InsiderAdvantage
Two Democratic lawmakers ask AG to consider federal complaints against Wellstar
by Cindy Morley
Two Georgia Democratic lawmakers are asking Attorney General Chris Carr to address issues regarding the Board of Regents’ plan to turn over control of Augusta University Health System (AUHS) to Wellstar Health Systems, Inc. Rep. Kim Schofield, D-Atlanta, and Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, joined efforts with Atlanta NAACP President Richard Rose in asking Carr to ensure that “Georgia’s interests with regard to the AUHS hospital and other facilities are rigorously protected.” Schofield and Orrock want Carr to consider potential legal and financial ramifications that may impact Wellstar’s agreement to AUHS. They expressed concerns that Wellstar could owe increased taxes if the Internal Revenue Service acts on federal complaints regarding the system’s tax status. The two lawmakers also expressed concerns that a revocation of the charitable tax-exempt status could disqualify Wellstar from taking over AUHS based on current state law.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marietta Daily Journal
At Kennesaw State University, flowers for a trailblazer
By Hayden Sumlin
Surprise! Several dozen people gathered for a surprise party at the Prillaman Center on Kennesaw State University’s campus to celebrate the career of Terri Arnold, one of the university’s first Black employees. Mary Kelley, a member of the Ebony Women’s Book Club of North Cobb along with Arnold, led the effort to organize this month’s event honoring the “Georgia Peach” on the university campus. …Arnold, who worked at KSU for 45 years, choked up as she tried to express her gratitude. …Hired in June 1971, back when KSU was Kennesaw Junior College, Arnold is described as a “trailblazer” by her colleagues. She arrived ahead of the surprise thinking she was meeting and supporting a young man beginning his journey at the university. She soon found out that the gathering was to celebrate her.
Ledger-Enquirer
‘Nothing less than amazing.’ Columbus native beat the odds to work at the South Pole
By Mark Rice
The youngest of 10 siblings, John Hood grew up in the south Columbus neighborhood of Oakland Park. His parents — father was a soldier, mother was a civil servant — are retired from working at Fort Benning, now named Fort Moore. Becoming a space scientist seemed like a career path as far away as reaching the South Pole for this first-generation college graduate who didn’t see many other Blacks doing what he dreamed. But this 2006 Carver High School graduate took advantage of opportunities and achieved both goals. As part of the South Pole Telescope Group, based in Chicago, Hood worked at the South Pole for a month in 2019. He told the Ledger-Enquirer his experience was “nothing less than amazing.” And he credits the Columbus State University Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) for helping him along that path. …Hood went to CSU as an engineering major. But after he and his wife attended an astronomy night at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, his interest in space science soared. Then, after taking a course taught by CCSSC director Shawn Cruzen, Hood changed his major to astrophysics.
Athens CEO
UGA Named a Top-Performing Institution for Boren Scholarships
Stephanie Schupska
For the third year in a row, the Boren Awards named the University of Georgia a top-performing institution for Boren Scholarships. With five UGA undergraduates selected as Boren Scholars this spring, UGA is ranked in the top five of institutions nationwide. The UGA students named as Boren Scholars for 2023 will study three different languages—Arabic, Swahili and Russian—in three distinct regions of the world. UGA has had 94 Boren Scholarship and Fellowship offers to date, and 57 in the last 10 years. The university was also named a top-performing institution for Boren Scholarships in 2021 and 2022.
WTVM
Scott Ressmeyer and the Miracle Riders return to the Fountain City
By Gabriela Johnson
“It still touches me after my fourteenth year doing it, you know, to ride in there and see all the people welcome us back,” says Scott Ressmeyer, founder of Scott’s Miracle Ride. Scott and the Miracle Riders made their grand return Friday night after a nearly 30 day trip to the four corners of the United States. …Ressmeyer, along with 19 others, rode more than 11,000 miles to successfully raise $212,262.65 for the Columbus State University’s mother-baby simulation lab. “I’m really excited to be able to actually learn and know how to prepare myself better for pediatric cases and to be able to handle their lives with care,” says CSU Student Nursing Association President, Caylin Hancock. Hancock is also the niece of one of the Miracle Riders….Harris County Sheriff, Mike Jolley.
