University System News:
www.bizjournals.com
Georgia revises agriculture losses from Hurricane Michael
By Jessica Saunders – Managing Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia has revised its estimates of agriculture losses from Hurricane Michael. State agencies say losses of timberland and the state’s cotton crop were not as bad as feared in early estimates. Gov. Nathan Deal has called for a special legislative session starting Nov. 13 to to aid rapid economic recovery for southwest Georgia communities impacted by Hurricane Micheal. Early estimates of timber damage by the Georgia Department of Agriculture were $1 billion — a big part of the total agriculture damage estimate last week of up to $3 billion and counting. But the Georgia Forestry Commission Tuesday released a detailed analysis showing damage to more than two million acres of forestland, resulting in a $374 million total loss. Commission Director Chuck Williams reported that about 79,000 acres of forest were a complete loss following Michael, with the most severe damage in the southwest where the storm entered the state on Oct. 10. In 2017, Georgia led the nation in the volume of annual timber harvested. …University of Georgia Extension reported an updated cotton damage assessment of $550 to $600 million due to Hurricane Michael, the GDA said Tuesday. Last year, Georgia cotton farms produced 2.25 million bales of cotton lint at an estimated market value of $794.9 million. The storm’s impact to the landscape and green industry have been added to the scope of damage. The agriculture department said UGA Extension estimatesd a $13 million loss to the sector. Losses to other crops and commodities remained unchanged.
www.accesswdun.com
UNG Cyber security program students work towards degrees, growing job sector
By Alyson Shields Reporter
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and to cyber security students at the University of North Georgia, it means putting the skills they are learning to work. The job market they are training for is not just used all over the world, but also in their hometowns. Ash Mady, Department Head of Computer Science & Information Systems at UNG, said local companies face a global problem: losing business, both money and customers, to cyber security breaches. “You may be able to recover from financial loss, but the loss of reputation is very difficult to bounce back from. When consumers lose trust, when they’re afraid about their life savings, their private information, they’ll go somewhere else.” “All organizations are realizing this, and that is why there is a growing need to even understand, ‘what is that?’ ‘how is it happening?’ and ‘how can we deal with this?’ ‘what should be done?’ and this is where we come in, whether by education through the Cyber Security Center, train people, engage with organizations, through research or through academics.” Mady said the booming sector has room for more. “There are way more openings and job needs than what we can supply with this program. Actually, if every university in the system had a similar program, we still wouldn’t have equal to the supply of the growing demand and these job offers, whether here in the state of Georgia, or in the United States or even globally.”
www.wsav.com
Georgia Southern professor allegedly says racial slur in class
By: Khalil Maycock
A Georgia Southern student posted a video to social media,which shows what the student describes as her professor, using a racial slur. The student Dashia Nugent, a junior, posted the video to Twitter Monday. The video has since received over 26-thousand views and hundreds of comments. The racial slur heard in the video is the n-word. Nugent said the voice in the video belongs to her political science professor. She said the reasoning the professor first gave for saying the slur was she was saying a quote from the class’s assigned reading. However, Nugent said today when she had class, her professor had a different explanation as to why the racial slur was used. “She actually admitted today to using this to get a reaction out of us. She admitted today that she didn’t quote the book,” Nugent said. Nugent also said when she heard the professor say the n- word this week, she was completely shocked. She said she was shocked because the professor said the same racial slur, in the class period before this past Monday’s.
www.thegeorgeanne.com
Second Georgia Southern professor accused of using the N-word
http://www.thegeorgeanne.com/news/article_6981fa79-9885-5332-917e-f89e2a94afb0.html
By Brendan Ward, The George-Anne staff
Update
President Nickel released a statement in response to GS community members use of “offensive, reprehensible and hurtful” language over the past few months. …A second Georgia Southern University professor has been accused of using the N-word toward a student in fall of 2017. GS student Brandon Pledger claims in a blog post that Rebecca Kennerly, associate professor on communication studies, used the N-word in conversation with him during the intermission of the play, “An Octoroon,” Pledger said in a blog post. Pledger claims that during the intermission, Kennerly and he had a conversation and during this conversation, Kennerly whispered the derogatory term in his ear. “‘Since we’re breaking a few rules tonight,’ she starts. In an impressive covert display, she whispers ‘n***er,'” Pledger said in the blog post. Pledger explains in the blog post that “An Octoroon” is a racially charged play that openly uses the N-word. …Pledger later attempted to speak to Kennerly about the incident and the audio of that interaction that Pledger posted online can be heard below.
www.allongeorgia.com
GSU to Host “Diversity & Inclusion” Symposium Following “Hurtful and Harmful Comments,” President Says
By AllOnGeorgia
Over the past few months, people affiliated with Georgia Southern University have used words that are offensive, reprehensible and hurtful. Words matter, and I am simply appalled at how insensitive these individuals have been. I know many of you share my feelings. As a public institution, we are bound to uphold the Constitution and we cannot prohibit or punish speech that is protected by the First Amendment, including hate speech and other offensive expressions with which we do not agree. When the speech or associated behavior rises to a level where it becomes unprotected speech, we can and will respond with appropriate consequences. Additionally, we can and will continue to speak out against speech that is hurtful and harmful and to fight ignorance and bigotry through education. All members of our community are an important part of that process, which is why I am asking you to join us for a keynote address by Dr. Damon Williams, a national expert on diversity and inclusion.
