The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kemp signs state budget with $2,000-$6,000 raises, University System cuts
By James Salzer
Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday signed a $32.4 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes raises for more than 200,000 teachers, state and university employees, as well as cuts to college and public broadcasting funding. Kemp signed the budget in Ellabell in southeast Georgia at the site of a new Hyundai electric-vehicle plant that is being built. The governor also signed legislation extending tax breaks for megaprojects such as the plant. The budget for fiscal 2024, which begins July 1, was passed on the final day of the General Assembly session in late March.
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Patch
Georgia Southern University: From High School Dropout To Double Eagle Candidate
Through the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Jorge and his fellow students were able to explore multiple historic sites in search of artifacts. Finding his first artifact at an old battle field will be a moment Jorge never forgets. “My heart was pounding,” he recalled. “I was thinking, ‘Oh my goodness. This is crazy. This is something. I’ve made it.’” Unlike many other students in the program, Jorge then takes that excitement home to a young family. On top of pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree, Jorge has been raising three kids as a single father. While studying at Georgia Southern, his professors even made his children feel like they were part of Eagle Nation. …From a high school dropout to being the star of his children’s career day, Jorge is uncovering his own path; a path he could’ve never imagined just a few years ago.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Q&A: President Jann Joseph discusses the current state and future plans of Georgia Gwinnett College
By Todd Cline
Dr. Jann Joseph has been president of Georgia Gwinnett College since the spring of 2019. She recently sat down with Daily Post Editor Todd Cline to discuss the state of the college, including the importance of the upcoming Convocation Center, the school’s relationship with the city of Lawrenceville and the possibility of adding more sports teams.
Daily Post: You are four years into your tenure at GGC, can you tell us what made this position one you wanted?
Joseph: What drew me here was a combination of the campus, in terms of its youthfulness, the opportunity to do significant work that I can see bear fruit, a community that seemed very cohesive … and coming to the campus and meeting the people, not just the faculty and staff, but the students that we serve. The combination was literally perfect for me.
accessWDUN
7 UNG students and alumni named 2023-24 Fulbright scholars
By Lawson Smith Reporter
Seven University of North Georgia students and alumni have been named Fulbright scholars for 2023-24, bringing the university’s total of Fulbright scholars to 46, since 2015. Fulbright, a prestigious and highly competitive fellowship, enables recent graduates and graduate students to pursue research, earn a graduate degree or teach English overseas.
The Red & Black
UGA class of 2023 sets giving record, contributes over $100,000
Allison Mawn
The University of Georgia’s class of 2023 has set a giving record with 3,377 members contributing over $112,000, according to UGA Today. Senior Signature, the giving program, has been in place since 1991. The minimum donation is $30. Donors are invited to direct $20 of their contribution to any area that “enhanced their student experience,” according to the article. This year, more than 500 funds at UGA benefitted from the program. The other $10 of a donation is pooled with money from all other donations to provide grant funding for a student organization. Each donor can vote on which organization receives the funding. This year’s donors selected the Period Project to receive funds in the upcoming academic year. Donors’ names will be engraved on the Class of 2023 plaque at Tate Plaza, which will be installed before commencement, the article said.
Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus has a shortage of college-educated workers. Here’s how these groups are solving it
By Brittany Mcgee
Columbus is facing a shortage of college-educated workers, fueled by slow population growth, that affects its economic health. To address this problem, a coalition of employers, higher education leaders and other organizations are working to bulk up the labor force through a series of partnerships and training programs.
Gwinnett Daily Post
From staff reports
Georgia Gwinnett College officials say the school is taking steps to increase retention and graduation rates among a population that has historically dealt with challenges by hosting the Inaugural African American Male Initiative Summit on April 28 at the college’s campus. The event, sponsored by GGC’s AAMI-Elite Scholars program, created a forum for African American males to share experiences and discuss positive solutions, school officials said. Throughout the day, students shared their perspectives about the challenges they face as well as the support they have received through AAMI.
