11Alive
Georgia lawmakers pass resolution honoring life of Laken Riley
Riley’s parents were also in attendance.
Author: Jesse Nussman, 11Alive Staff
Georgia lawmakers honored the life and memory of Laken Riley on Wednesday with the passing of a resolution at the state Capitol. After the resolution was read, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones spoke and held a moment of silence for the UGA student killed last month. Riley’s parents were also in attendance, and her father spoke to members of the Senate.
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Emanuel County Live
The East Georgia State College (EGSC) Women’s Basketball Team made history this weekend after being crowned the 2024 Region 17 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Women’s Basketball Champions! This is the first women’s team in the College’s history to win the GCAA Championship. The Lady Bobcats will now travel to Wyoming for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship. …The Lady Bobcats ended the regular season ranked 22nd in the NJCAA national poll and received the 15th seed for the NJCAA Tournament. …“This is a dynamite team to watch, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. EGSC is on the women’s basketball map because of this group of student-athletes,” said Dr. David Schecter, EGSC President.
The Holcad
The Great Generative AI Debate
Sarah Anil Cherian
The Westminster College Speech and Debate organization, advised by Dr. Randy Richardson, recently hosted an event in continuation with their “The Great Debate” series, which was created to highlight the importance of civilized and reasoned debate in public discourse. The idea was conceived during a discussion between Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, the President of Westminster College, and Dr. Brendan Kelly, the President of University of West Georgia. The series started last spring semester on UWG’s campus, with teams from both schools debating the impact of social media on democracy.
Middle Georgia CEO
Atlanta Gas Light Company Presents MGA Foundation With $25,000 Check
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
The Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGL) recently presented the Middle Georgia State University (MGA) Foundation with a check for $25,000 for the Atlanta Gas Light Endowed Scholarship fund. Since 2018, the Atlanta Gas Light Company has been providing financial support for MGA’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students through the Atlanta Gas Light Endowed Scholarship.
The City Menus
By Miranda Hodges
In a display of support for education and community development, the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary has given $25,000 to further enhance and support the current endowment for the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business. This gift, a testament to the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders, will have a lasting impact on students and faculty. The Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club is comprised of strong leaders in Carrollton who serve their local community. President of the Carrollton Dawnbreakers, Jessica Ainsworth ’06 ’16, shared her excitement about this continued partnership with UWG.
Monroe County News
UNG students from the local community present at Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference
Sharon Swanepoel
Students and faculty with the University of North Georgia’s (UNG) Honors Program hosted the Georgia Collegiate Honors Conference from Feb. 23-24 at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus, and one student won a research award. Dr. Anastasia Lin, UNG assistant vice president of Academic Affairs and Honors Program director, served as faculty vice president of the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council, while senior Jami Nakan served as student vice president of the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council. Nakan and Lin planned the statewide event in collaboration with a team of volunteers from the Honors Program as well as Lillie Holtzclaw, administrative assistant for Honors and McNair. In addition to hosting the conference, UNG had 33 students present their research at the event.
Augusta CEO
Business Owners Benefit From UGA SBDC Assistance
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
The 2023 Economic Impact Study of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) provides solid evidence that entrepreneurs utilizing UGA SBDC assistance experience greater sales and employment growth than the state averages, despite the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic. The study found that the employment base of UGA SBDC’s existing business clients grew by 21.1%, while overall employment levels in Georgia grew by 4.4%. Also, during the same time, UGA SBDC’s existing business clients increased their sales by an average of 23.9% while the average Georgia business experienced an increase in sales of 10.0%. The tax implications of this incremental difference show that UGA SBDC clients, both existing and pre-ventures, generated nearly $13.1 million in state tax revenues and nearly $9.0 million in federal tax revenues beyond what they would have generated if their performance levels had been the same as that of the average Georgia business.
