WSAV
Georgia Southern University secures $2.04M federal grant for water safety initiative
by: Emily Dietrich
Georgia Southern University announced today that the school has received $2.04 million in federal funding for its Institute for Water and Health’s (IWH) Safe Water Together initiative. Georgia Southern’s President Kyle Marrero made the announcement during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the IWH on the Georgia Southern Research Complex on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah — this comes about three years after the program was started in 2021.
The City Menus
‘The hardest setting’: UWG raises record $255,000+ at Presidential Black Tie Gala
By Colton Campbell
When the University of West Georgia announced its elevation to NCAA Division I athletics last fall, it was a turning point for the institution: a call to pursue a higher level of excellence not only in UWG Athletics but throughout all aspects of the university. It is that holistic elevation of UWG that was celebrated – and advanced – Saturday night during the 2024 Presidential Black Tie Gala, during which more than 350 members of the university community raised more than $255,000 (a new record) to support outcomes for students. The sold-out event, which also had record attendance, is the university’s largest fundraising event of the year. UWG President Dr. Brendan Kelly, who celebrated his fourth anniversary as president of the university on Saturday, shared keynote remarks centered around the concept of placing UWG on the “hardest setting” to ensure the institution becomes – and remains – competitive in a new marketplace.
WGAU Radio
UNG remembers former president
By Tim Bryant
The University of North Georgia is remembering Sherman Day, a former campus president who passed away at the age of 86. Day, after serving as president from 1996 through 1992, helped set up the UNG Cumming campus that opened in 2012.
From Clark Leonard, UNG…
Former University of North Georgia President Sherman Day passed away March 20 at age 86. Day served as president from 1996-1999. “We remember and honor the important legacy of former UNG President Sherman Day,” UNG President Michael Shannon said. “While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the profound impact he had on our university and the lives of those he touched.” Day came to North Georgia as an interim president expecting to be at the university for three months, then later became the permanent president and served for a total of three years. Years later, Day remains a beloved figure in UNG’s history for his ability to engage with students, faculty and staff. The Day Conference Room in Price Memorial Hall is named in his honor. …Even after leaving UNG, Day was instrumental in the establishment of UNG’s Cumming Campus in 2012.
Middle Georgia CEO
Counseling Services A Vital Part Of Support System For MGA Students
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
Fear of academic failure. Relationship issues. Navigating young adulthood. And, for some, a tendency toward suicidal thoughts. Those are part of the mixed bag of emotional and mental health challenges that college students nationwide can occasionally – or chronically – face. Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA’s) Counseling & Accessibility Services, part of the Office of Student Affairs, is a valuable resource for students struggling with issues both major and minor. …Dr. Michael Stewart, associate vice president for Student Affairs, recently reminded the MGA campus community about the virtual resources available to students. With support from the University System of Georgia, MGA is currently partnering with Uwill, a leading student mental health and wellness solution. Uwill offers students free immediate access to teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, and wellness programming through its easy-to-use online platform.
The Red & Black
Athens Free Clinic reflects on winning national award
Guinevere Grant
The Augusta University and University of Georgia Medical Partnership’s Athens Free Clinic was awarded the 2023 Star of Community Achievement award from the Association of American Medical Colleges in November 2023. This nationally recognized award honors a campus that has improved the health of the community by addressing health disparities and providing healthcare to those in need. Dr. Suzanne Lester, director of Athens Free Clinic, said that winning this award was validating and affirming to the team of the medical partnership students, faculty and staff who work for the clinic. The clinic’s novel approach — to allow patient care on real patients starting in the fifth week of the students’ first year — is one Lester said she hasn’t heard of at any other medical school.
Augusta CEO
UGA Nonprofit Leadership Program Graduates 2024 Class
Charlie Bauder
A long-standing leadership program at the University of Georgia continues to help nonprofit professionals from around Georgia sharpen their personal and organizational leadership skills. Twenty-five nonprofit leaders attended the 2024 Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofit Organizations Jan. 7-12 at the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. …Since 2007, the UGA Fanning Institute has led the program in partnership with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. For one week each year, UGA Fanning Institute faculty along with experts from around the country cover all facets of leading a nonprofit organization from learning about one’s personal leadership style to nonprofit finance and problem solving.
The Red & Black
UGA alumna serves young adults undergoing cancer treatment with newly established 118 Foundation
Audrey Hamm
The 118 Foundation was established earlier this year by Sadie Lackey, UGA alumna, who was inspired to create the 118 Foundation after her diagnosis of stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to serve adults ages 18 to 36 years old undergoing cancer treatment. “Our focus is very much on meeting these folks where they are and getting them what they need,” Lackey said. Lackey said she got the idea for the foundation in March of last year, about halfway through and at the peak time of her cancer treatment. Lackey, who is 26-years-old, said that this demographic of cancer patients often goes underserved due to the unique challenges that are presented at a pivotal point in their lives. …Lackey said this foundation serves the young adult population because of the gap in care and understanding for young adult cancer patients.
