CCGA student hopes to help others by sharing his story
By Lauren McDonald
Jovan Mills had only shared the story of his life with a handful of people. Then he went onstage and shared it with an audience of 500. Mills, a student at College of Coastal Georgia, recently competed against others from across Georgia to give the keynote address at the University System of Georgia’s annual Regents Scholarship Gala. He won with an address that focused on his experience growing up in Jacksonville and the life events that brought him to being a psychology major today at CCGA.
The Red & Black
UGA Student Veterans Association honors veterans through flag observance
Jesse Wood
The UGA chapter of Student Veterans of America gathered at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, to place 700 flags outside of the Zell B. Miller Learning Center, across from the UGA Memorial Garden. Each of the American flags staked into the grass honors 1,000 veterans in the state of Georgia, and this year, over 700,000 were recognized through this tradition, 276 of which are currently enrolled at UGA. Student veterans, as well as various UGA veteran employees, took the time to place the flags into the lawn. … This year, the SVA at UGA used stakes and ropes to achieve precise measurements of how far apart the flags were and if they were in straight rows. Sanders expects that the display will receive a lot of exposure in the upcoming weeks from the Georgia football game against Ole Miss and students walking around campus.
Savannah CEO
Howard Keeley Receives Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad
Howard Keeley, Ph.D., director of the Center for Irish Research and Teaching (CIRT) at Georgia Southern University, has received the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Service Award from the Government of Ireland. It is the highest honor the country of Ireland can give to a person who is a non-resident. Thirteen awards were announced worldwide, only two of which went to individuals based in the U.S. Keeley received the award in the business and economic development category. Achievements cited included his development of Georgia Southern’s presence in Ireland and his facilitation of trade and investment opportunities between Georgia and Ireland. Keeley, who is originally from Ireland, has lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years and will celebrate 20 years at Georgia Southern in 2024. …Keeley has been dedicated to growing Irish research and teaching at Georgia Southern since he joined the faculty in 2004. …Keeley was instrumental in establishing the University’s Learning Center in the town of Wexford, Ireland, making Georgia Southern the first public university in the United States to establish a bricks-and-mortar presence in Ireland.
The Tifton Gazette
Melissa Pierzchajlo named ABAC Alumni Association President
From Staff Reports
Melissa Pierzchajlo was recently named President of the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Alumni Association. The Alumni Board of Directors supports the mission of the ABAC Alumni Association, which is to strengthen and enrich the College’s educational and extracurricular programs and to maximize the contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of Georgia and the Southeastern United States. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as President of ABAC’s Alumni Association,” Pierzchajlo said. “I often say the most rewarding part of being an active member of the Alumni Association is connecting with our rich network of talented alumni.” …Her time at ABAC gave her the foundation for a successful, diverse professional portfolio that includes hospitality, project development, property management, a medical spa business and medical office management. …She is married to Dr. Richard Pierzchajlo, is the mother of twins Noah and Garret (ABAC alumni), the bonus mother of triplets Joe, Katie and Carol (one ABAC alumni), and a bonus mother to her nephew Elijah. (ABAC alumni).
13WMAZ
GCSU names new director of Public Safety and Chief of Police
In a release, they said they were “very excited” to welcome Wesley Hardin to the school’s Department of Public safety.
Author: 13WMAZ Staff
Georgia College and State University has named a new director of Public Safety and Chief of Police. In a release, they said that Wesley Hardin would be filling the position. Lee Fruitticher, vice president for Finance & Administration, said that they are excited to welcome Hardin to the school’s Department of Public safety.
WRDW
Local students receive early acceptance to Augusta University
By Staff
A group of students from Davidson Fine Arts took one step towards their higher education on Tuesday. In a surprise ceremony, Augusta University gave the student early acceptance to the school. This was for students who applied with the Early Action Program. One student says she can’t wait to start. “My stepbrother actually attends Augusta University so I kind of know the inside scoop of it. I want to pursue Nuro science with a focus in cognitive psychiatry and I can’t wait to have a chance to do that because the medical program is phenomenal,” said Cara Givens, senior.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA study finds some military families with children need help with food
By Vanessa McCray
A new University of Georgia study found one in eight military families with children have visited a food bank in a recent 12-month stretch. The research, published recently by the Public Health Nutrition journal, also showed that Asian, Black and multiracial military families were roughly 50% more likely to use food assistance than white families. The survey was conducted in 2021, about a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. It included 8,326 families across the country with an active-duty member of the U.S. Army or Air Force. A family’s chances of going to a food pantry jumped by 35% for each dependent child, according to the study.
