The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
University of Georgia professor receives prestigious research grant
A University of Georgia environmental engineering professor was named Wednesday a recipient of an esteemed grant for her pollution research. Jenna Jambeck was named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow, becoming the second UGA faculty member to receive the award, commonly known as a “Genius Grant.” The MacArthur Fellowship is a $800,000, no-strings-attached award, which is described on its website that is given to “extraordinarily talented and creative individuals as an investment in their potential.” Jambeck’s work provided the first estimate of the amount of plastic waste entering the world’s ocean each year, about 8 million metric tons. Jambeck and her team discovered in a follow up study that nearly 80% of that waste wound up in landfills or in the environment. Additionally, Jambeck and her colleagues found that more than 90% of plastic has never been recycled.
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UGA Today, The New York Times, AXIOS, WGAU , Fox News, The Washington Post, NPR, Inside Higher Ed, PBS , Forbes, The Philadelphia Inquirer
AllOnGeorgia
Georgia Southern University Associate Professor Named Sociologist of the Year
Georgia Southern University Associate Professor of Sociology Ned Rinalducci, Ph.D., has been named Sociologist of the Year by the Georgia Sociological Association (GSA). This lifetime achievement award recognizes an outstanding sociologist who has made a significant impact in the field of sociology in the state of Georgia. Rinalducci said he is honored and humbled to be recognized by his colleagues from around the state of Georgia.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kennesaw State on track to join Conference USA, move up to FBS
By Josh Reyes
Kennesaw State received conditional approval from Georgia’s Board of Regents on Wednesday to move its athletic programs to Conference USA, launching its football program to the NCAA’s highest and more lucrative level of competition. The one condition the university must meet is a demonstration of support from student and faculty governing bodies and other community members. Then, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue can sign off on the move. Other details of Kennesaw State’s potential shift from the ASUN to Conference USA have not been disclosed, and there was little discussion of the move during this week’s Board of Regents meetings held at Dalton State College. ESPN reported that the school is expected to join its new conference in 2024.
The Herald Gazette
Reunions abound at Gordon alumni weekend
By Walter Geiger
On Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Gordon State College hosted Alumni Weekend events where over 100 attendees came together for a reunion celebration at the Barnesville campus. This year marked the first time since 2019 that Alumni Weekend was able to be held in person. “It felt great to connect and celebrate our loyal alumni in person at Alumni Weekend. They are our ambassadors and advocates of how Gordon’s education helped to shape their path towards success,” said GSC President, Dr. Kirk A. Nooks. “We continue to learn from them as they engage the expertise they’ve gained at Gordon into and beyond the bounds of their professional lives.” The two-day event included a check-in at the Alumni House on Stafford Avenue, campus tour, a mix-and-mingle with President Nooks, a historical viewing with an archive collection at the Dorothy W. Hightower Library and concluded with dinner and an evening reception.
Marietta Daily Journal
ABAC receives grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
The Albany Herald, Ga.
The Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Advancement Foundation was recently awarded an $8,595 grant for Fiscal Year 2023 from the Georgia Young Adult Program which is funded through the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant helps to promote education and awareness for young, inexperienced drivers ages 16-24 about highway safety involving issues such as underage drinking and impaired driving.
WTVM
CSU police, students deliver beds during Faith & Blue Weekend
By Jessie Gibson
Students from Columbus State University, along with the university’s police department, partnered Saturday with a local organization to deliver beds to children in need. Delivering, assembling and dressing up 58 beds throughout Columbus and Phenix City through the Fountain City’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization. The event was all part of Faith & Blue Weekend. Sleep in Heavenly Peace received assistance from Columbus police with deliveries as well. Organizers tell us Faith and Blue Weekend is a great opportunity for officers to give back and meet people throughout the community.
Columbus CEO
CSU’s Schwob School of Music Benefits from Gift Endowing the Swift Distinguished Chair
Staff Report
Through philanthropic support from Barbara C. and Clifford J. Swift III, a recent concert at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts by the Schwob School of Music Philharmonic Orchestra set the tone to announce a new distinguished chair for the director of the Schwob School of Music. The new chair will be the current director of the school, Scott Harris, who became director of the Schwob School of Music in 2013. The celebratory concert included a performance by the Schwob School of Music Philharmonic Orchestra of an original composition written by Harris. “The Swift’s commitment to Columbus State University over the years has been evident especially in the Schwob School of music since they established a scholarship for string students in 2015,” said Harris. “With their generous support of this endowed faculty chair, the Swifts have ensured the Schwob School will always have the exceptional leadership it needs to flourish as one of the top tier music schools in the country.”
The City Menus
UWG alumna veterinarian is leader of the pack at mobile animal clinic
By Sam Gentry
This National Pet Wellness Month and National Women’s Small Business Month, both celebrated in October, the University of West Georgia sat down with alumna Dr. Jasmine Gibbs ’14, owner of Two Beating Hearts Mobile Veterinary Clinic, to discuss her journey to entrepreneurship. Animals have been Gibbs’ constant her entire life. Before she could walk, talk or even form memories, they’ve been there.