Albany Herald
GSW computer science professor awarded second patent
From staff reports
Georgia Southwestern State University Professor of Computer Science Alexander Yemelyanov recently received a patent award for “Express Decision: Decision-Making Augmentation System” (US Patent No. 11,794, 771, US PTO). This is his second U.S. patent awarded within the past year. …When the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted this patent, it marked the first implementation of a motivational decision-making model in the U.S.
ASBMB Today
Researchers uncover key biomolecule involved in whooping cough infection
Potential drug and vaccine strategies could target crucial glycan to fight pertussis
By Nancy D. Lamontagne
Researchers have identified a new complex-carbohydrate biomolecule, or glycan, that plays a key role in the nasal colonization of the Bordetella bacteria responsible for whooping cough. The discovery could make it possible to create a new drug or vaccine that interferes with the glycan to greatly reduce or even stop ongoing Bordetella transmission. Bordetella pertussis is the cause of the respiratory infection pertussis, which is widely known as whooping cough. Today’s pertussis vaccines keep people from getting severely sick, but they don’t eliminate the bacteria because it excels at colonizing, growing and persisting inside the nose. This means that despite more than 99% of people being vaccinated in the U.S., whooping cough continues to spread, leading to infections among vulnerable populations, particularly infants and elderly people. Yang Su led the study at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Vegetable Growers News
Georgia growers re-okay state vegetable commission
Georgia vegetable producers voted to continue the Georgia Vegetable Commission marketing order. During February balloting, growers overwhelmingly approved continuance of the one cent per marketing unit assessment for another three years. The commission covers 14 Georgia vegetable crops. The approval rate was more than 90% voting in favor of continuation, according to a news release. Every three years, the marketing order must be reapproved by vegetable growers via a two-thirds affirmative vote. …Funds collected by the commission support research, education, and promotion of the crops, including University of Georgia (UGA) research projects in areas of production, disease control as well as weed and insect management. According to policy, the commission must allocate at least 75% of its funding toward research at UGA and other research institutions.
Columbus CEO
Melissa Ingle Hammer Discusses the CSU GIVES Campaign
Columbus State University Alumni Association Board Member Melissa Ingle Hammer talks about the CSU GIVES Campaign that kicks off on April 9th and how to get involved.
WRBL
by: Chuck Williams
Three years after the motion picture “Neon Highway” was shot in and around Columbus, the movie is now in theaters. …“Neon Highway” was shot almost entirely in Columbus in the spring of 2021. It was shot at the height of the pandemic restrictions. Scenes were shot at local bars, residences and even the Columbus State University nursing school. “Columbus was extremely welcoming,” Leopold said. “We would love to shoot here again. The cooperation was fantastic. It really was. And I have shot around the world. I have shot everywhere. And the welcoming aspect of it, it was stellar.”
HR Dive
Want happier employees? Create a community, business scholars say
Pay is great, but simple measures like showing kindness and recognizing workers go a long way, too, speakers said at a recent Academy of Management event.
Ryan Golden, Senior Reporter
Amid a downward trend in U.S. employee engagement, organizations must reshape their people management approach to more directly address employee happiness, panelists said Tuesday at a virtual event hosted by the Academy of Management. Gallup data published in early 2023 found that engagement consistently declined in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. …Tasked with responding to these dynamics, HR might immediately think of compensation. …But money is only one aspect of what constitutes “decent work,” said Simone Phipps, professor of management at Middle Georgia State University, borrowing a phrase from the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development. Respect, security, safety and dignity are all important contributors to decent work, “and if you have decent work, you’re more likely to have employees who have their health and well-being maintained,” Phipps said.
Dalton Daily Citizen
Gee Haw Whoa Back Rodeo set for April 5-6
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will present its annual “Gee Haw Whoa Back” rodeo April 5-6 as a part of Homecoming Week. “We always look forward to the rodeo,” said Randi Hickman, development officer for ABAC. “We always have great competitors from across the Southeast at this event. You’ll see some great professional athletes and our stock contractor, 4L Rodeo Inc., brings some of the best rough stock and livestock in the industry.” The Professional Cowboy Association-sanctioned rodeo will be held at the ABAC Arena beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Gates open at 5 p.m.
WJCL
Local author releases new book spotlighting Savannah’s food scene
Unique Eats and Eateries of Savannah is written by Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser
Frank Sulkowski, Anchor/Reporter
A local author is serving up the scoop on Savannah’s vibrant food scene. Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser’s new book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Savannah, gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at original and iconic food establishments around the Hostess City. Lingenfelser is no stranger to the subject matter. She’s a culinary TV personality, private chef, columnist and blogger. The Georgia Southern University and Culinary Institute of Savannah graduate was a top 10 finalist on Season 14 of “Food Network Star,” and appeared on Season 2 of the ABC cooking competition, “The Taste,” with Anthony Bourdain.
