AllOnGeorgia
A statement from GSU President Kyle Marrero about the passing of Nick Henry
The Georgia Southern community is mourning the loss of Dr. Nicholas L. Henry, the 10th President of Georgia Southern University. Nick was a beloved president who served the second-longest term (1987-1998) at Georgia Southern, during which time he helped to transform the University into a regional force. During his administration, Georgia Southern was the fastest-growing university in the United States for seven years. His most consequential achievement was leading Georgia Southern to achieve University status from the Board of Regents in 1990. …There is so much more that Nick accomplished in 11 years as president. He was an advocate for students, staff and faculty. He raised the bar for what a University president could do for the community, region and state. He will be sorely missed by all of Eagle Nation.
WALB
Albany State University achieves record enrollment and retention rates
By Takyia Price
Albany State University (ASU) is celebrating a significant milestone as it experiences growth for the third consecutive year. The university’s spring enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year has surged by 3.3% compared to the previous year. …ASU’s success extends beyond enrollment numbers. The university has achieved the highest increase in retention rates among all National Institute for Student Success (NISS) partner institutions in the USG. ASU’s overall retention rate for both full and part-time Bachelor’s degree-seeking students has risen from 61.9% in 2022 to 76.8% in 2023, demonstrating a 14.9% increase.
Athens CEO
UGA Receives $5.2M to Combat Labor Trafficking
André Gallant
Award supports financial capability programs for vulnerable populations
The University of Georgia will receive $5.2 million from the U.S. Department of State to expand a multi-institutional effort to combat labor trafficking in Malawi and Zambia. The new award adds to $2.2 million already committed to the UGA-based Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach (CenHTRO) to study the prevalence of labor trafficking in the region. Informed by research produced in the first phase, the additional funding allows CenHTRO and its partners to implement financial programs that can reduce the risks and prevalence of labor trafficking among youth and young adults. UGA is the lead partner of an international team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Washington University in St. Louis. Research partners in southern Africa include the University of Malawi and the University of Zambia.
Emanuel County Live
Tree dedication in memory of Dr. John Black
East Georgia State College (EGSC) hosted an Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration on Tuesday, February 13, in memory of EGSC past president, Dr. John Black. The event was held on the EGSC Swainsboro campus behind the Luck F. Gambrell Building. Dr. John Black served as the fourth president of East Georgia College for seven years. Under Dr. Black’s leadership, East Georgia College experienced monumental growth, including student enrollment, the addition of athletics, expanded facilities on the main campus in Swainsboro, a permanent facility in Statesboro, and its first on-campus apartment facility. Additionally, East Georgia College was approved by the Board of Regents to become a state college.
Griffin Daily News
On the road to better wellness: UWG unveils mobile health unit
By Julie Lineback
What began as a rudimentary drawing in University of West Georgia alumna and Chief Wellness Officer Bridgette Stewart’s home has now materialized into a medical clinic on wheels, providing not only students with hands-on experiential learning but also prioritizing the well-being of the greater Carrollton and neighboring communities. “We have many underserved communities in and around Carrollton that simply don’t get basic wellness care and prevention education due to lack of insurance or transportation and language or financial barriers,” Stewart ’03 said. “We need to get to them. The unit was designed specifically to provide cost-effective, preventative wellness education care to the community while also providing innovative experiential learning opportunities for students.”
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Middle Georgia CEO
MGA Renews Academic Partnership With Robins Air Force Base
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
Middle Georgia State University (MGA) has renewed a strategic partnership with the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins Air Force Base. The 5-year renewed partnership, which gives MGA a Warner Robins presence to help service personnel and their families with their higher education goals, became official with the recent formal approval of Col. Deedrick Reese, commander of the 78th Air Base Wing, and University President Christopher Blake. MGA is one of only three institutions of higher education with this kind of presence at the Robins AFB Education Center. …MGA will work directly with service personnel, their families, and members of the Warner Robins community to connect them with online and in-person degree programs that are in line with their career goals.
Emanuel County Live
Elected officials join 4-H’ers in Atlanta for largest Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol on record
The Georgia Capitol building turned shades of green as 4-H youth and adult leaders joined elected officials on February 14, for the largest Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol on record with nearly 700 attendees. Outstanding 4-H’ers from counties across the state gathered to engage with their legislators, observe leadership in action, and learn about the civic process. The Emanuel County delegation was made up of 4-H members Yasmin Rios, FaithAnn Rogers, and Lauren Sapp and 4-H Volunteer Martha Anders. Civic engagement is one of three focus areas that Georgia 4-H emphasizes to youth through in-school programming, after-school activities, project work and camps. …As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
Phys Org
Are women CEOs more risk-averse than men? Not necessarily, study shows
by Geoff McMaster, University of Alberta
According to a commonly held assumption, women CEOs are more risk-averse than their male counterparts. Some studies have even demonstrated that women in top leadership roles are less likely than men to engage in acquisitions. But that impression is woefully misleading, according to new research co-authored by Timothy Hannigan in the Alberta School of Business. The study, published recently in the Strategic Management Journal, shows that while female CEOs of major firms make fewer acquisitions—one key measure of strategic decision-making—than men on average, that difference disappears when they are under high levels of scrutiny. …The research, led by Daniel Gamache from the University of Georgia, examined the number and dollar amounts of acquisitions at some 1,700 firms, collecting more than 10,000 observations.
