The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia House leaders pass midyear budget with $5 billion in new spending
By James Salzer
With the state sitting on a mountain of reserves, Georgia House leaders on Tuesday 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 House Appropriations Committee backed most of the spending hikes Gov. Brian Kemp proposed in January, despite the fact that state tax collections have been slow for much of the past year and are not projected to improve anytime soon. …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 road-building spending.
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Dalton Daily Citizen
A permanent fixture: Dalton State College unveils portrait of retired president Venable
By Brady Hix
Reflecting on her time as the first female president in Dalton State College’s history, Margaret Venable said she “couldn’t be more proud.” “I am just the first,” Venable said. “There are lots of people out there that look for representation. But if I can do that for even a handful of people, I’m very proud of that because I want everybody, particularly our current and future students, to know that they can do anything they want to do.” Venable, who retired as Dalton State’s fifth president in May 2023 after eight years in the role, was honored with the unveiling of a presidential portrait during a ceremony at the college on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Painted by Memphis, Tennessee-based artist Jamie Lee McMahan, the portrait hangs in the college’s Westcott Hall near the president’s office along with portraits of Dalton State’s previous four presidents Arthur Gignilliat, Derrell Roberts, James Burran and John Schwenn. …Current Dalton State President John Fuchko III, who succeeded Venable last year, said working alongside her in various roles throughout the University System of Georgia was both a “pleasure and a privilege,” if not “a little bit of a challenge.” “It’s a lot easier to follow somebody who has messed things up, so thank you for not doing that,” Fuchko said with a smile. “It truly is a great honor to follow after you.”
Albany Herald
Seven UGA students chosen to serve as Georgia legislative interns
By Mallory Lawrence
Seven University of Georgia undergraduate students have been named Georgia Legislative Interns for the 2024 spring semester. The third- and fourth-year students who will participate in the Georgia Legislative Internship Program represent three UGA colleges with a variety of academic backgrounds, including political science, finance, and family and consumer sciences. Students underwent a lengthy application process in the fall that included interviewing at the Georgia Capitol. The UGA Institute of Government assists in the selection of UGA students for participation in the program. …This year’s students will participate directly in the legislative process by researching bills before the General Assembly, monitoring the progress of legislation, learning about the inner workings of state government and making contacts for future careers in public service.
Albany Herald
Three ‘E’s’ focus of Mentorship Breakfast: Education, empowerment, exposure
From staff reports
The Albany State University Office of Career Services collaborated with the College of Business, Education and Professional Studies for students to attend the second annual HBCU Mentorship Breakfast sponsored by Bridge to Leadership. Bridge to Leadership is an organization that identifies and develops young multicultural leaders to become agents of change in the community and work force by focusing on three pillars: education, empowerment and exposure. The purpose of the annual event is to assist students as they transition into adulthood by developing a community of professional mentors.
The Citizen
A partnership between Gordon State College and Southern Crescent Technical College and their local locations continues as both prioritize educational opportunities and support for eligible students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees at GSC. This partnership expansion was commemorated with a formal signing on Jan. 19, at the SCTC Fayette campus in the former J.C. Booth Middle School building on Peachtree Parkway South in Peachtree City. The agreement features four distinct pathways from associate degrees at SCTC to bachelor’s degrees at GSC.
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Albany Herald
Albany State chefs claim National Black Chefs Association awards
By Lucille Lannigan
While years of culinary experience separate chefs Chakakhan Fuller-Howard and Unique Pierce, the two have one thing in common: Their love for cooking has familial roots. Fuller-Howard, Albany State’s chef and catering manager, and Pierce, a 22-year-old ASU junior Biology major, both said they grew up surrounded by talented cooks within their families. They have memories of soul food made from scratch – collard greens, mac and cheese, and homemade biscuits. The two will travel to Chicago Feb. 24 for the seventh annual National Black Chefs Association Awards. Fuller-Howard will be recognized with an award and will also present an award to Pierce, who won ASU’s student Iron Chef competition.