Emanuel County Live
The U.S. Air Force Band of the West set to perform at East Georgia State College
The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will take the stage at the East Georgia State College (EGSC) Gambrell Building Auditorium to kick off the College’s 2024 Vision Series on Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m. For nearly 40 years, March has been officially designated as the time to celebrate music education and its role in building a world class educational system for our great nation. …The East Georgia State College Vision Series is an initiative that underwrites academic and cultural enrichment programs for East Georgia State College students and the surrounding community. Since its inception, the Vision Series has hosted outstanding personalities, authors, newsmakers, musical performances, dance companies, and theatrical productions. Past programs include President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, Dr. Maya Angelou, the Atlanta Pops, Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
Albany Herald
Fort Valley State names new research director
From staff reports
Fort Valley State University announced the appointment of Jill Triplet Ellis as the new executive director for Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness. She will assume her new role on April 1. Ellis spent nearly a decade as the director of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning at Spelman College, where her leadership was recognized at state, regional and national levels. While at Spelman, Ellis was instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence in research, institutional effectiveness, and strategic planning.
WGAU Radio
Ness to lead McBee Institute of Higher Education
By Mike Wooten, UGA Today
Erik Ness, a distinguished higher education researcher, teacher and academic leader, has been named the next director of the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia following a national search. A member of the McBee Institute faculty since 2009, Ness currently serves as a professor of higher education and graduate coordinator. As director, he will be the chief academic and administrative officer of the institute with responsibility for its instructional, research and outreach programs. His appointment is effective July 1.
Albany Herald
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Homecoming set for April 5-6
From staff reports
The 2024 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Homecoming is kicking off on April 5 in the spirit of the Olympics with the theme “Bring Home the Gold.” “Our alumni are some of the most accomplished people in the Southeast, and it is always great to reunite with them on campus,” Lynda Fisher, director of Alumni and Special Events, said in a news release. “We have many activities for the entire family and hope the community will join us as well.”
Morning AgClips
Farm Again helps veterans reconnect with the land
For many veterans, returning to civilian life is a stark shift from their fast-paced and service-based military life. When you combine this with the more than 4.7 million veterans who have service-based disabilities, the challenges of re-entry compound. The University of Georgia is working to assist Georgia’s veterans with this transition through its dynamic farming program, Farm Again. “The program does more than you expect it to because it provides more than just equipment,” said Iteago Felton, owner of 3T Farms and Farm Again participant whose military career spans 32 years of Army service. “It gives us the knowledge, a new community of farmers and veterans, and a sense of pride because you know you are of service to your community again.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia fruit growers predict good crop after cold snap scare
Expert says state ‘dodged the bullet’ so far this year, but in the long run, farmers will need to adapt to a warming climate
By Olivia Wakim and Meris Lutz
A late cold snap appears to have spared Georgia’s blueberries, peaches and citrus after a disastrous season last year. “We have a full crop,” said Will McGehee, marketing director for Georgia Peach Council. “We’re about as excited about this crop as we’ve ever been.” Last year was among the worst on record for Georgia peach farmers, who lost more than 90% of their crops after an abnormally warm winter coaxed the trees to bud before a March freeze killed the blossoms that would have become fruit. …Pam Knox, an agricultural climatologist at UGA, said Georgia could see another frost before May, but for now she’s optimistic about the 2024 season. …In the long run, however, farmers will need to adapt to a changing climate in which winters are warming twice as fast as other seasons, Knox said. Some are already diversifying their crops and experimenting with chemical sprays to protect the plants from the elements and control when they bloom.
See also:
Cotton Companion: Adjusting to New EPA Adjustments
Grice Connect
Georgia Southern University launches ‘Only for Southern’ Day of Giving
At noon on March 26, all of Eagle Nation will come together for Georgia Southern’s first-ever Day of Giving: “Only for Southern.” This 24-hour event is designed to unite our campuses and communities in support of student success — displaying the loyalty, passion and True Blue pride that are the hallmarks of being an Eagle. The event sets an ambitious goal of securing 1,000 gifts within 24 hours. Eagle Nation is more than Georgia Southern University’s students and alumni, faculty and staff, learning centers and campuses. It also encompasses the communities we serve and the friends and partners with whom we create a better Southeast Georgia.
