USG eclips for May 20, 2019

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

AJC On Campus: Regents plan core changes, Michelle Obama at Spelman

By Eric Stirgus

The Georgia Board of Regents held its last meeting of the school year (they aren’t scheduled to convene again until August) and they didn’t coast. They approved some policy changes, announced an upcoming initiative that may change how its schools educate students and welcomed a surprise guest. Here’s more about that and the recap about another special guest who visited an Atlanta college in this week’s AJC On Campus. Changes coming to curriculum University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley announced during Tuesday’s meeting a team of leaders will explore ways to modernize the core curriculum for its 26 colleges and universities. Wrigley said the team will focus on degree attainment, affordability and accessibility. The new curriculum could be in place by the Fall 2020 semester, he said.

Kemp vows to work with Regents Higher education wasn’t a primary topic in last year’s governor’s race, but Brian Kemp, who now calls the Governor’s Mansion home, came to Tuesday’s Regents meeting to express his support for the system and its students. “I stand ready to continue to work with you,” the governor said in a brief address to the board that wasn’t announced on the agenda.

One word matters at UNG The Board of Regents approved a request from the University of North Georgia to revise its mission statement by adding one word. The statement no longer includes “inquiry.” In its place “research.” In 2015, UNG created an Office of Research and Engagement and has quickly expanded its research efforts, nearly doubling the amount of grants and contracts awarded annually, from about $2.9 million to $5.7 million.

Celebrating the graduates An estimated 32,500 students received degrees this semester from the University System of Georgia. A few got some special recognition in recent days. LeDarius Scott, who graduated this month from Augusta University, was honored Tuesday by the system for his leadership at the school. Scott, a two-time student government association (SGA) president, was awarded the Potts Award.

Georgia State looks for ways to help its grad students Georgia State University recently announced an effort to help its graduate students. Its new Graduate School will “work to increase the number and quality of graduate students, enhance professional development opportunities for graduate students, boost financial support for graduate education at Georgia State and collaborate with the university’s colleges and schools to strengthen interdisciplinary academic programs.”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

$1.8 million KSU entrance project approved by Board of Regents

By Kristal Dixon

The state has given the OK for Kennesaw State University to revamp the front entrance to its main campus. The Board of Regents approved a project that would “create a well-defined, inviting entry” to the campus on Chastain Road at Frey Road in Kennesaw. Board members approved the $1.8-million project at its May 14 meeting. Meeting documents show $2 million in institutional funds have been set aside for the initiative. The project would incorporate campus gateway signage next to a new front lawn. It would also grade an existing field and remove the surrounding fence, columns and trees. A sidewalk that’s in place would be widened to enhance pedestrian safety and minor landscaping would compliment the new signage.

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Georgia Tech takes important step toward expansion of Technology Square

By Douglas Sams – Commercial Real Estate Editor, Atlanta Business Chronicle

Georgia Tech edged closer this week to launching the third phase of Midtown’s Technology Square, a powerful economic development catalyst for the city and destination for thousands of new jobs. The school presented the first step of the project May 14 to the Georgia Board of Regents, including a plan for the demolition of two buildings at 828 and 830 West Peachtree on the northern end of Tech Square. The 828 building has been around since the late 1940s and once served as the home for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. “Little historic layout remains in the building,” according to the project summary submitted by Georgia Tech to the Board of Regents. The 830 West Peachtree building dates back to 1929 when it was an automotive sales and service facility. The building is in poor condition, according to Georgia Tech. The Board of Regents unanimously approved the demolition of both buildings, clearing the way for the project to proceed.

The Savannah Tribune

Savannah State President Gives Final Words At Graduation

By Aliyah Dorsey

Savannah State University held its commencement ceremonies last Saturday, May 11. During the ceremonies University President Cheryl Dozier said her final words to students. Dozier is retiring after 8 years of leading Savannah State University. “What’s exciting is that I’ve had the opportunity to welcome almost all of you here because you all started after I did, except for a few,” said Dozier. She handed out diplomas, and awarded students with honors such as the annual presidents second mile award. Dozier, with an added duty, also served as the commencement speaker for the ceremony. She left her student with some final, parting words as they continue into the future.

