University System News:
The Brunswick News
Local leader to receive high USG honor
By Lauren McDonald
Jim Bishop had one priority during his first meeting with the chancellor as a newly appointed member of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. He wanted to bring a four-year college to Glynn County. That day in 2007, Bishop informed then-Chancellor Erroll Davis and Rob Watts, the senior vice chancellor, that he intended to do all within his power to transform the two-year Brunswick Junior College into a four-year institution. Mission accomplished. A few years later, College of Coastal Georgia began enrolling students in four-year degree programs. …Bishop will be recognized for his work and receive one of the university system’s highest honors today in Atlanta. He will be presented with the University System of Georgia Regents’ Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Achievement Award during the Regents’ Scholarship Gala. College of Coastal Georgia President Michelle Johnston nominated Bishop for the award. Bishop will be one of five recipients in the state selected to receive the prestigious award this year.
The Brunswick News
Bishop’s vision improved education in the Isles
Congratulations to Jim Bishop, a recipient of the University System of Georgia Regent’s Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Achievement Award. The University System of Georgia bestowed the prestigious honor upon him and four others during a recent ceremony in Atlanta for their achievements, integrity and, above all else, their service and contribution to the world of academia. The award is well-deserved. Jim Bishop is one of a handful of individuals whose dedication to state, community and education has literally changed the face of Brunswick and the Golden Isles.
Douglas Now
SGSC’S ALANA ATKINSON HONORED AT BOARD OF REGENT’S ACADEMIC RECOGNITION DAY EVENT
Alana Atkinson, a sophomore from Broxton, was awarded the 2020 Academic Recognition Day Award for South Georgia State College (SGSC) by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Alana was accompanied by her parents, David and Angie Atkinson, and SGSC Dean of Students Sandra Adams to the February meeting of the Board of Regents in Atlanta. The annual Academic Recognition Day Award is presented to one student from each institution within the University System who exemplifies outstanding academic achievement and success. The Lieutenant Governor, Geoff Duncan, paid a special visit at the ceremony prior to the introductions of the students. “I am honored to be chosen to represent SGSC with this award,” says Alana. “I am thankful my parents were in attendance. They have always supported me and encouraged my academic pursuits, and for that, I am grateful.” Alana will be graduating from SGSC after the spring 2020 semester with dual associate degrees in Allied Health and General Studies. She plans to continue her studies and pursue a degree in pathology. As a dual-enrolled student when she began at SGSC, Alana was awarded the Highest GPA Award for Healthcare Sciences, the Highest GPA Award for Allied Health and Medicine and the Highest GPA Award for Essentials to Healthcare.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Growing push by lawmakers to help ‘Dreamers’ attend Georgia colleges
By Eric Stirgus and Amanda C. Coyne
State lawmakers from both major political parties have taken turns in recent weeks to craft bills that help immigrants who have been granted a temporary reprieve from deportation — often called “Dreamers” — get an education in Georgia’s public colleges and universities. Those students currently pay out-of-state tuition, which is at least three times higher than the in-state cost to study at University System of Georgia schools. But there are two bills that have been introduced and a third expected Monday that allow “Dreamers” to pay in-state tuition. The first bill, introduced earlier this month, came from a group of six Democratic lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader Robert Trammell. The second bill was dropped last week by state Rep. David Clark, R-Buford. The third is being led by state Rep. Kasey Carpenter, R-Dalton, and the bill’s current draft has the support of four co-sponsors, including Rep. Spencer Frye, a Democrat from Athens.
Marietta Daily Journal
UGA, Georgia Tech presidents balk at in-state early admissions quota
By Dave Williams Bureau Chief Capitol Beat News Service
A bill requiring the University System of Georgia to raise the percentage of in-state students offered early admission to the state’s top public universities drew opposition Thursday during a legislative committee hearing. The presidents of the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech told members of the Senate Higher Education Committee the legislation is unnecessary and would lower the standards for admission to the university system’s top campuses. Senate Bill 282 would require the university system’s four research universities — UGA, Georgia Tech, Augusta University and Georgia State University — to make sure at least 90% of students offered early admission are from Georgia.
See also:
Valdosta Daily Times
University heads slam early action bill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kennesaw State to offer two new degree programs
By Krystal Dixon
Kennesaw State University will soon begin offering two new degree programs for its students. The Board of Regents has approved the school’s proposal to offer a bachelor of business administration in hospitality management and a master’s degree in cybersecurity. KSU will begin offering both programs in the 2020-21 school year. “The addition of these two degree programs is further evidence of Kennesaw State’s commitment to developing academic programs that serve the interest of our students and, at the same time, support the growing marketplace demands of the state and region,” said KSU President Pamela Whitten.
