-to-liberty-house-of-albany
By Catherine Patterson, Anchor
The Albany State University Police Department is supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence in south Georgia. On Friday, the department donated more than $500 to the non-profit organization Liberty House of Albany. ASU police raised the money through a fundraising no-shave initiative in December.
www.donalsonvillenews.com
As 2018 prepares to arrive, the Donalsonville News presents a look back at the top stories in 2017
http://www.donalsonvillenews.com/contentitem/434358/2277/as-2018-prepares-to-arrive-the-donalsonville-newspresents-a-look-back-at-the-top-stories-in-2017
January 5
Bainbridge State College and ABAC to merge
University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley released on Friday the proposal to merge Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and Bainbridge State College.
A vote by the Board of Regents to approve the merger occurred, Wednesday, January 11. Now that the merger is official the new institution will be named Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and will be led by current ABAC President David Bridges. Currently, ABAC has a student enrollment of 3,475 and Bainbridge State has an enrollment of 2,468. A statement from ABAC said that Bridges and Bainbridge State interim President Stuart Rayfield had pledged to work together to enhance educational opportunities for students, and that Bridges and Rayfield would not have further comment until the Regents had taken action on the proposal. The merger of ABAC and Bainbridge State will join two colleges located about 85 miles apart. Charles Sutlive, Vice Chancellor in the University System’s communication department, said other consolidated institutions have done well with significant distances between the units and that the distance between Tifton and Bainbridge is one of the aspects of the proposal that the regents will consider. “I think it could be up to a two-hour drive,” Sutlive said. “That is something we’ve looked at. The University System has experience with campuses that have distances between them. That’s definitely something that the consolidation implementation committee would be mindful of.” Now that the regents have approved the merger, the earliest a new consolidated institution could be in place would be early 2018. While each merger conducted by the University System has followed a similar timeline, Sutlive said the USG would ensure that the process, which now begins with the formation of a consolidation committee made up of members from both of the affected institutions, will be in the best interests of the consolidated institution. The process will continue throughout the year, ending with receiving accreditation in December, followed by final approval by the Board of Regents.
www.ajc.com
Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson entering College Football Hall of Fame
http://www.ajc.com/sports/college/georgia-tech-calvin-johnson-entering-college-football-hall-fame/hTJqj31pt8ZgcC0qc4puOJ/
Georgia Tech legend Calvin Johnson has been selected for induction to the College Football Hall of Fame. Johnson joins a Hall of Fame class that includes nine first team All-America players — including Georgia offensive tackle Matt Stinchcomb — and three standout coaches. Johnson will become the 19th former Yellow Jacket to join the College Football Hall of Fame when the Class of 2018 is inducted at the annual National Football Foundation Awards Dinner Dec. 4, 2018, in at the New York Hilton Midtown. Johnson also be recognized with a Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute during a Tech home football game this fall.