AllOnGeorgia

Hart’s heart for helping others

By AllOnGeorgia

Like many 16 and 17 year olds trying to determine the next steps of their lives after high school, Mary Hart said thinking about her future was overwhelming. At that time, she knew she wanted to attend college but wasn’t sure which path to take. …Her passion for helping others and her interests in holistic health led her to the undergraduate health and physical education program at Georgia Southern University. “When we talk about being healthy, we have to think about being mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially and physically healthy,” Hart explained. “That is what I want to teach others — how to be healthy in every way possible.” While Hart says the curriculum at Georgia Southern has provided her with a solid foundation in healthful living, her professors have also encouraged her to explore additional areas of interest in holistic health while studying to complete her bachelor’s degree.

WTVM

Former refugee graduates CSU with Master’s degree, aims to help home country

By Alex Jones | May 16, 2019 at 2:32 PM EDT – Updated May 20 at 11:21 AM

A former West African refugee is graduating from Columbus State University this week, but is not forgetting about the country he began his journey to this moment in. Nearly 20 years ago, Paul Yarwaye fled Liberia as a refugee and after graduating with his second degree from CSU, he has one goal in mind: bring clean water to his home country. “It would be a great relief for people in Liberia,” said Yarwaye. “I want to go back and purify water so they can have clean water to drink and to grow crops.” Yarwaye moved to Columbus in 2005 after spending six years in Ghana waiting to be resettled as a Liberian refugee. He became a U.S. citizen in 2011 and enrolled in CSU in 2013. In 2016, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health science. Now, just three years later, he will be graduating with a master’s in public administration.

Douglas Now

JOANNE LEWIS RECEIVES FIRST HONORARY DEGREE FROM SGSC

When JoAnne Lewis stepped to the podium at the South Georgia State College Douglas Campus commencement ceremony, she not only gazed upon smiling faces of students anxiously awaiting their diplomas, but she also saw a bright and promising future for the community and region she loves so much. These soon-to-be graduates represented a record number of 370 having their degrees conferred from this academic year, including 58 receiving bachelor degrees and 11 dual enrolled students graduating from college and high school within days of each other. …As Lewis prepared to exit the stage, little did she know that one of her own dreams would be realized. On behalf of the college, President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers presented to Ms. Lewis an honorary degree from South Georgia State College. “JoAnne, we are honored today to have a first for South Georgia State College. Throughout your career, you have worked with many industries, governmental officials, managed teams of folks, helped create marketing programs to sell our community and held a number of other business-oriented roles,” said President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers. “I am excited to share with you that the University System of Georgia has authorized and approved for South Georgia State College to award you an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree in Management for your countless contributions to the business, education and economic components for Coffee County.” Ms. Lewis was then presented with an SGSC diploma, cap and gown to commemorate the momentous occasion. Dr. Thompson-Sellers commented, “Ms. Lewis is very deserving of this honorary degree and I sincerely appreciate the numerous contributions she has made to our community and the college throughout her life.”

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Average salary is up to $100K for graduates of new program coming to Columbus State

BY MARK RICE

As early as the fall 2019 semester, Columbus State University will start offering a new program to prepare students for a lucrative career field with a promising job outlook. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has approved CSU’s plan to establish bachelor’s and master’s degrees in robotics engineering. CSU will be the state’s first institution to offer these degrees, USG vice chancellor for communications Jen Ryan told the Ledger-Enquirer. Georgia Tech’s robotics engineering program is for doctorates, she said.