Albany Herald
ABAC designated military-friendly
From staff reports
Making an academic decision after time in the armed forces of the United States can be difficult, but with Military Friendly Schools, that transition can often be accomplished without mountains of red tape. That’s why Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College has been named a bronze-level Military Friendly School by Victory Media. To qualify for the award, Victory Media takes into consideration academic policies and compliance, admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, financial aid and assistance, graduation and career, and military student support and retention. The standards employed at ABAC exceed the Military Friendly standard in each category.
Henry Herald
UGA to name College of Education for first black graduate
From staff reports
The University of Georgia will hold a ceremony to officially name its College of Education in honor of Mary Frances Early, the university’s first African American graduate, on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall at the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center. Early also will tour a new exhibit honoring her life and legacy at 10 a.m. in UGA’s Aderhold Hall. The event will feature a keynote address from Marion Ross Fedrick, president of Albany State University, as well as remarks from Early.
Moultrie Observer
Freedom Singer Rutha Harris to speak at ABAC
Staff Reports
As part of the celebration of African American History Month at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Rutha Harris, legendary civil rights activist and Freedom Singer, will be on campus on Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. in Howard Auditorium. This event is open to the public at no charge.
Middle Georgia CEO
Georgia College Breaks Ground on New Science Building and Re-opens Historic Terrell Hall
Staff Report
Georgia College commemorates two campus buildings Friday, Feb. 21, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its Integrated Science Complex and ribbon cutting for newly-renovated Terrell Hall. The two facilities mark a combined construction upgrade for the campus worth $35.4 million.
Griffin Daily News
Gordon State receives record gift
By Katheryne A. Fields
The Gordon State College Foundation received the largest donation in the history of the Foundation — a landmark $255,000 gift Wednesday from Gordon State College Foundation Board of Trustee member and donor Dan White. The $255,000 landmark gift, announced during the monthly meeting of the GSC Foundation Board of Trustees, will be designated toward a combination of eight endowed scholarships, an endowed lecture series, and an endowed Fine and Performing Arts Series.
WGAU
UGA Dance Marathon raises money for Children’s HealthCare
By: Marilyn Primovic
Hundreds of students danced nonstop for 25 hours on Saturday through Sunday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of UGA Miracle’s Dance Marathon, which raised $1,251,410.20 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “[Over the years], UGA Miracle has raised more than $9.8 million for Children’s,” said Lydia Stinson, senior program coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “They have truly helped make miracles in our hospital by kids being able to walk again or ring the bell from finishing their cancer treatment.” The amount raised supports Children’s Rehab Services and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. UGA Miracle helped fund the construction of Children’s new aquatic therapy pool, which is home to one of the only pediatric aquatic therapy pools in the Southeast. When they first raised $1 million, the large gym on the inpatient rehab floor was named the UGA Miracle Gym.
WJCL
Clay Shooting Teams receive grants from Coastal Georgia Friends of NRA
Daniel Defense helps promote Shooting Sports in local high schools
Frank Sulkowski
High School Clay Shooting programs in southeast Georgia are getting sizable grants from the Coastal Georgia Friends of NRA. The local chapter of the Friends of NRA Foundation presenting checks for approximately $220,000 in support of shooting programs focused on education and training for youth.
…Local organizations receiving support for their youth shooting programs include: …•Georgia Southern University
Albany Herald
Students ‘max out’ science and engineering fair at ASU
By Tom Seegmueller
When Rush Limbaugh refers to “young skulls full of mush,” it’s obvious he has never attended the annual Southwest Georgia Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Two hundred fifteen middle and high school students form 18 southwest Georgia counties gathered Friday in the Albany State University West Campus recreation gym to compete in the 48-year-old event. Doug Wyatt, associate professor of Biology at ASU and the regional Science Fair director, said he was pleased with the quality of the projects presented. “There are so many bright minds here today,” Wyatt said. “Many of them far smarter than I am. As you can see, we are maxed out here with wall to wall projects.”
