University System News:
Athens Banner-Herald
University System of Georgia Board of Regents announces national search for new chancellor
Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service
The University System of Georgia will conduct a national search for a successor to retiring Chancellor Steve Wrigley, the system announced Monday. Seven members of the system’s Board of Regents will form an advisory group to help with the search. The group will be chaired by Regent Kessel D. Stelling Jr., chairman and CEO of Columbus-based Synovus. The group will work with the Atlanta-based firm Parker Executive Search to put in place a search process that will include input gathered during listening sessions and from a publicly accessible website.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AJC On Campus: More leadership changes in Georgia university system
By Eric Stirgus
Georgia College & State University President Steve Dorman said Friday he’s stepping down from the position in September, the latest in a growing list of impending departures by several longtime leaders in the state’s public university system. Five of the University System of Georgia’s 26 schools have either interim leaders or will soon have new presidents. The system’s chancellor is also retiring in a few months. College presidential tenures nationwide have declined to an average of six years, according to some research.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia lawmaker to reintroduce in-state tuition bill for young immigrants
By Jeremy Redmon
Dalton Republican calls the matter a ‘workforce development issue’
State Rep. Kasey Carpenter said Monday that he will reintroduce legislation this week that would allow young immigrants who have been granted a reprieve from deportation to pay in-state tuition at Georgia colleges and universities. The legislation will mirror his House Bill 997, which drew bipartisan support last year but ultimately stalled in the House Higher Education Committee. Carpenter called the matter a “workforce development issue.” …Bernie Olvera, 27, a DACA recipient who graduated from Dalton High School and Dalton State College, is among those who could benefit from Carpenter’s legislation. Olvera works as a technology consultant in Atlanta and is interested in getting a graduate degree.
Statesboro Herald
After spike, COVID cases down at GS
Hospitalizations decline; Bulloch sees 43rd death
JIM HEALY/staff
Following a spike in COVID-19 cases reported at the beginning of the Spring semester, Georgia Southern University has seen a significant decline in new cases the past two weeks. Georgia Southern had 70 total cases reported Jan. 18-24 – 56 self-reported and 14 university confirmed cases – a 53-percent drop from the 133 cases for Jan. 5-11. While the numbers are trending downward, university officials continued to stress the importance of following COVID safety guidelines.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia State President Becker heads pay list at $2.8m in 2020
Here’s a look at some of Georgia’s highest paid state employees for the 2020 budget year at the university system, state agencies and local school districts. Mark Becker, president of Georgia State University, $2,806,507
By James Salzer
Longtime Georgia State President Mark Becker is ending his tenure in June, but he’ll leave on a high note in terms of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s regular review of state pay records. Becker, who for more than a decade led a school that that saw its enrollment grow to became the largest for any university in the state, was paid $2.8 million in fiscal 2020, according to the state’s Open Georgia salary website. He was one of three university staffers to be paid more than $1 million in fiscal 2020, which ended June 30, just after state lawmakers cut state spending 10% in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Athens Banner-Herald
Large gathering of UGA students sparks Twitter debate and official COVID-19 reminder
Wayne Ford
A large gathering of University of Georgia students at the intramural fields this past weekend triggered a flurry of comments on Twitter and prompted a statement from a UGA official urging students to engage in the safe practices recommended during the coronavirus pandemic. Victor K. Wilson, vice president for Student Affairs, issued a statement Monday welcoming students back to campus, but also imploring them to adhere to practices meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “I have always tried to be honest and up front with you, and I must level with you — it appears that some in the student community have decreased your diligence in adhering to good public practices,” Wilson wrote. “Primarily we are trying to keep you and the university and Athens communities safe.” Safety requirements are still in place and students are expected to follow the guidelines, according to Wilson.