Albany Herald
More than 870 Albany State students receive diplomas
From staff reports
Albany State University held its 2023 spring commencement on Saturday, and more than 870 students turned their tassel as they became official alumni of the institution. There was excitement in the air at the Albany Civic Center, where the ceremony was held, as families and friends traveled from all around the country to attend the celebration. Students from the College of Arts and Sciences; the Darton College of Health Professions; the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies, and the Graduate School participated in the ceremony. In her opening remarks, ASU President Marion Fedrick urged students to continue to lean upon the knowledge learned during matriculation as they move into the next phase of their lives.
The Moultrie Observer
ABAC Spring Commencement set for May 11
Staff Reports
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper will address nearly 400 graduates during two commencement ceremonies at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Thursday, May 11. The ceremonies will be held at the school’s Gressette Gymnasium. Campus Communications Coordinator Jordan Beard said the 10 a.m. event will include graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences. The 3 p.m. event includes graduates from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Stafford School of Business. A total of 166 graduates are scheduled to participate in the morning ceremony, while 175 more are expected to be a part of the afternoon graduation. The total of 397 is a 20 percent increase from the number of graduates in last year’s spring ceremonies.
WGAU Radio
UGA puts finishing touches on graduation preps
By Tim Bryant
University of Georgia students—those who are still on campus—are putting the wraps on their spring semester final exams. UGA’s spring graduation exercises take place later this week.
From UGA Today…
The University of Georgia will welcome its newest alumni on May 11 and 12 as 6,008 undergraduates and 1,665 graduate students—a total of 7,673—have met requirements to participate in the university’s spring Commencement ceremonies. The undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Sanford Stadium on May 12. Leah Brown, an orthopedic surgeon, UGA alumna and All-American for the GymDogs, will give the address.
Georgia Entertainment News
Stiggers ’09 returns to Columbus State as May 12 Commencement Speaker
By Staff
Broadway actor and voiceover artist Michael Stiggers Jr., a 2009 graduate of Columbus State University’s Theatre Education program, returns to his alma mater on Friday, May 12 as the featured speaker for its three commencement exercises. Among his credits are Broadway appearances in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” making him Columbus State’s first graduate to perform on a Broadway stage, and “The Lion King.” During his undergraduate years, Stiggers was involved in many theatre productions, as well as student organizations like CORE, and a proud brother of the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Barnesville Dispatch
Gordon Names New Dean Of Students
Gordon State College has named LaToya Stackhouse, Ed.D. as the institution’s new Dean of Students effective May 1, 2023. Stackhouse’s career in higher education spans for 20 years where she began her experience in intercollegiate athletics than transitioned over several areas of student affairs such as admissions, Federal TRIO programs and academic advising. Her recent endeavors provided her the opportunity to work with residence life, student activities, Greek life, recreation and wellness as well as student leadership. Stackhouse also has experience at the K12 level as a middle grade educator and sports coach.
The Houston Home Journal
MGA LOOKS FOR PARTNERSHIPS IN PERRY
Tyler Meister/Managing Editor
Members of the Perry Chamber of Commerce gathered together for some betterment Wednesday, as they attended the chamber’s new ongoing series: Business at Breakfast. This time they heard from Middle Georgia State University leadership on how they’re working to help the business community. Business at Breakfast is an event meant to ensure local businesses informed of what is happening in their communities, and provide them with opportunities to grow — MGA offered businesses just that. “Middle Georgia, as you know, is in five different communities; the university is based across 168 miles of the rich soil of central Georgia,” Blake said. “That is a marvelous opportunity for us as educators, and I believe and hope, for the community to take advantage of an access university.” According to Blake, Middle Georgia State offers a high-quality education at a much cheaper rate than most universities nearby; MGA has the cheapest tuition rate for a university in the state of Georgia, and third in the southeast United States.
