University System News:
WGAU Radio
Morehead, UGA COVID committee to meet today
University plans normal operations
By Tim Bryant
More than a year into the coronavirus pandemic, a meeting is on tap for today with University of Georgia president Jere Morehead and UGA’s COVID Response Committee. The University is making plans for what president Morehead has said will be normal operations for the fall semester classes that are scheduled to begin in August. Today’s virtual meeting between the president and the committee is underway at 11 o’clock this morning. Young Harris is among the latest Georgia colleges to announce plans for a return to in-person instruction when fall semester classes start later this year. Young Harris began on-campus coronavirus vaccinations last week.
WRDW
Vaccinations could herald a step back toward normal for AU students, staff
By William Rioux
Local colleges are expanding efforts to get back to normal. And hopefully, each thing gets us step closer to life before COVID. At Augusta University, getting students and staff vaccinated is the key to a normal fall school year. This opportunity is something many students have waited almost a year to have. …And that’s why AU brought more than 250 vaccines to their students, staff, and faculty members with their first-ever student vaccine clinic. “We want to get as many people vaccinated as possible so we can return to normal as quickly as possible,” Wilson said. AU says they’ve resorted to doing virtual and 3D tours for incoming and current freshmen. They hope this vaccine will eliminate the need for that next school year.
Middle Georgia CEO
As Cochran City Firefighters, These MGA Students Get Unique Experiences and Backup Career Paths
Taking a break from their studies one day, Middle Georgia State University students Noah Kincaid and Andris Perri skateboarded into downtown Cochran and began tooling around near the old county jail on Beech Street. They weren’t sure what to think when a young man wearing a firefighter’s uniform approached them. Andrew Daniels, who turned out to be a fellow Middle Georgia State (MGA) student, introduced himself, made polite small talk, and then asked a completely unexpected question: had the two ever thought about becoming firefighters? “Uh, not really,” they said, more or less at the same time. But intrigued by what Daniels had to say, Kincaid and Perri explored the idea. Several months later they had completed training and joined Daniels as state-certified firefighters for the city of Cochran, where one of MGA’s five on-site campuses is located. Kincaid and Perri aren’t alone. Currently, eight MGA students are each working two 12-hour shifts per week as firefighters with Cochran Fire & Emergency Services.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
NEW FLIGHT TRAINING, CAREER-TRACK SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN
By David Tulis, Associate Editor Web/ePilot
A new student pilot scholarship in Georgia, 48 scholarships through Women in Aviation International (WAI), and career-track scholarships through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) are open for applications.
University of Georgia Aviation Club raising funds for scholarship
The University of Georgia Aviation Club is hosting a spring fly-in April 24 at Athens/Ben Epps Airport to help fund an inaugural student pilot scholarship. The event is the latest fundraising effort for the student-run aviation club, which began in 2009 and now numbers more than 50 students. The group was founded to help promote aviation among the Athens, Georgia, student community. The club counts several CFIIs among its participants and recently achieved 50 percent female membership. “As a young woman in aviation, I know firsthand how daunting it can be for young females to imagine themselves in the aviation industry,” said incoming president Amelia Green. The application deadline is April 2.
The Tifton Gazette
ABAC Foundation sets fundraising record
Despite not having an in-person gala because of the pandemic, the ABAC Foundation set a record in February by raising funds for student scholarships at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College through A Week for ABAC. Wayne Jones, ABAC Arts Connection director, who coordinated the event, said the Foundation set a record by raising nearly $130,000 for more than 50 student scholarships.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two Georgia colleges land on Niche’s best college food in America list
By Kiersten Willis
Going to college can mean making lots of adjustments, but eating in a dining hall can be among the least-daunting. What’s not to love about having such a wide variety of savory dishes and sweet treats to choose from? With a simple swipe of your student ID, you’ll enter into a world of all kinds of satisfying tastes. However, Niche says that there are certain colleges that rise above the rest. The ranking and review website has unveiled a list of the best college food in America for 2021 and two schools in the Peach State made the cut. …In the top 25, are the two largest universities in the state: the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. UGA made it to No. 12 on the list. The school, which offers a meal plan scholarship, has an A+ in campus food. …Coming in at No. 22 is KSU. The school, which once ranked 5th nationally on BestColleges.com’s list of the best dining halls, also had earned an A+ in campus food from Niche. …Both UGA and KSU also offer takeout options.
WFMZ
Intelligent.com Announces Best Master’s in Secondary Education Degree Programs for 2021
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master’s in Secondary Education Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 166 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. …2021 Master’s in Secondary Education Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Columbus State University; Georgia Southern University; Kennesaw State University
41NBC
Middle Georgia Regional Library offers new services
By Ariel Schiller
The Middle Georgia Regional Library system is now offering ‘Grab and Go Chromebooks’ and an open air computer lab to help patrons in the ongoing pandemic. Jennifer Lautzenheiser, the director of Middle Georgia Regional Library, says the ‘Grab and Go Chromebooks’ will help expand access to digital resources and meet the changing needs caused by the pandemic. …The Chromebooks were made possible due to the Georgia Public Library Service receiving a grant through CARES Act funding.