WTVM
New Mountain Hill Elementary enhance STEAM education with ‘Spring Steam Open House’
By Alexis Thornton
New Mountain Hill Elementary (NMHE) collaborates with Columbus State University and other programs to enhance STEAM education in Harris County. On March 12, Columbus State University, and the Professional Art Integration Resources program (PAIR), partnered with (NMHE) to host its “Spring STEAM Open House” showcasing a collaborative community partnerships and innovative STEAM education initiatives. Principal Jessica Burnett says she’s excited to empower future educators. “Our Spring STEAM Open House is a testament to our commitment to providing engaging and interdisciplinary learning experiences for our students. Through partnerships like the one with Columbus State University, we’re able to empower future educators with the tools and knowledge to excel in STEAM education.” said Principal Burnett.
WTVM
Piedmont Columbus Regional set to host 2024 Piedmont Classic
By Josiah Berry
The Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation is preparing to host its 2024 Piedmont Classic – Driven by Mercedes-Benz – event. The two-day event is slated for April 22-23 beginning at 9:30 a.m. – County Club of Columbus. … Participants can enjoy breakfast before morning drills with National Champions from Columbus State University’s Men’s & Women’s Tennis Teams.
WGAU Radio
UNG’s Nighthawks punch ticket to NCAA championship round
By Clark Leonard, UNG
The University of North Georgia men’s basketball team is taking its pursuit of a national title to another level. Thanks to a 70-67 victory against Lander University in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional championship game March 19, the Nighthawks are headed to the eight-team NCAA championship, which starts March 26 in Evansville, Indiana. UNG is the fifth seed in the national quarterfinals and faces West Texas A&M at 9:30 p.m. March 26. The winner will take on the victor between No. 1 Minnesota State and No. 8 Ferris State in a March 28 national semifinal. A raucous, all-time record crowd of 3,767 in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center got to see a relentless effort from UNG against Lander.
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Grice Connect
Georgia Southern Shines at Loaded Schenkel Invitational
Georgia Southern, the two-time defending champions and the host school, bettered five schools ranked ahead of them in the latest Clippd’d rankings (#25 Mississippi State, #54 Florida Gulf Coast, #58 South Carolina, #66 NC State and #67 Kentucky) to finish fourth and claim its 23rd top-five finish in tournament history.
y!sports
Former Georgia quarterback lands in-state coaching job
Will McBroom
Following the conclusion of his tumultuous college football career, former Georgia quarterback JT Daniels has officially begun his coaching career. Daniels has been hired as a graduate assistant for the University of West Georgia under head coach Joel Taylor.
11Alive
CSU students, professors fear for futures due to budget cuts
The university maintains that nothing is final.
Author: Tresia Bowles
Students and professors at Clayton State University fear their programs could be in jeopardy because of this year’s state budget cuts. Kaitlynn Cassidy said the rumors of the math, is a sophomore who transferred to CSU to study math and aerospace engineering, a dream she’s had since she was a kid. …Interim mathematics department chair Dr. Elliot Krop said he received a message last week from the dean. “They will cut the mathematics program and the chemistry program,” Krop said. …A university spokesperson said it isn’t true: “To be clear, no decisions have been made about any of Clayton State University’s degree programs. Like all University System of Georgia institutions, we routinely assess program offerings and are in that process now…”…And here’s a statement from USG: “The University System of Georgia (USG) has not received recommendations from Clayton State University about these programs. As a matter of course, all USG institutions, not just Clayton State, do routine examinations of underperforming/under-enrolled programs and continue to assess these programs over several years before submitting recommendations to the system office.”
