University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things to know about economic impact of Georgia’s public colleges
By Eric Stirgus
The University System of Georgia released its annual report Tuesday detailing the economic impact of its 26 colleges and universities on the state. Here are five interesting numbers from the 25-page report, written by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth. It’s based on fiscal year 2018.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
University System of Georgia economic impact hits $17.7B
By Dave Williams – Staff Writer
The University System of Georgia had an economic impact of $17.7 billion during fiscal 2018, up nearly 5% over the previous fiscal year. The system’s 26 institutions also generated 168,284 jobs directly and indirectly, up nearly 3%. “While we remain focused on graduating more students, keeping college affordable and increasing our efficiency in delivering a quality education, we are proud our colleges and universities help power Georgia’s economy,” system Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “USG and its 26 institutions play an important role in generating jobs and boosting businesses across the state, befitting the investment Georgia’s leaders have made in us.”
Gwinnett Daily Post
Study finds Georgia Gwinnett College contributed $515 million to local economy in 2018
By Taylor Denman
A study released by the University System of Georgia that measures the economic impact of affiliated colleges and universities said that Georgia Gwinnett College contributed more than $515 million to the local economy during the 2018 fiscal year. The economic impact is roughly at $51 million increase from last year. “In addition to the economic impact produced by the college’s existence, we also have more than 7,000 alumni who are each making their own economic impacts on the communities in which they live and work,” GGC President Jann L. Joseph said in a statement. “Colleges are transformative institutions, and GGC continues to transform Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta region.”
Rome News-Tribune
GHC’s economic impact approaches $180 million
The University System of Georgia recently released the USG’s total economic impact on the state of Georgia. Of the more than $17 billion reported by the USG as a whole, Georgia Highlands College’s contribution was nearly $180 million. The USG report is for Fiscal Year 2018 and is conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. GHC’s economic impact was exactly: $177,046,638. This represents an increase of over $8 million from the Fiscal Year 2017 report.
WGAU Radio
USG REPORT ASSESSES UNG IMPACT
By: Tim Bryant
The fall semester classes that began Monday continue today at the University of North Georgia: the University System of Georgia is out with a report that says UNG had an economic impact of more than $667 million in fiscal year 2018.
The University of North Georgia (UNG) had a more than $667 million economic impact on northeast Georgia during fiscal year 2018, an increase of some $47 million over the previous year, according to new data released Aug. 20. An additional $1.77 million impact is attributed to capital construction projects in fiscal year 2018. The annual study of the University System of Georgia’s (USG) economic impact measures direct and indirect spending that contributes to the university’s service region. …Included in UNG’s economic impact is $260 million in spending by nearly 20,000 students, which alone created 3,898 jobs in the study area. On average, for every dollar spent by the university, an additional 47 cents is generated for the region.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s new at metro Atlanta’s college campuses?
By Eric Stirgus
The fall semester will begin Monday for many Atlanta area colleges and universities, and with it comes changes at some campuses, including new presidents, facilities and academic programs. State leaders earlier this year increased funding for its colleges to about $3 billion, as enrollment increased for both public higher education systems last year. Tuition also increased this school year for the Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia. There were about 500,000 students in Georgia’s public and private schools last year. Here’s a breakdown:
Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Start date: Aug. 19 The school is now offering a concentration through its business administration bachelor’s degree program in FinTech, through the University System of Georgia and Georgia State University.
Clayton State University
Start date: Aug. 12 Its College of Arts & Sciences is launching a bachelor’s degree in elementary education to increase the number of early childhood education teachers in Georgia. The new degree joins programs in middle grades and secondary education that make up its newly-named School of Education. Clayton State is starting an online master’s degree in public administration and offering two new study abroad programs next spring in Costa Rica and Greece.
Georgia Tech
Start date: Aug. 19 There will be a lot of new faces in leadership on the Midtown Atlanta campus this fall. Alumnus Ángel Cabrera will take the reins as president on Sept. 1, replacing G.P. “Bud” Peterson. There’s a new football coach, Geoff Collins; a new women’s basketball coach, Nell Fortner; a new research institute director, James J. Hudgens; and alumni association president, Dene Sheheane.
Kennesaw State University
Start date: Aug. 19 University officials hope to have resolved one frequent complaint of all college students, slooooow internet service, by making upgrades to its high-speed Wi-Fi in its residential communities on both campuses. KSU has made some cosmetic upgrades to residence halls on both campuses.
