University System News:
CNBC
Video
CNBC’s Frank Holland joins Shep Smith to report that many of the top tech companies in the U.S. have come to Atlanta in hopes of attracting Black tech talent. One of the top universities for tech degrees is Georgia Tech.
WTOC
Junior Achievement Discovery Center now open
By Tim Guidera
It’s a big day on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University. The first students will be welcomed inside the Junior Achievement Colonial Group Discovery Center on Monday morning. This is a brand new facility focusing on immersive business education. Because the Discovery Center is designed for middle school students to help them better understand how business and their own community works.
Six Mile Post
GHC offers mental health wellness
Brittany Garwick, Features Editor
The college setting brings its own set of unique challenges to students that affect mental health. The pandemic brought even more changes to students and staff, with many events postponed, canceled or delivered remotely, causing staff and students to isolate and social distance. Georgia Highlands is prepared to help students with their mental well-being with programs offered through the Student Support Service programs such as Thrive and the Wellness Hub. …Counselor and Interim Director Dorothy Morgan wants to ensure that GHC students have equal access to mental health resources and disability services offered at the college. Meeting with staff for counseling or disability services is entirely confidential.
The Red & Black
UGA Black Theatrical Ensemble celebrates Black culture with weeklong events
Alexis Derickson
Beginning Monday, the University of Georgia’s Black Theatrical Ensemble is hosting a week of daily events dedicated to the analysis and celebration of Black culture in the entertainment and film industries. BTE is a student organization focused on producing high-quality and diverse shows, plays, essays, poems and other literary works, according to the UGA Multicultural Services and Programs website. Their mission is to preserve Afro-centric theater and shed light on the Black experience through the work of African American writers as well as writers of other races. BTE Week’s events include an in-depth video series on BTE’s work and purpose, a discussion on mental health and personal growth, a music collaboration with UGA’s Black Affairs Council to feature Black music and a Just Dance battle against UGA’s Pamoja Dance Company.
WSAV
City of Savannah, Georgia Southern hosting Valentine’s Day blood drive
by: Molly Curley
The city of Savannah and Georgia Southern University are teaming up with The Blood Connection for a Valentine’s Day blood drive. Organizers say it’s a way to share some love amid historically low levels of blood supply. The Blood Connection said they’ve been experiencing low blood donor turnout for roughly 10 months now.
13WMAZ
Sheridan Construction marks 75 years in Central Georgia, continuing longstanding MGA partnership
Middle Georgia State is just one of many longstanding partnerships Sheridan has built over their 75 years of business.
Author: Raime Cohen
This year marks Sheridan Construction’s 75 years of business and core values that drive their mission include safety, teamwork, and integrity. Sheridan Construction has partnered with Middle Georgia State University for more than 15 years now. Dublin’s new nursing center should be more than 25,000 square feet of renovations. Stephen Svonavec is the Director of Commuter Campuses for MGA. He says within just a few weeks, he’s seen a lot of progress.
ESI Esports Insider
Hawks Talon Gaming announces partnership with University of West Georgia
By Ivan Šimić –
NBA G League team College Park Skyhawks and Hawks Talon Gaming of the NBA 2K League have signed a partnership with the University of West Georgia (UWG). The two teams will work with the UWG students on educational experiences in sports and esports. The partnership will include events and initiatives that give UWG students the opportunity to pursue either traditional sports or an esports path during their studies. Both teams are affiliates of the NBA franchise Atlanta Hawks.
Times-Georgian
UWG students get PGA event experience
Special To The Times-Georgian
Gaining hands-on experience is par for the course at the University of West Georgia. Just ask the sport management students in the College of Education (COE) who volunteered at the PGA TOUR Championship in Atlanta last fall. The COE’s Dr. Brian Mosier, chair of the nationally recognized Department of Sports Management, Wellness and Physical Education at UWG, explained how the experience lived by participating students is exceedingly rare.
Tifton Gazette
Langston named ABAC housing director
A familiar face recently returned to the campus of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College when Dr. Corey Langston was selected for the role of director of residence life and housing. Langston previously served as ABAC’s assistant director of residence life and housing from 2013-20, college officials said in a statement. He said he is excited to be back home. …Langston has been part of more than residence life while on ABAC’s campus. He has supervised the residential component of the Upward Bound program and worked closely with personnel in the Office of the Dean of Students. When asked what his goals are for the department, Langston said, “I want to create opportunities for student growth and success, improve student retention rates and promote academic success through programming and collaboration.”
Augusta CEO
Jennifer Hilliard Scott
Dr. Sumit Fogla, a family medicine physician who specializes in obesity medicine, is the new vice chair for clinical operations and quality in the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Fogla will also serve as medical director of the Family Medicine Center at MCG and its primary teaching affiliate, AU Health System. In his new role, Fogla, a strong advocate of patient- and family-centered care, will oversee the delivery of health care in the Family Medicine Center by utilizing those care principles as well as population health and evidence-based medicine. He will work to ensure access to the center’s services; ensure the scope of services provided there meet the primary care needs of the patient population; and lead and assist in improving clinic workflow, scheduling and productivity.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Southern to host lecture, ‘What Happens to Democracy When Anatomy Is No Longer Destiny?
