University System News:
The Augusta Chronicle
University System of Georgia holding the line on tuition
By Dave Williams
Students at Georgia’s 26 public colleges and universities won’t be hit with a tuition increase this fall for the second year in a row. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents (USG) voted Tuesday to hold the line on tuition during the 2021-22 school year. The vote marked the fourth time in the last six years the system has not increased tuition. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic was a key factor in the decision not to raise tuition during the coming year, Tracey Cook, the system’s executive vice chancellor for strategy and fiscal affairs, told board members before Tuesday’s vote.
This story also appeared in the Associated Press.
WGAU
UNG Makes Plans for Spring Commencement
By
Similar to the commencement ceremonies held in fall 2020, University of North Georgia graduates and their families will gather on the floor of the Convocation Center to celebrate their graduation in an intimate setting. But this time, more families will be allowed in the facility. “In December, we had 13 family groups on the floor at the same time. This May, we will have 90,” said Jessica Brown, coordinator of university events. A total of 450 graduates and guests will participate in each mini-ceremony with no more than eight ceremonies each day on Saturday and Sunday for a total of 16. This marks one deviation from the fall 2020 commencement experience. The second deviation is graduates and guests will be seated in chairs on the event floor in advance to wait for the ceremony to begin. Last fall, small, socially distanced groups of graduates and guests stood outside and in the hallway before being ushered into the arena for the brief ceremony.
The Albany Herald
Medical College of Georgia to lead nationwide study on rare disorder
Staff Reports
From strokes to uncontrollable nose bleeds, the symptoms of the rare inherited disorder Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, or HHT, can be debilitating and sometimes deadly. However, a chemotherapy used to treat kidney cancer and advanced soft tissue sarcoma might be the answer to improving the quality of life for HHT patients, researchers say. “HHT is so rare that only one of every 5,000 to 10,000 people in the world has the disorder,” Dr. James Gossage, director of Pulmonary Vascular Diseases and Heredity Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, said. “Since this disorder is inherited, patients can suffer for years before finding out their diagnosis through genetic testing.”
KPVI
UGA grad students receive research awards
By Josh Paine
Three graduate students in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have been honored with an E. Broadus Browne Award for Outstanding Graduate Research. Given in honor of Browne, a former director of the Georgia agricultural experiment stations at the college, the award is presented to outstanding master’s and doctoral students based on research and effective communication.
The McDuffie Progress
A research: ‘Brain glue’ helps repair circuitry in severe TBI
By Charles Betourney
At a cost of $38 billion a year, an estimated 5.3 million people are living with a permanent disability related to traumatic brain injury in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The physical, mental and financial toll of a TBI can be enormous, but new research from the University of Georgia offers promise. In a new study, researchers at UGA’s Regenerative Biosciences Center have demonstrated the long-term benefits of a hydrogel, which they call “brain glue,” for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The new study provides evidence that not only does the gel protect against loss of brain tissue after a severe injury, but it also might aid in functional neural repair.
Successful Farming
Diverse nematode collection aids researchers
Collection enables major SCN discoveries to be made. Tucked into a greenhouse at the University of Georgia is the largest active collection of experimentally adapted soybean cyst nematode (SCN) populations. The collection, which is maintained by Melissa Mitchum, University of Georgia nematologist, represents the wide range of SCN populations in soybean growers’ fields across the United States. As part of The SCN Coalition’s “Let’s Talk Todes” video series, its new “Research Collection” series features Mitchum explaining how SCN populations in the Tode Farm serve as workhorses for the soybean breeding program, as well as soybean researchers and nematologists across the country. The findings from this soy-checkoff funded initiative bring new tools to soybean growers in the fight against parasitic nematodes.
WGAU
By Tim Bryant
Arnett Mace has died: the provost at the University of Georgia from 2003 through 2010 was a professor and dean of the University’s Forestry College. Arnett Mace was 83 years old. From the University of Georgia… “The thoughts and prayers of the UGA community go out to Dr. Mace’s widow, Barbara, and his family,” said President Jere W. Morehead, who served as vice president for instruction under Mace and succeeded him as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost following Mace’s retirement in 2010. “I remain grateful for the many lasting contributions Dr. Mace made to the University of Georgia and for the excellent example he set as a senior administrator at our institution.”
Tifton Gazette
ABAC receives livestock weighing tech
Staff Reports
New technology is at the fingertips of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students thanks to a $40,000 donation to the ABAC Foundation from ClicRtechnologies. A ClicRweight Bovine Solution System will be utilized at the Beef Unit at ABAC’s J.G. Woodroof Farm, college officials said in a statement. Dr. Mark Kistler, dean of ABAC School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said he is excited about the partnership with ClicRtechnologies. “The ClicRweight Bovine Solution System will provide valuable data for the management and operation of our beef unit,” Kistler said. “More importantly, it will be utilized by many of our academic programs such as animal science and livestock production as well as agribusiness and agricultural technology and systems management.”