University of North Georgia
Start date: Aug. 19 Students should be prepared for a lot of construction noise at the school this fall. Work will start on the building for its new standalone campus in Blue Ridge, which is scheduled to open by the fall 2020 semester.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What challenges does Georgia’s largest university face?
By Eric Stirgus
Georgia State University President Mark Becker stared out the window of his office in downtown Atlanta on a recent afternoon. The view included student housing and other tall buildings, some that didn’t exist when he was hired a decade ago. The university, through the construction of several new dorms and the acquisition and renovation of Turner Field, is one of the city’s largest landowners having transformed the downtown landscape. It now offers 250 majors and minors, making it a critical education, business and employment component in the city and the region. Its $1.15 billion total budget is only behind the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech among state schools. On his mind was the central question: What’s the future for the state’s largest university?
The Atlanta Voice
Georgia State University president considers school’s future
Georgia State University’s president has been meeting with faculty, administrators and students to chart the institution’s course for the future. President Mark Becker’s goals include improving graduation rates; and increasing racial diversity among the faculty. Other goals include the completion of a student housing and retail project near the former Atlanta Braves’ home, which is now the school’s football stadium. Students, faculty and higher education experts would like to see more career counseling to undergraduate students, among other things. They’d also like to see Georgia State improve the financial aid process; and support a community plan that includes education programs and offers scholarships to students who live near the stadium, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Becker wants to improve graduate rates, particularly at its Perimeter College campuses.
WUGA
UGA Named No. 14 Public University in America
By ALEXIA RIDLEY
The University of Georgia was named the No. 14 public university in the U.S. by Niche. UGA received an A+ rating overall, with athletics, professor quality, student life and campus life, among others, receiving individual rankings of A+. The university’s campus came in at No. 10 for best college campuses, and UGA ranked No. 5 for universities with the best student life.
Gainesville Times
In 30 photos, experience freshman recruit orientation at UNG
By Scott Rogers
Freshman Recruit Orientation Group members with gear make their way across campus Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, beginning the campus Round Robin visiting various stations to pick up their dress uniforms, get fitted for and issued their Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms and pick up their footlockers.
The Brunswick News
Coastal Georgia students move in to residence halls, classes begin
By Lauren Mcdonald
Rainy weather did not dampen the spirits of more than 300 freshmen who moved onto College of Coastal Georgia’s campus on Saturday. Classes for the fall semester begin today, and many students arrived this weekend to officially move in to the residence halls and commence the new school year. “I’m ready to jump in, finally,” said incoming freshman Aleigha Ellis, as she carried bags into Lakeside Village, her new home on campus. Ellis traveled with her mom and aunt from Sandy Springs. She plans to major in marine biology, and the proximity to coastal Georgia waters contributed to her decision to enroll at CCGA.
WSAV
Georgia Southern students head back to class for the fall semester
By Khalil Maycock
Students at Georgia Southern University went back to classes on Monday. Students stepping off the shuttle in the morning signaled the start of the fall semester at Georgia Southern. Many News 3 spoke to said the school year had gotten off to a good start. Most mentioned a goal of theirs was to improve their grades from the year before. The president of the university, Dr. Kyle Marrero, said this year he’s looking into the possibility of adding some new degree programs.
Marietta Daily Journal
KSU unveils new brand and logo, celebrates first day of school with cake cutting
By Thomas Hartwell
Hundreds of Kennesaw State University students in Kennesaw and Marietta flocked to greenspaces at their respective campuses on Monday, the first day of school, to eat cake and see the school’s new brand unveiled. The new brand, which cost about $350,000 to develop, took about a year of “significant” research, including talking to more than 6,800 executives, faculty, staff and others across the university, according to Alice Wheelwright, KSU’s associate vice president of strategic communications and marketing. Wheelwright said the school’s rebranding seeks to make the university’s message more concise and uniform. She said the branding campaign centers on the slogan “Find Your Wings,” which represents students finding the career skills — their wings — that will carry them through their vocations. The new logo features an overlapping “K” and “S,” with wings sprouting from either side, and the slogan “Find Your Wings” sits overhead.
WGAU Radio
FALL CLASSES BEGIN AT ATHENS TECH, UNG
By: Tim Bryant
Today is the first day of fall semester classes at Athens Technical College; it’s also the start of a new fall semester at the University of North Georgia.
