Marietta Daily Journal
All that growth’: KSU endowment doubled over past two years of major fundraising
Hunter Riggall
Kennesaw State University has seen blockbuster fundraising totals over the past few years, with the university’s endowment more than doubling in the past two years. As of June 30, 2016, the end of fiscal year 2016, KSU’s endowment was about $38 million. That grew over the next three years to about $47.5 million by the end of fiscal 2019. But in the past two years, that figure doubled to reach $96 million by the end of fiscal 2021, and to about $102 million by the end of the 2021 calendar year.
Variety
Michael B. Jordan’s ‘Creed III’ Hires 8 Student Interns as MGM Partners With Georgia Film Academy (EXCLUSIVE)
By Angelique Jackson
MGM’s “Creed III” has partnered with the Georgia Film Academy (GFA) to hire eight student interns to work on the boxing drama, which marks star Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. “On behalf of Michael and the filmmaking team for ‘Creed III,’ we are thrilled to welcome Georgia Film Academy students into our ‘Creed’ family,” said Elizabeth Raposo, president of Jordan’s Outlier Society. “We are inspired by the mission of the GFA and believe that mentorship of the next generation of filmmakers is essential to the longevity of our business. Outlier Society believes in an inclusive, equitable and fun filmmaking environment and we are honored to have the next generation of young filmmakers join us on this journey.” The new partnership furthers the goals of the Georgia Film Academy, established in 2015 to create pathways for the next generation of film industry professionals by gaining experience working on some of Hollywood’s hottest film and television projects.
WGAU Radio
UGA icon celebrates birthday in special way
Charlayne Hunter-Gault turns 80
By UGA Media Relations
University of Georgia groundbreaker and alumna Charlayne Hunter-Gault will celebrate a milestone birthday this Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. In honor of her 80th and in tribute to her dear friend, the late Valerie Boyd, Charlayne Hunter-Gault announced that she would be making a contribution to support the Giving Voice to the Voiceless Fund. To celebrate Hunter-Gault, UGA President Jere W. Morehead committed up to $25,000 of private discretionary funds to match, dollar-for-dollar, gifts made to this fund.
accessWDUN
Atlanta Braves World Series trophy to make stop at UNG
By Austin Eller Anchor/Reporter
The public can view the World Series trophy won by the Atlanta Braves as part of the 2021 season when it makes a stop at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega on Friday. The World Series trophy will be at Haines and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25. The trophy stop coincides with UNG’s baseball game against Catawba College, which has a 4 p.m. first pitch.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia Tech’s biosciences campus approved for $29M in tax breaks
By Erin Schilling – Technology Reporter
The first phase of Georgia Tech’s growing biosciences campus just received $29.4 million in tax breaks. Technology Enterprise Park, a campus spearheaded by Georgia Tech and developed by Trammell Crow Co., aims to mimic the success of Technology Square, an innovation district in Midtown that drives economic development for the city. Technology Enterprise Park is geared toward life sciences companies, a budding industry in Atlanta. The project also deals with a challenge facing the industry: a dearth of lab space hinders its growth.
Marietta Daily Journal
Scholarship established for Kennesaw State’s health promotion major
Throughout his life, Kennesaw State University graduate Jeff Pruitt sought to lend a hand where he could. With that in mind, Pruitt’s widow, Carla, figured the best way to establish his legacy would be through an endowed scholarship in KSU’s Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education. “Jeff and I dated while attending Kennesaw State, and we always talked about giving back,” Carla Pruitt said. “He took seriously his career as a helper, and when he died, setting up a scholarship seemed like the perfect way to celebrate our alma mater.” Carla sought donations to establish the Jeff Pruitt Inspirational Endowed Scholarship after he died in July 2020 at the age of 56. Funded partially from those donations, the endowment exceeds $25,000, and is administered by the KSU Foundation. Carla said the scholarship is earmarked for a health-physical education major with demonstrated financial need, which describes working students to a tee.
Patch
Thanks to a collaboration among students, faculty and staff, Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro Campus and Armstrong Campus in Savannah have been recognized for the first time in the Tree Campus Higher Education program through the National Arbor Day Foundation.
WRBL
CSU students discuss why Black History Month is important
We turn now, to Black History Month. Throughout the month of February, we are reflecting on not only the painful history of our past, but also on the contributions that African Americans have made. On Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, News 3 welcomed three Columbus State University students to studio to discuss the importance of Black History on News 3 Midday.
