Person of interest identified in death of nursing student found on UGA campus
By WSBTV.com News Staff
The University of Georgia police have confirmed that they identified a person of interest in the death of a nursing student on campus. Police swarmed an off-campus apartment complex on Friday afternoon. Channel 2′s Michael Seiden is reporting live from an apartment complex off S Milledge Road in Athens. The apartments are less than two miles from the scene of where the body of Laken Riley was found. …At the apartment complex, university officials confirmed to Seiden that they have identified a person of interest; however, they did not release the person of interest’s name.
See also:
Athens Banner-Herald, Augusta Chronicle, New York Post, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 11Alive, NBC News, The New York Times, Atlanta News First, Peachtree TV, CNN, FOX5 Atlanta, CBS News, ABC News, The Augusta Chronicle, WABE, Athens Banner-Herald, WGAU Radio, accessWDUN, Aol, MSN, KESQ, United Business Journal
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Senate backs $5 billion in extra spending
$5 million for new election audit technology rejected over riff with Raffensperger
By James Salzer
The Georgia Senate on Thursday backed a midyear budget that adds $5 billion in spending, including money for a new medical school at the University of Georgia, roads, rural airports, local water and sewer projects, and rural economic development programs. The Senate voted 54-1 to back a spending plan through June 30 that largely follows what Gov. Brian Kemp and the House supported, although with some changes. …The leaders of both chambers will now work to come to a final $37.5 billion budget that runs through the final four months of fiscal 2024. …The budget covers a range of major infrastructure and education projects, including a new medical school at UGA, a new dental school at Georgia Southern University, large-scale computer system upgrades, more money for sewer improvements and massive spending on building roads.
See also:
Texas Breaking News
Name finalized for President of Stephen F. Austin State University
Prerna Sharama
Neal Weaver has been named as the sole finalist by the University of Texas System Board of Regents in order to lead Stephen F. Austin State University. Neal Weaver will be the Nacogdoches-based school’s first permanent president since it joined the UT System last year if it is confirmed. Weaver has already served as president of Georgia Southwestern State University for seven years, which belongs to the University of Georgia System based in Americus, Georgia. …Weaver, in the past years, has contributed to the increased enrollment and retention rate at Georgia Southwestern State. However, under state law, the board has to wait for 21 days for the official appointment.
Middle Georgia CEO
Middle Georgia State University Nursing Graduates Exceed NCLEX Pass Rates For 2023
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
Middle Georgia State University’s nursing programs have exceeded the National Council Licensure Examination’s (NCLEX) state and national pass rate levels for 2023. According to the official 2023 NCLEX results, Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA) Associate of Science in Nursing program has a 94.12% pass rate for first-time test takers. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has a 97.52% pass rate for first-time test takers, with MGA graduates scoring higher than most competitors in the region.
The Augusta Chronicle
$10.7 million budget item could jumpstart new research era at Medical College of Georgia
Joe Hotchkiss
Budget additions approved by the Georgia Senate on Thursday include a proposed $10.7 million to fund the design of a $146 million translational research building for the Medical College of Georgia. The Senate voted 54-1 to pass House Bill 915, which adds money to the current fiscal year budget effective through June 30. After the House and Senate reconcile their budget differences, the measure will go to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk. The proposed 150,000-square-foot medical facility would underscore MCG’s commitment to growing the school through expanded research opportunities.
WSB-TV
Education or Family: Is Georgia childcare more expensive than college tuition?
By Sam Sachs, WSBTV.com
Making a budget is much more complicated while raising a family or going to college. When you weigh how to build a future, whether it includes going to college, finding a new job or starting a family, cost obviously weighs into your decision. Georgia legislators are currently exploring ways to bring costs to residents down in Georgia with focuses on education, property taxes, and other forms of tax relief. So, in the Peach State, is college tuition cheaper than childcare? The cost of the average college or university tuition in the state of Georgia for a public institution can range between $1,425 to $4,474 per semester if an in-state tuition student takes 15 credit hours, or between $2,850 to $8,948 per year. That doesn’t account for institution-specific fees and costs for various on-campus services. Strictly going by tuition pricing for a 15-credit hour per semester, public education in Georgia can cost between $237.50 and $745.66 per month, based on the FY2024, in-state tuition costs published by the University System of Georgia. …The broader focus is necessary for student loans because the payments cover overall college cost, which includes fees, on-campus services and on-campus housing, such as dorm rooms and meal plans, typically. While not every student lives on campus, a majority tend to and a majority of USG institutions require students to have a meal plan while living on campus.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Convocation Center Construction At Georgia Gwinnett College On Track. Here Are The Details
By Chris Starrs Staff Correspondent
After breaking ground last April, construction on the Georgia Gwinnett College Convocation Center is more than halfway complete with the building set to open this fall. The 72,280-square-foot Convocation Center, located on the north side of the college’s Lawrenceville campus, is being described as a building that will be “transformational,” not only for students but for the community at large.