Albany Herald
Business community, Albany State come together for annual homecoming week mixer
By Alan Mauldin
The Albany business community and Albany State University students and staff mingled on Tuesday, enjoying the flavor of local food and drinks and taking in a performance by the “Marching Rams” band to help kick off the university’s Homecoming Week. Business After Hours is a casual networking event held each month by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau was the host for the homecoming edition. “It’s a way for us to kind of engage the business community and allow the business community to come on campus,” CVB Executive Director Rashelle Minix said. “We’re able to highlight some of our local restaurants as well.
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Albany Herald
PHOTOS: Albany State University Homecoming Week, Business After Hours
Albany Herald
PHOTOS: Albany State University Homecoming week, Gospel Explosion
Albany Herald
UGA FoodPIC partners with industry to make perfect orange juice
By Ashley N Biles
If you’ve ever wished that the orange juice you buy from the grocery store tasted like you squeezed it yourself — and stayed fresh at home — you may be interested in an electrifying project at the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) on the University of Georgia Griffin campus. Food technology company Food Physics is working with FoodPIC scientists to perfect a technique known as pulsed electric field technology. An alternative to thermal pasteurization for processing food products, PEF uses short bursts of high voltage —15,000 volts per centimeter — to inactivate any harmful bacteria that may be found in the product. “The idea is to have a product taste as close as possible to fresh-squeezed, but be safe and have a commercially feasible shelf life,” Jim Gratzek, the director of FoodPIC, said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia legend Vince Dooley home from hospital
By AJC Sports
Georgia great Vince Dooley is back at home after a brief hospital stay and is “ready to go” with scheduled plans in conjunction with Saturday’s homecoming game against Vanderbilt. A legendary football coach and longtime athletic director, Dooley had a mild case of COVID-19 and did not attend Saturday’s 42-10 victory over Auburn at Sanford Stadium. The 90-year-old Dooley missed his regularly scheduled game-day appearance at the UGA Bookstore before the game, but said he’s “ready to go Saturday with my regular book-signing session” before the 3:30 kickoff against Vanderbilt.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Al Ries, changed the world of advertising, dies at 95
By Nancy Badertscher, For the AJC
Advertising guru Al Ries, who revolutionized how companies develop and sell their products to consumers around the world, worked to nearly his final day in his 95th year. Ries and his business partner, Jack Trout, are credited with developing the concept of product or brand positioning in the 1970s. They promoted it in articles in “Ad Age,” the leading trade publication, then in a book that has sold more than four million copies in 22 languages. Fifty years later, “positioning” is the standard operating procedure used by the best marketers, said Ken Bernhardt, a marketing consultant and professor of marketing emeritus at Georgia State University in Atlanta. “Every marketing class in every business school talks about the concept of product positioning,” Bernard said. …Georgia State’s Bernhard said consumers may have benefited in that it helped clarify for them what a brand stood for and, in some ways, made it easier for them to differentiate between brands.
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Marietta Daily Journal
Marietta superintendent pays college application fees for high school seniors
By Brian McKeithan
For the fourth year running, Marietta Superintendent Grant Rivera is paying for one college application for every senior at Marietta High School. There are about 500 seniors at Marietta High. The money comes from Rivera’s bonus and his speaking fees, all of which he said he donates back to Marietta students. Last year Rivera’s bonus was $10,000, according to district spokesperson Chris Fiore, and almost $4,500 was spent on college application fees. “I want kids to chase their hopes and dreams. If you have a child who’s concerned about college application fees, I want to take that worry away,” Rivera said. On Wednesday, Marietta High School held “Apply to College Day” where the graduating class spoke with college counselors, received feedback on admissions essays, and had their application fees paid off.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Morris Brown partners with Georgia’s tech colleges on degree pathways
Morris Brown College announced an effort Monday that aims to enroll more Technical College System of Georgia graduates pursuing bachelor’s degrees in two business-related programs. Morris Brown president Kevin James said the Atlanta college will accept all credits from graduates of any of the TCSG’s 22 schools who want degrees in Organizational Management & Leadership or Hospitality Management. The partnership, he said, is effective immediately. TCSG officials said the agreement will make it easier for its two-year degree graduates to enroll. Many students often have trouble transferring credits to another college.
Capitol Beat
COVID, monkeypox on decline in Georgia
by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News Service
Cases of COVID-19 and monkeypox are continuing to decline in Georgia, officials with the state Department of Public Health reported Tuesday. COVID cases in Georgia are down about 80% since mid-August, Dr. Cherie Drenzek, the agency’s epidemiologist and chief science officer, told members of the state Board of Public Health. Hospitalizations are down 89% since the omicron variant hit its peak last winter, while the number of deaths from the virus in Georgia has fallen to about 100 per week, she said. However, three new omicron subvariants are starting to show up in Georgia and around the country, Drenzek said. Together, they account for about 23% of the current caseload in Georgia, she said. “Whether they will continue to grow or not, I can’t say for certain,” Drenzek said. “It warrants us keeping a close eye on them.”