WTVM
Columbus State students learn about the Clotilda slave ship
We’re continuing to honor Black History Month and so is Columbus State University. Students had the chance to see and learn about the Clotilda, which is one of the last known slave ships to arrive to the states, bringing nearly 100 people from Africa to Alabama. In 2019, the remnants of Clotilda were found along the Mobile River, near 12 Mile Island – just north of the Mobile Bay delta. Inside of the CSU library, you will find the blueprint of the Clotilda and letters from one of the survivors of the ship. This ship smuggled African captives into the U.S. in 1860, more than 50 years after importing slaves was outlawed. Students were given the opportunity to learn about the illegal slave trade that was happening during that time.
WRBL
Ossoff stops in Columbus says he will push for federal STEM funds for local programs
by: Chuck Williams
Sen. Ossoff was in Columbus Thursday afternoon to announce that he will be pushing for direct federal funding for a robotics program that will benefit students from kindergarten through college. Ossoff toured a robotics lab at Columbus State University prior to making the announcement about potential funding. CSU students showed off their projects as the senator asked questions and admired their efforts. But the hook was the potential of $635,000 in additional funding for STEM education in Columbus.
Story also appeared in:
WTVM
Georgia senator tours Columbus State’s STEM program
Griffin Daily News
GSC names Philmon new marketing manager
Karolina Philmon is Gordon State College’s new marketing manager, effective Feb. 14. Philmon joins Highlander Nation with more than 17 years in the financial and personal banking career field, according to a statement from the college.
Columbus CEO
Columbus State President Chris Markwood to Retire in June
Staff Report
Nearly seven years after first setting foot on the Columbus State University campus, Dr. Chris Markwood has announced his plans to retire from public higher education and step down from his role as president in June 2022. His final day as president on June 30 will conclude a higher education career that has spanned three decades—with almost a quarter of that time at Columbus State—and marked by a focus on student-centeredness. “President Markwood has made a point throughout his career to focus on students and make sure they had the support they needed on campus and in the classroom to succeed,” University System of Georgia (USG) Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney said. “We appreciate his service to USG and wish him and his family well.” Dr. John M. Fuchko III, USG’s vice chancellor for organizational effectiveness, will serve as interim president of Columbus State upon Markwood’s retirement, effective July 1, 2022.
See also:
WTVM
Columbus State University president to retire in June 2022
WRBL
CSU President speaks out after announcing departure from university
Macon Magazine
What the American Heart Association wants you to know about heart health
By Hannah Elmore
February is American Heart Month, and with heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, it’s important to be educated and take preventative steps to avoid cardiovascular disease in your own life. According to their website, the American Heart Association (AHA) is the “nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke” with over 40 million volunteers and supporters, and 2,800 employees. At such a large scale, the AHA makes a huge impact, but there is still personal responsibility to be had. The AHA increases awareness and teaches people how to make heart healthy choices at the individual level.
Macon Magazine sat down with …Dr. Kendra Russell, professor and director of program innovation and evaluation in the Department of Nursing at Middle Georgia State University, to learn about the organization and its impact.
MM: How does cardiovascular disease affect people in Central Georgia?
Dr. Kendra Russell: I believe one of the things that we see in this area, and I think especially with the African-American population, that our students report on frequently is that a number of people do not realize that they have heart disease or even that they’re at risk for heart disease.
Albany Herald
Acclaimed international pianist to perform at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
From staff reports
The internationally acclaimed talent of Zheng Jennifer Huang will be showcased in a piano concert at 3 p.m. on March 6 in Howard Auditorium at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The concert is offered to the public at no charge as a gift from the ABAC Music Program. An associate professor of music at ABAC, Huang has performed numerous recitals and concerts as a pianist and harpsichordist in solo performances and chamber music ensembles in Asia, Europe and the United States.
Times-Georgian
From foster homes to Harvard: best selling author to speak at UWG
By Dan Minish
A best-selling author and well-known inspirational speaker who lived in a dozen foster homes while growing up and later went on to earn graduate degrees from two of America’s most prestigious universities will be speaking in Carrollton on March 3. Rodney Walker received an undergraduate degree from Atlanta’s Morehouse College and went on to earn graduate degrees at Harvard and Yale University. He is coming to Carrollton as part of the University of West Georgia’s “2022 Dag Fogler Critical Topics in Education Speaker Series” that is sponsored by UWG’s College of Education. After struggling academically and socially in school, Walker was diagnosed with autism and placed in special education. However, he learned to deal with his life struggles, joined a youth entrepreneurship program, and with the help of various mentors went on to win various business plan competitions.