Tifton CEO

Six ABAC Students Selected for Pathway to Medical School Program

Staff Report From Tifton CEO

Six students majoring in the bachelor’s degree in biology at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College were recently admitted into the Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Pathway to Medical School program. Dr. Joe Falcone, ABAC Department Head for Science and Mathematics, said Abby Unger from Douglas, Tyler White from Douglas, Trey Doss from Tifton, Breanna Green from Tifton, Kristi Guerrero from Moultrie, and Makayla Paulk from Willacoochee were all selected for this competitive summer opportunity. “It is very selective,” Falcone said. “Out of the ten students admitted for the entire program, six are from ABAC, three are from the University of Georgia, and one is from Georgia Southwestern.” AHEC’s Pathway to Medical School is a four-week residential program which prepares students for medical school by offering them clinical and research experiences, as well as networking opportunities, campus tours, mock interviews and more.

Savannah CEO

Betty Foy Sanders Funds Student Travel, Donates Artwork to Folk Art Collection

Staff Report From Savannah CEO

Betty Foy Sanders recently sent 14 art students on a 2-day art museum tour in north Georgia and added new work to the Smith Callaway Banks Southern Folk Art Collection. In April, Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDoArt) students visited the Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, as well as the High Museum in Atlanta. “This trip will provide an excellent research opportunity for advanced students in the art program at Georgia Southern University to gain exposure to cutting edge contemporary artwork as well as historically important American artwork and artifacts,” said BFSDoArt Lecturer Jon Witzky.

Albany CEO

Veterinarian Establishes Scholarship at Georgia Southwestern in Former Teacher’s Name

Staff Report From Albany CEO

Sam Adams, Ph.D. and the Georgia Southwestern Foundation Board of Trustees proudly established the Rebecca McNeill Scholarship Endowment in honor of educator and Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) retiree Rebecca McNeill. Adams, a GSW alumnus (’73) who splits his time between homes in Buford and Americus, is a former assistant director for veterinary programs at the Centers for Disease Control and director of the Division of Comparative Medicine for State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. He created the scholarship in honor of McNeill because of the influence she had on his life as well as her service to education at the high school and collegiate levels. McNeill, fondly known to many as “Mrs. Rebecca” and long-time Americus resident, was a beloved teacher and mentor to her high school students. She was also highly respected on GSW’s campus, where she served as a faculty administrator until her retirement in 1992.

The Brunswick News

College, school system agree to continue REACH program

By LAUREN MCDONALD

Representatives from College of Coastal Georgia and Glynn County Schools signed an agreement Friday to extend the REACH program, which serves students with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This is the fifth year the college has partnered with the school district to offer the program, through which students age 18-21 who have successfully completed high school and three years of job-readiness training, are prepared for future employment.

Athens Banner-Herald

Professor named UGA Inventor of the Year

By Lisa Herrmann

Holly Sellers, a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is UGA’s 2019 Inventor of the Year and the first woman to receive the designation since 2001. A researcher at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, Sellers’ research has led to 12 invention disclosures and five U.S. patents, with another application pending and a multitude of foreign patents and applications. Her technologies have been made available to industry partners through more than 20 license agreements, leading to four commercial poultry vaccines as well as numerous autogenous vaccines that together support and secure Georgia’s $22.9 billion poultry industry.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

NEW FINDINGS: Georgia’s top 10 public college presidential salaries

By Eric Stirgus

The University System of Georgia on Friday released data detailing new annual salaries for the presidents of its 26 schools. The system approved raises for some presidents, but none exceeded 2%. A handful of presidents who are serving in an interim capacity or plan to retire did not get raises. The new salaries take effect July 1.The increases were less than last year. Some presidents received 4% salary increases in 2018.Two presidents, Georgia Tech’s G.P. “Bud” Peterson and Georgia State’s Mark Becker, have compensation packages, which includes deferred payments and allowances, exceeding $1 million. Peterson, who announced his retirement this year, did not receive a raise.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia pension fund delays bill for money it says universities owe

By James Salzer

The board that runs Georgia’s massive teacher pension program voted Wednesday to begin billing the University System of Georgia about $180 million extra a year, money that state auditors said colleges had owed for more than a decade but never paid. The universities caught a break of sorts: The Teachers Retirement System board did not support a motion to begin billing right away. The board voted to start asking for the extra money in fiscal 2021, which begins July 1 of next year. That means the system won’t have to make dramatic changes, such as making deep cuts in spending or adding new costs for students, before the General Assembly meets again in January. The TRS board made the decision after more than an hour of sometimes heated discussion in which some members wanted to immediately right what they say was a wrong, and others said the panel was rushing to a decision without having all the facts.

