University System News:
Tifton CEO
Agricultural Communication Bachelor’s Degree on the Rise at ABAC
Staff Report
Sharing the good news about Georgia’s largest industry has ignited growth in the number of students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communication at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. “Agricultural Communication is still a relatively new degree program at ABAC, and it’s a growing major across the country,” Dr. Andrew Thoron, Agricultural Education and Communication Department Head, said. “We expect to more than double our student enrollment in the next two years.” Dr. Joanne Littlefield, Associate Professor of Agricultural Communication, said the 42 students in the program are from both the city and the farmlands across the Southeast.
Gwinnett Daily Post
GGC deputy police chief uses Hispanic heritage to connect with changing face of Gwinnett
By Chamian Cruz
Carlos Llorens, Georgia Gwinnett College deputy police chief, is a proud son of an immigrant. Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Llorens said his police department is celebrating by simply remembering where they came from. His background as a first-generation American has given him a unique perspective to better connect with the community he serves. …Out of 26 sworn officers, six, including Llorens, are Hispanic, and several others are women. Llorens said it is the most diverse police department he has ever worked with. And for the seventh straight year GGC was ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college, according to the 2021 U.S. News and World Report magazine college and university rankings. The ranking was based on data reported from the college’s fall 2019 semester.
Fox5 Atlanta
Treating COVID-19 may fuel another dangerous problem: antibiotic resistance
By Beth Galvin
Critical care providers face the same high stakes question nearly every day in the pandemic. Could a COVID-19 patient’s pneumonia-like symptoms be triggered by the coronavirus or by a potentially deadly bacterial infection? Dr. Stephen Trent, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, who has been studying antibiotic resistance for 20 years, says there are few easy answers. …When we overuse or prescribe the wrong antibiotics, Dr. Trent says, bacteria can become resistant to the drugs we have to destroy them, creating so-called “superbugs.” He is concerned that frontline COVID healthcare providers may be turning to antibiotics before it is clear a patient really needs them.
Athens CEO
UGA’s New Diversity Educator Position to Expand Access to Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion
Staff Report
The University of Georgia has announced plans to create a diversity fellowship position to expand access to diversity and inclusion training on campus through the creation of a diversity educator position. The new role, funded by private dollars, will focus on building new programs to meet the growing demand on campus for participation in the institution’s popular Diversity and Inclusion Certificate program. Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Strategic University Initiatives, Dr. Michele G. Cook, commented, “Across campus there is a strong interest in building awareness about diversity, equity, inclusion, and the experiences of our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. I am excited about how this position will aid us in significantly expanding access to diversity education in a meaningful and effective manner.”
Savannah Business Journal
Savannah Business Journal Staff Report
Southern States Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 affiliated with Dulany Industries, Inc. that is dedicated to supporting education-related initiatives in Savannah, Ga., recently presented a $2,000 scholarship check to the Savannah Traffic Club to support area juniors and seniors at Georgia Southern University who are pursuing degrees in transportation and logistics fields.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
University of North Georgia’s crime data incomplete, federal audit says
By Eric Stirgus
University of North Georgia officials posted incomplete and incorrect information about campus crimes on its website, federal officials said in a recent audit. University administrators, in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and in its response to U.S. Department of Education officials, admitted to some of the findings, but disputed others. The findings were laid out in a 53-page audit by the department’s Office of Inspector General completed last month and sent to UNG President Bonita Jacobs. Education Department officials gave the university 30 days to respond before they determine any actions, including a fine. The department said in a statement it is working on its final report.
Albany Herald
Prospective students to visit Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College campus on Stallion Day
From staff reports
With COVID-19 guidelines in place, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is inviting prospective students to campus on Nov. 14 for Stallion Day. Check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m. on the front of the campus at Tift Hall. The event will be limited to high school seniors and transfer students accompanied by two guests. Face coverings will be required for all participants, faculty, staff and current ABAC students. Brooke Jernigan, the college’s assistant director of enrollment management, said she is excited to be hosting an in-person Stallion Day this year.
The George-Anne
Georgia Southern reports 14 positive COVID-19 cases during eighth week
Report marks first increase after five weeks of decline
Andy Cole, Editor-in-Chief
Georgia Southern officials reported the first increase in five weeks, announcing 14 cases during the eighth week of school. “The report below reflects that confirmed and self-reported cases remain stable, and no single day last week registering more than four positive reports.” said a disclaimer on GS’ reporting website. “Positive reports remain a very small proportion of our overall university population.” No cases are reported from employees, two from the Armstrong campus and none from the Liberty campus.