WJCL
Police at Georgia Southern University confirm 1 person injured in ‘shooting incident’
Georgia Southern University police are investigating a “shooting incident” at Freedom’s Landing Thursday afternoon.
Graham Cawthon
GSU police were called to Freedom’s Landing on Lanier Drive around 3:30 p.m. after a report of a shooting. The victim’s condition is unknown at this time. Georgia Southern University officials confirm one man has been taken to the hospital after a shooting at a student housing complex. GSU police are investigating a “shooting incident” at Freedom’s Landing Thursday afternoon.
Axios Atlanta
Georgians want the state to take a stand on climate change
Thomas Wheatley
Roughly 60 percent of Georgians want state leaders to set goals to reduce the effects of climate change, according to a recently released poll by Georgia Tech. Why it matters: Some local governments like Atlanta have created climate strategies but Georgia has no state-level plan to curtail carbon emissions and address a global problem. Driving the news: Commissioned for use by climate researchers, the survey was designed by Georgia Tech and University of Georgia professors affiliated with Project Drawdown Georgia, an initiative that lays out policy ideas the state could use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Savannah Morning News
Q&A: Savannah’s economy experiencing ‘fantastic growth’ in recovery
Interview by Adam Van Brimmer
The following is an excerpt from a “The Commute” podcast interview with economist Michael Toma of Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus. Full episodes are available at https://www.savannahnow.com/opinion/podcasts/ or through mobile device podcast apps by searching “The Commute with @SavannahOpinion”. The Commute podcast is presented by National Office Systems.
Question: As most of us know, Savannah has come roaring back from the COVID-19 pandemic but we’ve got some challenges ahead of us. What is the data telling you about why Savannah has been so resilient with the recovery from the pandemic?
Michael Toma: “It really is an interesting phenomena that Savannah has outperformed Georgia, which has outperformed the United States in terms of its economic recovery. And there are a couple of things I think that are happening.
WSB TV
Governor says Georgia is prepared for any backlash over Ukraine invasion
By Richard Elliot, WSB-TV and Michael Seiden, WSB-TV
Georgia remains on high alert for cyberattacks as events continue to unfold in Ukraine. Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday that Georgia is as ready as it can be for any potential problems. Former Gov. Nathan Deal helped create the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta, which works with the US Army. Kemp said they’re continuing to monitor the events in Ukraine and preparing for anything that could happen here.
See also:
Government Technology
Students to Compete for Scholarships in CyberStart America
A series of online challenges will allow high schoolers to act as cyber protection agents, solving cybersecurity-related puzzles and exploring topics such as code breaking, programming, networking and digital forensics.
Gainesville Times
A perspective from UNG professor on Russian invasion of Ukraine
Jeff Gill
Like the rest of the world, University of North Georgia political science professor Carl Greathouse is watching the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold in real time.
CBS46
Organizations gear up to send humanitarian workers to Ukraine
Crystal Bui
The American Red Cross is vowing to support at-risk families in Ukraine. It’s sending 30 trained staff to Europe to support emergency communication needs of US military. Many other humanitarian groups will gear up to bring aid, especially to refugees. Amnesty International Europe and central Asia advocacy director Daniel Balson says they’re paying close attention to the conflict. “We’ve been monitoring the situation very closely in Ukraine, and the situation is quite dire,” said Balson. …The international community is assessing how much aid will be needed in Ukraine and Russia. University of West Georgia political science professor Kathie Barrett says it will soon become an all hands on deck situation with at least 100-thousand refugees needing help. “You need to get health aid to the Ukraine and you need to get protection and care to the refugees. Refugees have likely lost everything,” said Barrett. Amnesty International is urging everyone to call their lawmakers.
NewsBreak
Augusta Jaguars climb to No. 1 spot in NCAA DII Southeast Regional poll
By Brendan Robertson
The No. 10 Augusta University men’s basketball program climbed to the top spot Wednesday in the NCAA’s Southeast Region when the second region poll of the season was released from the association’s national headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. With their move to the top spot in the poll, the Jaguars bolstered their chances of playing host to the NCAA Regional Tournament March 12, 13, and 15.
