University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia colleges top categories in coveted U.S. News rankings list
By Eric Stirgus
Two Georgia women’s colleges were at the top of the class in various categories of the highly-coveted U.S. News & World Report annual rankings of the nation’s best schools. Agnes Scott College was ranked as being the nation’s most innovative liberal arts college and having the best experience for first-year students. Spelman College was ranked as the nation’s top historically black college and university (HBCU). The rankings were released Monday, and colleges and universities use the rankings as recruiting tools. Princeton University again topped the list as the nation’s best school. Emory University was the first among Georgia schools on the list, ranking 21st nationally. Other Georgia schools that made the best national universities list included Georgia Tech (29th), the University of Georgia (tied for 50th), Mercer University (tied for 153rd) and Georgia State University (tied for 211th). Some area schools ranked in the top ten in other categories. …Georgia State was ranked as having the fifth-best experience for first-year students.
Albany Herald
Albany State University president honored at Friday events
By Alan Mauldin
Marion Fedrick on Friday became the 10th Albany State University president to be feted in an investiture ceremony whose traditions and trappings date back to the Middle Ages. Fedrick was officially “vested” with the powers of office by Steve Wrigley, chancellor of the University System of Georgia. The ceremony typically takes place in the first year a college president has been in office. Fedrick was appointed ASU’s president on Aug. 14, 2018, after serving as interim president beginning in October 2017, and prior to that as interim executive vice president. The 11 a.m. ceremony brought region business and government leaders and the community at large to the Billy C. Black Auditorium on the university’s east campus. Past and current university system employees also were in attendance.
Marietta Daily Journal
KSU Pres brags on school before business leaders
By Ross Williams
“Something kind of magic is happening” at the third largest university in Georgia. That’s what Kennesaw State University President Pamela Whitten said in a presentation before the South Cobb Business Association on Wednesday. Whitten spoke at the association’s monthly luncheon and touted the university’s growth. “This year, we have shattered all kinds of records,” she said. “I know everybody is used to hearing that, but it’s a little different today now in terms of trends and demographics. … Our freshman class increased by 30% over last year, so we had more than 6,500 freshmen come into Kennesaw State University. You will see growth at exciting schools in terms of freshman classes. I challenge you to find a school with 30% growth in one year.”
Americus Times Recorder
GSW sees surge in student retention
By Beth Alston
Student retention is at an all-time high at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW). These results didn’t happen by chance though. The University implemented changes in Fall 2018, in an effort to increase student retention by providing an intentional focus on both the academic and social success of first-year students. In his August Assembly address, GSW President Neal Weaver, Ph.D., proudly reported those efforts proved effective when the number jumped from 61.2 percent in Fall 2018 to 74.1 percent opening Fall 2019.
Albany Herald
Georgia Southwestern alumna donates solar bench to university
In memory of her late husband, Linda Grimsley (’68, ’83) of Sylvester recently gifted a solar bench to Georgia Southwestern State University, the place she credits with bringing the two together. A dedication ceremony of the bench honoring Alan Grimsley (’68), who passed away earlier this year, was held last week with family and GSW faculty, staff and students in attendance. The bench, which is powered by the sun and doubles as a charging station for electronic devices, was placed outside of the James Earl Carter Library. Grimsley said she first met her husband in the old library, so it was only fitting the bench be placed outside the new one.
Douglas Now
OPTIMA CHEMICAL SUPPORTS SGSC STUDENTS THROUGH ‘BRIDGING THE GAP’ FUND DRIVE
Optima Chemical supports SGSC students through ‘Bridging the GAP’fund drive The South Georgia State College (SGSC) Foundation would like to express its appreciation to Optima Chemical for serving as a Signature Benefactor level donor to support students on SGSC’s Douglas campus. The “Bridging the GAP Fund Drive” was held to raised funds for students with financial need which may prevent them from covering their full tuition balance, and thus enrolling in college. Optima Chemical has a long and rich history of engagement and support for education in our region.
WSAV
Georgia Southern students with family in the Bahamas collecting supplies to send home after Dorian
by: Khalil Maycock
A group of students at Georgia Southern University with family in the Bahamas are collecting supplies to send home after Hurricane Dorian devastated the islands. Officials say the storm killed at least 30 people, including three of GS student Brittni Swain’s close family members. Dozens of other students at the university have personal ties to the island. They told News 3 that they are all still emotional, but trying to stay strong to get their loved ones the supplies they need. “We’re taking medicine, food, water, canned goods; all the basic necessities that everyone would need for themselves,” Zae Moss, a GS student said. “We need them back at home because we lost everything, honestly.” Students will be collecting supplies through next week.
See also:
WJCL
GSU students, Bulloch County rally to help Bahamas
Volunteers in Bulloch County are teaming up with Bahamian Georgia Southern students to aid their friends and family, who now must rebuild their lives.
Statesboro Herald
Bulloch sending help to Bahamas
Volunteers meet with students
Savannah Morning News
College students excel as storm entrepreneurs
By Dennis Knight
As Hurricane Dorian made its devastating approach through the Bahamas toward Florida and Georgia, many Savannah residents evacuated — dreading the impact of the powerful storm. But Michael Daly and Aaron Jackson, roommates at Georgia Southern, made their way back to town to help residents and businesses on Tybee and Wilmington Islands prepare for Dorian. The close friends have their own company – DJ Handyman Service, and hurricane prep and cleanup is something they take a lot of pride in. Earlier in the week, Daly and Jackson were boarding up windows at businesses such as the Ace Hardware on Wilmington Island and Seaside Suites on Tybee, while also helping out with homeowners who wanted to buckle down for the storm.
accessWDUN
Gainesville: Georgia-made films to shine at University of North Georgia festival
The Georgia Film Festival, which will be held later this month on the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus, will, for the first time, be limited to films shot in Georgia and surrounding states. Hosted by the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism, more than 60 films from independent filmmakers and college students will be screened, Sept. 20-21 in the Continuing Education and Performing Arts building.. “We are celebrating the many different kinds of movies made throughout Georgia and the Southeast, and we are promoting diverse voices in the Georgia filming community,” said Dr. Jeff Marker, professor and head of the Department of Communications, Media and Journalism. “We want to promote homegrown talent.”