www.gainesvilletimes.com
UNG is getting help in meeting these 4 goals for incoming students
Joshua Silavent
The University of North Georgia has received a $2.1 million federal grant to establish a new program meant to build on the success of orientation, Weeks of Welcome and academic advising programs for incoming students. UNG plans to establish a Success Oriented Academic Reform program on all five campuses with this funding. “This grant will allow UNG to design a holistic approach of engaging students in their first year by helping them with their academics and adjustments to the college experience,” Carol Adams, associate vice president and dean of University College, said in a press release.
www.wgauradio.com
UGA GETS DEFENSE DEPT GRANT
By: Alan Flurry
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $1.7 million in support of the University of Georgia Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute (LACSI) to expand research, teaching and public service in Georgia and beyond. A unit of UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, LACSI has more than 200 faculty affiliates spanning every college and professional school on campus, including 55 language or area studies specialists. The institute is home to the nation’s first and only Department of Defense-funded Portuguese Flagship Program, which promotes Portuguese language acquisition among undergraduate students to advance U.S. strategic interests. The funding consists of two grants: a four-year grant that renews LACSI’s status as a National Resource Center, a designation reserved for the nation’s most esteemed area studies centers; and a Foreign Language and Area Studies grant, which goes directly to undergraduate and graduate students to provide financial support for students studying Brazilian Portuguese and Quechua, an indigenous language spoken by the Quechua peoples, primarily living in the Andes and highlands of South America. Guaraní, an indigenous language of South America, will also be added soon.
www.mdjonline.com
Longtime Georgia Tech educator tapped for transit spot
Jon Gargis
MARIETTA — A longtime Georgia Tech engineering professor says he hopes to bring his technological expertise into metro Atlanta’s transit discussions as the newest member of the ATL board. Gathering at the Cobb County Civic Center Wednesday afternoon, elected officials from Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties selected Steve Dickerson to serve on the 16-member commission that will be responsible for implementing new transit projects across the metro area. …In addition to having three decades of teaching experience at Georgia Tech, Dickerson founded several companies, from CAMotion, which manufactures robotic motion machines, to San Francisco-based Ridecell, which provides a software platform to run a standalone ridesharing or carsharing operation, or a hybrid of the two. …Six members of the ATL’s board are not assigned a particular transit district, and all six have already been selected. House Speaker David Ralston tapped retiring state Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, as one of his picks, with Charlotte Nash, chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, named as his other appointee. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle appointed Teddy Russell, co-owner and the president of Russell Landscape; and Mark Toro, co-founder of North American Properties’ Atlanta office. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Charlie Sutlive, director of corporate communication at Georgia Power, to chair the board. GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry will also serve on the board, but as a non-voting member.
www.walb.com
Albany State student found fatally shot on campus
https://www.walb.com/2018/10/25/asu-student-found-fatally-shot/
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler has confirmed a male Albany State student was found fatally shot behind the east campus late Wednesday night. Fowler said ASU Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations are treating this as a homicide. Investigators have been on the scene for several hours. Police have not released the victim’s identity yet.
www.walb.com
Coroner rules: ASU death is suicide
https://www.walb.com/2018/10/25/asu-student-found-fatally-shot/
By WALB News Team | October 25, 2018 at 2:50 AM EST – Updated October 25 at 9:52 AM
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler confirmed a male Albany State student was found fatally shot behind the east campus late Wednesday night. Thursday morning, he told WALB News that he is ruling the death a suicide. We are not publishing his name at this time. Fowler said ASU Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations were originally calling this a homicide.
www.albanyherald.com
Dead male found after shots reportedly fired behind ASU East Campus
The victim has not been identified; ASU police and the GBI are treating it as a homicide
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — A male Albany State University student was found shot to death late Wednesday night behind ASU’s east campus. Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler said the body of the yet to be identified male was found at approximately 10 p.m. between South University Drive and Sands Drive behind the campus near a gazebo. Authorities received a call about shots being fired near the 600 block of Sands Drive around 9:40 Wednesday night. He said Albany State University police have called in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and both are treating the death as a homicide.
www.gainesvilletimes.com
Report: Person tried to extort UNG student for $2,000
Nick Watson
A University of North Georgia student said a person threatened to release a video of the student performing a sexual act if he did not send the person $2,000, according to a report.
www.statesboroherald.com
GS student reports being raped
Police: Victim “under the influence,” disoriented
Holli Deal Saxon/Staff
An 18-year-old Georgia Southern University student flagged down a police officer early Sunday morning, claiming she believed she had been forcibly raped.