WABE
UGA Professor leads Biden Administration’s effort for nutrition safety, health equity
Access to healthy food in America can be challenging, and the numbers that show just how challenging it is are stunning. According to the International Food Information Council, only 28% of Americans say access to healthy food is easy. …The Biden Administration says it strategically focuses on the issues, recently selecting University of Georgia Associate Professor Dr. Caree J. Cotwright to lead their efforts. She’s now the Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Health equity means that everybody is able to have just and equitable access to healthcare or have the just chance to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Cotwright, who said she’ll also assist in policies to reduce hunger and improve nutritious living.
India Post
AAPI to Honor outstanding leaders at 41st Annual Convention
Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) announced bestowing the AAPI 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Ranga Reddy, a veteran AAPI leader and past President of AAPI, a 41 years old organization. …“AAPI’s 2023 Most Distinguished MSRF Award will be given to Mehul Mehra. The award is given to a medical student, resident, or fellow who has distinguished him/herself in the workplace and has done outstanding work for organized medicine,” Dr. SumulRaval, Treasurer of AAPI announced. Mehul Mehra, an MD-MPH Student at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, graduated from the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Augusta, Georgia. …Mehra’s recognitions Awards include “Augusta University Student Leader of the Year, 2023, National Science Foundation Travel Award, 2023, MCG Educational Innovation Institute Funding Award, 2022, …among many others.
WGAU Radio
UNG assistant professor is new author
By Clark Leonard, UNG
Dr. Bibek Chand, a University of North Georgia assistant professor of political science and international affairs, has published “Reframing the Buffer State in Contemporary International Relations: Nepal’s Relations with India and China” through Routledge.
WGAU Radio
UGA AD speaks on stadium renovation, ticket prices, parking
By Mike Griffith, DawgNation
Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks took time with DawgNation to address some of the Bulldogs’ most pressing and promising issues. UGA has projects with several facilities underway, most notably the first phase of renovations to Sanford Stadium, Foley Field and softball’s Jack Turner Stadium. The bill between the three of those two-phase projects is an estimated $143 million, a figure that shows just how much more aggressive — and progressive — Georgia athletics has gotten since Brooks took over following the 2021 season.
The Tifton Gazette
SEAGLE: GreenCare for Troops provides complimentary services
Are you looking for a way to help others? Volunteering your services is a way to give back to the community and help others in time of need. One initiative, GreenCare for Troops, provides complimentary lawn care and landscape services to deserving military families. From back yards to run in to green gardens to reflect in, thriving lawns, trees and plants go beyond the aesthetics; they provide military families with a place to relax and reconnect with one another, as well as contribute to a greener, healthier, cooler earth. As the program celebrates its 17th year, Project EverGreen proudly recognizes its volunteers and military heroes.
Dr. Eddie Seagle is a sustainability verifier, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), agronomist and horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International) LLC, professor emeritus and honorary alumnus (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), distinguished professor for teaching and learning (University System of Georgia) …
Valdosta Daily Times
VPD Cmdr. Robert Renfroe graduates from the FBI National Academy
A Valdosta police commander has graduated from the FBI National Academy. Valdosta Police Department Cmdr. Robert Renfroe has graduated as a member of the 286th session of the FBI National Academy, Police Chief Leslie Manahan said. The graduation took place June 8 at the National Academy in Quantico, Va. Renfroe is the eighth officer in department history to complete the prestigious program, VPD representatives said in a statement. Nationally, fewer than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend the program. …Renfroe is a graduate of Valdosta State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is attending the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University, where upon completion he will earn a master’s degree in public safety administration.
Bloomberg Law
University Officials Beat Suit Over No-Israel-Boycott Clause
Peter Hayes, Reporter
Georgia Southern University officials won dismissal Thursday of a civil rights suit over their enforcement of a Georgia law barring the state from entering into certain contracts unless the contractor agrees not to engage in a boycott of Israel. The university officials are entitled to qualified immunity because they didn’t violate a clearly established constitutional right, the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled. Plaintiff Abby Martin is “unable to point to a case with materially similar facts that clearly establishes” that the anti-boycott clause was unconstitutional, the court said.
WTVM
Columbus Symphony Orchestra selects new executive director
By Kelis McGhee
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors selected Kern Wadkins as the new executive director. As the executive director, she will promote community engagement and make sure the musicians have what they need. Wadkins is a native of Columbus, and she received her M.E.d. from Columbus State University.
