University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Jolt: Brian Kemp willing to ‘work with’ lawmakers to trim film/TV incentives in Georgia
By Jim Galloway, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell
Gov. Nathan Deal treated the tax credits awarded to film and TV production companies that do business in Georgia as a prized legislative accomplishment, routinely warning lawmakers not to even consider a threat to the program. As some lawmakers rumble about revisiting the costly program, his successor is taking a different approach. In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Gov. Brian Kemp refused to rule out legislation that could seek changes with the lucrative credits, which cost the state an estimated $870 million in revenue in 2019.“Legislators passed the film tax credit to start with, so if there are some that want to review it or have reservations about it or want to add to it, this certainly is their prerogative and we’ll be glad to work with them,” he said. The governor was responding to buzz about a Georgia Tech study on the impact of the film tax credit that’s already set tongues wagging under the Gold Dome. State Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, is one of several influential Republicans looking at reducing the credits this year to avoid steeper budget cuts.
AllOnGeorgia
Bulloch Native Among 5 Named to Board of Regents
By Jessica Szilagyi
A Bulloch County resident has been named to the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents by Governor Brian Kemp. Cade Joiner and T. Dallas Smith will serve as at-large members with Harold Reynolds representing the 10th Congressional District, Everett Kennedy representing the 12th Congressional District, and Lowery May representing the 14th Congressional District. Everett Kennedy is Chief Executive Officer and Broker of Berkshire Hathaway Kennedy Realty in Statesboro where, for thirty-seven years, he has specialized in residential and commercial sales and development. Everett, a lifetime resident of Bulloch County, is a 1987 graduate of Georgia Southern University with a BBA in Finance. He is passionate about Georgia Southern athletics and committed to the education of the regional workforce.
Athens Banner-Herald
UGA to show regents plans for movie studio, new dorm
By Lee Shearer
The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication plans a multi-million dollar studio renovation for its new Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media program. The $3.75 million project, including about $2 million in construction, will be paid for with donated funds, according to information UGA officials submitted to the state Board of Regents in advance of the board’s monthly meeting on Wednesday. UGA won’t sign a construction contract until the entire $3.75 million is in hand, according to the paperwork. Regents also on Wednesday will see recommendations for hiring one of three Atlanta design firms for a 525-bed dormitory for first-year students planned for Baxter Street.
Finance Yahoo
Best Georgia Online MBA Programs
Ranking and resource site, MBA Central (https://www.mbacentral.org/) has published a new ranking: The 15 Best Georgia Online MBA Degree Programs (https://www.mbacentral.org/top/best-georgia-online-mba/). Prospective students expect an MBA program to provide a solid business foundation that equips them with foundational knowledge, most up-to-date tools, and hands-on experience to successfully lead organizations. But what an online MBA beyond that is leverage our current social and virtual technology to provide this advanced degree in the most flexible format. These top Georgia Online MBA programs in this ranking offer more flexibility at generally more affordable prices. …Topping this ranking of the 15 Best Georgia Online MBA Degrees is Georgia College’s J. Whitney Bunting College of Business, located in Milledgeville, Georgia. Next is the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business in Carrollton, Georgia, in second place, followed by Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business located in Kennesaw, Georgia, in third. Additional schools in this ranking are (alphabetically ordered): Augusta University James M. Hull College of Business — Augusta, Georgia; Clayton State University College of Business — Morrow, Georgia; Columbus State University Turner College of Business — Columbus, Georgia; Georgia Southern University Parker College of Business — Statesboro, Georgia; Georgia Southwestern State University College of Business and Computing — Americus, Georgia; Valdosta State University Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration — Valdosta, Georgia
Georgia is overflowing with opportunities for students in top online MBA programs.
Georgia Trend
100 Most Influential Georgians: Visionary Forces
The 2020 list of people making an impact on every corner of the state.
Anna Bentley, Amy Bonesteel, Katie Gantt, Karen Kirkpatrick, Brian Lee, Michele Cohen Marill, Patty Rasmussen, K.K. Snyder, Adina Solomon, Randy Southerland
“There are no secrets to success,” said former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. “It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” His description could apply to the individuals included in Georgia Trend’s 22nd annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. It’s a remarkable assemblage of people who prepare, work hard and have contributed to making life better for Georgians. …Kessel Stelling, Chair & CEO, Synovus Financial Corp., Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; Steve Wrigley, Chancellor, University System of Georgia; Mark Becker, President, Georgia State University; Brooks Keel, President & CEO, Augusta University; Christopher Markwood, President, Columbus State University; Jere Morehead, President, University of Georgia
Columbus CEO
CSU President Chris Markwood Recognized as Influential Georgian
Staff Report
Columbus State University President Chris Markwood was recently named as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians of 2020 by Georgia Trend. The magazine’s 22nd annual listing recognizes Georgians who are successful in their careers, wield remarkable power and influence, and have contributed to making life better for Georgians. Georgia Trend recognized how Markwood’s leadership has helped CSU wrap up its capital campaign, which surpassed its goal and reached $120 million in 2019. …This is the fourth year in a row that Markwood has been named to the list.