By Savannah Morning News
The Georgia Southern College of Arts and Humanities will host author Alice Dreger, Ph.D., as part of the Mark Finlay Lecture Series on Thursday. Dreger is an award-winning writer who speaks to various audiences on provocative topics, including gender and ethics, and will present “What Happens to Democracy When Anatomy Is No Longer Destiny?”, a lecture that questions how the body fits within a changing American democracy.
Tifton CEO
Dr. John Vanzo will speak on “Melanija Knavs and the Right Way to Come to America” in the opening lecture of a three-part series at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22 in Ernest Edwards Hall at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Melanija Knavs is the maiden name of Melania Trump, wife of former President Donald Trump. Vanzo’s lecture addresses a special mural exhibition titled “Coming to America—The Immigrant Experience Featuring the Lost Mural of Ellis Island” which opened to the public in Edwards Hall on Jan. 18. Vanzo is a professor of political science and geography in ABAC’s School of Arts and Sciences.
WGAU Radio
Terry College economists offer forecast for Macon, middle Georgia
Noon at Macon Centreplex
By Tim Bryant
Economists in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business put the wraps on their annual swing around the state today, offering their economic forecast for Macon in a noon-hour luncheon at the Macon Centreplex.
From the University of Georgia master calendar…
The 2022 Georgia Economic Outlook brings the expertise of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business to attendees across the state, offering specific and reliable insights into next year’s economy. The annual series provides a timely look at the nation’s economic trajectory, the trends shaping our state’s fiscal outlook, and what to expect in your local area from forecasts based on data and analysis from the Selig Center for Economic Growth.
Clear Publicist
Offbeat Media Team named quickest-rising UGA enterprise
By Jasmine Andrade
The College of Georgia Alumni Affiliation acknowledged the speediest-increasing businesses owned or led by UGA alumni throughout the 13th once-a-year Bulldog 100 Celebration on Feb. 5 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. The 2022 speediest-escalating small business, Offbeat Media Team, features four UGA graduates at the helm: Shepherd Ogden (BBA ’18), CEO and co-founder Bailey Grady (BBA ’19), COO and co-founder Christopher Travers (BBA ’17), COO and co-founder and Kevin Planovsky (ABJ ’05), advisor. Atlanta-based mostly Offbeat Media Group is a top electronic impact and media enterprise that owns, builds and brokers the largest indigenous social media network of publishers and virtual influencers.
Albany Herald
Georgia Senate Republicans defend critical race theory bill
By Dave Williams Bureau Chief Capitol Beat News Service
Republicans in the state Senate Monday defended legislation prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory in Georgia schools from criticism by Democrats that the bill would stifle honest discussion of America’s history of systemic racism. “We’re not perfect. Our history is stained with racism,” Sen. Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia, the bill’s chief sponsor, told members of the Senate Education and Youth Committee. “In no way shape or form is it my intention to prevent history being taught to students.” Hatchett said the legislation targets nine “divisive concepts” to be prohibited from being taught not only in Georgia’s K-12 classrooms, but also in the state’s public colleges, universities and technical colleges.
Marietta Daily Journal
Race plays role in hiring of NFL head coaches, new study by Kennesaw State researchers reveals
As the National Football League faces a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in hiring, a new study by Kennesaw State University researchers has examined the role that race plays in the hiring of NFL coaches, finding significant evidence that Black assistant coaches are less likely to be selected for top jobs. The study, “Race and the Probability of Becoming a Head Coach for NFL Coordinators Since the Introduction of the Rooney Rule: Why Isn’t Eric Bieniemy a Head Coach yet?” was published last week in the Review of Black Political Economy. …“Our study found evidence consistent with discrimination in the hiring of Black head coaches in recent years, particularly that Black offensive and defensive coordinators have been less likely to become head coaches than otherwise similar non-Black-coordinators,” said Joshua Pitts, associate professor of sport management and economics and the study’s lead researcher. …Led by Pitts, the study also involved co-authors John D. Johnson, associate professor of sport management of KSU, and Brent Evans of Georgia College and State University.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bill backed by Georgia Republicans seeks internet filters for schools
By Ty Tagami
Georgia lawmakers will consider a proposal to make schools use technology that filters pornography and other material deemed obscene from school internet services and devices. The Republican-backed legislation was introduced Thursday with the support of Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, who as speaker pro tem is the second-ranked member of the state House. Jones said last fall that she was working on the bill as a national furor over books with sexual content reached Georgia schools. She said at the time that children should be shielded from “age inappropriate” materials both in the classroom and out.
GPB
Political Rewind: Is gerrymandering leading to noncompetitive voting? Internet filters in schools
By: Bill Nigut, Sam Bermas-Dawes, and Natalie Mendenhall
The panel:
Jim Galloway — Former political columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dr. Karen Owen — Professor of political science, University of West Georgia
Michael Thurmond — CEO of DeKalb County
Sam Olens — Former Georgia attorney general
…University of West Georgia’s Karen Owen said gerrymandering makes it more competitive for women in politics. She points to the 7th District race between Georgia U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux.
