Albany Herald
Georgia Southwestern president among state’s most influential leaders
From staff reports
Georgia Southwestern State University President Neal Weaver was recently selected by Georgia Trend magazine as one of Georgia’s 500 Most Influential Leaders, which identifies prominent leaders who have made great strides that positively impact the state and their community. Weaver was selected for recognition in the education sector for his leadership in growing enrollment and enhancing the overall campus experience in his six years at GSW. At the time of his nomination earlier this year, enrollment had increased more than 9%, the highest in GSW’s history. When official fall 2023 enrollment numbers are released, GSW expects it to be another record-breaking year.
The Baldwin Bulletin
Cox named one of Georgia’s most influential leaders
By News Staff
Georgia College & State University President Cathy Cox was chosen as one of the state’s “500 Most Influential Leaders” by Georgia Trend in its second edition of “Georgia 500.” “It’s a humbling experience to be included in a group of people who make a difference across Georgia. That’s certainly what I hope to accomplish here at a university,” said Cox.
Jagwire
Augusta University leadership named to Georgia Trend’s influential leaders list
Kevin Faigle
Once again, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, Georgia Cancer Center Director Jorge Cortes, MD, and retired Col. Eric Toler, executive director of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, have been named to the list. Georgia Trend selects leaders from around the state who are helping to drive Georgia’s economy to new heights. In the past, Keel has received recognition from Georgia Trend, having been on its list of “100 Most Influential Georgians” for eight years running. Augusta University continues to be one of the few University System of Georgia institutions to continue experiencing enrollment growth, having eclipsed the 10,000-student mark for the first time ever. AU is also the only university in the country that has more than $50 million in annual NIH funding, while also being part of the U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network and in the top 5% of universities that improve economic outcomes for students with low-and moderate-income backgrounds. In fiscal year 2022, Augusta University and AU Health provided a $2.94 billion boost to the state economy, including employing 21,250 people, according to a report from USG. Most recently, in his capacity as acting CEO for Augusta University Health System, Keel oversaw the completion in late August of a partnership with Wellstar Health System to create Wellstar MCG Health.
Tifton CEO
Seventeen ABAC Students Selected for Ambassadors’ program
Seventeen Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College students have been selected to participate in one of the most active organizations on the college’s campus — the ABAC Ambassadors. … “The Ambassadors represent and promote the college at a variety of community and college events,” said Abby Clark from ABAC’s Office of Marketing and Communications. “They work to maintain positive relationships between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community and are a key component of recruiting. We have a fantastic group this year and I’m honored to serve as co-advisor along with Sunny Sparrow and Griffin Bates from our Office of Enrollment.”
Study International
For profit, people and planet: Degrees that go beyond business as usual
Study International Staff
There are close to eight billion people in the world today. It’s often said if all of them unite and work towards realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, those goals can lead to the building of a healthier planet with greater well-being for its inhabitants. While this sounds ideal and poetic, there is greater hope for success in tackling the climate crisis if businesses also play a greater role in moving the sustainability agenda forward. The world is not short of businesses with the potential to do this. … Georgia College & State University The J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology at Georgia College & State University is more than just a business school in one of America’s leading public liberal arts universities. At Georgia College, students evolve into valuable global citizens in today’s ever-changing world marketplace. By leveraging the college’s nationally-recognized graduate programmes, GCSU alumni make full use of their business education for the public good.
Financial Post
Global COVID-19 Monument Design Competition Winner Announced
The COVID-19 Monument Commission announces the winner of their global design contest for the COVID-19 Monument of Honor, Remembrance, and Resilience, scheduled to unveil spring 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Casey Schachner, Assistant Professor of Art in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at Georgia Southern University, has won the $20,000 prize. Her sculpture concept features the dandelion flower as a metaphor for the worldwide pandemic experience.
Inside Higher Ed
Natural Products and Fighting Breast Cancer: Academic Minute
By Doug Lederman
Today on the Academic Minute: Ramneet Kaur, assistant professor of biology at Columbus State University, details new ideas in the fight against breast cancer.
The Academic Minute
Work to cure breast cancer is an important field. Ramneet Kaur, assistant professor of biology at Columbus State University, details new ideas in this fight. I am a cell and molecular biologist with cancer biology as my research area. I have a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and a post-doc in cancer biology from Harvard Medical School, Boston, and Emory University, Atlanta. I teach Cell and Molecular biology, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Bioinformatics, and general biology courses to major and non-major students. My research focuses on checking the effects of natural products like ginger, garlic, turmeric, etc. on the growth of triple-negative breast cancer stem cells. My research is published and has received many research grants.
USA TODAY
After affirmative action loss, the Biden admin wants to make it easier to transfer schools
Students who take the leap from community colleges to four-year schools have long faced a maze of obstacles, including the prospect of losing their hard-earned, paid-for, college credits.