Allied News
Grants to help workforce with nontraditional hour child care
Asia Ashley
Several communities across Georgia have received grants to help make child care more accessible to its local workforce. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning in September awarded Expanding Parents’ Access to Nontraditional Delivery (EXPAND) Grants to seven child care providers and six nonprofit and government organizations to expand services outside of the traditional hours of Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. …According to Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce report, Georgia ranks 40th in number of active physicians and 40th in the number of primary care physicians. Nearly 90 of 159 Georgia counties are designated primary care health professional shortage areas, according to David Hess, dean of the Medical College of Georgia. …MCG has created a program that allows students to complete medical school in three years instead of four. MCG also has a program that pays tuition for students if they practice a primary care specialty in an underserved area in Georgia after completing residency.
WJCL
Swainsboro based Seeds II Seams shines spotlight on sustainability in South Georgia
Georgia company producing premium t-shirt brand from locally grown cotton
Frank Sulkowski, Anchor/Reporter
A Swainsboro based company is redefining the fashion industry by creating job opportunities in southeast Georgia in a more sustainable way. “I would love for Georgia’s brand to be Seeds II Seems,” says Steve Hawkins. Hawkins, the president of America Knits, has a vision for his company’s t-shirt line. …To help spread the word of the Seeds II Seams brand, the company turned to another well known brand in the area. The Georgia Southern University football program. The company enlisted the help of quarterback Davis Brin, who recently became a brand spokesman through a partnership with the Eagle Nation Collective, the Official NIL Collective for Georgia Southern Athletics.
The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
This insect is the worst home-destroying pest in the Peach State, study says. What is it?
By Chelsea Madden
Termites, spiders, ants and cockroaches. Now that I’ve got your attention and have probably given you the creepy crawlies, let’s talk about pests. Some are just ugly, some are gross and others can cause major damage in your Georgia home. What’s the worst pest in the Peach State? They buzz, they’re yellow and black, they’re carpenter bees. According to a 2023 study by Groundworks, carpenter bees cause the most damage to Georgia homes. The little buzzing bees are also the worst home-destroying pest in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.
BNN
Exercise: A Potential Boon for Cognitive Abilities Impaired by Obesity and Diabetes
By BNN Correspondents
Exercise, often hailed as the panacea for numerous health ailments, is now being recognized for its potential in restoring cognitive abilities deteriorated by obesity and diabetes, a revelation brought to light by a recent study from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. The research, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, revealed that exercise-induced weight reduction in obese and diabetic mice led to significant improvements in their cognitive functions. The study took an innovative approach by artificially inducing obesity and diabetes in mice and monitoring the subsequent decline in their cognitive functions. The twist in the tale came when the scientists introduced exercise regimens, making the mice run 5-10 km per week for three months or reducing 15-20% of their weight through liposuction. The outcome? An impressive enhancement in the cognitive functions of the mice, attributed to the improvement of synaptic transmission, a crucial factor affecting cognition.
Columbus CEO
Katie Evans of Columbus State University on Alumni Engagement
Director for Alumni Engagement at Columbus State University Katie Evans explains why it is so important for CSU alumni to stay involved.
WMGT
Chicken Salad Chick opening in Milledgeville on November 15
Tucker Sargent
The fast-casual restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick is opening a Milledgeville location on Wednesday, November 15 with several days of grand opening festivities. …The Milledgeville store will be run by owners Lanier and Rod McLeod. The couple already owns stores in four other Georgia cities, including Macon and Warner Robins. Lanier is a Georgia College and State University (GCSU) graduate.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Young People’s Concerts scheduled for Clayton State University
By Carolyn Cunningham – For the AJC
A series of Young People’s Concerts are slated for Spivey Hall, 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow, during November.