Middle Georgia CEO
MGA Professor’s Innovative Digital Technologies Textbook For Marketing & IT Students Published
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
A Middle Georgia State University (MGA) information technology professor is the leading author of a newly published second edition textbook focused on marketing and IT students navigating the dynamic nature of digital technologies. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group has just published “Digital Analytics for Marketing,” co-authored by Dr. A. Karim Feroz, an assistant professor who joined MGA’s IT faculty in January of this year, and Dr. Gohar F. Khan and Marshall Sponder. Feroz, who has collaborated with the other authors before, said he was invited to lead the development of the textbook’s second edition due to his expertise in digital transformation, encompassing the strategic utilization of data analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and other emergent technologies to optimize operational efficiencies and foster innovation.
Savannah Morning News
I’ve always lived in the South, but Tybee Island’s Black History trail gave me new perspective
Destini Ambus
In the 12,000-square-mile stretch of coastal North Carolina to Florida that is the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor lies pieces of Gullah history within the Tybee Island Black History Trail. The trail, which has 13 stops, documents the arrival of enslaved Africans at Lazaretto Creek Quarantine through the Jim Crow era to the journey to present day Tybee Island. Launching virtually last year, the trail was a collaborative effort between Tybee MLK, the Tybee Historical Society and Georgia Southern University.
The Augusta Chronicle
From butterflies to ants, these and other pollinators have an outsized impact on Georgia’s economy
Erica Van Buren
Pollinators like bees and butterflies have more of an economic impact on agriculture in Georgia than many might realize, experts say. The annual value of pollination to Georgia is more than $360 million, according to an economic impact study conducted in 2014 by the University of Georgia. “We know that pollination in the state of Georgia; to say it’s important is an understatement,” said Becky Griffin, pollinator health associate at UGA’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. “We grow a lot of crops in Georgia like watermelon and cucumbers that require pollination. You can’t make a watermelon without moving pollen from one flower to another flower. We also grow a lot of crops that are improved by increased visits from pollinators like strawberries and peppers.”
WTVM
By Gabriela Johnson
One the most prominent military historians in the country was in the Fountain City Wednesday. She and others discussed diversity in the U.S., especially from a certain war, as part of Columbus State University’s Hallock endowment for military history series. “I think it’s important for us as citizens of this nation to understand our history and to understand the struggles that our forebearers have gone through in trying to bring about a better nation,” said Dr. Beth Bailey. Military historian, professor, and author Dr. Beth Bailey started writing her book about the Vietnam War era not too long ago.
Columbus 2025
The Great Futures Mural at the East Columbus Boys and Girls Club began installation on December 15, 2023, and was officially unveiled on January 19, 2024 by the talented local artist, Carlie Hedges. In alignment with the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley, the mural seeks to inspire and empower all young people, especially those facing challenges, to realize their full potential as responsible, caring, and productive citizens. … About the Artist – …Carlie recently graduated from Columbus State University with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a focus in Graphic Design. During her time at CSU, she was recognized locally and nationally for her design and illustration work. She also has worked locally with some of Columbus’ notable companies such as The Pastoral Institute, The Family Center, Georgia Theatre Conference, Nature Now, and more.
11Alive
Undocumented students share their challenges of getting higher education
Undocumented immigrants are barred from attending some universities and public schools throughout the state.