Georgia Entertainment
UGA Terry College of Business Graduate Students Study and Explore the Creative Economy
By Staff
Four projects were launched as part of UGA Terry College of Business Graduate School’s “Innovative Projects for the Creative Economy” course. The projects address several industries in Georgia’s Creative Economy including eSports, Audio & Music, Film, and a special project to develop a career assessment tool that includes creative jobs measures. (See photos below and additional commentary here.) Randy Davidson, CEO of Georgia Entertainment addressed the project teams describing the importance of the projects. “We in Georgia have an opportunity to differentiate ourselves from other creative centers like California and New York by better integrating our creative industries, and your work will be a big part of this.” Each project is being done for a client.
Marietta Daily Journal
‘The Resiliency of the American Economy’: KSU Economist Talks Challenges and Successes
By Annie Mayne
The economy has not been kind to the average American for the last few years. An unprecedented pandemic sparked major job loss, inflation has been on the rise, and few moments in history have proven more difficult to purchase a home. But according to Roger Tutterow, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University, who spoke to bankers, customers, and real estate professionals at a forum held by Synovus bank at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre last week, things aren’t all bleak.
Columbus CEO
Columbus State Launches Search for Next Provost, Executive Vice President
Columbus State University has officially begun the search for its next provost and executive vice president. The person in this position serves as second in command to the university president and leads the university’s academic enterprise. The position has been held on an interim basis since April 2022 by Dr. Pat McHenry. “The search for Columbus State University’s next provost will be the most important hire I have the opportunity to make,” explained President Stuart Rayfield. “I am looking for a strategic partner who is focused on student and faculty success, while meeting the expectations and demands of higher education in a rapidly changing environment. CSU needs a person who is forward-thinking and innovative, with a deep appreciation of the value of our university’s mission and who has demonstrated servant leadership throughout their career.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Feds pledge $50M to help colleges as FAFSA delays slow financial aid offers
By Vanessa McCray
The U.S. Department of Education will provide $50 million to help colleges with financial aid work in response to delays caused by the slow rollout of the revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The agency on Monday said nonprofit groups will be charged with hiring current and retired financial aid professionals to supplement existing college staff and offer technical assistance and training as schools process FAFSA data and prepare financial aid offers to students. The Education Department also said it will deploy about 50 of its own experts to provide on-campus and virtual support to schools in the coming weeks and months. …Georgia schools already are making adjustments, such as preparing more financial aid estimates to give students a general idea of the cost before the FAFSA information is available. Georgia Tech is preparing to process about 30,000 financial aid applications over roughly a month instead of handling that volume over half a year.
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Specialty Crop Grower
Pecan production was down this past season, especially in the Southeast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. Utilized production decreased by 6%, compared to 2022, totaling 271 million pounds. Bearing acreage was estimated at 441,000, also a decrease from the prior season. The average yield was 616 pounds per acre, down 36 pounds from the previous year. The crop’s value was $460 million in 2023, down 12% from 2022 with an average annual price of $1.69 per pound. New Mexico had the highest utilized production at 100 million pounds followed by Georgia at 88.3 million pounds. Georgia’s production dropped significantly from the 131 million pounds in 2022. Expert Analysis Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, was not surprised at this year’s decreased production.
Investing
New AI-based test to detect ovarian cancer early with 93% accuracy
Scientists have combined machine learning with information on blood metabolites to develop a new test able to detect ovarian cancer with 93 per cent accuracy. For over three decades, a highly accurate early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer has eluded physicians. Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer because the disease is typically asymptomatic when it first arises — and is usually not detected until later stages of development, when it is difficult to treat. According to John McDonald, Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology, US, the new test’s accuracy is better in detecting ovarian cancer than existing tests for women clinically classified as normal, with a particular improvement in detecting early-stage ovarian disease in that cohort.