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
How Perceptions of College Value Play Out on Social Media
By Jessica Blake
A scan of 13,000 social media comments discussing the value of going to college shows that 93 percent of them reflected negative or neutral views, a recent report finds. The study by Campus Sonar uses a research methodology known as social listening or social intelligence to expand the analysis of public views on the value of higher education. The findings largely reinforce a trend observed in other more traditional survey-based reports: that confidence in the value of a college degree is declining. But Liz Gross, founder and chief executive officer of Campus Sonar, said the study adds a new level of depth.
Higher Ed Dive
Alabama governor signs law banning college DEI funding
The legislation, which will take effect Oct. 1, reflects a broader trend of state bills moving to limit or prohibit diversity programming in public education.
Laura Spitalniak, Staff Reporter
Dive Brief:
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a law on Tuesday that will ban public colleges from funding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, continuing a nationwide push by conservatives to remove such programs from higher education. The legislation will also ban Alabama public colleges and K-12 schools, as well as state agencies, from requiring students or employees to take trainings, orientations or coursework that promote “divisive concepts.” The bill’s list of divisive concepts includes the ideas that a person of any race, sex or religion is inherently privileged or that anyone should acknowledge a sense of complicity based on those traits. The measure will take effect Oct. 1.
Inside Higher Ed
Florida Law Threatens to Defund, Disband Higher Ed Unions
Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation last year threatening to decertify unions if fewer than 60 percent of bargaining unit members paid dues. Faculty unions are threatened but not yet erased.
By Ryan Quinn
In May 2023, two weeks before Florida governor Ron DeSantis officially announced his run for the Republican presidential nomination, he signed a law threatening public sector unions’ continued funding—and existence. Senate Bill 256 said that if fewer than 60 percent of workers in a union’s bargaining unit paid dues, employees who wanted to keep their union representation would have to win another representation election. Simultaneously, the new law forbade public employers, such as state colleges and universities, from deducting union dues from the paychecks of workers who wanted to pay those dues, forcing unions to find another way to collect that money. The law also required that employees who wish to join unions sign “membership authorization forms” that show the names, salaries and other compensation, “including reimbursements,” paid to the union’s five highest-compensated employees.
Inside Higher Ed
House Committee Investigates UC Berkeley’s Antisemitism Response
Following a campus protest of an Israeli speaker that turned violent last month, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce is investigating UC Berkeley.
By Kathryn Palmer
The House committee that castigated the now-resigned presidents of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania for their responses to antisemitism on campus has launched a probe of the University of California at Berkeley. “We have grave concerns regarding the inadequacy of UC Berkeley’s response to antisemitism on its campus,” Representative Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, wrote Tuesday in a letter addressed to Dr. Michael Drake, president of the UC system; Carol Christ, chancellor of Berkeley; and Richard Lieb, chair of the UC Board of Regents.
Higher Ed Dive
What defines a ‘highly successful’ learning program?
UpSkill America and i4cp, a research firm focused on human capital, attempted to answer this question by looking at three of the biggest areas of upskilling.
Kathryn Moody, Senior Editor
As a new era of artificial intelligence tools dawns, more employers seek the benefits of learning programs to ensure their workforces can meet the coming challenges. But with options for L&D broadening, what does a solid investment look like in practice? UpSkill America and i4cp, a research organization focused on human capital, attempted to answer this question by looking at three of the biggest areas of upskilling: internal programming, apprenticeships or work-and-learn programs, and tuition assistance or reimbursement. The study, published March 12, focused on the impact of these programs on front-line workers — those who may be especially vulnerable as AI potentially transforms a significant number of jobs.
Inside Higher Ed
University of Nebraska Regents Pick Presidential Finalist
By Josh Moody
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents named Jeffrey Gold as its priority candidate for the system’s open presidency, making the current University of Nebraska Medical Center chancellor the likely pick after the state-mandated 30-day public-vetting period concludes. Gold has led UNMC since 2014 and is provost and executive vice president of the NU system. He was named the candidate in a Board of Regents meeting Wednesday, held shortly after Republican Governor Jim Pillen criticized members for not hiring a president sooner.