Augusta CEO
Augusta University Health Announces First-ever Chief Innovation Officer
Staff Report
Mallary Myers, a national leader in clinical innovation, has been named vice president/chief innovation officer for Augusta University Health, effective Jan. 3. In this role, Myers will be responsible for promoting a culture of innovation across the health system, including working closely with hospital leadership and the Division of Information Technology to nurture concepts to streamline overall health system strategies to improve patient care.
Aad.org
Medical College of Georgia Physician honored for care of family with rare genetic condition
American Academy of Dermatology recognizes Dr. Loretta Davis with national “Patient Care Hero” award
The American Academy of Dermatology has honored board-certified dermatologist Loretta Davis, MD, FAAD, as a Patient Care Hero for her role treating a family with a rare genetic disorder. The condition, known as pachyonychia congenita, makes nails grow abnormally thick and causes painful callouses and blisters on the soles of the feet. This can make seemingly ordinary tasks, like standing, walking, holding items, or even breathing, uncomfortable and challenging for many patients living with pachyonychia congenita. Buff Farrow of North Augusta, S.C., was diagnosed with pachyonychia congenita at age 16 by dermatologist Dr. Jack Lesher, who had also diagnosed her father, before Dr. Davis took over their care upon Dr. Lesher’s retirement. Farrow’s son was diagnosed at birth. Dr. Davis helps the Farrow family effectively manage the condition and limit its effects on their daily lives. Because taking extra steps increases pain and causes blisters to form, the dermatologists helped the family acquire special accommodations, such as handicapped parking.
Fox5
Georgia professor nearly killed in Baltimore hit and run
By Emilie Ikeda
Georgia Gwinnett College Professor, Dr. Tom Gluick, is in a Maryland hospital, recovering from fractures, literally head to toe. Gluick was the victim of a hit and run. It happened at a busy intersection in Towson on New Year’s Eve, when Gluick was paying his former wife a holiday visit. Baltimore County Police released a surveillance image of the truck that reportedly sent the 6’5” and 250-pound man airborne in the crosswalk at Dulaney Valley Road and Fairmount Avenue — one week before the start of the semester.
See also:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta professor seriously injured in hit-and-run while visiting Maryland
Savannah CEO
Gov. Kemp Names James Prine to Southern Judicial Circuit
Staff Report
Governor Kemp announced his selection of James “Jim” Prine to fill a vacancy on the Superior Court of the Southern Judicial Circuit. Prine will replace the Honorable Harry Jay Altman II following Altman’s retirement. “Given Jim’s extensive background with the Southern Judicial Circuit, I am confident that he is the right man for this job,” stated Governor Kemp. “As a judge, he will prioritize the business of the court and uphold justice, fairness, and proper decorum.” James L. Prine earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law.
WFXG
Richmond County Schools early college program gives students a head start
The Richmond County Schools Early College program is a partnership between Augusta University and Lucy C. Laney High School. The Early College program offers rigorous instruction and accelerated courses with an opportunity to attend Augusta University while simultaneously earning a high school diploma.
Albany Herald
UGA’s I-Corps helps innovators bring new products to the masses
By Aaron Hale
The illuminated light bulb. It’s the symbol of a great idea come to life. Erico Mattos’ big idea doesn’t reinvent that iconic bulb exactly but reimagines how it can be used. Around the globe, greenhouses grow fruits and vegetables to provide a healthy food supply year-round. But as reliable as the sun is for providing light and energy for plants to grow, a rainy day or just a cloudy afternoon can slow a plant’s growth little by little. Those cloudy days add up and can affect how quickly a plant grows — including how deeply its roots take hold — and how much it can produce. Some greenhouse growers use artificial lighting. But to shine a light on a plant that’s already getting ample sunlight is a waste of energy … and money. After finishing his doctorate in bio-engineering at the University of Georgia, Mattos teamed up with Marc van Iersel, the Dooley Professor of Horticulture, to develop a lighting controller that can respond to sunlight and provide just enough supplemental light to keep plants happy. The lights dim under sunny conditions and get brighter under cloudy conditions.
Albany Herald
UGA students set to FABricate entrepreneurships
By Chad Cain
Sometimes even the best ideas need a little help getting off the ground. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences FABricate entrepreneurship program was designed to do just that — to empower students to turn their great ideas into working businesses. FABricate is an entrepreneurship competition and course for students who want to develop and implement ideas in a way that can help feed a growing population. Students develop personal and professional skills while refining their ideas for a new food product, agricultural technology, or environmental or agricultural business.
Albany Herald
UGA student takes initial trip abroad for food production studies
By Ellen Farmer
Time abroad looks different for every student. Some are seasoned travelers looking to fuel their sense of adventure. For others, studying abroad is the first chance they’ve had to explore a new country. For University of Georgia poultry science major Logan Waldrop, embarking on a monthlong study-abroad trip to Spain with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences was his first time outside of the Southeastern U.S.
