The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ga. agencies seek more health spending, raises and reversal of cuts by lawmakers
By James Salzer
Weeks after it became clear the state would run a third massive yearly surplus in a row, Gov. Brian Kemp told state agencies they could ask for more money to spend in the coming year. Their budget requests — reviewed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution — show they took Kemp’s words to heart. Agencies requested massive increases in health care spending, for pay raises, to fight crime, improve prisons … and in some cases, to get some of the money back that either the General Assembly or Kemp cut during the budget process earlier this year. That included the $66 million lawmakers cut from the University System of Georgia during a dispute over a medical college contract and some of the money they slashed from public television and radio.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Gov. Brian Kemp unveils new college admission initiative
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service
Since not every Georgia high school senior will reach out to one of the state’s universities, colleges or technical colleges, the schools are about to come to them. Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled GEORGIA MATCH Thursday, the largest direct-to-college admission initiative in the nation. Starting next week, more than 120,000 high school seniors in Georgia will receive a personalized letter from the governor listing the public universities, colleges and technical colleges they are academically eligible to attend. The letters will explain how students can claim a spot being held for them at the institution of their choice. …Georgia’s workforce development needs drove the planning for GEORGIA MATCH, an effort the Governor’s Office put together in collaboration with the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, and the state Department of Education.
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Albany Herald
Albany Chamber’s Holmes among 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia
From staff reports
For the second consecutive year, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bárbara Rivera Holmes one of the 50 “Most Influential Latinos” in Georgia. The recognition celebrates Holmes’ service and dedication to the Hispanic community in Georgia. Established in 2018, the “50 Most Influential Latinos” in Georgia seeks to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the state of Georgia. According to the Latino Policy & Politics Institute, Latinos are Georgia’s third-largest ethnic group.
Dalton Daily Citizen
‘Deliver on that promise’: New Dalton State College president outlines goals
By Brady Hix
When John Fuchko III was chosen as interim president of Dalton State College after Margaret Venable’s retirement in May, he said his duty was to “pass the baton” to whomever the permanent successor might be. On Wednesday that successor was chosen. But instead of “passing the baton,” Fuchko will keep it firmly in his hand as he was named Dalton State College president by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. “My family and I are really excited to be all in for the Dalton community and the college,” Fuchko said. “I’m very happy to see the level of support from the chancellor and the board for including me as a candidate.” Although Fuchko only began his interim duties in June, he has already seen positive momentum for the college.
Marietta Daily Journal
KSU launches public phase of $200 million fundraising campaign
Staff reports
On Friday, Kennesaw State University launched the public phase of The Campaign for Kennesaw State, the largest, most comprehensive fundraising effort in the university’s history. The announcement was made during a campus event attended by members of the KSU Foundation, donors and community leaders. During the event, the university announced that it was increasing the campaign goal from $125 million to $200 million following the success of the private phase, which began in 2019. The university raised nearly $120 million during this first phase.
The Augusta Press
Augusta University celebrates 16th annual White Coat Ceremony
Author Liz Wright
Congratulating juniors on their academic perseverance and dedication, Augusta University held a 16th annual White Coat Ceremony Saturday morning, Oct. 7. Students were celebrated on their entry to various prestigious Augusta University health profession programs, such as Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiation Therapy. Prior to the presentations of students’ official white coats, which they will wear throughout their time at AU, a handful of faculty and staff spoke on the meaning behind the coat and being a part of the Allied Health college.
Augusta Business Daily
AU student-athletes join the team to fight cancer
Dana Lynn McIntyre
Patients being treated at the Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) at Augusta University have new members on their team, and they know all about working as a team. Student-athletes at Augusta University launched the “Here to Win” campaign during a recent news conference. The campaign will bring awareness to cancer prevention and early detection, while also raising funds to support research projects at GCC. Ryan Erlacher, athletic director at Augusta University, said Jaguar athletics has long partnered with GCC for cancer awareness games. However, they looked for a way to advance the teamwork.
WGAU Radio
UNG sergeant honored as state’s top campus cop
By Tim Bryant
It’s a top honor for a sergeant in the University of North Georgia campus police department: UNG’s Charles Clements has been named the Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators’ Officer of the Year. Brody has been with the UNG Public Safety Department since 2010.
From Denise Ray, UNG…
University of North Georgia Public Safety Sgt. Charles “Brody” Clements has been selected as the Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Officer of the Year. The award presentation was Sept. 28 at Coastal Pines Technical College in Brunswick, Georgia. The award is given to one officer within the state of Georgia each year, recognizing outstanding contributions to campus safety. “Since joining the UNG team 13 years ago, Sgt. Clements has distinguished himself as a leader in our department and the community,” Greg Williams, director of Public Safety and chief of police, said.