www.ajc.com
BREAKING: Man arrested on rape charge after alleged abduction of UGA student
By J.D. Capelouto, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A man who allegedly abducted a woman on an Athens street early Wednesday has been charged with false imprisonment and rape, police said Thursday morning. James William Daniels, 57, was arrested Wednesday after Athens-Clarke County police said he coaxed a woman into his car on Broad Street about 12:15 a.m. Police released surveillance images and asked for help identifying and locating her; she was later found safe. Officials confirmed Thursday that the woman is a University of Georgia student.
www.prnewswire.com
What’s the Future of Public Higher Education? Deloitte and Georgia Tech Centers Reveal Five New Models for Effective, Affordable Education
Report outlines the need for change, new approaches being tested today, steps to make change happen at scale and across a higher education system
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — A new report, “The Future(s) of Public Higher Education,” released today by Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education Excellence and Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities lays out five new models to address the new realities of and demands on public higher education institutions and improve the student experience. “Today’s demands on public higher education institutions are very different from those dating back many decades, when the basic model of these institutions was formed,” said Cole Clark, managing director, Deloitte Services LP, who leads client and community outreach and relationships for its higher education practice. “Higher education is now firmly planted in a new era, and requires a new master plan: how it is organized and funded, its mission, and whom it serves.” “The rapid pace of change in higher education, due in large part to shifting learner demographics, mandates a new educational model for public universities,” said Rich DeMillo, executive director, Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities. “This report outlines critical examples of ways that public universities might revitalize their approach and meet the demands of learners with a wide variety of needs.” The report describes five approaches that could serve as models for public higher education, including:
www.tiftongazette.com
Abraham Baldwin choir presents fall concert
TIFTON — Sixty-five voices will align in perfect harmony on Nov. 1 when the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Concert Choir presents its fall concert. Dr. Susan Kirby Roe, head of the department of fine arts and the conductor for the event, said the concert will begin at 7 p.m. in Howard Auditorium on the ABAC campus. It is open to the public at no charge. “We always look forward to this concert because it involves so many of our students who have worked extremely hard over the past several months,” Roe said. “The community is very gracious in its support of these students, and we promise to give everyone who attends a night of music that will be quite pleasing to their ears.”
Higher Education News:
www.insidehighered.com
Societal Benefits of Aid to Low-Income Students
By Scott Jaschik
A new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows that federal aid to low-income students, as opposed to all students, offers significant economic payoff to the country. The study notes that providing enough aid to low-income students is expensive, but finds that “the economic optimum is achieved when financial aid is strictly directed to students from low-income households.
www.mdjonline.com
Historic Mega Millions jackpot raises $34.7M for education in Georgia
Georgia Lottery officials announced Wednesday that the historic $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot generated more than $34.7 million in proceeds for Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs. Georgia Lottery players also won big statewide in Tuesday’s drawing. The winning numbers from the Oct. 23 drawing were 5-28-62-65-70 and the Mega Ball was 5. One jackpot ticket was sold in South Carolina and 20 tickets worth $10,000 each were sold in Georgia. …As with all other Georgia Lottery games, proceeds from Mega Millions and Powerball will benefit education in the state of Georgia. Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned more than $19.8 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.8 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.
www.myajc.com
Georgia’s SAT scores rise, along with nation’s
By Ty Tagami – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia scores on the SAT college-entrance exam climbed, outpacing an upward trend nationwide but trailing the national average. The results for the class of 2018 show a mean total score for Georgia of 1064, up 14 points from the prior year but still four below the national average, which rose eight points. The scores in the two parts of the test — math and evidence-based reading and writing — were both up in Georgia by seven points, with 542 in reading and writing and 522 in math. State school superintendent Richard Woods hailed the increases, calling them “historic improvements.” The elected leader of the Georgia Department of Education, a Republican, faces re-election in November, with his Democratic challenger, Otha Thornton, describing the state’s educational system as below average. Woods seized on the SAT scores, along with gains in the graduation rate and on the ACT scores reported last week, to paint a brighter picture.
www.insidehighered.com
SAT Scores Are Up, Especially for Asians
College Board data show increasing gaps between different racial and ethnic groups.
By Scott Jaschik
Students who graduated from high school this year had an average total SAT score of 1068, a slight increase over last year’s average of 1060. The College Board noted that it has worked to make free services available to help people prepare for the SAT. But Monica Noll, manager of teacher training at Kaplan Test Prep, offered a related theory via email: “The Class of 2017 was the first class to go through the new SAT and understandably had fewer new resources available, less time with the new content, and were making big decisions on when to test. Members of the Class of 2018 had more time and more resources available to prepare. There was an increased level of comfort because of this. Second, unlike members of the Class of 2017, who could either choose to take the old SAT or new SAT, members of the Class of 2018 had no such choice — they could only take the new SAT. This allowed them to singularly focus.” This year 68 percent of those who took the SAT also took the essay portion. As more and more colleges have dropped the SAT essay as a requirement, many have questioned why students should be put through the stress of preparing for and taking the essay test.