Technology Networks
Cell Therapy Targets Brain Inflammation After Stroke
First of its kind cell therapy targets brain inflammation caused by stroke.
A new therapeutic for stroke based on University of Georgia research will soon enter clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the new drug, known as AB126, to enter a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial, which is expected to begin in the first half of 2024 and will require significant funds to complete. This is the first stage of the trial and will test the safety and efficacy of the therapeutic in ischemic stroke patients. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots that reduce or block blood flow to brain tissue, preventing the brain from getting adequate oxygen. These strokes are a leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.
MedicalXpress
Study says reducing homelessness by 25% could save thousands of lives from dying by overdose
by Leigh Hataway, University of Georgia
Reducing homelessness by 25% could save almost 2,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses, according to new research from the University of Georgia. Published by Health Affairs, the study is the first to suggest that increased homelessness likely causes increased overdose deaths from drugs and alcohol. The researchers also found that reducing homelessness by a quarter could save 850 lives from alcohol poisoning and 540 from cocaine overdoses. (Due to the nature of addiction, some of these lost lives may overlap.)
Statesboro Herald
Flock cameras read license plates, photograph cars across Statesboro
Police credit system with helping solve 2 homicides, 7 vehicle thefts and several other serious crimes
Al Hackle/Staff
Yes, the Statesboro Police Department now uses a system of cameras that read license plates digitally and capture images of vehicles. But no, they’re not the very obvious – and older – cameras that peer down at you from atop traffic lights at a few major intersections. …The newer, less in-your-face Flock brand license plate reader, or LPR, cameras are on short poles topped by small solar panels at locations across the city. …Started around campus The Statesboro Police Department made its first exploratory step into Flock camera use in 2022, when Georgia Southern University put up several of the cameras around its Statesboro campus and the SPD installed four “to sort of fill in the blanks” around the campus system, Broadhead said. The university announced in February 2023 that Flock Safety’s “vehicle fingerprint” cameras were being installed as part of a $1.2 million upgrade to camera security systems. The LPRs are a relatively small part of the university’s network, which also includes cameras in residence halls and other buildings and in outdoor pedestrian spaces. As of one year ago, Georgia Southern’s network fielded more than 1,800 video cameras on the Statesboro, Savannah and Hinesville campuses.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Opinion: Recognize, reward higher education’s hidden workforce in Georgia
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
By Maureen Downey
Christopher A. Thompson is a doctoral student in the global executive doctor of education program at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education. He is also a part-time instructor at the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University. Additionally, he is the parliamentarian and communications chair of the KSU Part-Time Faculty Council. In a guest column, Thompson addresses the long-standing neglect of the adjunct teaching force through the state’s public university system. By Christopher A. Thompson Gov. Brian Kemp’s recent State of the State address shed light on significant financial challenges Georgia residents face, promising a renewed commitment to address key issues. However, a critical aspect seems to be overlooked in his plans — the plight of part-time instructors within the state’s higher education system.
WSAV
State Rep. Lehman Franklin named TIME Dealer of the Year finalist
by: Molly Curley
Statesboro’s own State Rep. Lehman Franklin of Franklin Toyota was named a top finalist for TIME’s Dealer of the Year on Friday. The award is said to be one of the auto industry’s highest honors. “At TIME, we are proud to uphold the decades-long tradition of honoring automotive dealers who make a positive impact and show dedication to their communities,” TIME CEO Jessica Sibley stated in a press release. …According to his website, Franklin grew up in Statesboro and graduated from Statesboro High School before attending the Citadel Military College, then earning his master’s degree at Georgia Southern University.
Rough Draft Atlanta
Sandy Springs Councilwoman Kelley recognized for municipal training
by Bob Pepalis
Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Melody Kelley received the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute Certificate of Recognition during the Georgia Municipal Association’s annual Cities United Summit in Atlanta on Jan. 28. The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides training opportunities for city officials, according to a GMA press release.