The Washington Post
Scientists discover how dozens of genes may contribute to autism
By Mark Johnson
Jennifer Singh, an autism expert and associate professor in the school of history and sociology at Georgia Institute of Technology, said too much money has been poured into searching for the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder. Singh pointed to a 2018 report by a federal advisory committee, which found that 60 percent of the funding for autism research addressed the biology and risk factors, but only 2 percent dealt with “life span issues” for people living with the spectrum of disorders.
11Alive
Video
Georgia Gwinnett College is creating its own ‘Wall Street’
Check out its new SIM lab
The Red & Black
NASA members speak at UGA, discuss new advancements
Guinevere Grant
For the first time, two different spacecrafts will be able to communicate with one another using artificial intelligence and machine learning to decide which way they should maneuver to avoid collision, according to NASA members who spoke at the University of Georgia on Friday. NASA program manager for the Small Spacecraft Technology Program Roger Hunter, NASA Ames Research Center project manager Caleb Adams and Ben Pumphrey, a sophomore at the University of Georgia who won NASA’s Proposal Writing and Evaluation competition, delved into their research and the upcoming technological advances.
Athens Banner-Herald
Student entrepreneurs from the 14 SEC schools to come to Athens for pitch competition
Merritt Melancon University of Georgia
From software for reporting sustainability metrics to makeup that can stand up to a day in the gym — students from Southeastern Conference universities are creating business ideas to shape the future. On Oct. 23, student entrepreneurs from 14 SEC schools will gather at the Truist Pitch Deck in Studio 225 on West Broad Street in Athens as the University of Georgia hosts the annual SEC Student Pitch Competition. Each student team will pitch their business to a panel of judges for the chance to walk away with $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place or $1,000 for third place.
Gizmodo
How to Build a Heat-Resilient City
Grist designed a model metropolis for an era of high temperatures, using the coolest technology available.
By Jake Bittle and Naveena Sadasivam, Grist
To increase airflow, some designers of super tall buildings in Chinese coastal cities have opened up the base floors of their towers, creating openings that allow cooling sea breezes to pass through. This effect is even more powerful when combined with trees that blunt the sun’s heat. “If you fill that [urban] canyon … with street trees, or you rip out the first floor of a building, then where the people actually are walking around, they’re not going to be exposed to the same level of heat,” said Evan Mallen, a researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology who studies the relationship between heat and building design.
BBC Future
The seed guardians of Peru trying to save the potato
By Kelly Oakes
From potatoes to quinoa, many of our favourite foods are at risk from threats like climate change and disease. The “seed guardians” of Potato Park in the Andes are hoping to change that. …Growing a diverse range of varieties of a particular crop used to be a widespread practice in agriculture. But when scientists began breeding “improved” varieties of staple crops such as corn and wheat, many farmers replaced locally adapted varieties – known as landraces – with modern versions. “There have been profound transformations in agriculture, and there has been loss of crop diversity, that’s incontrovertible,” says Helen Anne Curry, a professor in the history of technology at Georgia Tech in Georgia, US.
NewScientist
Wing-flapping robot helps explain the evolution of insect flight
Researchers built tiny robots that can switch between two different kinds of flight, one involving unusually fast wing-flapping, to better understand insect evolution
By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan
Some insects can flap their wings so rapidly that it’s impossible for instructions from their brains to entirely control the behaviour. Building tiny flapping robots has helped researchers shed light on how they evolved to do this. If you flap your arms, each movement happens after your brain directs your arm muscles to contract and then relax. Something similar happens for many insects as they beat their wings. But for some, including mosquitoes, those brain signals and flapping are out of sync. After the initial signal to contract, the insects’ muscles undergo additional contract-relax cycles before they even receive another impulse from the brain. This so-called “asynchronous” flight allows them to flap their wings at exceptionally high rates. Simon Sponberg at the Georgia Institute of Technology and his colleagues set out to understand the evolutionary history of this form of insect flight.
The Red & Black
Hurricane Idalia raises concerns about increasing severity of Georgia storms
Emma Humphries
Hurricane Idalia hit portions of southeast and south central Georgia on Aug. 30. Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for all of Georgia in preparation for the storm the day before. The order took effect on Aug. 29 and lifted on Sept. 8. The storm reached 90 mph when hitting Valdosta, Georgia, that morning, making it a Category 1 storm, according to Kemp It reached South Carolina by 8 p.m., leaving one Georgia man dead and approximately 190,000 Georgians without power. The storm did, however, spare much of the state. Category 1 is the lowest of five classifications on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which defines it as dangerous winds with the potential to cause some damage. However, are hurricanes something that students in Georgia should begin to worry about? …Dr. James Marshall Shepherd, the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor and Director of the University of Georgia’s Atmospheric Sciences Program, researches hurricanes with a focus on rainfall related to each class of hurricane. “The best literature right now suggests that there is more likely to be an impact on the intensity of the storms in terms of their strength,” Shepherd said. Shepherd says that this strength can be seen through the billions of dollars of damage to agricultural crops and facilities in south Georgia during Hurricane Michael, which occurred in 2018. …Shepherd believes that now local, state and federal officials are finally coming to understand the increasing severity of hurricanes in Georgia.