Zachary Schermele
On the heels of the Supreme Court’s rebukes of race-conscious admissions and student loan forgiveness, the Biden administration declared it would find less legally treacherous ways to make higher education in America more equitable. Federal officials are zeroing in on one oft-overlooked group of college-goers in particular: students who move, or try to, from one college to another. … Which 4-year colleges are best for transfer students on financial aid? Here are the top 30. The Education Department released data on Thursday about which colleges and universities have the highest completion rates for transfer students. … Bachelor’s completion rate in % for transfer students (8-year), University of Georgia: 72; … There’s a lot more work to do, said Janet Marling, the executive director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students at the University of North Georgia. And applauding the most successful programs can be a double-edged sword, she said. “What I would love to see out of this is not only holding up those really exemplary programs who deserve this recognition,” she said, “but also of finding a way to help institutions get started.”
Albany Herald
Actor Maurice Johnson kicks off National HBCU Film Tour at Albany State University
By Lucille Lannigan
Actor, producer and ASU alumnus Maurice Johnson “returned home” to Albany State University to screen his independent film “Jones Plantation” Wednesday night. About 60 Students, faculty and Albany community members gathered at ASU’s Billy C. Black Auditorium Wednesday night to watch the film, which is currently the No. 2 independent film in the country. Attendees also participated in a question-and-answer session with the actor afterward.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Capitol Recap: Report details climate change’s impact on Georgia
By Jim Denery
Southeast identified as one of most vulnerable regions as warming increases
The toll of climate change is already visible across Georgia, making a lasting impact on its cities, shores and even its leading industry, according to a report the federal government released this past week. In Atlanta, that’s meant eight more extreme heat days — when temperatures and humidity are both high for extended periods — than it saw in 1961. The city has also added more than 80 days to its “heat wave season.” … The report says long-term droughts will likely grow more intense, and warmer conditions will allow pests to flourish. But Pam Knox, an agricultural climatologist at the University of Georgia and one of the authors of the Southeast chapter of the report, said there is reason for hope. She said data-driven technologies can help farmers use resources such as water and fertilizer more efficiently. “The more we know, the more we can figure out ways to adapt and change our management style to deal with a challenge,” Knox said.
Phys.org
Wildlife-vehicle collisions study delves into factors that impact detecting animals after dark
by Katrina M. Ford, University of Georgia
According to a 2008 study, wildlife-vehicle collisions cost an estimated $8.4 billion in damages, with more than 58,000 people injured and 440 deaths occurring annually. These numbers continue to increase as urban sprawl expands and human-wildlife interactions increase. For many folks, wildlife-vehicle collisions are becoming a part of life. This is especially dangerous with days getting darker earlier. A recent study conducted at the Savannah River Site by scientists and students from the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory sheds light on the ability of drivers to observe animals and avoid dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions at night safely. The study, “Driving in the dark: Deciphering nighttime driver detection of free-ranging roadside wildlife,” was published in Transportation Research Part D.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Georgia Gwinnett College Men’s Soccer Earns All-Conference Honors
From Staff Reports
Georgia Gwinnett College seniors Khaled Qasum and Emanuele Sordi earned first-team honors and three other players were recognized on the 2023 Continental Athletic Conference men’s soccer all-conference team, after voting by league head coaches. Senior Diego Milessi and freshman Chris Stafford were second-team choices and senior Antoine Ferez was a honorable mention selection. Stafford also received recognition on the CAC’s Champion of Character team.
WTOC
Georgia Southern lighting Sweetheart Circle on Thursday
By WTOC Staff
Georgia Southern University is lighting Sweetheart Circle for the holiday season on Thursday evening. Students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to enjoy holiday treats and pictures with Santa Gus.
The Union-Recorder
Lockerly in Lights back with new walking option
Gil Pound
A relatively new local holiday tradition has already added a wrinkle in just its third year. For the first time, light lovers have the option to drive or walk through Lockerly Arboretum’s winter wonderland that is Lockerly in Lights. The attraction is just what the name suggests – a self-guided journey through the picturesque property that’s adorned with colorful light displays sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit. The seasonal offering opens to the general public this Friday night and runs every Friday and Saturday night until Dec. 23. … A lot of work has gone into getting the grounds ready for this week. It started back on Labor Day weekend with Lockerly staff and volunteers, including Georgia College & State University students who helped wrap displays in lights and install them.
Higher Education News:
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Higher Education Reexamined at ASHE Conference
Amid the ongoing attacks to higher education, experts who study the field are gathering this week to debate and respond to the growing political challenges that have impacted colleges and universities. The annual meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) has become the go-to place for practitioners looking to call attention to a wide-range of topics including academic freedom, campus sexual violence and the growing legislation against efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on college campuses across the nation.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Report: Communication Key to Improving Transfer Rate
Lois Elfman
A new report from the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) indicates that while 8,836 entering students at 40 community colleges around the country indicate that they intend to transfer to a four-year institution, the number that actually do is remarkably low. “Helping Community College Students Climb the Transfer Ladder” is based on the 2022 Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE). Dr. Linda L. Garcia, executive director of CCCSE, said conversations about transfer must begin at the onset of a student’s time at a community college. Waiting until a student is close to completing an associate degree to discuss what needs to be done to successfully transfer to a four-year institution is ineffective.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Panel: University Presidents Discuss When to Make Statements and Speak Out on Current Affairs
Arrman Kyaw
There is no one definitive way to determine when presidents of higher ed institutions should speak out, though there are good general guidelines to follow, according to four university presidents during a panel discussion hosted by think tank Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). During Thursday’s virtual panel, Politics, Institutional Speech, and the College Campus, several university leaders spoke about their own experiences with making statements amid tense situations and how best to decide when they should weigh in.