Author: Bobeth Yates, Makayla Richards
Several undocumented students recently spoke out about their challenges in pursuing higher education, sharing their experiences and aspirations at the Southeastern Writing Center Association conference. …Among them, one student, who chose to be identified only as Sherly due to her undocumented status, bravely opened up to 11Alive’s Bobeth Yates, shedding light on the hurdles she has encountered. …Dr. Laura Emikosoltis, the Executive Director of Freedom University, a nonprofit organization aiding undocumented students in accessing higher education, emphasized that Sherly is one of over four thousand undocumented students graduating from Georgia high schools annually. …“In 2008, the Georgia legislature passed SB 492, which banned undocumented students from paying in-state tuition,” Emikosoltis said. “Sadly, two years later, the Georgia Board of Regents went further and passed Policy 416, which bans undocumented students from even applying for admission to the top public universities, including the University of Georgia, my alma mater, Georgia Tech, and Georgia College.”
Savannah CEO
Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum Unveils 2024 Legacy Leader Award Recipients
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
The Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum announced the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Legacy Leader Awards will be business leader and philanthropist, Bob Jepson, and State Representative, Edna Jackson. The Emerging Leader Award recipient is Catherine Grant, CEO of Expercare. Additional details about award recipients included below. The Legacy Leadership Awards will be presented at the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum, scheduled to take place on February 26th and 27th at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees Garden. The two-day event will bring together established and emerging leaders together in an innovative environment promoting leadership development, networking and collaborative teamwork for the betterment of our growing Coastal Georgia region. …Major sponsors of the Forum include Gulfstream Aerospace, Georgia Southern University,…
WALB
GSW partners with Phoebe for 3rd annual Teddy Bear Toss
By Janyre Cooper
At most games, fans are prohibited from tossing items on to the court. Tonight, in Americus that wasn’t the case. Fans were encouraged to toss things from the stands, in the 3rd annual teddy bear toss at Georgia Southwestern University. The event is in partnership with phoebe to gather donation for the women’s and children’s health services. The toss happens when the Canes men’s basketball team scores their first basket of the game. Fans flood the court with stuffed animals, an idea brought to GSW by Associate Athletic Director Nicki Levering.
The West Georgian
UWG Men’s Basketball Secures a Spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament
Jeff Igbokwe
The University of West Georgia’s men’s basketball team confirmed their place in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) Tournament last Saturday after a comfortable 83-54 victory against the Alabama Huntsville Chargers. The occasion was made more significant as it marked this year’s “Basketball Reunion,” the annual event at UWG which honors the 1974 championship-winning men’s basketball team at West Georgia College, with many of those who were in that team in attendance on Saturday’s game. While one of their standout players this season, Camron Donatlan, was absent from the team due to a hamstring injury, UWG managed an impressive defensive performance, subjecting their opposition to a season-low 54 points.
Athens Banner-Herald
Longtime Georgia men’s tennis coach Manuel Diaz retiring after this season
Marc Weiszer
Another Georgia coaching legend has decided to call it a career. Men’s tennis coach Manuel Diaz is retiring after this season, the school announced Thursday afternoon. Diaz will wrap up 36 years as coach that has included four NCAA titles and two indoor championships and the most career wins—now at 771-of any SEC coach. He will turn 71 next month.
Other News:
Peach Pundit
by Buzz
On March 29, 2023, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act (Senate Bill 233) failed by a vote of 85-89 in the House of Representatives. On the one hand, this is the furthest that an education savings account bill has advanced in the Georgia Legislature. The Georgia Senate passed SB 233 on March 6, 2023, by a vote of 33-23. On the other hand, despite having support from Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and Speaker Jon Burns, the bill still came up six votes short of passage in the House.
Higher Education News:
Higher Ed Dive
Yale reinstates standardized test requirement for applicants
However, the university said students could report Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores as an alternative to the SAT or ACT.
Natalie Schwartz, Senior Editor
Dive Brief:
Yale University will once again require students to submit standardized test scores starting with applicants for the fall 2025 term, becoming the second Ivy League institution to reestablish testing requirements for admissions after a pause during the coronavirus pandemic. In an announcement this week, Yale officials said standardized testing requirements can help increase student diversity when used as part of “a whole-person review process.” However, they argued that focusing only on the SAT and ACT can discourage students from applying. Yale said it would allow applicants to report their Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam scores as an alternative to the SAT or ACT — an approach the university called a flexible testing policy.
See also:
Inside Higher Ed
The Economic Returns of a Rural Education
A recent report argues rural-serving institutions offer meaningful benefits to their students, including quicker times to degree and lower prices.