UNG President Bonita Jacobs (pictured above) recently delivered her annual State of the University address, as reported by the University’s J.K. Devine…
As a new academic year is about to begin, University of North Georgia President Bonita Jacobs focused on significant steps the school has taken and will take much like the astronauts did when they landed on the moon more than 50 years ago. “While we have not walked on the moon, we have demonstrated that same determination for doing something impactful, and what we have accomplished as a university is remarkable,” Dr. Jacobs said in her State of the University address at the 2019 Faculty and Staff Convocation on UNG’s Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses. “Simply put we have become a more comprehensive and dynamic institution.” One key example is an increase of nearly $7 million in UNG’s state appropriation, allowing for $1 million to be dedicated for faculty and staff equity adjustments this year. In addition, UNG self-funded a merit increase in January and was only one of seven University System of Georgia institutions to do so, Jacobs said.
Albany Herald
New third-year University of Georgia pharmacy students arrive in Albany
Students spend their first two years of pharmacy school at the UGA campus in Athens in classroom and skills laboratory settings
The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy’s Southwest Georgia Clinical Campus welcomed 14 third-year pharmacy students to Albany last week. The students have spent their first two years of pharmacy school at the UGA campus in Athens in classroom and skills laboratory settings. Now the group is expected to receive more experiential and didactic training at the Albany campus. The Southwest Georgia Clinical Campus is one of four extended locations across the state that trains third- and fourth-year UGA pharmacy students. Other campuses are located in Savannah, Augusta and the College of Pharmacy’s main location in Athens. Located at 1000 N. Jefferson St., the campus provides offices and classroom space to support the Doctor of Pharmacy and the graduate certificate residency programs.
Tifton Gazette
College campus offers food pantry, clothing closet for students in need
By William Malone
For the last two years, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) has maintained a food pantry and clothing closet for students who financially need help. The Residence Housing Association teams up with Embark Georgia to make sure students that come from foster care services or have experienced homelessness have the necessary items in life to function successfully. Embark Georgia works with different agencies and organizations to improve the educational options for people who have experienced foster care or homelessness. Embark Georgia has designated points of contact on college campuses to identify students who fall into this category. The ABAC point of contact for Embark Georgia is Maggie Martin. She relies on teachers and professors at ABAC to help her identify students who could use extra assistance. According to Martin, it can be difficult for students to come forward about needing help after being homeless.
WALB
ABAC students get good meals, clothes with ‘The Closet Pantry’
By Darran Todd
Every college student knows the struggles of finding a decent meal after the cafeteria is closed. At Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), the school is keeping students fed as well as giving them the necessary tools for success. “So right now we are standing in our food pantry, clothing closet sponsored by the Residence Hall Association here on campus. It is a student led organization that has hosted this space for about two years. They saw a need for it for students with food insecurities,” explained ABAC Resident Life Coordinator Sarah Herring. “So these are students that live on campus that just noticed there was some talk and need for food on campus.”
WTOC
By Wright Gazaway
Savannah State University kicked off the new semester Monday with a new person in charge. Interim President Kimberly Ballard-Washington will stay on campus until a permanent leader is hired, most likely by next year. The university had the biggest enrollment drop by percentage in the entire system from Spring 2018 to Spring of 2019. Ballard-Washington says university leaders need to do a better job of sharing what the school has to offer to boost enrollment. “[We need to impress] upon faculty that when they’re doing things special, make sure that our communications team is aware so that they can properly share the information,” said Ballard-Washington. With class back in session, university leaders have high hopes for a successful school year. One of those people is Kimberly Ballard-Washington. She started work last month, making this the third school she’s served as interim President; she’s made stops at Albany State and Fort Valley State in the past, the university system’s other two historically black colleges.
WTVM
CSU announces new branding campaign at Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast
By Olivia Gunn
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce held its bi-monthly Eye Opener Breakfast on Thursday. The event is the place to hear top speakers on national, regional, and community issues and to network with business professionals from around the region. Local businesses in the area were invited to update the network of members of the Chamber, including Columbus State University introducing its new branding campaign. The campaign encourages students to be more creative. CSU spokesman Greg Hudgison said a portion of the new “Create you” design is geared towards making it easier to access campus information.
…The words “Create You” and Creative to the Core” will soon be visible on both CSU campuses.