Albany Herald
Historian plans lecture on founding of Florida
From staff reports
Historian J. Michael Francis will deliver a lecture on the myths and legends surrounding the founding of Florida at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College-Bainbridge at 6 p.m. on March 12 as a part of the Carter Arts and Lecture Series. During his lecture at the Kirbo Center at the ABAC-Bainbridge campus, Francis will speak on the half-truths and distortion about the myth of Florida’s founding, including a look at Ponce de Leon’s legendary drink from the Fountain of Youth. Francis’ teaching field focuses on colonial Latin America, Early Florida, Spanish Borderlands, the Pre-Columbian Americas and Spanish Paleography. …Now in its seventh season, the Carter Arts and Lecture series features compelling speakers, distinguished authors and performing artists at ABAC-Bainbridge. The college’s executive director, Michael Kirkland, said the events are designed to bring ABAC students and the community together to educate, inspire and spark imagination. The Thomas M. Kirbo and Irene B. Kirbo Foundation is the series sponsor. The final presentation in the Carter Arts and Lecture Series for the 2019-20 season features jazz vocalist Myrna Clayton with the ABAC Jazz Ensemble on April 17.
Dawson News
Northeast Georgia Health System becomes official healthcare partner of UNG Athletics
The University of North Georgia (UNG) recently announced that Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is the new official healthcare partner of UNG Athletics. The agreement is one of the few in the nation for an NCAA Division II athletics program. “This partnership reflects the strength of our athletic program and is indicative of our vision to grow the program in the years to come,” UNG Athletics Director Lindsay Reeves said in a press release. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work alongside NGHS whose commitment to community mirrors our own.”
The Red & Black
UGA engineering students partner with Campus Transit to enhance electric bus program
Erin Schilling | Staff Writer
For Blake Ginn, an environmental engineering major, his capstone class in the College of Engineering is much more important than the grade. Ginn and three other seniors have spent the past school year working on improvement designs for the University of Georgia campus transit facility, including adding a solar canopy so the new electric buses could be charged through renewable energy. The capstone itself is sponsored by UGA transportation and parking services. …After UGA Transportation and Parking Services bought 33 electric buses and 12 charging stations, Director of Transportation and Parking Services Don Walter approached the College of Engineering to see how students could innovate solutions to make the fleet more sustainable and efficient.
WSAV
WATCH: Georgia medical students balance studies with acapella singing group
by: CNN
A group of medical students in Georgia are learning to save lives, and enriching them in the mean time. “The Serotoneins” is an acopella group made up of first and second year students at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. The group has recently gotten a lot of attention because of a viral video of their singing. The group’s members say being a part of “The Serotoneins” gives them something to do, other than studying.
WSAV
Savannah State considering meal plan compensation following health department investigation
by: Jon Dowding
Savannah State University (SSU) officials say they’re “reviewing options” for student meal plan compensation. This comes nearly three weeks after the university closed the Student Union on campus after videos surfaced on social media showing mold on bread and bugs cooked into food at the dining hall. The Chatham County Environmental Health Department gave the Student Union the green light to reopen to students last week. The building, however, remains closed to the public until further notice.
Savannah Morning News
Bat found at Savannah State University tests positive for rabies
A bat found on the campus of Savannah State University in Chatham County has tested positive for rabies, according to a Coastal Health District press release issued Thursday afternoon. The bat was discovered on the rear porch of the College of Business Administration building on the morning of February 18th. The bat was taken to a local veterinarian’s office and the Chatham County Health Department was notified. The bat then tested positive for rabies. The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health Office worked closely with Savannah State University administrators to identify and notify affected students. The Health Department is interviewing students who had contact with the bat to determine if they need post-exposure rabies vaccination. If they do, the students will be given information about how to access that treatment.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA student reports off-campus sexual assault, Athens police say
By Asia Simone Burns
Police are investigating a report of an off-campus sexual assault involving a University of Georgia student. The 20-year-old student told investigators she accepted a ride from the suspect and another person after meeting them in downtown Athens, police spokesman Capt. Christopher W. Nichols said in a news release. The assault happened at some point during the ride about 3 a.m. Sunday, Nichols said.
Marietta Daily Journal
Guns drawn at KSU as man arrested, police say
By Kyra Cohen MDJ Contributor
Kennesaw State University police with guns drawn apprehended a 23-year-old man on the college campus recently after reports of a suspicious male thought to be carrying weapons on site, according to warrant and jail records. Grant E. Dier of Kennesaw was arrested in a parking deck on the KSU campus in Kennesaw by college police around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, found in possession of a handgun, ammunition and a knife, police said.