Statesboro Herald
Local COVID cases continue decline
Hospitalizations stable at EGRMC
Jim Healy/staff
The steep declines in new COVID-19 cases that began in the middle of January across the nation and in Bulloch County continued in the past week, as the omicron variant infected fewer and fewer people. The Georgia Department of Public Health said Bulloch County reported 236 new cases of COVID-19 in the past week — less than half of the 504 for the previous week and down from 881 the week of Jan. 11–17. …Georgia Southern University has seen the number of COVID cases drop from 502 reported across its three campuses the week of Jan. 17–23 to 123 for the week of Jan. 31–Feb. 6. Also, 90 of the 123 cases were reported on the Statesboro campus, a huge decline from the 201 cases recorded for the week of Jan. 24–30.
WRDW
Can this natural remedy treat COVID? Experts are intrigued
By William Rioux
Not only is the COVID omicron variant highly contagious, but it’s also becoming resistant to some treatment options. Back in December 2020, Augusta University first opened a monoclonal antibody clinic. Doctors say that clinic, helps keep patients out of the hospital. But now, health providers aren’t allowed to use two types of monoclonal antibody treatments because they don’t work as well against the new variant. The National Institute of Health released a study about other treatment options to reduce how severely people get sick from COVID. We met with a local business whose elderberry product is leading the way on shelves nationwide. …Researchers are looking to take this remedy a step further. The National Institute of Health is looking at a 2-year study to see if elderberries can help the effects of COVID.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Campus workers protest outside of the Capitol to demand more funding
By Shawn Watkins
The United Campus Workers of Georgia protested outside the Capitol last Tuesday on Lobby Day to bolster support for a living wage. At least one lawmaker was listening. “This is a voice that has not been heard in the past and you have created a platform to build and resonate your message,” said Sen. Nan Orrock, an Atlanta Democrat. About 20 educators and students rallied for fair wages for campus workers and to drop the special institution fee. Speakers included Orrock and Rep. Spencer Frye, an Athens Democrat, who supported the cause. Gov. Brian Kemp recommended in his 2023 budget proposal to remove the special institution fee and provide a $5,000 raise for each state employee. Jill Penn, co-president of United Campus Workers of Georgia, said Kemp’s proposals were a step in the right direction, but the pay raise is not enough, due to the rising cost of health insurance and medical care.
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated Feb. 7)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
CONFIRMED CASES: 1,876,971
CONFIRMED DEATHS: 28,090 | 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:
Inside Higher Ed
College Scorecard Has More Information
By Scott Jaschik
The U.S. Department of Education released updates to the College Scorecard on Monday that it says will make the tool more useful for students and families weighing college options. The tool also includes new and updated information that may be beneficial to school counselors, college access providers, researchers and other critical stakeholders. The department has improved the College Scorecard interactive web tool, in addition to restoring several metrics that help students gauge how their prospective institution compares to other colleges across costs, graduation rates, postcollege earnings and other metrics. “The changes reflect the department’s priority of supporting and encouraging inclusive, affordable postsecondary programs that provide strong career outcomes for students,” said a press release from the department.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Opinion
Jason A. Ottley, Chaz Gipson
Critical race theory in education, K-12 classroom practices, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of school communities, and the importance of self-advocacy on college campuses, were a few topics discussed during the Inaugural Education and Practice Conference hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha’s Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter in partnership with the Alpha Scholarship and Charitable Foundation. This year, the one-day event – February 5th – centered around the theme, “What’s Next? Possibilities and Probabilities in the Future of K-12 Education”.
Inside Higher Ed
Key Podcast: The Impact of Learning Disruption From COVID-19
By Doug Lederman
College students almost certainly lost ground academically during the pandemic. But do we know how much? And what should colleges do about it? This week’s episode of Inside Higher Ed’s The Key podcast explores a free report published in December, “Back on Track: Helping Students Recover From COVID-19 Learning Disruption.” It examines the available evidence about how the pandemic affected students’ educational paths and finds, somewhat unsurprisingly, that most colleges really don’t know whether their students suffered what in the K-12 context is often called “learning loss” or “learning disruption.” But that doesn’t mean they aren’t adapting their practices and policies in areas such as placement, instruction, grading and assessment to help students make up whatever ground they’ve lost.
Inside Higher Ed
A Newly Accredited College for Incarcerated Students
A college on the grounds of San Quentin State Prison recently became an independently operated and accredited institution.
By Sara Weissman
Students walk to and from classes with books in hand. Some stand around the yard, discussing philosophical concepts from their latest assigned readings. The scene looks similar to that found on any campus quad—except the students are gathered in a prison yard, and the college is located in San Quentin State Prison. Mount Tamalpais College is the outgrowth of a nearly 25-year-old college program serving students in California’s oldest prison. It was formally accredited as a two-year college last month by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and became the only accredited, independent liberal arts college in the country that operates its main campus out of a prison, according to college leaders.