Albany Herald
Georgia Southwestern realigns colleges to meet work force needs of region
Reorganization at Georgia Southwestern State has been under development since December 2018
Georgia Southwestern State University recently implemented institutional changes to the school’s academic structure in an effort to improve student success, better align with Georgia’s current and future work force needs, and increase efficiency. The reorganization has been under development since December 2018 and was designed to enhance the quality of the university’s academic programs and programming. “As a prominent university in the southwest Georgia region, we wanted to organizationally align ourselves with the local economy and the work force needs of our region,” GSW President Neal Weaver said. “We want to be efficient, all while providing high-quality educational opportunities for students, keeping tuition low and ensuring faculty and staff are appropriately organized and supported.”
Statesboro Herald
GS to unveil new plan for graduations soon
Marrero: Capacity of venues a challenge, use of tickets necessary
Al Hackle/Staff
Speaking at a ceremony launching the 2019-20 academic year, Georgia Southern University President Dr. Kyle Marrero noted that a new plan has been sketched out for the ceremonies that will conclude the year, spring graduation, also known as commencement.
The Brunswick News
College celebrates completed library expansion, renovation
By Lauren McDonald
College of Coastal Georgia students walked into and out of the Clara Wood Gould Memorial Library on Tuesday. They sat down to work at computers and met up with classmates around white boards and in study rooms to collaborate on school work. In one corner of the building, though, a small disruption caused a little more noise than is usually tolerated in the library. College faculty, community leaders and other supporters of CCGA gathered for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the library’s recent renovations and expansion. “The most important thing about this $2 million investment in this college is that it is a complete, 100 percent investment in student success,” said Michelle Johnston, president of the college, before she helped cut the shiny blue ribbon hung in the hall of the library’s newest space. “This is about a place for discovery and research. But really, most importantly, as you look at this space, it’s about collaboration.”
11Alive
Cumming dog daycare gives college scholarships through puppies and paint
Yard Mutt launches pet mural to provide college scholarships for high school art students.
Author: Brittany Kleinpeter
Yard Mutts is unveiling the first piece of artwork on their dog mural as a part of the dog daycare’s student artist scholarship project. The pet daycare business hopes to cover their entire indoor facility with artwork by local high school students, selecting a new artist each year to add on to the mural.
The inaugural student selected for the project was former Forsyth Central High school student, Kaitlyn Anderson. The high school senior, at the time, incorporated some of the daycare’s most loyal pets into the 6-by-9 mural in Yard Mutts’s main indoor play space. With her selection, Anderson received a $1,500 college scholarship from Yard Mutts. The recent graduate started college this fall at the Armstrong campus of Georgia Southern University in Savannah.
Albany Herald
Albany State alumni urge community to lend support during ‘crisis’
By Alan Mauldin
Supporters of Albany State University are reacting to what they fear could be a damaging development by turning the “crisis” into an opportunity. Community members who are opposed to legislation introduced last year that would remove the state’s three historically black colleges and universities from the University System of Georgia will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Albany City Commissioner Jon Howard has headed a number of such meetings since state Sen. Freddie Powell-sims alerted the public to the proposed legislation. Ahead of that Tuesday session at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 214 E. Oglethorpe Blvd., supporters are urging graduates of Albany State, Fort Valley State and Savannah State to commit to financially supporting those institutions. They are enlisting the faith, education and business communities to take up that challenge.
Albany Herald
Savannah State alumnus supports HBCU bill
By Jerome Woody
Jerome Woody is a Savannah State University alumnus and former city councilman for the city of Claxton.
DEAR EDITOR:
I am writing in support of Senate Bill 278 sponsored by state Sen. Lester Jackson. I am an alumnus of Savannah State University, and I remain vigilant of its past, its present and its future. I wholeheartedly believe that passage of such a bill would provide a major contribution to the beginning of a solution to address the financial problems of Georgia’s public historically black colleges and universities in general and Savannah State University in particular. It is no secret that Savannah State is currently experiencing the worst and most devastating financial collapse in its 129-year history. Enrollment has plummeted to its lowest level in more than a decade. And since the funding formula for educational institutions in the state of Georgia’s University System is tied to enrollment, the loss of students adds up to the loss of revenues. Sen. Bill 278 provides a creative and innovative approach to insulate HBCUs from unanticipated and unpredictable enrollment declines by moving or shifting state funding directly to HBCUs instead of providing that the flow of funds comes directly through the University System with its flawed funding policy.