WGXA News
Milledgeville to host November First Friday: Touch-A-Truck and Touch-A-Truck Xtreme
by Owen Hester
Milledgeville Main Street in partnership with Georgia College & State University’s Wellness and Recreation Department is hosting their November First Friday event on Friday, November 3rd. The Touch-A-Truck and Touch-A-Truck Xtreme event will last from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and cars, trucks, and vehicles of all shapes and sizes will line North Wilkinson Street for viewing.
Savannah CEO
Staff Report
United Ways of Georgia (UWGA), an association of the 31 United Way organizations operating across Georgia, have collectively invested to become the 29th state organization to participate in United for ALICE. This effort will provide a series of new, standardized measurements and comprehensive intel that quantify the exact demographics of Georgia’s workforce struggling financially, and why. ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed and represents the many households that are working and earning above the Federal Poverty Level but not able to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, childcare, health care, transportation and a smartphone. …United Ways of Georgia (UWGA), alongside the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates and Truist are the sponsors of the Georgia United for ALICE Research Report project which began in late 2022. In 2023, a Research Advisory Committee was created of state-wide experts in data collection and analysis to help review draft reports and provide diverse perspective and feedback. Research Advisory Committee members include: …Carl Gabrini, Ph.D., C.P.A., Dalton State College; Rebekah Hazlett-Knudsen, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., Middle Georgia State University; … Kristina Patterson, Ph.D., Georgia Southern University
Grice Connect
Feed the Boro Thanksgiving Food Drop is Saturday, November 11th at SHS
Feed the Boro’s Thanksgiving food drop is this Saturday, November 11th, at SHS. It is open to ANYONE in Bulloch County who needs food, and recipients are encouraged to get in line early. Please note that this food drop replaces the Thanksgiving meal prepared and delivered on Thanksgiving Day in years past.
Feed the Boro’s November Food Drop in partnership with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, presented by Statesboro Food Lion and sponsored by Georgia Southern ROTC, is scheduled for this Saturday, November 11, 2023, beginning at 8 am at Statesboro High School, 10 Lee Hill Boulevard.
Savannah Morning News
Last game for 56-year old Georgia football press box. Details on changes coming in stadium
Marc Weiszer
Athens Banner-Herald
When the final words are written and the laptops are powered down after midnight Sunday following the Georgia football game against Ole Miss, the three rows of seats in a prime Sanford Stadium location will cease being a working press box. On Monday, Turner Construction is set to begin turning that prime location into revenue-generating club seats. The press box that was built in 1967 when the stadium was double decked and Uga II was prowling the sidelines is the vantage point where Larry Munson told fans to “Get the Picture. Where names like Furman Bisher, Billy Harper, Jesse Outlar and Tony Barnhart chronicled the Bulldogs. … “We’ll definitely be going out with a bang, that’s for sure,” said Claude Felton, Georgia’s sports information director since 1979 who missed just one home game since then due to a niece’s wedding. The current press box is where reporters covered Georgia’s glory days in the 1980s under Vince Dooley and the latest glory days of the current back-to-back champion Bulldogs under Kirby Smart. …A new multi-level press box will be constructed in the southwest corner of the stadium as part of the $68.5 million two phase renovation of Sanford Stadium.
11Alive
Man shot near Georgia Gwinnett College: Police
According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, a 35-year-old was hurt and is in treatment.
Author: 11Alive Staff
Police are investigating a shooting where one person was hurt in a neighborhood near Georgia Gwinnett College on Tuesday morning. According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, a 35-year-old was hurt and is in treatment. Details about what led up to the shooting, when police were called and where exactly it happened were not released. Students and staff at Georgia Gwinnett were on a soft lockdown while police were in the area. The school posted on X, formally known as Twitter, said the campus is back open later in the morning. Georgia Gwinnett added that the shooting happened in the Charter Club neighborhood, which, according to Google Maps, is about half of a mile from the campus. College officials said the suspects did not enter the main campus.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Affirmative Action Ban Won’t Impact Most Admissions: Report
By Susan H. Greenberg
The Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action will not affect admissions at most colleges and universities, a new report from the Brookings Institution has found. The court’s June ruling in the lawsuits brought by Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina applies only to institutions that previously considered race in admissions—which are predominantly highly selective colleges. The majority of Black, Latino and Native American students enroll at community colleges or less selective four-year institutions, which never considered race in the first place.