Marietta Daily Journal
Fifth Third Bank launches KSU Owls 53 Yard Drive Campaign
Staff reports
Fifth Third Bank (Georgia) announced its new 53 Yard Drive Campaign in partnership with the KSU Owls football team. When the KSU football team completes a successful, scoring offensive drive of 53 yards or more, KSU fans attending the game will receive 53 points in the KSU Rewards App. A push notification will be sent to all App users each time this happens. Points can be used for concessions, merchandise and other spirit items announced throughout the season. In addition to the points, Fifth Third will donate $100 to The CARE (Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment) Center at KSU for every offensive drive of 53 yards or more – up to $5,300. CARE Services offers support to students who have experienced homelessness, food insecurity and/or are in the foster care system.
Albany Herald
ABAC nursing faculty train with hi-fi mannequins
From staff reports
Simulation training using high fidelity mannequins is one of the up-and-coming tools that can be used across the nursing curriculum to replicate experiences in nursing practice. Nursing faculty members at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently involved themselves in an up-close-and-personal look at that type of training through the leadership of Debra Weaver and two new high-fidelity mannequins. “Because simulation requires active student participation, discussion and debriefing, it is considered to have a higher impact on student learning,” Jaibun Earp, dean of the ABAC School of Nursing and Health Sciences, said. “This interactive experience immerses students in patient health care scenarios in a safe environment.”
Albany Herald
Road to UGA doesn’t always go in straight line
By Samuel L. Pardue
The University of Georgia just welcomed another exceptional class of students to campus to kick off the new school year. The UGA Class of 2023 has an average weighted high school GPA above 4.0 and a record average of nine Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Plus, 82% of incoming students are Georgia residents representing 91% of Georgia’s counties. While those are great statistics that the university should be proud of, for many promising students in Georgia, it creates an often false impression that they don’t have an opportunity to become a Bulldog. That’s not always the case.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE LATEST: Funeral set for couple killed in crash after Georgia Southern game
By Chelsea Prince
Danny and Julie Hagan loved Georgia Southern football and were in the stands Saturday for the season opener against Louisiana State University. The weekend in Baton Rouge was “a trip of a lifetime” for the Effingham County couple, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary, according to their family and friends. They never made it home. The Hagans were killed Sunday after their Nissan Altima hydroplaned on I-16 outside of Swainsboro, state troopers said. The driver lost control in the rain, and the car hit a tree in a center median. …The couple leaves behind three children, Matthew, Joshua and Madison, all students at Georgia Southern. …Since the accident, support has poured in for the Hagan family. Multiple fundraising accounts have raised tens of thousands of dollars. One campaign has ballooned to more than $40,000 with the support of LSU fans. …A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Countryside Baptist Church in Guyton.
WJCL
Georgia Southern Police Officer dies from injuries sustained in crash
The Georgia Southern Police Department says Officer Tristan Clemmons has passed away
Graham Cawthon
The Georgia Southern Police Department says one of its own has died from injuries sustained in a crash last week. Officer Tristan Clemmons was seriously injured in a crash while off-duty last week, the department said. Georgia Southern PD announced Clemmons’ passing late Sunday night on Facebook. “Tristan was a remarkable young man who inspired all of us with his willingness to serve others,” the post read. A police escort will take Clemmons’ body from Savannah to Statesboro on Monday, leaving Memorial Hospital at 8 a.m. and arriving in Statesboro at 9 a.m.
Macon Telegraph
UGA legend Vince Dooley speaks after field dedication in Athens
BY BRANDON SUDGE | JED MAY
Retired University of Georgia coach and athletic director Vince Dooley spoke with media Sept. 7, 2019, following the field dedication at Sanford Stadium in his honor. Dooley coached the team that took home the 1980 National Championship.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Scientists sent people to the moon. Can they reinvent the toilet?
By Christopher Quinn
Georgia Tech engineers head Gates-fueled mission to tackle sewage
When people ask Georgia Tech engineering professor Ilan Stern about his latest high-tech project, he talks about developing systems for combustion engines, viscous heaters and automatic high-pressure steam valve systems. “They say, `what are you building, a rocket?’” Stern said. He’s actually part of a world-wide team of Georgia Tech-led engineers, chemists and biologists trying to design a cheap, self-contained toilet not dependent on a sewer connection. It is among the most-ambitious attempts yet to treat sewage from 2.5 billion people in developing nations that is currently piped into ditches or streams or left in fields.
Higher Education News:
WALB
Georgia lawmakers again consider gambling to pay for HOPE
Georgia state lawmakers are again exploring the idea of new legalized gambling to help fund the HOPE scholarship program. If gambling in the state is expanded, the type of activity allowed will greatly determine how much money can be raised. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that casino gambling brought in record numbers last year, but the thoroughbred horse racing industry is shrinking. Experts say sports betting’s impact would be minimal.