Athens CEO
Senior Uses UGA Experience to Build Community Relationships
Growing up in Clarke County, Christina Kurian has been connected to the University of Georgia for most of her life. But when she enrolled as an undergraduate in 2016, UGA offered new, enriching experiences that furthered her engagement with her hometown and helped launch her professional ambitions. One of the most fulfilling experiences for Kurian has been serving as a mentor. Kurian learned about the Clarke County Mentor Program through the UGA Involvement Network during her freshman year. Excited at the opportunity to work with young people in Athens, she immediately volunteered.
WSAV
Statesboro food giveaway served 1,000 families, hopes to provide meals for week
by: WSAV Staff, Lewis Levine
Families in Statesboro had their trunks filled with a week’s supply of food provided from the Feed The Boro event at Statesboro High School. For the past four months the Bulloch Feed the Boro program has held monthly events and handed out three boxes of food to struggling families. The program’s goal is to provide 1,000 families with meals at each event. …Second Harvest helps with the program by bringing the food to the event, but most of the funding comes through the city program, McCombs said. Georgia Southern’s Eagle Battalion ROTC, Alpha Phi Alpha and local Jaycee’s helped hand out the food to the families.
AP News
Georgia College art students create watercolor prints for kids in Cameroon
You can learn a lot from a simple sketch. And, sometimes a small effort can make a big difference. Georgia College art students are making that kind of impact on a classroom in Cameroon, where students share one box of crayons. Georgia College was one of 30 schools and universities nationwide to participate in the Cameroon effort through the international nonprofit, “The Memory Project.” Fourteen students in Matt Forrest’s advanced printmaking class received photos of artwork from 9th graders in the Central African country. Through interpretation and research, they reimagined the art into something new. Water-colored ink prints will soon be shipped back to Cameroon for students there to keep.
WRDW
Dredging up the past: A closer look at artifacts found in Savannah River
By Sam Bauman
As we await the true story behind multiple artifacts, including cannon, found in the Savannah River last month, we’re now learning more about their significance and a possible connection to the British war ship. “A lot of the early history of Savannah is tied to the water. Maritime history,” said Dr. Kurt Knoerl. When some of that history was uncovered last month, like many others, Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern – Armstrong campus, Knoerl was excited for what we might learn.
The Gainesville Times
Peek inside the renovated Lanier Tech buildings that now are part of UNG Gainesville
Kelsey Podo
When deciding how to best transform Lanier Tech’s old property, Ken Crowe, UNG’s assistant vice president for facilities, said the college examined all its programs and posed the questions, “Who needs additional space?” and “Who are the best fit for the buildings?”
WRBL
Actor Beau Bridges has taken a liking to Columbus: ‘It is a beautiful place and very welcoming’
by: Chuck Williams
A $3 million independent film starring Hollywood actor Beau Bridges will finish filming Wednesday night in Columbus, Neon Highway. The production has been working in and around Columbus for nearly three weeks. Monday. Bridges sat down with members of the Columbus media and talked about the film and Columbus. The Fountain City and the surrounding area have made quite the impression on Bridges, who with his wife, Wendy, reside in Los Angeles. …But one place really made an impression – the Columbus State University-owned Pasaquan near Buena Vista. “That’s pretty interesting,” he said. “What bizarre art-filled place that is. And we walked around there.”
Savannah Morning News
Opinion
Savannah State and HBCUs underappreciated – and underfunded – by policymakers
To encourage and safeguard equity, leaders must consider the challenges assumed by HBCUs that are not often associated with their counterparts
Moncello Stewart
This is an op-ed by Moncello Stewart, a lifelong Savannahian who serves on the board of several volunteer and community service organizations. He is an Savannah State graduate and an employee of the university.
The 2020 election season catapulted several African-American political leaders into the national spotlight. The notoriety of Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock and political activist Stacey Abrams also brought long-overdue notice to an often-overlooked sector of higher education: historically black college and universities, or HBCUs. From the founding of Cheyney University, the first HBCU, in 1837, these institutions have provided a path to success for African Americans. HBCUs account for just 3% of four-year nonprofit colleges but produce 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black lawyers and doctors and 25% of Black undergraduates with STEM degrees. … Savannah is home to the oldest public HBCU in Georgia, Savannah State University. …Savannah State is producing the nation’s leaders and change agents, with less resources and money than its counterparts. Savannah State’s fiscal year 2021 budget is the third lowest among four-year public universities in Georgia — and one of the two below SSU is another HBCU, Fort Valley State University. …Some of the disparity in Georgia is due to enrollment differences. But nationwide HBCUs receive much less revenue from tuition than other schools.