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Inside Higher Ed
In the wake of pandemic, both tests also suffer from the loss of hundreds of thousands of test takers.
By Scott Jaschik
A scannable test answer sheet, with some of the circles filled in and a pencil lying on top.(Getty Images)
The national average composite score on the ACT for the high school Class of 2022 was 19.8, the lowest average score in more than three decades, according to data released Wednesday by ACT. It is the first time since 1991 that the average composite score was below 20. (The maximum score on the ACT is 36.) “This is the fifth consecutive year of declines in average scores, a worrisome trend that began long before the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. The SAT also saw scores fall this year. The 2022 average score was 1050, compared to 1060 for the Class of 2021.
Inside Higher Ed
New Guide For State Policy Makers to Improve Completion
By Sara Weissman
Complete College America, an organization dedicated to increasing graduation rates, released a report this month to guide state lawmakers in how to equitably craft and implement policies to improve statewide college completion rates. “States must be willing to change the status quo to remain competitive in the future and fill workforce demands with a diverse, engaged, educated citizenry,” the report states. The report, called “Beyond Good Intentions,” advises that state policy makers disaggregate student outcomes data to determine which student groups are enrolling in but not completing college. It then suggests convening a task force, including students from those groups and faculty and staff members who regularly interact with them, and giving them a set timeline to develop policy recommendations.
Inside Higher Ed
Higher Ed Groups Urge Review of Transcript Withholding
By Katherine Knott
Colleges and universities should review policies related to transcript withholding, a group of higher education associations said in a joint statement released Wednesday. The American Council on Education and 21 other associations said that a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that found blanket policies to withhold transcripts were abusive should be taken extremely seriously. That report, released last month, could “have a broad impact across higher education,” according to the statement.
Inside Higher Ed
Pinning Hopes on Future Educators
Colleges of education hope that celebrating teaching candidates with pinning ceremonies will help validate their decision to enter an increasingly demanding field.
By Johanna Alonso
Savannah O’Connor, a junior in Rowan University’s College of Education, doesn’t have much free time. She balances her regular classwork with weekly classroom observations, all while studying for the challenging Praxis Subject Tests, which she must pass to become a certified teacher. “The due dates, the money you have to pay [to take the tests] and the studying … that’s been kind of on my chest for a while,” she said. But a new tradition launched by the New Jersey university to honor and acknowledge future educators recently helped lift her spirits and boost her confidence in her chosen profession. For the first time, Rowan conducted an Induction and Pinning Ceremony to welcome education majors who had passed the program’s halfway point on their path to becoming a teacher. …The U.S. is currently in the midst of a massive K-12 teacher shortage, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers are leaving the profession due to poor pay, strenuous working conditions and persistent political villainization; in addition, fewer new teachers are entering the field, with the number of students in traditional education programs dropping by more than a third from 2008 to 2019, according to the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Experts are skeptical that public celebrations of the profession will make a serious dent in the teacher shortage.
Inside Higher Ed
A professor’s murder at the University of Arizona, apparently by a former student, raises urgent concerns about campus safety. He wasn’t the first professor killed at work, either.
By Colleen Flaherty
College and university campuses are highly permeable environments. That openness and accessibility makes campuses dynamic and stimulating. It also makes them vulnerable from a safety perspective. This dual reality was thrown into stark relief last week when Thomas Meixner, professor and chair of hydrology and atmospheric sciences at the University of Arizona, was shot dead in his office building, apparently by a former graduate student in the department. …Meixner’s accused killer, Murad Dervish, was arrested three hours later driving toward Mexico, following a police chase. …Dervish was prohibited from owning a firearm due to an unrelated protective order, but police found a handgun consistent with the apparent murder weapon when they arrested him. According to information from the University of Arizona, Dervish was barred from campus in January in relation to student disciplinary proceedings. …Campus threat assessment teams—sometimes organized specifically around student threats and called behavioral intervention teams—have proliferated since the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. USC had one such team at the time of Tjan’s murder. Even so, Josh Voyda, then a campus safety officer at USC, told Annenberg Media in 2018, “There wasn’t really a system in place to make sure [Brown] was really all right to come back” from his leave of absence. …Consultant S. Daniel Carter, president of Safety Advisors for Educational Campuses, said that he had no special knowledge of the Arizona case, but that based on published reports, the university appears to have followed major threat assessment practices ahead of the attack, namely placing Dervish on a no-trespass list during and after his expulsion and notifying workers and students in the building to look out for him.
CNBC
Rising premiums, more restricted cyber insurance coverage poses big risk for companies
Bob Violino
KEY POINTS
Costly data breaches, ransomware, and other security attacks are making for pricier cyber security insurance premiums.
Cyber insurance premiums increased by an average of 28% in the first quarter of 2022 compared with the fourth quarter of 2021. If rates continue to climb and insurers offer more limited coverage, cyber insurance might become more and more difficult for many companies to afford or obtain.