Inside Higher Ed
U.S. Lists Colleges Investigated for Bias Against Jews, Muslims
By Doug Lederman
The U.S. Education Department late Thursday night published a list of six colleges and universities that are under investigation by its Office for Civil Rights for allegedly violating federal law prohibiting discrimination based on “shared ancestry.” The department’s news release said that it had released the list as “part of the Biden-Harris administration’s continued efforts to take aggressive action to address the alarming nationwide rise in reports of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and other forms of discrimination and harassment on college campuses and in K-12 schools since the October 7 Israel-Hamas conflict.” The institutions under investigation for alleged shared ancestry violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are Columbia University, the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Cornell University, Lafayette College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Wellesley College. The list also included one high school, and the department’s news release said that five of the total of seven complaints allege antisemitic harassment and two allege anti-Muslim harassment.
Higher Ed Dive
Iowa university board votes to roll back DEI initiatives
Members approved recommendations to eliminate campuswide DEI efforts not required for colleges to stay compliant with the law or accreditation standards.
Laura Spitalniak, Staff Reporter
The Iowa Board of Regents approved recommendations Thursday to eliminate all campuswide diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that are not required for universities to stay compliant with the law or accreditation standards. Last June, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law directing the board to review DEI efforts at Iowa’s public universities. Conservative lawmakers across the country have increasingly targeted DEI, saying such programs mandate certain ways of thinking and can infringe on free speech. In response to the new law, the board established a DEI study group in March consisting of three regents — David Barker, Jim Lindenmayer and Greta Rouse. The trio released their report Nov. 7, outlining ten recommendations for the system’s institutions to sharply curtail administrator-run DEI programming. The board largely passed the guidance as presented, though they scaled down a civic education and free speech initiative.
Inside Higher Ed
Florida Looks to Remove Sociology From Gen. Ed.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said he proposed the change to make room for civic literacy, but some sociology professors are doubtful.
By Johanna Alonso
The Florida Board of Governors voted on Nov. 9 to remove the Principles of Sociology from the list of core courses that the state’s public college students can take to fulfill their general education requirements. The news shocked sociology professors across the state, who say the ripple effects of such a decision could be disastrous. Students often rely on the course to satisfy the social sciences general education requirement. Indeed, many sociology departments consider it their bread and butter; at some of Florida’s largest institutions, the course can easily draw more than 100 students per section. It’s also the class where many sociology students first learn about the discipline.
Inside Higher Ed
Reinstating Pell Grants in Prisons Moves Slowly After 26-Year Ban
Pell Grants were officially restored for incarcerated students in July. But helping them access the funds is a multi-step process for colleges and corrections agencies.
By Sara Weissman
Incarcerated students and their supporters celebrated when Congress lifted the 26-year ban on Pell Grants for people in prison, a decision that took effect in July. Many people expected college in prison programs to balloon as higher ed institutions took advantage of new Pell dollars and that access to these programs would expand. But the excitement has given way to the realities of the slow and bureaucratic process of ensuring the quality of new or expanded programs and that they meet federal requirements. Experts on prison education say college in state and federal prisons will indeed grow, though not overnight.
Higher Ed Dive
UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor in line for Michigan State presidency
Kevin Guskiewicz has steered the public flagship through controversy, including the Supreme Court case against its race-conscious admissions policies.
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
Dive Brief:
Kevin Guskiewicz, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, confirmed Thursday that he is considering taking over the Michigan State University presidency. Michigan State’s student press, The State News, first reported Wednesday that Guskiewicz was weighing the presidency and that the other finalist — Taylor Eighmy, president of the University of Texas at San Antonio — had dropped out of the running. Guskiewicz said in an emailed statement to Higher Ed Dive on Thursday that a “variety of professional opportunities have been presented to me. My family and I must weigh each one, and we are weighing this one,” referring to the Michigan State job. Guskiewicz has been UNC-Chapel Hill’s chancellor since 2019, first filling the role on an interim basis starting that year. He has steered the 31,500-student university through multiple challenges, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Higher Ed Dive
SUNY grew enrollment for the first time in a decade, but it’s far from meeting state goals
Gov. Kathy Hochul has aimed for the system to bring in 500,000 students over an unspecified period of time.
Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter
The State University of New York experienced enrollment growth for the first time in a decade, but the modest increase raises the question of whether policymakers’ ambitious headcount targets for the 64-campus system are achievable. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has sought to lift SUNY’s enrollment to 500,000 students, a far cry from the 367,542 who enrolled for fall 2023. This fall’s count represents just a 1.1% increase from the previous fall’s 363,612 students. Still, the numbers suggest the state’s efforts to break down barriers to college access, such as waiving application fees, are finding some success.