By Sara Weissman
Rural colleges and universities tend to be more affordable and accessible and have shorter times to degree than their urban and suburban counterparts, according to a recent report by researchers at Boston College. And while rural colleges’ student completion rates and earnings outcomes slightly lag behind those of nonrural institutions, the gaps are minimal, researchers conclude. The report is part of a new research series developed by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) called “Elevating Equitable Value,” announced Wednesday by the research and advocacy organization. The series includes papers on a variety of subjects that draw on IHEP’s Equitable Value Explorer, a data tool to compare postcollege earnings across student populations and institutions.
Inside Higher Ed
Anti-DEI Legislation Moves Forward in Alabama
By Susan H. Greenberg
A bill that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at certain public institutions in Alabama—including colleges and universities—passed a state Senate committee on Wednesday, according to Alabama Political Reporter. Among other things, Senate Bill 129 prohibits public entities “from maintaining a diversity, equity, and inclusion office or department or sponsoring any diversity, equity, and inclusion program or program that advocates for a divisive concept.”
Higher Ed Dive
Eastern Gateway Community College to pause enrollment for all students after spring 2024
The break is intended to give the institution time to resolve ongoing financial difficulties partly stemming from financial aid restrictions.
Laura Spitalniak, Staff Reporter
Dive Brief:
Eastern Gateway Community College will suspend enrollment for all students after the spring semester amid ongoing financial distress. In a Wednesday meeting, trustees for the beleaguered Ohio institution unanimously voted to pause enrollment for new and returning students. They described the change as temporary, but a faculty union leader said Thursday that employees have not been given a timeline for reinstating admissions. The Ohio Department of Higher Education said the college’s financial distress was partly due to federal funding issues. For about a year and a half, the U.S. Department of Education has forced the college to pay for students’ federal financial aid out of pocket before seeking reimbursement.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
$2.59M Grant Supports Nurse Training to Support Underserved Patients
Johnny Jackson
Fairfield University’s Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies has received a $2.59 million grant through the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Program of the Health Resources and Services Administration. …The four-year grant will support the university’s Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs, in which students receive tuition support and opportunities to provide care for diverse patients in underserved community settings within an inter-professional team. Through the program, the Egan School will develop curriculum on cultural competence, wellness, and telehealth.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Tallahassee Community College Earns Highest Distinction from Achieving the Dream
Johnny Jackson
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) recently received high honors from Achieving the Dream, an organization and network founded to close achievement gaps and accelerate student success nationwide by guiding institutional change, influencing public policy, generating knowledge, and engaging the public.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Partnership Focuses on Enhancing Student Success Coaching Program
Arrman Kyaw
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is looking to enhance its student success coaching program as its student demographics change. And it is partnering with student coaching non-profit InsideTrack to do so.
Inside Higher Ed
Did an N.C. State Building Sicken Scores of Occupants?
Some current and former employees say they fear probable carcinogens in a campus building may have harmed them and students. They’re criticizing the university’s response.
By Ryan Quinn
On Nov. 16, two North Carolina State University executive vice chancellors sent employees and students a worrisome message: test results from Poe Hall, home of the College of Education and psychology department, “indicate” the presence of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls. The Environmental Protection Agency dubs these toxic pollutants, which were banned from production in 1979, as “probable human carcinogens.” The two officials wrote, “Out of an abundance of caution, the university will move forward with more comprehensive testing of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.” They also announced that the university would start limiting access to the building and “all operations will move to alternative locations in the days ahead.”
Cybersecurity Dive
ConnectWise ScreenConnect under active exploitation due to critical flaws
Security researchers are urging users to immediately patch their systems after the company warned of an authentication bypass vulnerability that is considered trivial to exploit.
David Jones, Reporter
Dive Brief:
Critical vulnerabilities in ConnectWise ScreenConnect are under active exploitation by threat actors, and there is an urgent need for users to patch their systems, according to security researchers. ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote desktop application widely used by help desks and remote workers. A critical authentication bypass vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 10, could allow an attacker access to critical systems or confidential information. A path transversal vulnerability, with a score of 8.4, could allow an attacker to execute remote code. ConnectWise on Wednesday urged on-premises partners to immediately upgrade to the latest version of ScreenConnect, after its incident response team began to investigate reports of suspicious activity. The vulnerability applies to on-premises users.