Fox54
Kolton Ingram promoted from Trash Pandas to Los Angeles Angels
Ingram is the fifth Trash Panda to get called up to the Angels this season.
Author: Aaron Cheris
Another Rocket City Trash Panda is heading to the Los Angeles Angels. Kolton Ingram, the longest-tenured pitcher in Rocket City Trash Pandas history, is moving up. Ingram will become the 21st former Rocket City Trash Pandas player to make his MLB debut (20th for the Angels) and the fifth to do so during the 2023 season after José Soriano, Ben Joyce, Sam Bachman and Zach Neto. …Ingram, 26, was originally selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 37th round of the 2019 draft out of Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. He was released by the Tigers during the 2020 season.
WOWT
Nebraska Regents appoint new UNL chancellor
By Gina Dvorak
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a new chancellor. Dr. Rodney D. Bennett was approved by the Board of Regents during their meeting on Thursday. He had been selected as the prime candidate last month after a series of public forums and other public meetings, according to a news release from the University of Nebraska. Bennett will take the helm of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on July 1, becoming the 21st UNL chancellor, succeeding current Chancellor Ronnie Green upon his retirement, which he announced in December. Bennett will come to UNL after serving as president of the University of Southern Mississippi. He has also held various leadership roles at the University of Georgia, Winthrop University, and his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University.
Huff Post
The 6 Worst Foods And Drinks For Your Teeth, According To Dentists
Beware of cavities and tooth fractures with these. Here’s how to protect your dental health.
By Jillian Wilson
With the risks of deadly viruses and unexpected disease, it can be easy to forget about your dental health. But it’s important to prioritize. Studies show that there may be a connection between your dental health and cardiovascular disease, and even links to rheumatoid arthritis. “If you don’t treat your mouth well, there’s bacteria that can grow and cause disease, but also, those bacteria can cause issues in other parts of the body,” said Dr. Kim Capehart, chair of the Department of General Dentistry at Augusta University in Georgia. …When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy, there are certain foods and drinks that dentists say are particularly harmful; some create a breeding ground for cavities, while others can cause actual tooth fractures.
WGAU Radio
UGA scientists report breakthrough butterfly research
By Leigh Beeson, UGA Media Relations
If you’ve ever wondered how the monarch butterfly got its spots, University of Georgia researchers may have just found the answer. The new study suggests that the butterflies with more white spots are more successful at reaching their long-distance wintering destination. Although it’s not yet clear how the spots aid the species’ migration, it’s possible that the spots change airflow patterns around their wings.
Farm Progress
There’s more to a fungicide program than the fungicides
The best fungicide programs for peanut, corn, cotton or soybeans depend on several variables, including the grower’s risk tolerance for diseases.
Bob Kemerait, Plant Pathologist, University of Georgia
Getting the best disease control on your peanut, corn, cotton and soybean crops requires everything you do protects yield and profit. As fungicides are most effective when applied BEFORE infection occurs, best control provides a level of insurance against what is likely to occur. …By best growers likely mean, “Based on university research, which fungicide has been shown to have the greatest promise to reduce disease and increase yields?” THAT question may have an answer, but it may not be the best answer. My recommendation to an agent or consultant for top fungicide choices is based not only on the disease or diseases of concern, but also of their current situation.
WSAV
Heavy rainfall leaves local farmers concerned over crops
by: Nakya Harris
Heavy rainfall and storms from the past week has caused problems for farmers such as flooding and ruined crops. Tim Davis, director of Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and agriculture and natural resources coordinator for Chatham County, mentioned there are situations where farmers can’t get into their fields to look at their crops because of flooding issues. For farmers dealing with this type of flooding, they can run into plant diseases and other problems. …“There’s a lot of chatter on our email of a lot of farmers across the southeast working with the University of Georgia and our specialists to assess the damage and determine what kind of steps they need to take for the future,” Davis said.
Nursery Management
Winning plants from UGA’s open houses
The University of Georgia shares the results for the top 10 favorite plants of 2023 from the Industry Open House and the Public Open House.
The University of Georgia (UGA) hosted open houses for the industry and the public to vote for their favorite plants for 2023. After tallying up the results, these plants are the top 10 favorites from the June 7 Industry Open House and the June 10 Public Open House. We are excited to share the results!