WJBF
Active shooter drills could be affecting students’ mental health
by: Kim Vickers
As the number of mass shootings in the U.S. continues to rise, so does the amount of active shooter drills in schools. 95 percent of schools have protocols in place and conduct drills periodically throughout the year. With the continued increase in school shootings, it is vital that schools have a plan of action in place in case of an active shooter. But studies show some kids are reporting an increase in anxiety and depression after a drill. There have been more that 20 school shootings in the U.S. since January 1st, the most deadly happening at the Covenant School in Nashville where 6 students were killed. Dr. Dale Peeples, a Child Psychiatrist at Augusta University, said these shootings and the measure to prepare school staff and students is hard on kids’ mental health.
MDEdge
Study shows higher obesity-related cancer mortality in areas with more fast food
Author(s): Heidi Splete
Communities with easy access to fast food were 77% more likely to have high levels of obesity-related cancer mortality, based on data from a new cross-sectional study of more than 3,000 communities. Although increased healthy eating has been associated with reduced risk of obesity and with reduced cancer incidence and mortality, access to healthier eating remains a challenge in communities with less access to grocery stores and healthy food options (food deserts) and/or easy access to convenience stores and fast food (food swamps), Malcolm Seth Bevel, PhD, of the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, and colleagues, wrote in their paper, published in JAMA Oncology.
FOX28 Savannah
Girl scouts uphold founder’s legacy with continued service in Savannah
by Anna Hughes
At an awards ceremony on Sunday, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia honored some of their most accomplished youth and adults, who spread the message of the organization through Savannah and beyond. After 12 years as a proud Girl Scout, Rebekkah Baccus received her gold award today. That’s the highest award a girl scout can receive. Now a freshman at Georgia Southern, her girl scout experiences are setting her up for a bright future.
Bolly Inside
The SSAC Tournament is Dominated by the Middle Georgia Knights
By Lila Montgomery
The Middle Georgia State University Knights won the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Championship game against the University of Mobile Rams with a score of 11-0. The Knights had won all three previous games and only needed one victory to secure the championship. The game saw strong pitching and defense from the Knights, with Emma Raulerson saving a run by making a catch that would rob a home run. The Knights dominated the fourth inning, scoring multiple runs and extending their lead to force the mercy rule. The win earns the Knights an automatic spot in the NAIA Opening Round, with seeding to be determined on May 15-17.
Athens Banner-Herald
End of an era: Jeff Wallace set to retire after 38 seasons as Georgia women’s tennis coach
Marc Weiszer
Jeff Wallace is closing out his 38 seasons as the Georgia women’s tennis head coach this postseason. The school announced Friday—on the day his team begins NCAA tournament play—that Wallace is retiring when the season ends. Wallace, second all-time in career victories for women’s tennis coaches, has guided Georgia to two NCAA outdoor championships and four national indoor titles along with 20 SEC championships including 11 regular season and nine tournament titles. This year’s team won the SEC tournament title. Wallace led Georgia to the NCAA championship in 1994 and 2000 and the finals three times including 2019.
Albany Herald
Albany State University plans 2023 summer camps
From staff reports
Albany State University will provide safe, fun, and enriching summer camp opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students beginning in May and lasting through the month of July. Students can attend many of the camps free of charge and will have lunch provided.
Savannah Morning News
SSU doesn’t face closure or merger. But for future sustainability, make changes now.
Adam Van Brimmer
Hill Hall, built in 1901, is the oldest building on the Savannah State University campus.
This commentary was written by opinion columnist Adam Van Brimmer. At Savannah State, the sky is falling. Again. The president is out. Layoffs have been announced. The budget is thin. Faculty are revolting. The alumni association is screaming. A Savannah City Council member is trading in unfounded speculation that the school will close or be absorbed by another. Savannah State has faced this scenario before. And Savannah State is still here. This crisis too shall pass for SSU. The university is too historically and politically significant − the state’s oldest public HBCU and a center of education for generations of Savannahians − to be shuttered or folded up under another school, as happened to Armstrong State University.
WSB-TV
2 Ga. college students kidnapped, sexually assaulted by stranger on their way home, prosecutors say
By WSBTV.com News Staff
A Carroll County man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women. Prosecutors say two women were walking home from a school trip with the University of West Georgia when Brandon Rounsaville, 29, came up to them and told them he had a gun and would kill them if they didn’t do what he said.