WALB

HBCU advocates fight Senate Bill 278

By Damon Arnold

Albany leaders and alumni of three South Georgia Historically Black Colleges and Universities are banding together to fight a proposed a state bill. Senate Bill 278 would take the schools out of the University System of Georgia and create a system of its own. Community leaders said it is time to stop being polite and stand up for what they believe is right and what’s right in their eyes is not conjoining three of South Georgia’s HBCUs.

Savannah Morning News

Savannah State announces another round of layoffs due to budget cuts, decline in student enrollment

By Brittini Ray

Savannah State University officials announced Wednesday that 30 university staff members will no longer be employed after July 15 due to a steady loss in revenue from enrollment decline. That brings the total layoffs this year to 56. This is the second announcement of staff cuts the university has made in the last six months as a result of budget cuts. In November, the school announced 26 faculty members would not be returning for the 2019-2020 academic year . “The actions taken today are necessary as we take steps to ensure the future strength and sustainability of Savannah State University,” President Cheryl Dozier wrote in a letter to the campus community on Wednesday. “Together, we will continue the important work of educating our students, advancing our mission and making meaningful contributions to our community, region and state.”

See also:

WJCL

Layoffs announced at Savannah State University

The university president made the announcement Wednesday.

WSAV

Savannah State University lays off 30 staff members

Athens CEO

UGA Startup Gateway Generates $531M in Economic Value

Staff Report From Athens CEO

The University of Georgia’s startup program generates economic value of more than half a billion dollars annually, according to a new analysis. Startup companies created through Innovation Gateway, the university’s arm for research commercialization, have an economic impact of $531 million across the United States, including $322 million in the state of Georgia. “We’re thrilled to be able to attach an economic impact number to the university’s work in startups,” said Derek Eberhart, associate vice president for research and executive director of Innovation Gateway. “We know there’s a lot of value created by startup companies emerging from UGA research, and we now have data that quantify that impact.” The study, conducted by UGA economist Jeffrey Dorfman, is the most comprehensive survey to date on the impact of UGA-assisted startups. Dorfman used data from Innovation Gateway’s 2018 survey of startup companies—including jobs created, payroll and operating expenses—to calculate an estimate of overall economic impact.

Metro Atlanta CEO

Georgia State’s School Of Social Work & Partners Start Child Welfare Workforce Leadership Program

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

The National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) has named the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (GA-DFCS), Georgia State University and the University of Georgia one of eight national NCWWI Agency-University Partnership Workforce Excellence sites. The program will bring Georgia more than $1 million over five years to develop supervisory leadership across the state’s child welfare workforce. Georgia State’s School of Social Work will receive $579,000 as a Workforce Excellence partner with GA-DFCS. The grant will cover the tuition and fees and provide stipends to Master of Social Work students—many of them DFCS employees—who are accepted into the competitive program. In exchange, they will join or return to the GA-DFCS workforce upon graduation.

Albany Herald

Whistle starts new tradition at UGA-Tifton campus

By Bryce Etheridge

On display at the newly-dedicated Centennial Garden on the University of Georgia Tifton campus lies a piece of history. On May 3, 1919, a steam whistle was blown to let the citizens of Tifton know that its city was chosen as the home of the Coastal Plain Experiment Station. More than 100 years of agricultural impact later, a replica of the whistle now stands in the garden located behind the Tift Building in the center of the UGA-Tifton campus. UGA-Tifton Assistant Dean Joe West says the whistle was a perfect complement to the Centennial celebration held on campus on May 3. As a crowd of UGA-Tifton faculty, staff, students and supporters celebrated the dedication of the Centennial Garden, Catherine Tift Porter, a granddaughter of Captain H.H. Tift, blew the whistle to celebrate the occasion.