Athens Banner-Herald
How UGA’s staff turnover compares to past CFP champions and Kirby Smart’s other teams
Marc Weiszer
The usual roster churn after a Georgia football season has included players declaring for the NFL draft, transfers and the finishing touches on another elite recruiting class. This time there’s also the most turnover Kirby Smart’s had on his coaching staff. When offensive line coach Matt Luke stepped down earlier this week, he became the fourth departure of an assistant off the Bulldogs’ national championship team. Georgia averaged just 1.8 coaches leaving in the first five offseasons under Smart.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia likely in for a warmer, drier spring. Here’s why
By Drew Kann
Increased risk of severe weather
After a relatively cool January in Georgia, the recent shift towards above average temperatures is likely to stick around. The odds favor warmer than average temperatures over the next three months for much of the state, according to new projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. South Georgia has a higher than average chance of being drier over the next three months, while rainfall in Atlanta and north Georgia should be closer to average.
Experts partly blame a La Niña pattern, which developed last year and has persisted into 2022. La Niña is triggered by temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can influence weather patterns across the globe. La Niña generally brings drier, warmer conditions to the southern half of the United States and wetter weather in the northern half. That could bring more severe weather to Georgia, according to Pam Knox, an agricultural climatologist at the University of Georgia.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Opinion: Sonny Perdue can manage colleges. Can he lead them?
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Regents expected to affirm former governor as chancellor in early March
Those championing Sonny Perdue as the next chancellor tout his skills as a manager, citing the recognition of Georgia as among America’s best-run states during his tenure as governor. The politically appointed Board of Regents approved Perdue as sole finalist for job earlier this month and may finalize that decision this week. The problem is the University System of Georgia requires more than a competent manager. It needs a visionary leader who can not only manage the 26 colleges and universities but continue their upward arc toward excellence, who understands the historical role of public universities as engines of societal advancement and the need to prioritize teaching and research.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated Feb. 24)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
CONFIRMED CASES: 1,908,613
CONFIRMED DEATHS: 29,530 | 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.
Higher Education News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Senate passes bill limiting school sports to gender identified at birth
By Maya T. Prabhu
The Georgia Senate approved legislation Thursday to require students to participate in high school sports according to the sex that appears on their birth certificate. The Senate backed the measure on a party-line vote of 32-22, with Republicans voting in favor of the bill. Similar bills have been proposed in prior years, but this is the first time such a measure has had a vote by a full chamber. State Sen. Marty Harbin, a Tyrone Republican, said the bill will create fairness for girls who play sports in Georgia schools. …Opponents of the bill warned that it could lead to increased suicide attempts by transgender children and cost the state money by jeopardizing large events, such as those put on by the NCAA. The bill now goes to the House for its consideration.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
The Pandemic Interrupted College Preparation, Which Impacted College Application
Liann Herder
A new report released by the ACT college readiness exam nonprofit organization found that participation in college preparatory activities increases a student’s likelihood of attending college. But those same results showed that 46% of the class or 2021 had one or more of their college prep activities canceled due to pandemic restrictions, possibly leading to greater educational inequity. “This report shows how participating in college preparation activities is directly linked to positive college application behaviors,” said Lisa King, director of the American College Application Campaign at ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Dr. Dietra Trent Appointed as New Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs
Rebecca Kelliher
The White House and U.S. Department of Education (ED) has appointed Dr. Dietra Trent as the new executive director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHI-HBCUs). Trent, who is an HBCU graduate and Virginia’s former secretary of education, will start the role on Monday. Scholars of HBCUs, advocacy organization leaders, and former directors of the White House Initiative welcome this long-awaited appointment, particularly of a Black woman.
Inside Higher Ed
Leaders of a number of scholarly associations and research centers speak out against Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
By Scott Jaschik
The tweet from Mariia Shuvalova, a Ukrainian literary scholar, summed up the tragedy of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “National University of Kyiv Mohyla-Academy suspended all lectures. My students now are joining Ukrainian army. #Ukraineisunderattack #StandWithUkriane.” In the United States, in Ukraine and in Russia, the invasion is having consequences. There are thousands of students from Russia and Ukraine enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. Academics are issuing statements and holding teach-ins.