WJBF
Georgia Supreme Court decision delays AU hospital in Columbia County
Augusta University faces another delay to build a hospital in Columbia County. The Georgia Supreme Court is sending the case back to the Court of Appeals for a new ruling. It’s been nearly a year after AU’s former CEO seemed confident the Georgia Supreme Court would rule in favor of their Certificate of Need to build a hospital in Columbia County. NewsChannel 6 found an interview with former CEO of AU Health, Dr. Lee Ann Liska. She said, “we have no reason to believe that we will not win this appeal like we’ve won every single other appeal.” That battle between Doctors Hospital and the Department of Community Health is headed back to the Court of Appeals.
The Covington News
Georgia’s economy will grow in 2020, but at a slower pace
Staff Report
Georgia’s economic growth is forecast to slow substantially in 2020, but not to a complete stop, according to the latest projections from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. The state will grow at a slower rate than the U.S. economy – 1% compared with 1.2% estimated for U.S. gross domestic product in 2020 – and create less than one-third of the new jobs that were added in 2019, said Dean Benjamin C. Ayers at UGA’s 37th annual Georgia Economic Outlook in Atlanta.
Emanuel County Line
EGSC Alumni at the Fitness Center event to be held Friday
by Harley Strickland
The East Georgia State College Alumni Association is hosting an Alumni at the Fitness Center event Friday, January 10. The event will be held on the Swainsboro campus at the fitness center from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will give alumni the chance to tour the fitness center and try it out for free.
Savannah Morning News
Ole Miss announces former Georgia Southern athletic director Tom Kleinlein as deputy AD
Ole Miss athletics director Keith Carter added high-level experience to his administration Friday, Jan. 3, announcing Tom Kleinlein as deputy athletics director. He will oversee the external affairs and day-to-day football activities for Rebel Athletics. Kleinlein arrives in Oxford after seven years as Georgia Southern’s director of athletics. He announced his resignation on Friday, Jan. 3, effective Jan. 21. A former college football player at Wake Forest, Kleinlein joined the Eagles following two years at Kent State, where he served as the deputy athletics director, and five years at Arizona State, where he served as the associate athletics director for football. “We are excited to add an administrator with Tom’s credentials to our team,” Carter said in a statement released by Ole Miss. “Having sat in the athletics director seat, Tom brings a valuable perspective and the experience to manage all areas related to our external operation and football program. To attract staff of his caliber speaks to the power of the Ole Miss brand and our desire to provide our department with the best leadership in the industry.” “I’m excited to join the team at Ole Miss and be part of the vision of Keith Carter, Lane Kiffin and the leadership of the university,” Kleinlein said. “My family is looking forward to being active members of the Oxford community.
WSB-TV
Student athletes with concussions more at risk for suicide, study finds
A somber warning for parents: A new study finds that concussions in high school athletes may be a risk factor for suicide. Concussions are the most common form of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, headache, confusion and changes in mood. Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer spoke to Dale Mantey, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student at the University of Texas School of Public Health. …Darin Wilson is the athletic director at Georgia Gwinnett College and works closely with Northside Hospital’s Concussion Institute. He said all student athletes who have signs of a concussion go through a protocal before returning to the filed. “We’re not going to take a chance of putting a player back on the field or quarter competition without making absolutely sure that they’re as healthy as they can possibly be,” Wilson said. “I’d rather lose a game than lose a kid.” Wilson said anyone recovering from a concussion should listen to his or her body.
Higher Education News:
The Chronicle of Higher Education
What’s worse than a decade of financial turmoil? Not learning from it.
By BENJAMIN H. BARTON
When the Great Recession began, in 2008, there was an expectation that law schools would benefit. The October 2009 sitting of the LSAT was the largest on record. And yet the seeds of the field’s collapse had already been planted. A harbinger was the rise of law school “scamblogs,” which pointed out poor employment results, harped on cost and debt, and highlighted hypocritical and self-serving statements by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), the American Bar Association (ABA), and various law schools. …With the bad news came a change in the market. 2009-10 was the high point for LSAT administrations, at 171,514. That figure fell to 101,689 just five years later. According to ABA data, the last time that fewer students entered American law schools than in 2017 was 1974, when there were far fewer law schools. So where have all of these students gone?
Inside Higher Ed
Free Textbooks for Law Students
Legal scholars are increasingly adopting and creating free textbooks in an attempt to increase affordability for students. But are these textbooks considered open educational resources?
By Lindsay McKenzie
Law school is notoriously expensive, but a growing number of professors are pushing back on the idea that law textbooks must be expensive, too. Faculty members at the New York University School of Law have taken matters into their own hands by publishing their own textbooks at no cost to students. Barton Beebe, a law professor at NYU, published the sixth edition of his trademark-law textbook last year. Fellow NYU professors Jeanne Fromer and Christopher Jon Sprigman also published the first edition of their copyright-law textbook in 2019. Both titles are available to download electronically at no charge and are already in use at dozens of universities.