ZME Science
The essential read on plastics — a material that changed the world
We need to talk about plastic — and this is an excellent starting point.
By Mihai Andrei
Plastic is probably the most impactful material of the past century. It’s so durable, and cheap, that it’s become popular enough to be one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. We just can’t get rid of it. In a compact and approachable book, two researchers give a crash course in plastics. …Both authors have dedicated some of their work to science communication. Imari Walker-Franklin is a research scientist at RTI International in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park as well as a writer, actor, and director for her science communication YouTube channel, which discusses plastic pollution and its possible solutions. Jenna Jambeck is a professor in Environmental Engineering at the University of Georgia, founder of the Circularity Informatics Lab, and co-developer of Marine Debris Tracker. So, it’s not surprising that an important part of the book is dedicated to the sustainability aspects of plastic production and recycling.
Athens Banner-Herald
Athens educator, UGA graduate announced as new poet laureate
Andrew Shearer
The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission on Wednesday announced author and educator Mikhayla Robinson Smith as the Poet Laureate of Athens. Smith graduated from the University of Georgia’s English program in 2020 and currently teaches first grade in the Clarke County School District. As a poet, spoken word artist, essayist and parent, Smith is focused on making poetic literature more accessible to the Athens community, and particularly for young people.
WJCL
Georgia Southern grad earns Golden Ticket on ‘American Idol’: Will Moseley is headed to Hollywood
It took only 30 seconds for the Hazlehurst native to get a ‘Yes’ from Lionel Richie.
Graham Cawthon, Digital Media Manager
A Georgia Southern University grad took the stage Sunday on ‘American Idol’ in hopes of getting to the next step in his music career. WJCL brought you the story last week of Will Moseley. Moseley, 23, is a Hazlehurst native who graduated from GSU in May 2023. …After the song, Moseley earned the final Golden Ticket, en route to continuing in the competition and heading to Hollywood for the next round.
Savannah Business Journal
March 6 – TEDxSavannah announces speakers
Savannah Business Journal Staff Report
TEDxSavannah, an independently organized, half-day celebration of ideas worth spreading, has selected 12 speakers for the 13th annual TEDxSavannah event, which will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fine Arts Auditorium at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus, located at 11935 Abercorn St. Doors will open at noon. The TEDxSavannah theme for 2024 is Convergence. Speakers will address the theme from a range of perspectives in talks designed to resonate deeply with the greater Savannah community. One of the speakers is Steve Hein, Founder and Executive Director, Georgia Southern University Wildlife Center.
Savannah Morning News
‘Day is very special’: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Chairman talks 200th celebration
Latrice Williams
As the city gears up for the 200th St. Patrick’s Day celebration, St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee General Chairman Tim Mahoney is reminded of how far the event has come. “My dad was General Chairman in ‘68 and ‘69 when the parade was kind of going away,” said Mahoney. “To be able to see what this organization has been able to accomplish over the years now, as big as we are, is great. …Pipe bands from Ireland to California and marching bands from Georgia Southern University and Savannah State University will entertain the crowd. The Budweiser Clydesdales are making their return since 2018, too, said Mahoney.
The Georgia Virtue
Nonprofit Leadership Workshop Slated for March 12
United Way of Southeast Georgia is thrilled to announce our upcoming nonprofit leadership development workshop, sponsored by Bulloch Solutions & Georgia Southern University Public & Nonprofit Studies. Join us for an engaging Q&A session where you can bring ANY questions relating to your nonprofit journey. Whether you’re seeking feedback on grant applications, advice on strategic planning, or simply looking to connect with fellow changemakers, this workshop is for YOU!
The Tifton Gazette
‘A Night of Cabaret’ to benefit ABAC Fine Arts program
From Staff Reports
Over 50 years ago, superstar Liza Minnelli urged people to “Come to the Cabaret!” On March 8, local music fans and supporters of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Fine Arts program will be able to do just that. ‘A Night of Cabaret” will be held at ABAC’s Edwards Hall on Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. The enjoyable evening will feature ABAC students, faculty, and community musicians performing popular songs. Dessert refreshments, beer, and wine will be provided and 1920s dress is encouraged but not required. “We think this is a great way for the community to enjoy some of the wonderful talent we have here at ABAC and, most of all, have a good time,” said Dr. Jennifer Huang, the head of ABAC’s Department of Fine Arts. “We have several entertaining performers lined up and I know the audience will have a great time.”