Inside Higher Ed
Academic Minute: Gun Laws and Individualism
By Doug Lederman
Today on the Academic Minute, part of University of West Georgia Week: Anthony Fleming, associate professor of political science, determines how rugged individualism has influenced gun laws and the country. Learn more about the Academic Minute here.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech professor placed on leave after federal indictment
By Henri Hollis
A Georgia Tech professor has been placed on administrative leave after he was accused of using his position to fraudulently sponsor visas for Chinese nationals to work in the United States, the school confirmed Monday. Gee-Kung Chang, 73, of Smyrna, has been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, according to Northern District of Georgia acting U.S. Attorney Kurt Erskine. Chang and another man, 53-year-old Jianjun Yu, were both indicted by a federal grand jury March 18.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated March 29)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
CONFIRMED CASES: 850,413 | Cases have been confirmed in every county.
CONFIRMED DEATHS: 16,523 | Deaths have been confirmed in every county. 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.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia House approves parental leave for state employees
By David Wickert
The Georgia House of Representatives Monday gave final approval to a measure that would grant paid parental leave to state employees. House Bill 146 would provide three weeks of paid leave to some 246,000 state employees, including teachers. They would be eligible for the leave following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. The bill does not affect the leave policies of private employers. Under HB 146, new mothers and fathers would be eligible for leave after six months of full-time state employment. Currently, state workers are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave – the minimum required under federal law.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. surpasses 550,000 deaths as CDC director warns of ‘impending doom’
By Tim Darnell
Biden: 90% of U.S. adults will be vaccine eligible in 3 weeks
The United States has surpassed 550,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. As of 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, the death toll was 550,036, Johns Hopkins reported. The U.S. has reported more than 30.3 million cases. The director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Monday morning of “impending doom” as new daily cases of the coronavirus are rising.
accessWDUN
Biden, CDC director warn of virus rebound if nation lets up
By The Associated Press
President Joe Biden and a top health official warned that too many Americans are declaring virus victory too quickly, appealing for mask requirements and other restrictions to be maintained or restored to stave off a “fourth surge” of COVID-19. The head of the CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” if people keep easing off. The double dose of warnings on Monday came even as Biden laid out hopeful new steps to expand coronavirus vaccinations, with all adults to become eligible over the next five weeks. Biden announced plans to expand the number of retail pharmacies that are administering vaccines, and investments to help Americans get to vaccination sites. But the optimism was tempered by stark warnings about the potential for another wave of cases.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia governor to self-quarantine after exposure to coronavirus
By Greg Bluestein
Gov. Brian Kemp is in quarantine after he was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, his office said Monday. Kemp’s office said he was exposed to the person Saturday while touring storm damage in Newnan, and that he tested negative for the disease early Monday.
Higher Education News:
Valdosta Today
Path2College announces Pre-K college savings sweepstakes
For the fourth year, the Path2College 529 Plan and the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) have partnered to award four Georgia Pre-K students with money for college through the state’s Path from Pre-K to College Sweepstakes. One child from Metro Atlanta, Southeast, North and South Georgia will win a $1,529 contribution to a Path2College 529 Plan. The winner’s Pre-K will also win $529. “The key to preparing for the future is knowing what tools you have available to help you achieve your goals. We work hard to make sure every Georgia family with a young child knows about our state’s college savings plan,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “This sweepstakes helps us connect with families, and four lucky students will get a head start on their college savings!”
Inside Higher Ed
Loan Relief for Borrowers With Disabilities
Student loan borrowers with disabilities will have an easier time getting relief during the pandemic, the Education Department announces. About 41,000 people with $1.3 billion in debt will now be back on track for loan discharges.
By Lilah Burke
The Education Department has announced that people who have disabilities that make them eligible for federal student loan discharges will now have one hoop fewer to jump through — at least for the duration of the pandemic. Borrowers who can prove they are “totally and permanently” disabled have historically been eligible to have their federal student loans discharged by the department, but they must turn in annual paperwork for three years verifying that they meet income requirements. Now the department has announced that people who failed to turn in that paperwork during the pandemic and lost their right to a discharge — approximately 41,000 people with $1.3 billion in debt — will have those decisions reversed and any payments refunded. Other borrowers who are still in that three-year monitoring period — about 190,000 people — will no longer be asked to turn in paperwork regarding income for the remainder of the pandemic.
Inside Higher Ed
‘The Black Experience in Higher Education’: A New Compilation
By Doug Lederman
Last fall, in the wake of the national reckoning on race spurred by the killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans by police, Inside Higher Ed’s reporters produced an eight-part series exploring “The Black Experience in Higher Education.” Today, Inside Higher Ed is pleased to publish a free compilation that pulls together those eight articles and places the series in today’s context. Explore articles about topics such as faculty diversity, admissions barriers for Black students, curriculum and academic life, government funding and policies, and the status of Black staff and senior administrators. You may download a copy of the free booklet here.