The Red & Black
UGA Special Collections Libraries preserve and document pandemic experiences
Andrew Benzinger | Contributor
COVID-19 will make a mark in history books to come, and as the pandemic unfolds, the University of Georgia Special Collections Library is making a plan to document it. The Special Collections is currently accepting submissions representing peoples’ experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. Georgians may send in written reflections, poetry, photographs and other recordings showcasing how COVID-19 has affected their lives, businesses and families to preserve for future generations. University Archives and Electronics Records Archivist Steven Armour said the Special Collections began this collection in April and will continue to take submissions “as long as the pandemic persists in a way that’s having a significant impact on peoples’ lives.” This impact can touch a range of aspects, such as health, finances, education and social life, Armour said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech honors Anthony Fauci with social courage award
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Fauci recognized for serving nation as ‘a trusted face in the fight against COVID-19 ‘
Georgia Tech announced this morning that Dr. Anthony S. Fauci is this year’s recipient of the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage, which recognizes those who stand up for moral principles at the risk of their careers and livelihoods. A Tech spokesman said Fauci will receive the award in a virtual ceremony in March. The prize gives a $100,000 stipend to the recipients or to a non-profit in their honor. No word yet on what Fauci intends to do with the prize money. Tech chose Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president, because he was “a steadfast voice of science, facts, and medical best practice during one of the most significant public health challenges in U.S. history.”
KTVN
Best Health Degrees Releases National Rankings of Radiation Sciences Bachelor’s Programs
Best Health Degrees provides current information that aspiring healthcare professionals need to explore their health care career options; to learn what skills and training are required; to find what salary they can expect to make; and to get an edge in landing the best jobs. BHD also ranks traditional and online programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs like nursing, health informatics, health care administration, and more. All Institutions in the Best Radiation Sciences Bachelor’s Rankings (in alphabetical order): Augusta University; Georgia Southern University
Tifton CEO
Fall Semester Graduates Total 245 at ABAC
A total of 245 students completed the requirements for graduation from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at the end of the 2020 fall semester. ABAC President David Bridges said 118 of those graduates received bachelor’s degrees. During the fall term, over 2,300 of ABAC’s 3,990 students pursued four-year degrees at ABAC in Biology, Nursing, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agricultural Communication, Agricultural Education, Business, Environmental Horticulture, History and Government, Natural Resource Management, Rural Community Development, and Writing and Communication.
WTVM
CSU begins spring semester, allowing more people on campus
By Olivia Gunn | January 26, 2021 at 12:03 AM EST – Updated January 26 at 12:11 AM
It’s back to school for Columbus State University (CSU) students. CSU kicked of its spring semester Monday. The university said it’s still seeing success in limiting COVID-19 risk and as such, is allowing more people back on campus. CSU is still offering virtual and hybrid learning as well.
Middle Georgia CEO
Atlanta Gas Light Endows Scholarship at MGA for Students in STEM Majors
Atlanta Gas Light is establishing an endowed scholarship through the Middle Georgia State (MGA) University Foundation to help students pursuing STEM-related degrees pay for their education. Company leaders presented a $30,000 check to University representatives on Monday, Jan. 25. Representing Atlanta Gas Light was Pedro Cherry, president and CEO; Dean Marianos, vice president of operations; and Ron Foster, Macon-based director of regional operations.
WJCL
Sexual assault reported at Georgia Southern University
Police at Georgia Southern University are investigating after a reported rape and aggravated sodomy.
Graham Cawthon, Digital Media Manager
Police at Georgia Southern University are investigating after a reported sexual assault on campus. The alleged rape and aggravated sodomy reportedly happened at the victim’s on-campus apartment in Centennial Place on Friday night.
Radio.com
Dr. Rashad Richey Keynotes University Of West GA MLK Event
Dr. Rashad Richey shared a message that focused on unraveling the adverse effects of systemic racism and understanding humanity’s interconnectedness.
As America continues to adjust to a post-Trump era, colleges across the country are fighting to keep racial reconciliation at the forefront of their agenda. The University of West Georgia, a diverse but predominantly white institution, invited Dr. Rashad Richey, noted broadcaster and social justice lecturer to be their 12th annual keynote speaker for the “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration”, which includes a week of King-centered activity on campus, culminating with the keynote address.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated Jan. 25)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
CONFIRMED DEATHS: 11,854 | Deaths have been confirmed in all counties but one (Taliaferro). This figure does not include additional cases that the DPH reports as suspected COVID-19-related deaths. County is determined by the patient’s residence, when known, not by where they were treated.