The Sentinel
Students recognized by Montepulciano mayor for archeological efforts
Sabrina Kerns
Dignitaries from Montepulciano, Italy, held a reception for Kennesaw State students earlier this month to celebrate their work digitizing thousands of documents and records from within the town’s archive over the summer. Some of the handwritten documents date all the way back to the 14th century, and the records contain information about the construction of the church of San Biago, which KSU Professor of Art History Philip Kiernan said is an “important Italian Renaissance church that was designed and built by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder between 1518 and 1540.” Kiernan and 14 of his students were recognized by Montepulciano’s mayor during the recent reception for their work, which was part of an art and archaeology summer course.
The Red & Black
UGA biochemistry professor awarded early career presidential honor
Spencer Donovan | City News Editor
President Donald Trump named University of Georgia associate professor Paula Lemons as a recipient of the 2019 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers on July 2, according to a UGA news release. The PECASE is ”the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on scientists and engineers in the early stages of their research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.” Lemons works in the UGA biochemistry and molecular biology department of Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and has been at the university for 10 years.
WGAU Radio
UGA PROFESSOR WINS PRESIDENT’S AWARD
By: Alan Flurry
University of Georgia associate professor Paula Lemons is among the 2019 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, or PECASE, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on scientists and engineers in the early stages of their research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology. Established in 1996, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education and community outreach. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinates the PECASE with participating departments and agencies. Lemons is an associate professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Athens CEO
President Morehead Will Receive Experiential Education Award
Staff Report From Athens CEO
University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead has been selected as the 2019 recipient of the William M. Burke Presidential Award for Excellence in Experiential Education. The Burke Award is presented by the National Society for Experiential Education and funded by The Washington Center for Academic Internships and Seminars in memory of TWC’s founder, William M. Burke. The award recognizes a sitting college president who has made significant contributions to the field and exemplifies Burke’s commitment to college students through entrepreneurial support of experiential education on campus and in the community. The award includes a $2,000 scholarship to be awarded to a University of Georgia student who is involved in experiential learning.
WTOC
Eagles, new university president take part in traditional baptisms
15 senior players take a dip in the campus’ mystical waters Friday morning
By Jake Wallace
In college football, tradition is everything. And very few places are as committed to that tradition as they are at Georgia Southern. Need proof? Find me another place players wait four years to jump in what others would simply see as a drainage ditch. The Eagles continued their annual tradition of Beautiful Eagle Creek baptisms Friday morning, two weeks before the start of the 2019 season. The team’s 15 seniors waded into the mystical waters, along with head coach Chad Lunsford and new university president Dr. Kyle Marrero, who to his credit went in fully suited up.
Growing Georgia
ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture Opens ‘A Photo Album of Ireland’ Sept. 4
Guests to the Gallery of the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village can view a rare archival exhibit containing over 120 photographs which showcase Ireland’s history, tradition, and culture beginning Sept. 4. “This touring exhibition emerges from an ongoing democratic archive that is a celebration of ordinary and extraordinary histories, viewed from the perspective of private individuals and families,” ABAC Curator Polly Huff said. “From the earliest photographs taken in the 1850s to the advent of the digital era in the early 1990s, these images reveal details about how people lived, worked, and gathered that official historical records may have overlooked.” “A Photo Album of Ireland” opens on Sept. 4 at the Museum Gallery. The exhibit will remain on display until Jan. 7, 2020. Admission to this special exhibit is included in the daily Museum admission price, and free with a valid Museum Season Pass or with an ABAC Student ID.
Marietta Daily Journal
Georgia awards $300,000 in Columbus State police shooting
The state of Georgia has agreed to pay $300,000 to the mother of a 20-year-old man who was fatally shot by a Columbus State University police officer. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports the settlement was awarded Thursday to Shaminique Flint, Zikarious Flint’s mother. Zikarious Flint was fatally shot in 2014 by Sgt. Benjamin Scott. Officers were responding to a call about a gun on campus when they began to chase Flint.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today’s metro Atlanta libraries are community hubs
By Mary Caldwell
If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited your local public library, you’ll probably be surprised at all you can do there. Sure, you can still check out books — although now you can also download e-books — but metro Atlanta libraries offer so much more. “We’re more than books — we’re a community hub,” Dee Driver, marketing and communications manager for Gwinnett County Public Library, said. Some branches offer such varied services as 3D printing and a spot where patrons can record podcasts and video, complete with editing capabilities and a green screen background.