WTOC

Metter reveals partnership with GSU during agriculture tour

By Dal Cannady

Dozens of writers and bloggers get to taste Southeast Georgia’s best crops and dishes as part of a Georgia Grown tour. They stopped in Metter on Tuesday to learn about several local operations including a blueberry farm. The writers come from magazines and websites across the Southeastern US and have already seen sights in Savannah, Statesboro, and more. Their visit coincided with a big agricultural announcement for the community. Metter’s new partnership with Georgia Southern officially signed its first tenant and they’ll be bringing a dozen of massive hydroponic growing containers with them. The City of Metter inked a deal with Better Fresh Farms to bring their hydroponic produce business to the small business incubator the city will develop with GSU. The idea is to not only provide a new business with space and utilities but also guidance and research from Georgia Southern.

Space War

Georgia Tech Research receives Navy contract for wave study

by Ed Adamczyk

The Georgia Tech Research Corp. received an $8.1 million award from the U.S. Navy for wave research, the Defense Department said. The Atlanta-based umbrella organization will oversee development of vector sensors and arrays for deep and shallow water applications by Navy vessels. The cost reimbursement contract was announced Thursday. It was competitively procured under a long-range broad agency announcement for science and technology projects to advance and improve Navy and Marine Corps operations. Additional broad-range proposals will be accepted throughout the year, the Defense Department added in its announcement. Work will be performed in Atlanta and is to be completed by March 31, 2024. The Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Va., was the contracting agency.

Americus Times Recorder

GSW hosts first-ever “Hail Storm” event

By Ken Gustafson

It was an evening of fun, fellowship, food and for some, a night they will never, ever forget. The Georgia Southwestern State University Athletic Department hosted their first-ever “Hail Storm” event at Providence Springs Plantation in Andersonville on Friday, May 10. At approximately 7:30 p.m., a helicopter took to the sky and dropped approximately 2,000 golf balls over a drop zone on the plantation grounds. A golf pin had already been placed at a certain spot on the ground and the person whose golf ball landed closest to that pin would win the grand prize of $25,000. …According to Leeder, the proceeds from the event raised $150,000. “It’s great to be able to showcase all of the positive momentum that we have in the athletic department and the university itself,” Leeder said. “We are thrilled with the turnout for a first-year event and this is something that we certainly want to build upon.” There were approximately 500-550 people who came out for this event. There were several former GSW student-athletes at the event. One of them was Steven Snell, a former pitcher on the Hurricane baseball team from 2000-2005. “This is a great event. The community support for GSW athletics has been great. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of Georgia Southwestern State and I’m looking forward to a bright future.”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ron Howard says he will boycott Georgia if abortion law takes effect

By Nancy Clanton

Howard and Brian Grazer will go ahead with filming ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ here next month so they don’t abandon Georgians involved with the movie, however.

“After much thought and deliberation, we decided to continue with shooting ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ in Georgia next month,” Imagine Entertainment partners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer told The Hollywood Reporter. However, the Academy Award-winning producers said, should “this law go into effect in January, we will boycott the state as a production center.” “This law” is House Bill 481, which outlaws most abortions once a doctor can detect a fetus’ “heartbeat” — usually about six weeks into a pregnancy and before many women know they’re pregnant. “We felt we could not abandon the hundreds of women, and men, whose means of support depend on this production — including those who directly contribute on the film, and the businesses in the community that sustain the production. We see Governor Kemp’s bill as a direct attack on women’s rights, and we will be making a donation to the ACLU to support their battle against this oppressive legislation.

Higher Education News:

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Trump Wants to Use Extra Pell Money for NASA. But That Surplus Is There for a Good Reason.

By Eric Kelderman

The White House is asking Congress to divert nearly $4 billion in federal money meant for low-income students to finance other programs, including an increase for NASA space flights. The money would come from an estimated $9-billion surplus in the Pell Grant program — funds that Congress has appropriated to be spent but that has not been used. The number of students who receive the grants, up to $6,000 a year, has fallen by more than two million since 2011, according to figures from the College Board, and spending on the program has dropped by about $12 billion.

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USG eclips for May 20, 2019