CONFIRMED CASES: 722,062 | Cases have been confirmed in every county.
WRDW
Local hospitals test-run small clinics for a wider vaccine rollout
By Sydney Heiberger
Vaccine rollout across the two-state is among the slowest in the nation. The CDC’s new vaccine tracker tool shows Georgia has administered less than half of its available vaccines. South Carolina is also sitting around that 50 percent mark. Locally, our hospitals are starting to slowly open up vaccinations to the public, even though people over the age of 65 have been technically allowed to get the vaccine since Jan. 11. The second day of University Hospital’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic is now over, but it served about 3,000 of their most vulnerable primary care patients over the age of 65. It’s the first step in what they hope will be a more widespread rollout.
Daily Sabah
COVID-19 overwhelms US health system as cases surpass 25 million
The U.S. is struggling to meet ambitious vaccination timelines and handle its record numbers of COVID-19 patients with hundreds of the nation’s intensive care units (ICU) running out of space. With more infectious strains found worldwide, coronavirus cases in the U.S. surpassed 25 million on Sunday, according to Johns Hopkins University. U.S. deaths have also soared this year as more than 70,000 people have lost their lives in the last 25 days, taking the toll to more than 417,000 – a figure predicted to surpass 500,000 by February. The number of hospitalized patients has fallen in the past 10 days and last Thursday dropped below 120,000 for the first time since Dec. 27 but some health officials are concerned the current vaccines may not work well against the South African variant of the virus.
WSB-TV
Moderna working to create COVID-19 vaccine booster to protect against variants
By: Matt Johnson
One of the makers of the COVID-19 vaccine said they are working on a booster shot to help protect against the new variants of the virus that are now popping up in Georgia. Eric Lowe said the new strains of COVID-19 make him more eager than ever to become eligible for a vaccine. …Both Moderna and Pfizer said their vaccines have been tested against the different strains of the virus and are effective. On a conference call Monday, Moderna’s president Stephen Hoge said there are seven variants of the virus they’re studying.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Higher Ed Groups Ask for $97 Billion More in COVID-19 Aid
By Kery Murakami
Higher education groups, including associations representing colleges and universities, asked Congress on Monday for $97 billion more in aid if there is an additional coronavirus relief package. The groups, including the American Council on Education, had asked for $120 billion in help for struggling institutions before Congress and then-president Trump approved a mammoth $2.3 trillion package in December. But having only received $23 billion, the groups are asking for the rest.
Inside Higher Ed
The coronavirus pandemic and increasing student demand for mental health support have led a majority of therapists and directors at college counseling centers to feel burned out.
By Greta Anderson
High rates of isolation, loneliness and heightened stress and anxiety among students coping with the pandemic are an inescapable aspect of the work of college mental health therapists. As the public health crisis stretches on and approaches the one-year mark, the overworked professionals who provide mental health services to students are also feeling emotionally overburdened — and are themselves seeking support from each other and their institutions. Among the many negative consequences of the public health crisis, sad and stressed-out therapists was an unexpected but perhaps inevitable outcome.
Inside Higher Ed
Professors Assess Fall Instruction and the Impact on Students
Survey of 850 instructors in introductory college courses finds professors to be exhausted, more confident in virtual learning — and deeply concerned about the ability of disadvantaged students to continue their studies.
By Doug Lederman
College faculty members finished the fall semester feeling more confident in their online teaching and their institutions’ support for them, but they were also exhausted — and deeply concerned about their students, especially those from groups that are historically disadvantaged in higher education. Those are among the findings of a report released today, “The Impact of 2020 on Introductory Faculty and Their Students.” The study is the third in a series that Every Learner Everywhere, a network of college and technology groups focused on using digital learning to drive equitable access and success in higher education, and Tyton Partners, an investment, research and consulting firm that is part of the network, have released under the tagline “Time for Class.”