University System News:
www.gainesvilletimes.com
UNG unveils 3,600-seat Convocation Center with hosting events in mind
https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/ung-unveils-3600-seat-convocation-center-hosting-events-mind/
Joshua Silavent
Ribbon-cuttings are for show, but the ceremony for the University of North Georgia’s 3,600-seat Convocation Center on the Dahlonega campus unveiled a new home for shows. “The only word that came to my mind instantly was, ‘Wow!’” Gov. Nathan Deal said at the center’s public unveiling on Wednesday, May 23. Beyond the scope of the arena, which first opened in February for a basketball doubleheader celebrating homecoming on campus, the 103,000-square-foot center is replete with classrooms, luncheon space, an athletic training lab, full sports locker room and departmental faculty offices. With its location on the southwest side of the Dahlonega campus, school officials said it can serve as host to concerts, conferences, job fairs, sporting events, graduations and other ceremonies.
www.ajc.com
University of North Georgia unveils $37 million convocation center
By Eric Stirgus
University of North Georgia officials on Wednesday showed off its new $37 million convocation center, located on its Dahlonega campus. The 103,000 square-foot facility will be used for basketball games, commencement ceremonies, concerts and military training exercises. Additionally, the center has classroom space and three labs. It will also host community and regional events, such as job fairs, tournaments and large-scale meetings. The facility was funded through $31 million in state funds with the rest of the money coming from university sources, officials said. …Wednesday was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility. Attendees included Gov. Nathan Deal and University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley.
See also:
www.accesswdun.com
UNG Convocation Center now officially open to community
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/5/673896/ung-convocation-center-open-to-community
www.albanyherald.com
‘Double Dawgs’ program offers University of Georgia educational pathway
UGA has 17 ‘Double Dawgs’ degree pathways at its Tifton campus
By Clint Thompson
The University of Georgia’s “Double Dawgs” program is a significant recruiting tool for the university’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Breanna Coursey, the CAES director of student and employer engagement, said. The recently instituted program enables UGA students to save time and money by earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years or less. “Double Dawgs” allows a student who wishes to pursue a graduate degree to enter the job market one year earlier and with a significantly higher salary than a student who follows a traditional academic pathway. “We’ve got students coming into college now sooner and with more credit. This program allows them the opportunity to get a valuable second degree in the same amount of time that they would spend in a bachelor’s program, in most cases,” Coursey said. “Why not go ahead and pursue that master’s degree if you’re already ahead of the game when you enter college?” More than 100 Double Dawgs degree pathways have been approved by the university and are now available to UGA students at the university’s main campus in Athens.
www.wtxl.com
UGA Tifton renovates buildings to boost school pride
By Emileigh Forrester, Anchor
The University of Georgia Tifton campus has a new look, thanks to a several-million-dollar project. Crews have finished renovating two different decades-old buildings that went unused for several years. The two buildings are on the front of the campus facing Moore Highway. The Agricultural Research Building was completed in 1938. Georgia’s General Assembly approved a $5 million project to renovate it. Assistant Dean Dr. Joe West said that the building and the Tift Building next to it had been an eye-sore after sitting empty for 10 or 12 years. Now, Dr. West said the renovations have boosted school pride.
www.tiftongazette.com
‘Glory Days’ recognizes ABAC’s athletics history
Becky Taylor
TIFTON — The sporting life of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College covers more than 100 years of history and multiple sports. And now viewers can see a bit of it all, thanks to an exhibit at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. ABAC’s “Glory Days” exhibit is in the Gallery and open Tuesdays-Fridays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. It will remain open through July 5. Besides viewing the Glory Days at the museum, visitors can don the Glory Days. T-shirts are for sale in the gallery for $20. Polly Huff serves as the museum’s curator. “She did a great job,” said ABAC’s Director of Public Relations Emeritus, Mike Chason. “The GMA’s been a fabulous home for this event,” said Alan Kramer, ABAC’s athletics director.
www.athensceo.com
Four State and Local Economic Developers Earn GA-Specific Certifications from UGA
Jana Wiggins
For the newest quartet of graduates of the Georgia Certified Economic Developer program from the University of Georgia, each of their key takeaways from the courses is unique. However, all are unanimous that the program is crucial for development professionals statewide. Introduced in 2016, the GCED program is the first of its kind in Georgia and is offered throughout Georgia by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The series of courses helps economic developers become certified in their field and gain the knowledge they need to help their communities, regions and the state achieve economic success. The recent graduates, Jillian Bowen of the Development Authority of Peach County, Kyle Fletcher of the Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority, and Adela Kelley and Stephanie Scearce, both of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, were recognized during the Georgia Economic Developers Association 2018 Spring Workshop on May 11 at Jekyll Island.
Higher Education News:
www.walb.com
4-year-old Hahira preschool student receives college scholarship
http://www.walb.com/story/38261054/4-year-old-hahira-preschool-student-receives-college-scholarship
By Damon Arnold, Reporter
VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) – With college tuition on the rise, one Hahira preschooler is already years ahead when it comes to saving for his education. Four-year-old Alexander Francis, who attends Hahira Elementary School, received a $1,529 check for his college education. Alexander’s mother entered his name into the Georgia Path to College 529 Plan Sweepstakes, which is geared toward helping parents save for higher education. His parents said it is important to plant the seed now about his future. “He’s already looked at about asking me about college, about where I went where I’m going, it’s interesting just to know that he’s got it in the back of his head on where he needs to go,” said Alexander’s Dad, Andrew Francis.