CISION
Intelligent.com Announces Best Online Cyber Security Degree Programs for 2021
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment…To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-cyber-security-degree-programs/. USG institutions listed include Georgia Institute of Technology and Kennesaw State University.
WFMZ
Intelligent.com Announces Best Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2021
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment… To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-early-childhood-education-degree-programs/. USG institutions listed include Albany State University and Kennesaw State University.
CISION
Value Colleges Releases Rankings of the Best Pre-College Summer Programs
Value Colleges (www.valuecolleges.com), an independent online guide to the best values in undergraduate and graduate education, is pleased to share a new ranking of the Top 50 Best Pre-College Summer Programs for 2021 (https://www.valuecolleges.com/ranking/best-pre-college-summer-programs/). For all rankings, Value Colleges focused specifically on fully accredited colleges and universities with an established reputation for quality. Value Colleges rankings are based on verified data from sources including IPEDS. Programs are ranked according to factors including cost and student satisfaction, so students can feel certain their choice of program will have a positive impact on their career. The Georgia Institute of Technology was the USG institution included on the list.
WJCL
‘This is much needed’: Mass vaccination site opens on Savannah’s southside
By Emma Hamilton
They’re at Gulfstream, the Savannah Civic Center, and now the Georgia Southern Armstrong campus. In the race to get everyone vaccinated, local leaders say the new site makes a mass vaccination site accessible to everyone in Savannah. “We want to make sure all areas of Savannah are covered from the north to the south to the east to the west,” Savannah District Six Alderman, Kurtis Purtee said. The new site on Savannah’s Southside puts a mass vaccination site in everyone’s neighborhood. Purtee said, “this is much needed. A lot of times folks on the Southside think that we are kind of the forgotten folks on savannah being that we are so far removed from downtown but this is all about accessibility and opportunity.”
Athens Banner Herald
Documentary featuring UGA faculty paints Jimmy Carter as ‘millennial president’
By Andrew Shearer
Though the upcoming documentary “Carterland” won’t be the first to focus on the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, it’s the first one made by Georgians: Peachtree City natives Will and Jim Pattiz. The Pattiz brothers’ debut feature is scheduled to premiere at the 2021 Atlanta Film Festival on April 24 in partnership with the Carter Center, which will hold an outdoor screening of the film with its 96-year-old subject in attendance. Aimed at re-framing the Carter presidency, which lasted from 1977 to 1981, “Carterland” reveals how Carter’s leadership and moral integrity, which confronted issues like climate change and championed social justice, ultimately cost him the presidency. “When we interviewed Jason Carter, he said that his grandfather was really the first millennial president,” Jim told the Banner-Herald. “Jimmy Carter put solar panels on the White House in 1979. He was out front on so many things that we’re addressing today.”
Hunt Scanlon Media
Collegiate Sports Associates Recruits Athletic Director for the University of Georgia
Raleigh, NC-based Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) recently placed Josh Brooks as the J. Reid Parker director of athletics at the University of Georgia (UGA). The hire follows the retirement of Greg McGarity, who held the position for 10 years. “From visionary and strategist to contract negotiator, fundraiser and champion for student-athletes—the modern-day athletic director must effectively wear many hats,” said Jere W. Morehead, president of UGA. “I am confident that Josh can wear all of these hats extraordinarily well, and I am excited to see our athletic program continue to evolve as one of the premier programs in the nation with him at the helm.”
Growing Georgia
Horseman Press at ABAC Hosts Book Launch April 15
Staff Reports
The Horseman Press at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will host a book launch featuring a new edition of Sarah Barnwell Elliott’s novel, “Jerry,” on April 15 at 3 p.m. under the Opry Shelter at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture (GMA). Dr. Rachael Price, Assistant Professor of English and the Horseman Press advisor, said Horseman Press is the only student-staffed undergraduate teaching press in the state of Georgia. Price will speak on Elliott’s career and the numerous obstacles Elliott had to overcome as a female writer in the South in the 1890s. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a cap of 50 people in attendance to maintain social distancing guidelines.
Albany Herald
By Tom Seegmueller
A Lee County tradition will be revived Thursday when the Lee County Palladium Players take the stage for their annual spring musical. Last year’s musical was canceled at the last minute due to COVID-19 concerns. This year’s production is a musical adaptation of “Tuck Everlasting,” a children’s novel focusing on the possibility of immortality and the challenges that might present. This year’s production is significant for a number of reasons. One of the more interesting ones is that Amanda Piercey, who is directing of this year’s production is a 2001 graduate of Lee County High School. Piercey credits the school system’s theater program for her career path. “I’ve been in theater almost my entire life, starting in the seventh grade,” she said. Piercey went on to major in theater at Valdosta State University and the University of Georgia, eventually returning to teach her craft where her interest first began.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated April 13)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is keeping track of reported coronavirus deaths and cases across Georgia according to the Department of Public Health. See details in the map below. See the DPH’s guide to their data for more information about definitions.