Albany Herald
Albany State to host Kennedy Center College Theater Festival
By Carlton Fletcher
Albany State University will host The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Feb. 6-10 on the east and west campuses and at the Albany Municipal Auditorium. The festival is a nationally organized program involving more than 18,000 students annually and eight regions throughout the country. Regional KCACTFs are held in January and February to showcase outstanding theater productions, offer workshops, and celebrate the creative works of students.
Higher Education News:
The New York Times
A Top College Reinstates the SAT
Why other schools may follow Dartmouth’s lead.
By David Leonhardt
Dartmouth College announced this morning that it would again require applicants to submit standardized test scores, starting next year. It’s a significant development because other selective colleges are now deciding whether to do so. In today’s newsletter, I’ll tell you the story behind Dartmouth’s decision.
Training future leaders Last summer, Sian Beilock — a cognitive scientist who had previously run Barnard College in New York — became the president of Dartmouth. After arriving, she asked a few Dartmouth professors to do an internal study on standardized tests. Like many other colleges during the Covid pandemic, Dartmouth dropped its requirement that applicants submit an SAT or ACT score. With the pandemic over and students again able to take the tests, Dartmouth’s admissions team was thinking about reinstating the requirement. Beilock wanted to know what the evidence showed. …Three Dartmouth economists and a sociologist then dug into the numbers. One of their main findings did not surprise them: Test scores were a better predictor than high school grades — or student essays and teacher recommendations — of how well students would fare at Dartmouth.
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Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Inside Higher Ed
Differential Tuition Is Popular. But Is It Equitable?
Colleges have long charged more for costly programs like nursing and engineering. Some put money back into scholarships meant to offset negative impacts.
By Johanna Alonso
As the secretary of college affordability for the Illinois State University Student Government Association, Ross Vancil advocates for students on the issue of educational cost. Nevertheless, he’d never heard of the concept of differential tuition until ISU administrators briefed the SGA on the model, which the university’s board approved in late January. That’s not surprising; the practice of differential tuition—requiring students in different classes, majors or academic years to pay more than baseline tuition—isn’t widely known. But it is a popular strategy for colleges nationwide to offset the costs of majors that require, say, specialized equipment, advanced labs or higher-than-average salaries for professors. ISU is seeking to do just that. Starting next year, the university will raise the tuition price for students in several programs in the hopes of funding the top supplies, facilities and faculty in those areas.
Higher Ed Dive
Title IX regulations advance to White House after significant delay
The Education Department is closer to finalizing the controversial regulation, which it aimed to release in March after two previous delays.
Naaz Modan, Senior Reporter
Dive Brief:
The U.S. Department of Education sent its long-awaited Title IX proposed rule to the White House on Friday after significant delay, bringing the department one step closer to finalizing the controversial regulation. The department has yet to send the second Title IX rule — on transgender students’ athletics participation — to the Office of Management and Budget, which oversees federal regulations. The department already missed two deadlines it set for the release of both rules, once in May 2023 and again in October 2023. The agency attributed the delays to overwhelming feedback on the proposals. The department then pivoted to a March 2024 deadline for both rules. However, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the division of OMB that reviews draft regulations, could take up to 120 days to review each one.
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Inside Higher Ed
Dartmouth Basketball Players Are Employees, NLRB Rules
Regional office of National Labor Relations Board says the Ivy League college’s male players can unionize. Dartmouth plans to appeal.
By Doug Lederman
A regional office of the National Labor Relations Board ruled Monday that Dartmouth College’s men’s basketball players are employees and have the right to unionize. In a 26-page decision, Laura A. Sacks, regional director for the NLRB’s Northeast region, said she reached that conclusion because “Dartmouth has the right to control the work performed by the men’s varsity basketball team, and because the players perform that work in exchange for compensation.” Importantly, Sacks said, the conclusion that college players are employees “would not create instability in labor relations.”