The Augusta Chronicle
Augusta University employees get flu shots, encourage community to do same
By Jozsef Papp
Priscilla Daniels doesn’t usually get a flu shot, but this year, she decided to get one to make sure she is protected and can protect others. Daniels, an Augusta University employee, took advantage of a kickoff event set up by the university Monday to encourage employees to get a flu shot this year. For her, it was the perfect time to get her shot. “It makes it a lot more convenient than having to schedule a time around my work schedule and family schedule to actually get it done,” she said. Frances Toole, AU’s director of employee health and wellness, said the university felt it was important to encourage employee to get a flu vaccine, especially with COVID-19 still out there. She said AU wanted to get employees vaccinated early to offer them an added layer of protection since both illnesses have similar symptoms. “We have a mandatory policy for flu, so it’s important we all get our flu (shot) on time and get it early because if we see COVID in the community rise again, it’s more (important) now than ever to get your protection against the flu,” she said.
The Augusta Chronicle
AU: Lack of vitamin C could play a role in COVID-19 and longterm effects
By Tom Corwin
Vitamin C levels could play a role in COVID-19 infection and severe disease and could play a role in longterm symptoms. Low levels of vitamin C could make people more prone to COVID-19 infection and severe disease and could help explain some disparities, researchers at Augusta University said. It could also help explain why some patients feel long-term effects from the infection, which could be likened to a type of accelerated aging, the researchers said. Vitamin C has long been shown to help boost the immune system, and many patients with COVID-19 were given the supplement early in the pandemic when there was a lack of effective therapies. There are at least 30 clinical trials listed on the Clincaltrials.gov web site looking at vitamin C as a therapy or in combination with other supplements and drugs to treat COVID-19 or prevent infection or subsequent damage, though many have yet to begin or are just underway.
WJCL
Center for Wildlife Education reopens at Georgia Southern
Dave Williams
Reporter
After being closed seven months because of the ongoing pandemic, a popular attraction on Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro campus is once again open to the public. It’s a sight not seen since March: Actual visitors checking out everything the Center for Wildlife Education has to offer. After having to close to the public in March because of COVID-19, the center reopened with some limitations last week. “We hope maybe at some point to bring back — phase back — some programmatic elements, more formal programs,” Center for Wildlife Education Executive Director Steve Hein said. “Again we like everybody are taking our orders from others as to how we go about doing it, for right now, we have 18 acres that are open, the birds are on display.” Despite those formal programs not being available, there are opportunities for some guided tours and other interaction.
Albany Herald
Sales tax-funded tennis expansion could come at Albany State West campus
By Alan Mauldin
Albany tennis enthusiasts want to raise some racket — or rackets — in the future with an expansion of the facilities at Albany State University. The issue of locating additional tennis courts and amenities in the area was precipitated by a letter, sent by Albany Mayor Bo Dorough to Dougherty County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas. Part of that letter dealt with $1.7 million in special-purpose local-option sales taxes raised to improve tennis facilities in the county. Albany Tennis Association representative Wes Sadler, addressing tennis expansion during a Monday virtual County Commission meeting, said that the consensus is to expand the existing facility at Albany State for a number of reasons.
The Sport
Allen Paulson: Cigar’s Owner Embodied the American Dream
By Tom Pedulla
Allen Paulson, one of the most prominent owners and breeders in Thoroughbred racing history before his death on July 19, 2000 at age 78, embodied the American dream. The native of Clinton, Iowa, began supporting himself at the tender age of 13 by selling newspapers and doing janitorial work. He moved to California in 1937 and worked on a dairy farm while completing high school. He was hired in 1941 as an entry-level plane mechanic, earning 30 cents per hour. …He gave so generously to Georgia Southern University that the school named the College of Science and Technology and a stadium after him.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Johnson & Johnson pauses COVID-19 vaccine trial over unexplained illness
A study subject of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine may have become ill due to the shot
A late-stage study of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot. The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness. The pause is at least the second such hold to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated Oct. 12)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
DEATHS: 7,429 | Deaths have been confirmed in all counties but one (Taliaferro). County is determined by the patient’s residence, when known, not by where they were treated.
CONFIRMED CASES: 332,311 | Cases have been confirmed in every county.