Higher Education News:
Higher Ed Dive
OPINION
Show me your budget, I’ll tell you your values
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona writes that a congressional Republican budget proposal’s education cuts would be “staggeringly reckless.”
By Miguel Cardona
Miguel Cardona is the 12th U.S. secretary of education, currently serving under President Joe Biden.
When I served as a teacher, school principal and district leader, I relied on every single dollar from local, state and federal governments to provide resources to the students in my care. Whether it was additional support for teaching children how to read, or for ensuring parents and families had access to wraparound services, or for making sure educators had the professional development required to meet students’ changing needs, I knew it was my responsibility to use all available resources to ensure young people were ready for the opportunities that came upon high school graduation. Countless educators I’ve spoken with as U.S. education secretary tell me they feel the same responsibility. And every parent and family I’ve met has shared they’re counting on their public schools to deliver essential supports to their children — especially in the recovery from the pandemic. President Biden recently released a budget that includes the funding necessary for teachers to provide their students with great learning experiences and for parents to feel confident that their kids can thrive in school. But at a moment when robustly supporting our children has never mattered more for the strength of our communities, our economy and our country, I’ve seen frightening counterproposals to the president’s plan. One plan — passed by congressional Republicans — would slash education funding by 22%. I want to be very clear about what proposals like this would do.
Inside Higher Ed
Few Changes Planned to Foreign Gift Reporting Requirements
By Katherine Knott
The Education Department has declined to make many of the changes sought by colleges and universities to the requirements for reporting foreign gifts. The department is planning to finalize the reporting requirements following a 31-day public comment period on the updated information-collection request. The request is the latest step in a years-long process that began under the Trump administration in an effort to step up enforcement of Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which requires colleges and universities to, twice a year, disclose all foreign gifts and contracts totaling $250,000 or more. That effort included a new online reporting system that launched in summer 2020 and required institutions to submit more information about the gifts and contracts than they had previously. After the first round of reports, the Trump administration accused colleges and universities of “pervasive noncompliance” with the federal law.
Higher Ed Dive
Alabama lawmakers throw lifeline to Birmingham-Southern through loan proposal
Natalie Schwartz, Editor
Dive Brief:
Alabama lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday that would create a loan program to provide aid to financially struggling colleges in the state, potentially throwing a lifeline to Birmingham-Southern College. The bill would establish the Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program, which could be used by either private or public colleges. The proposal is intended to help Birmingham-Southern, a private liberal arts college that has said it needs an infusion of $37.5 million from state and local government to keep its doors open. Although one of the bill’s sponsors told WBRC that it’s geared toward Birmingham-Southern, the legislation is written so it could also benefit other higher education institutions. To qualify for the program, colleges must have fundraising plans to grow their endowment and pledge their assets as collateral in case they can’t pay back their loan.
Higher Ed Dive
Students and faculty have highlighted the role of armed campus officers in fatal shootings nationwide, a renewed conversation since George Floyd’s murder.
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
George Washington University students haven’t always had the best rapport with their campus police force. In early 2020, a student accused campus law enforcement of pushing her down a set of stairs at the former university president’s on-campus home, where she was protesting. Just a few months later, the Black Student Union publicly demanded the George Washington Police Department enforce a zero-tolerance policy against officers who act on racial biases. The union said at the time it was “tired of every Black student being able to recall a negative or frightful encounter they’ve had with GWPD.” Now, a proposal to arm a contingent of the campus officers threatens to further fray the student-police relationship.
Inside Higher Ed
Ex-Student at Davis Charged in Stabbings
By Scott Jaschik
An ex-student at the University of California, Davis, was arrested Thursday and charged in three recent stabbings that have left many in Davis unsettled, the Los Angeles Times reported. Carlos Reales Dominguez, 21, was arrested on two counts of homicide and one count of attempted murder. The university said in a statement that “Dominguez was in his third year at UC Davis until April 25, 2023, when he was separated for academic reasons.”