CONFIRMED DEATHS: 17,033 | 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.
CONFIRMED CASES: 863,814 | Cases have been confirmed in every county.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Health director warns Cobb’s low COVID-19 case numbers may be misleading
By Stephen Deere
The state health director for Cobb says that the number new COVID-19 cases for the two weeks that ended April 12 has fallen to a point that the county hasn’t seen in months, but she’s not sure if the figure paints an accurate picture because of the spring break holiday. Dr. Janet Memark, the physician who heads the Cobb & Douglas Public Health Department, told Cobb commissioners on Tuesday that the coronavirus case rate — the number of new cases per 100,000 residents — has fallen to 225 over that time period. According to a chart Memark presented to commissioners, the rate hasn’t been that low since last year.
WSB-TV
Doctors watching spread of COVID-19 variants closely as they await approval for vaccine for children
By Carol Sbarge
Some parts of the country are seeing a surge in coronavirus cases even among children. It’s being attributed in part to fast spreading variants. It’s something doctors are keeping a close eye on, including those at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta especially because children under 16 aren’t eligible for the vaccines yet. States hit hard by spreading variants right now are seeing big increases in coronavirus cases in children. In Michigan, their largest increase in cases is among ages 10 to 19. It more than doubled in that age group in a month.
Higher Education News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
College & the Coronavirus: Learning from a world away
By Eric Sturgis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is following the lives of faculty and students like Joey Ye at various colleges and universities in Georgia throughout the first full academic year since the coronavirus pandemic began. We will publish periodic reports about them. This is the fifth of these profiles.
It was 2 a.m. in Chongqing, China, and Emory University senior Joey Ye’s philosophy class had begun.
Ye and about two dozen undergraduate students joined virtually for a classroom discussion about African American scholar Cornel West’s book “Race Matters” that began promptly at 1 p.m. Eastern time.
Ye, 21, looked attentive, but disappeared about 30 minutes into professor George Yancy’s class. A portrait of Ye’s smiling face appeared on the screen. He reappeared a few minutes later, but left again. Ye returned, chuckling at one humorous line read by the professor from the book and stayed until the end of the class, about 3 a.m. Ye’s time.
Inside Higher Ed
3 Ways to Support Immigration-Impacted Students
By Laura E. Enriquez
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social and economic disparities in the United States. As college faculty, we have seen this play out among our students. Our students have communicated that their stress levels are high as they struggle with grief, isolation, job loss and lack of motivation.
In March 2020, when campus shutdowns began, we and 14 colleagues were in the midst of conducting a survey of more than 3,000 California undergraduates, including those who were undocumented and from mixed-status families. Our goal was to examine the impact of contemporary immigration policies that marginalize undocumented immigrants and individuals with precarious legal statuses. Given the timing of our survey, we also asked participants about the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their educational experiences.
Inside Higher Ed
By Matt Reed
Has anyone out there seen an Automotive Tech program with a close-to-even gender split among students? Admittedly, automotive programs aren’t as common as one might expect. In my own state, only a minority of community colleges have one, and the number is dropping. But the profile of the student has remained constant: to be blunt, it’s young men. I’m glad that young men are in the program. Our overall student mix skews female, which is true of community colleges nationally. There’s certainly no shortage of men who need good jobs, and we have a terrific record of placing our Auto Tech students in jobs. But the gender divide there is even stronger and more persistent than the (reversed) gender divide in Nursing. We have unfilled seats in the automotive program, ready for women to take them. I would like to see that happen. But with a few exceptions, it doesn’t.
Inside Higher Ed
By Greta Anderson
The National Collegiate Athletic Association says it will move championship events out of states that discriminate against LGBTQ people. The warning was directed at lawmakers considering bans on transgender athlete participation in college sports. Leaders of the National Collegiate Athletic Association are throwing their economic weight and influence behind transgender athletes ability to participate in college sports by threatening to pull lucrative championship events from states with discriminatory laws. The NCAA Board of Governors released a statement Monday reiterating that it will select championship sites that are “safe, healthy and free of discrimination,” following the passage of four laws, and dozens more bills under consideration, that bar transgender women from competing against cisgender women in K-12 and intercollegiate sports. The board’s statement echoed a position and policy created nearly five years ago, when the association moved championship events from North Carolina after state lawmakers approved legislation that barred transgender people from using public bathrooms associated with the gender with which they identify.