The City Menus
Celebrated Cuban American poet, art critic to visit UWG during Hispanic Heritage Month
It isn’t often that you get to hear a renowned poet and celebrated art critic speak at a single event, but here’s your chance. On Thursday, Oct. 12, the University of West Georgia will welcome author Ricardo Pau-Llosa, one of the nation’s foremost poets, to read from his newest collection, “Fleeing Actium,” and also discuss his 50-year passion for collecting and writing about Latin American art. The free event, which is part of the Michael and Andrea Stone Visiting Artist Series, will take place at UWG’s Campus Center Ballroom at 6 p.m. “This is a rare opportunity to listen to a master of lyric poetry and also view breathtaking images of artworks from Pau-Llosa’s vast personal collection,” shared Dr. Chad Davidson, director of the UWG School of the Arts.
Albany Herald
Albany local election candidates face off on issues at ASU forum
By Lucille Lannigan
Albany mayoral, Ward IV and Ward I City Commission candidates debated a number of issues that have been pressing for the city, Thursday night at Albany State University. Albany’s transportation center, city finances, economic development and health care were just some of the topics candidates discussed in crunched time limits.
The George-Anne
Georgia Southern Celebrate Together preview
Ancriso White II, Staff Writer
The annual Celebrate Together festival at Georgia Southern will offer a diverse array of activities, from live music to a dunk tank featuring the university president, on Oct. 12. More than 70 booths will feature games, prizes and information on various services and academic departments. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary snacks. …Wildlife center animals are brought to the university for this event as a courtesy of the Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center.
Grice Connect
Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern to host Lunch and Learn series
Ashlea Mask
The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University will host two Lunch and Learn sessions this fall, one on October 12th and one on November 9th. In October, the Lunch and Learn will feature Recycle to Rocks: A Unique Recycling Alternative with Jon Cook of GreenRock Statesboro. GreenRock services Statesboro, Brooklet, and surrounding neighborhoods. They currently collect over 50 tons per year of recyclable items. Using patent pending machines and processes, the plastic and glass that are collected are used to create products such as landscaping rock, pothole patching material, and stepping stones. …In November, the Lunch and Learn will feature Conscious Consumerism with Charly Kinship, the Founder of the Free Market in the Boro. She will speak about how we as consumers can have a gentler impact on our planet and will also give tips on how to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Griffin Daily News
Scarecrow display now open at UGA garden
By Photos By Ashley Biles UGA Griffin
Over 25 scarecrows are on display at the UGA Research and Education Garden in this year’s “Scarecrows in the Garden” annual event. The scarecrows are created each year by local businesses, organizations, groups and individuals. The display is open to the public from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, culminating in the garden’s Scarecrow Celebration from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Oct. 21.
Lanier County News
Frightful Tales at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture scheduled Oct. 13
Settle around the campfire at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture on Oct. 13 for History After Dark: Frightful Tales. Frightful Tales is part of the Museum’s 2023-24 “History After Dark” program series which provides guests the opportunity to experience the Museum after hours. The series features evening programs throughout the year on a variety of topics and immersive activities. “Listen as our storytellers weave tales of history and mystery from the region and beyond,” said Garrett Boone, GMA director. “Finish the night with frightful stories that will leave to wondering if you are truly alone in the dark.”
Columbus CEO
Jay Entlich on the Soccer Program at Columbus State University
Columbus State University Women’s Soccer Coach Jay Entlich talks about his 20 year career with CSU and what makes CSU’s soccer program so successful.
Fox5 Atlanta
World champion baton twirler wows crowds at University of Georgia games
By Lindsay Tuman
There’s always a lot of action to watch in Sanford Stadium, even before the players take the field. You might have spotted the University of Georgia’s feature baton twirler’s stunning performances, some are literally on fire. It’s hard to look away when Ally Duda takes the field. “When you see a picture like a painting of Sanford Stadium like of everything, how it’s just a bunch of red dots, that’s exactly what it looks like when you’re on the field,” Duda tells Good Day’s Lindsay Tuman. She’s been perfecting her craft since she was 8 years old. …Duda also competes on the global level and is a world champion. …Ally is a senior studying human development and family science. She says she wants to do occupational therapy when she graduates.