Inside Higher Ed
The New Plague on Campus: Loneliness
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy launched his “We Are Made to Connect” campus tour last month, highlighting the role colleges can play in curing the loneliness epidemic.
By Johanna Alonso
On the first stop in his “We Are Made to Connect” campus tour, U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy visited Duke University Oct. 25 to spread his message about the importance of social connection. Speaking at Page Auditorium, he told students how he first became aware of the growing problem of loneliness when he traveled the country during his first term as surgeon general under the Obama administration. …The Duke visit launched the surgeon general’s planned monthlong tour of college campuses across the country to talk up his “5-for-5 Connection Challenge,” in which he encourages students to take five actions for five consecutive days that express gratitude, offer support or ask someone for help.
Inside Higher Ed
Office for Civil Rights Warns Colleges on Antisemitism and Islamophobia
By Katherine Knott
Colleges and universities are legally required to protect students from antisemitism and Islamophobia, the Education Department reminded institutions Tuesday. “Hate-based discrimination, including based on antisemitism and Islamophobia among other bases, have no place in our nation’s schools,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon wrote in a Dear Colleague letter. The letter is the second reminder in the last six months that a university will be in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 if it fails to address prohibited discrimination against students. Campuses are seeing a rise in antisemitic incidents and protests, as well as increased Islamophobia, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last month. The Biden administration has been under pressure from Congress and others to do more to address campus antisemitism and protect Jewish students.
Inside Higher Ed
American Studies Association Members Object to Gaza Statement
By Susan H. Greenberg
Roughly 70 members of the American Studies Association released a signed letter Tuesday taking issue with the statement on Gaza that the association’s executive committee put out last month. While applauding the ASA’s “unwavering commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression without threat of censure or retaliation,” the letter noted “fundamental omissions and forms of doctrinaire thinking that we cannot accept and do not think should be made to speak for all our colleagues in ASA.” Chief among them, the letter said the ASA’s protest against the doxing of campus community members who “express solidarity with Palestine and protest Israeli militarism and occupation should extend, as well, to Jewish students and faculty threatened and attacked on our campuses.” It urged the ASA to include antisemitism in its “historic opposition” to racism on campus.
Higher Ed Dive
Federal judge refuses to temporarily block Florida curriculum ban
The DeSantis-led law, signed in May, limits professors from discussing “certain topics or presenting information in specified ways” in the classroom.
Laura Spitalniak, Staff Reporter
Dive Brief:
A federal judge Friday denied a request to temporarily block a Florida law that limits what public colleges can teach, calling the free speech concerns raised by professors and students “entirely too speculative.” In August, a coalition of New College of Florida professors and students sued the Florida education commissioner over a law championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that bars professors from teaching about “certain topics or presenting information in specified ways” in general education core courses. The lawsuit also names New College’s trustees and the Florida university system’s board of governors. But U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled the group lacked standing to seek a preliminary injunction. “If you dislike a law or are afraid of possible future consequences, you cannot simply invoke the jurisdiction of this Court based solely on how you feel or what you believe may happen,” he wrote Friday.
Cybersecurity Dive
Visa launches cybersecurity training program
The card giant rolled out a cybersecurity apprenticeship program last year amid a talent deficit highlighted by the Biden administration.
By Tatiana Walk-Morris
Dive Brief:
Card network company Visa said Thursday it has launched a payments learning program in response to a need for skilled cybersecurity workers, according to a company press release. The program aims to equip workers, students and military members with training in the field through online courses and certifications to create a pipeline of diverse talent. Initially, the program will focus on payment cybersecurity, a move the company made in response to the White House National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan, which urges businesses to create more pathways for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. The program is currently only available in the U.S., but San Francisco-based Visa plans to expand internationally, according to the release. “Our vision is to expand the program globally, providing industry-recognized training and certification to new diverse cohorts and global communities,” Visa CISO Subra Kumaraswamy said in the release.