Fernandina Observer
A Journey Into the World of Falconry
By Lauri deGaris
Over the past few years, I have enjoyed sharing numerous picnics on Cumberland Island with Carol Ruckdeschel. We get together as often as we can and chat about island life. …Carol said she had stumbled upon a few people trapping falcons on the north end of Cumberland Island National Seashore. … A few weeks after Carol told me about the falcon trappers on Cumberland Island, I took a sunrise walk along the south end beach of Amelia Island. I stopped to admire the warm morning light shimmering on the water when I spotted a small bird exhibiting odd behavior. I watched what looked like a small sandpiper trying to submerge itself in very shallow water. Then it appeared, unmatched in speed and hunting skill, a falcon dove from the sky and tried to catch the small bird. After several attempts, finally, in “one last fell swoop,” the falcon grabbed the bird by the back of the neck and flew to a nearby tree. …After this experience, I knew I had to learn more about falcons and the art of falconry. …A few weeks later, I visited The Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q. Ball, Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. They have a wildlife sanctuary and education center in the middle of the campus dedicated to birds of prey. I attended an afternoon workshop about falcons and other birds of prey and toured the wildlife sanctuary.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brent Key says Fanning Center will be ‘a huge step’ for Georgia Tech athletics
By Chad Bishop
On Monday, Georgia Tech and Tech athletics held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Dr. Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center. The Fanning Center, to be constructed in Bobby Dodd Stadium’s northeast corner on the current site of the Edge Center, was approved by the Georgia board of regents in 2022. It was named for alumnus Thomas Fanning, who was present at the ceremony in the President’s Suite in the Bill Moore Student Success Center in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
WTOC
Statesboro High student shooting for the stars, wins state riflery title
By Rachel West
The GHSA sanctions ten different Spring sports. Most of them won’t surprise you – baseball, golf, soccer, tennis. But one you might not be as familiar with? Riflery. Statesboro High School junior Katlyn Sullivan is very familiar with the sport, though, as she just claimed the state title earlier this month – a first for her and the Blue Devils. …Sullivan first started learning how to shoot at an early age, thanks to the guidance of her dad and grandfather. Then in fifth grade, she attended a camp at Georgia Southern, which was enough to spark the passion.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
By Liam Knox
The Education Department announced Monday that students will not be able to make corrections or adjustments to their student aid until “the first half of April”—potentially weeks later than had been predicted at the beginning of the month. The department also said it would only start reprocessing the 200,000 forms affected by last week’s calculation error after the forms had been opened for student corrections, meaning most colleges won’t be able to send out complete and accurate financial aid offers until May. While many institutions have pushed back commitment deadlines to May 15 or June 1 due to the FAFSA delays, May 1 remains the standard decision deadline for the majority of colleges.
See also:
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Higher Ed Dive
Biden signs FY 24 budget for Education Department, other agencies
The bipartisan and bicameral agreement keeps the maximum Pell Grant award at $7,395 for the 2024-25 school year.
Kara Arundel, Senior Reporter and Laura Spitalniak, Staff Reporter
The maximum Pell Grant award will remain at $7,395 for the 2024-25 school year, under a $79.1 billion bicameral, bipartisan budget signed by President Joe Biden Saturday. This maintains the $900 increase of the last two fiscal years, according to a Senate summary of the funding bill. But the U.S. Department of Education will get $500 million less for fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year, the agency’s first cut since FY 2015. The budget plan, which came just as the previous continuing resolution expired, covers the agencies that had still been operating without permanent appropriations bills through September 2024.
Inside Higher Ed
Black, Hispanic Students More Likely to Consider Leaving College
By Sara Weissman
Black and Hispanic students were more likely than their white classmates to have considered leaving college in the last six months, according to a recent report from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation. The report also found that stress was the leading reason students considered stopping out. The findings are based on a fall 2023 Gallup survey of 6,015 currently enrolled students, 5,012 adults with some college but no degree and 3,005 adults who had never enrolled in a higher ed institution.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Utah Higher Ed Seeks Compliance with New Law Prohibiting DEI
Johnny Jackson
Utah higher education leaders are considering steps toward compliance with a new law, HB 261, that prohibits an institution of higher education, public education system, and governmental employer from engaging in discriminatory practices. Such prohibited practices include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The bill, sponsored by Utah State Rep. Katy Hall, requires that universities expand “student success and support” initiatives once targeting historically marginalized groups to include all students regardless of race, ethnicity and other “personal identity characteristics.”
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Opinion
The Overlooked Factor in College Success: Belonging
Steve Katsouros
The problems in higher education are well known. As costs rise and graduation rates stagnate, some wonder if college still holds the same value in 2024 as it did for previous generations. However, most of the young adults I work with at the Come to Believe Foundation — students who are first-generation, students who are from low-wealth backgrounds, and students who are often on the margins of high-quality higher education programs — know the value of a college degree. The issue is that they don’t feel like they “belong” in higher ed.
Inside Higher Ed
Boston University Graduate Student Workers Strike
By Ryan Quinn
Boston University graduate student workers began striking Monday, calling for better pay, improved health care coverage and guaranteed childcare subsidies, among other demands. The Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU), part of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509, has been negotiating with the university for eight months. Two weeks ago, grad workers voted to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike; the university and union failed to reach an agreement to avert the start of the walkout.