Higher Education News:
USA Today
See states with the most student debt as Biden Administration moves in on new deal
Sara Chernikoff and Alia Wong
After three and a half years of the federal student loan payment pause, an estimated 44 million federal student loan borrowers are facing payments again this month. But a sliver of those borrowers are in for an October surprise: Their debt is being canceled. The Biden administration pledged that another 125,000 student loan borrowers will have $9 billion in student loan debt erased. The announcement comes after Biden’s now defunct $400 billion loan forgiveness plan was shot down by the Supreme Court earlier this summer. Under the Biden administration’s policy changes, nearly 3.6 million borrowers have been approved for a total of $127 billion in debt cancellation, according to the Education Department. …Which states owe the most student debt? Borrowers living in Washington, D.C. rank at the top in the nation for highest average student loan debt at $54,856. Maryland’s 808,600 borrowers face an average debt of $42,666, coming in at second state or region in the nation with the highest average debt. Borrowers in Georgia, Virginia and Florida complete the top five, with an average debt of $40,438, $38,679 and $37,848, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Threatens to Strip Accreditation from Colleges with DEI Programs
Arrman Kyaw
As president, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would strip accreditation from colleges and universities with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, MSNBC reported. It is unclear, however, if he would possess the authority to do so. Gov. Ron DeSantis made the comments during an Oct. 4 interview with conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt. “Part of the reason universities operate [the way] they are, is because they need to get accredited, and these accreditors are all trying to create the types of universities that we object to as conservatives,” DeSantis said. “So we’re going to have alternative accreditors. It’s going to be, instead of ‘You have to have gender studies or you have to have DEI to get accredited,’ it’ll be the opposite. We’re not going to accredit you if you have DEI and some of these other things.” DeSantis, who has suggested drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels, said he would “totally blow up the accreditation cartel” if he became president. He said he wanted to shape schools to be like the New College of Florida, which has undergone controversial changes since he put right-wing ideologues in charge.
Higher Ed Dive
CUNY, SUNY, some private New York colleges to waive application fees in October
More than 120 institutions are participating in the initiative, which aims to remove financial barriers for applicants.
Natalie Schwartz, Editor
Dive Brief:
More than 120 public and private colleges in New York have banded together to waive application fees throughout October, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday. All colleges in the state’s two public higher education systems — the State University of New York and the City University of New York — and over 40 private colleges are participating in the initiative. SUNY is waiving application fees from Oct. 16 to Oct. 29. CUNY is scrapping fees all month for high school seniors attending New York City Public Schools, and between Oct. 16 and Oct. 31 for state residents applying as first-year students.
Higher Ed Dive
Naval Academy sued over race-conscious admissions policies
This is the second lawsuit that anti-affirmative action group Students for Fair Admissions has filed against a military academy.
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
Dive Brief:
The U.S. Naval Academy is facing a lawsuit over its race-conscious admissions from the same legal group that successfully brought down these types of policies in the landmark case the U.S. Supreme Court decided this year. This is the second complaint that Students for Fair Admissions, or SFFA, has filed against a military academy. SFFA is also seeking to overturn policies at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, arguing in both cases that the academies illegally consider race in admissions. The lawsuit against the Naval Academy was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. An academy spokesperson said Friday it does not comment on pending litigation.
Inside Higher Ed
Ohio Investigating Union Institute & University
By Josh Moody
Embattled Union Institute & University is facing fresh scrutiny from both federal and state authorities as its financial struggles continue. The U.S. Department of Education recently required the institution to come up with a $12 million line of credit before Oct. 13 or lose access to federal financial aid, WCPO reported. The local ABC affiliate noted that such an action could prompt the small Cincinnati-based college to close abruptly. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Industrial Compliance has also opened an investigation into Union Institute over wage complaints, the agency confirmed to Inside Higher Ed. A spokesperson noted the agency has received multiple complaints, two of which are being investigated.
Inside Higher Ed
Few Campus IT Leaders See AI as a Top Priority
Inside Higher Ed’s annual survey of campus IT leaders sheds light on the state of digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other tech priorities.
By Lauren Coffey
Technology, and its importance in the classroom, have garnered increasing attention at most colleges and universities in recent years, transforming from a helpful learning tool to an indispensable part of higher ed infrastructure. That attention grew in the last year thanks to the explosive growth and public adoption of artificial intelligence tools. For chief technology and chief information officers, the AI landscape is rife with caution. According to Inside Higher Ed’s 2023 Survey of Campus Chief Technology/Information Officers, most respondents reported embryonic use of the technology, if they used it at all. Only 16 percent of CIOs described investing in AI as a “high priority” or “essential” for their institution. At least a third of respondents each said they are considering experimenting with artificial intelligence (38 percent), machine learning (34 percent) and adaptive learning (34 percent).