Gwinnett Daily Post
UGA Ice Dawgs equipment manager awake from coma after brain injury from breaking up hockey fight
By Chamian Cruz
Steve Beneke, a hockey referee and equipment manager for the University of Georgia Ice Dawgs, is now awake after suffering a brain injury while trying to break up a fight during a game in Duluth last week. “There was a skirmish among two players during the course of the game with them pushing and mouthing at each other,” said Bill Lucas, who is an official with the Duluth Ice Forum’s Adult Hockey League. “It then progressed into a fight, which is not acceptable and not part of how the league is structured.” The incident took place on Feb. 13 during an adult club hockey game at the Ice Forum. Lucas, who has known Beneke for 20 years, said the league has conducted its own investigation. It found that a third player decided to jump into the fight, which is when the situation escalated. “Steve was right behind that third player and was attempting to stop and pull him away from the fight,” Lucas said. “The player hit Steve and he fell straight backwards. We don’t know for certain, but we think that was when he was hit he was knocked out.”
WRBL
Hope Harbour partners with Columbus State University to discuss teen dating violence
In 2019, Georgia ranked number 1 in the nation for teen dating violence. Hope Harbour and Columbus State University are teaming up to give students an open space to discuss this type of violence. Students were split into groups to discuss different scenarios of what determines a healthy or unhealthy relationship. They also shared stories of what they’ve experienced. Chrissy Redmond with Hope Harbour says this is the second year they’ve held the event. She came up with the idea while attending Columbus State University. Redmond says she saw this as an opportunity to help students better communicate with each other.
WTVM
By Roslyn Giles
The murder rate in Columbus, Georgia is increasing rather than declining like so many in the community are hoping for. On Tuesday, February 19, the Fountain City saw its’ ninth homicide in 2020. That number is almost double the number of homicides compared to this time last year. WTVM is committed to helping to bring about change in the community through our solutions-based campaign called, “Victory over Violence.” Jermaine Morgan, 31, grew up in what many consider one of Columbus’ most notorious crime-infested neighborhoods, the historical Booker T. Washington Apartments (BTW). It no longer exists at Veterans Parkway and 4th Street. The housing property was torn down and replaced with new apartments and new occupancy guidelines. But Morgan’s childhood memories will never fade. …In 2010, Morgan got his GED and went on to college where he played basketball at Columbus State University earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and even authored a book titled, “Destiny Child, Every Person Has A Purpose.” Morgan is now enjoying life like he imagined as a kid along with his wife and son as a Columbus firefighter and real estate agent. He said he hopes this story will make a difference in someone’s life.
accessWDUN
Former Dahlonega Mayor, educator and wrestling legend passes away
By Kimberly Sizemore Anchor/Reporter
Dr. John Raber, former Dahlonega mayor, passed away on February 20, 2020. Not only did he serve two terms as mayor, but he was active in the community as a councilman, commissioner and professor at The University of North Georgia. Originally from Altoona, PA, Dr. Raber received his doctorate from UGA. He had a passion for high school wrestling and moved to Dahlonega to develop the Lumpkin County High School wrestling program. He established “Dr. John’s Wrestling Camps” hosted all over GA. He was head wrestling official for the GHSA, NCAA, ACC and SEC collegiate wrestling and he recently accepted the distinguished honor as an inductee to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Dr. Raber also taught Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of North Georgia.
Albany Herald
UGA professor: Medicinal herbs ‘hiding’ in plain sight
By Maria M. Lameiras CAES News
Although you may not have the kind of backyard garden that University of Georgia horticulture Professor Jim Affolter has, you might find many natural and traditional remedies hiding in plain sight in your ornamental garden. “You’d be surprised at how many medicinal plants you may already have in your home landscape,” said Affolter during his presentation, “Hidden Pharmacopeia: Your Ornamental Garden is a Medicine Chest,” at the recent Georgia Green Industry Association Wintergreen 2020 conference. Using a slideshow to walk participants through Affolter’s own Athens home garden, he pointed out common landscape plants, bushes and trees that can be used for home remedies.
Albany Herald
UGA Alumni Association recognizes Bulldog 100 businesses
By CAES News
The University of Georgia Alumni Association has unveiled the 2020 Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. More than 533 nominations were submitted for the 2020 list. The 2020 Bulldog 100 includes businesses of all sizes and from industries such as technology, cosmetics, entertainment and education. Companies are based as far north as Virginia and as far west as Nevada. Of the 100 businesses, 84 are located within Georgia.
Albany Herald
ABAC alum continues research of endangered bird species
From staff reports
Miranda Wilkinson just loves being outdoors surrounded by the wildlife of Mother Nature. A native of Clearwater, Fla., Wilkinson found her niche at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where she studied for her bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management. Like many other ABAC students, Wilkinson fell in love with her classmates, professors and the curriculum. “At the beginning of my senior year, I began doing a mentored research project under Dr. William Moore and Dr. Vanessa Lane,” Wilkinson said.