Higher Education News:
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Higher Education’s Nightmare Scenario
Finances are already strained — and yet public colleges await budget-busting cuts.
By William R. Doyle
Public colleges face two crises: the impact of Covid-19 on their operations and a downturn in state funding brought on by the current recession. And based on what state budget offices are saying, the funding problem for higher education is about to get a lot worse. Without action by the federal government, higher education in most states will be facing severe cuts, very likely larger than those incurred during the recession of 2008-9. There has already been a large contraction in our industry’s work force, and state systems are feeling the pain: In Pennsylvania, for instance, a plan to lay off approximately 350 faculty members has reportedly been expedited. All of that may merely be prelude to a looming, historic decline in the sector. There is time to act, but the window is closing. Academic leaders are planning now for unprecedented cuts.
Inside Higher Ed
Proposal for New Federal Education Credit and Accountability System
By Paul Fain
A new policy paper published by the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project proposes two new federal government programs designed to bridge the divide between higher education and the workforce system. The goal of these linked new programs and funding streams, the paper’s co-authors argue, is to expand and equalize access to postsecondary education, reduce the sector’s reliance on in-person instruction and to develop a “cumulative science” of adult learning. The paper proposes new Learning Opportunity Credits for U.S. adults who have experienced job loss and have received unemployment benefits during the last two years. The federal credits would be redeemable for postsecondary coursework offered by accredited and registered learning organizations.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
As the Pandemic Grinds On, Here Are 5 Big Worries of College Presidents
By Michael Vasquez
It’s a bleak time to be a college leader in America — and a new survey of nearly 300 presidents suggests that as the pandemic wears on, many are simply focused on their institution’s survival. The American Council on Education, in conjunction with the TIAA Institute, reached out to presidents September 14-22 and asked them to identify their most pressing concerns. Here are five of the survey’s top findings. Campus mental health is the No. 1 worry. …Financial viability is in question. …Enrollments are down, but maybe not yet at the bottom. …Layoffs are the new harsh reality. …Revenues are dwindling, and pandemic costs are rising.
Inside Higher Ed
Textbooks in Short Supply Amid COVID Quarantines
Librarians are quarantining print materials for several days between loans to stop the spread of COVID-19. For students who rely on the library to access textbooks, that’s a problem.
By Lindsay McKenzie
In the run-up to exams and midterms, the library at Roger Williams University is often busy with students trying to borrow textbooks and squeeze in some last-minute studying. Access to these materials is always limited because the number of textbooks available is small. But this semester, the imbalance between supply and demand is far worse than usual, said Lindsey Gumb, assistant professor and scholarly communications librarian at Roger Williams, a private liberal arts college in Rhode Island where students are back on campus this semester and participating in hybrid instruction. As a safety precaution to slow the potential spread of COVID-19, librarians at Roger Williams are quarantining all returned print materials for 72 hours before making them available again. The quarantining system is simple. When a book is returned to the library, a librarian wearing gloves and a mask places it on the lower shelf of a cart. The next day, the book is moved up a shelf. On the third day, the book is moved to the top shelf. The following day it is returned to the stacks. An ongoing research project called Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums, or REALM, is investigating how long the COVID-19 virus survives on print materials, including hard and soft book covers and inside pages. The project is a collaboration between the OCLC, a global library collaborative; the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that provides grants to libraries; and Battelle, a nonprofit research and development organization.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Colleges Pledged to Follow the Science. But Divides in Reopening Plans Reflected State Politics.
By Lindsay Ellis
Institutional decisions about whether to reopen colleges in-person this fall correlated most strongly with state politics, not the regional public-health conditions that campus leaders said were front and center in their considerations, new research suggests. The finding, from a pre-peer-review research and policy brief published by the College Crisis Initiative at Davidson College, reveals that both public and private institutions in Republican-led states were less likely to say in early August they would operate online this fall. County case numbers of Covid-19 did not have as strong of a correlation to campus decisions. Over the summer, administrators cited their on-campus public-health expertise and data on the pandemic as central to decisions. But researchers found little evidence that state and county case rates were a “strong piece” of decision making, broadly. …The data reviewed by the College Crisis Initiative, which has partnered with The Chronicle on a reopenings tracker, is not causal. Collier said additional research, including qualitative research, is needed to determine the extent of legislative influence. Public four-year universities in states with Republican governors were nine percentage points more likely to plan to be in person.