The Georgia Virtue
Statesboro Food Bank to Break Ground on New Location on June 27
The Food Bank is thrilled to announce that construction will soon begin on its new facility. To mark the occasion, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held next Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the project site located on the corner of West Northside Drive and Miller Street in Statesboro. …The building’s planning and construction have been meticulously executed with the expertise of renowned professionals. Concept studies by four Georgia Southern University Interior Design Students provided valuable insights, and after an extensive bid process, the project was awarded to Pearce Building Systems, led by David Pearce. Additional professional consulting will come from Parker Engineering and DPR Architects, represented by Wesley Parker and Frank D’Archangelo.
Higher Education News:
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
AASCU Releases Policy Brief on Public Investment in Regional Universities
Arrman Kyaw
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has released a policy brief with recommendations on effective public investment in regional universities. The brief, “Funding Stewardship of Place: Public Policies to Advance the Regional Stewardship Mission,” details public policy priorities to increase co-investment in state and regional public higher ed, the end goal being to bolster regional economic return on investment and create thriving communities.
Inside Higher Ed
New Reports Assess Impact of Pandemic on Tuition Policies and Financial Aid
By Jessica Blake
Most states were able to keep financial aid programs at public colleges intact during the pandemic, but they were not able to provide financial aid to undocumented students or make them eligible for in-state tuition. These are among the findings of two new reports released Thursday by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. The reports use survey results to evaluate state tuition policies for undocumented students as well as the effects of the pandemic on state tuition and financial aid policies.
Higher Ed Dive
FTC will give over $3.3 million to student loan borrowers who fell for debt relief scheme
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
Dive Brief:
The Federal Trade Commission will send $3.3 million in payments to student loan borrowers who were duped in a debt relief scam. Arete Financial Group and its related businesses pretended they would mitigate borrowers’ student loan debt in exchange for upfront and monthly fees, according to the FTC, which announced the restitution last week. In reality, Arete Financial pocketed the money, the agency said. It also pretended to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education in the scheme, the FTC said. More than 37,800 borrowers will receive checks.
Inside Higher Ed
DeSantis Sues Biden Administration Over Accreditation
By Katherine Knott
Higher education’s accreditation system violates the Constitution, Florida governor Ron DeSantis alleges in a new federal lawsuit against the Biden administration that’s aiming to strip accreditors of their authority. “I will not allow Joe Biden’s Department of Education to defund America’s #1 higher education system all because we refuse to bow to unaccountable accreditors who think they should run Florida’s public universities,” DeSantis said in a statement. Colleges and universities have to be accredited by an Education Department–recognized accreditor in order to receive federal student aid, according to U.S. law. In recent years, some institutional accreditors have spoken against state lawmakers’ efforts to reshape higher education and have become the target of criticism.
Higher Ed Dive
Florida university system seeks to add classics test as admissions qualifier
Laura Spitalniak, Associate Editor
Dive Brief:
The State University System of Florida is seeking to add the Classic Learning Test as an admissions option for students applying to any of its 12 institutions. The CLT evaluates students on English and mathematics, similar to the more-common SAT and ACT entrance exams. But the CLT is designed around “the perennial truths of the great classical and Christian tradition,” according to a since-deleted tweet from a CLT academic adviser. The CLT is administered by Classic Learning Initiatives, a Maryland-based education company. The system’s board of governors announced the potential policy change , which would still allow students to submit SAT or ACT scores, at a meeting Wednesday. The board could approve it as soon as August.
Inside Higher Ed
UC San Diego Protesters Accused of Misconduct
By Johanna Alonso
Sixty-seven graduate students at the University of California, San Diego, are facing disciplinary action after protesting at an alumni awards event May 5, the Los Angeles Times reported. Letters from the student affairs office accused the students of violating conduct rules by assaulting UCSD chancellor Pradeep Khosla when they “bumped” into him as they stormed the stage and took his microphone. But protesters argue that never happened, and according to the Times, a grainy live stream of the event provides little clarity.
Inside Higher Ed
Louisiana Requires ‘In God We Trust’ Signs in All Classrooms
By Sara Weissman
Louisiana public K-12 schools and colleges and universities will be required to put signs that state “In God We Trust” in all classrooms, according to new legislation. Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bill mandating the signs into law earlier this month. It goes into effect in August. Public education institutions must display at minimum a paper sign, which can be donated to the school or college, KLFY reported.