WALB
Phoebe Sumter receives 2,000 teddy bears donated from GSW athletes
By Ty Grant
Athletes from Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) donated stuffed animals to Phoebe Sumter, Wednesday afternoon. The donation followed the university’s annual Teddy Bear Toss. At a recent basketball game, fans tossed nearly 2,000 stuffed toys on the Storm Dome court when the Canes scored their first basket. Phoebe says the teddy bears will be used to calm fears and bring smiles to the faces of Phoebe’s youngest patients and their families and will be shared with other community partners that serve children.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Georgia Gwinnett College Honors Doug Court’s Vast Contributions
By Dale Long Staff Correspondent
After 13 years, Georgia Gwinnett College’s Office of Athletics thought it was time to establish an Athletic Hall of Fame to honor those former and current student-athletes, coaches and staff whose hard work, dedication and quality have helped establish the college’s championship-quality program. But who would be the first Hall of Fame inductee?
The University Star
Women’s basketball eliminated in first round of conference tournament
Jacob De Luna, Sports Contributor
Freshman forward Julia Coleman scored a career-high 18 points and snagged eight rebounds in 22 minutes to lead Texas State women’s basketball (14-18, 4-14 Sun Belt Conference) in its heartbreaking 72-70 loss to Georgia Southern University (15-17, 4-14 Sun Belt) in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Tuesday morning at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola, Florida. …With a game-high 24 points, Georgia Southern senior guard Terren Ward converted a go-ahead layup with just four seconds on the clock. The Bobcats committed a turnover on the inbounds pass to secure the win for the Eagles and bring their season to an end.
Talk Business and Politics
Then & Now: Fundraising career brings Brunen back to Arkansas
by Paul Gatling
Meredith Brunen has helped raise millions for colleges and universities for nearly two decades. The philosophy that guides her is simple. “It’s all about relationships,” she said. “It’s about connecting people with their passions and the institution.” …Brunen spent the past four years as vice president for advancement and CEO of UWG Foundations at the University of West Georgia, which will transition this summer to join NCAA Division I as a member of the Athletic Sun Conference. UWG has an enrollment of nearly 13,000. Under Brunen’s leadership, UWG had its most successful fundraising year in history, including a 156% year-over-year increase and the institution’s largest gift ever. She also played a crucial role in securing a $1 million gift to establish the Stone Center for Family Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.
Savannah Tribune
While Some Folk Sleep, Others Are Making Decisions
By Joseph H. Silver, Sr., President Silver & Associates
As I watched the evening news on February 20, 2024, I listened to the reporter talk about the graffiti that was sprayed on the buildings at Savannah State University. Apparently, whoever did it was protesting the dismissal of thirteen faculty and the possibility of more closed programs at the institution that might include the programs in the “arts.” I agree with public protest, but I do not agree with damaging public or private property. Fresh on their minds could be the colleagues who were dismissed last year and the programs that were closed during the last round of budget cuts. The cuts were ostensibly made because of budget woes driven by dwindling enrollment. This could be the reality but one should not rule out decisions that have been made while many were sleeping. …What is the message here? The message is that the decisions described herein have impacted Savannah State University, its enrollment, and its finances in a negative way. Notwithstanding the self-inflicted wounds acknowledged above, there is a direct link between the problems at Savannah State University and decisions that were made by the governing Board and the state while many folks slept.
Higher Education News:
Higher Ed Dive
Soft skills lead to faster promotions, LinkedIn data shows
For talent professionals, this means upskilling initiatives and the hiring process should include a focus on soft skills.
By Carolyn Crist
Workers with soft skills — such as problem-solving, decision-making and good communication abilities — get promoted faster than those who don’t have the skills, according to a Feb. 29 report from LinkedIn. Based on LinkedIn data for 2020-2023, full-time employees who had both hard and soft skills on their profiles were promoted 8% faster than those who only had hard skills. “It’s a testament to the concrete impact of so-called soft skills: Even if you can’t easily measure the skill itself, they still make a measurable difference,” co-authors Greg Lewis and Manas Mohapatra wrote in the report.
Higher Ed Dive
Some employers are wary of Gen Z workers. What can colleges do?
Experts suggested ways for higher education institutions to help students learn critical workplace skills, such as oral communication and empathy.
By Kate Rix
Call them power skills, durable skills or 21st century skills, but career development experts say it’s time to acknowledge that proficiency in empathy, critical thinking and collaboration are required to be successful in most jobs. And some younger employees aren’t cutting it. They say a less-than-perfect storm of events has left Gen Z, generally considered young adults born after 1997, lacking in competencies that, in some cases, have been expected of workers but not explicitly named. Competencies like using a more formal way of talking or writing an email, dressing appropriately for the office and showing up for work on time are in short supply among some young employees, the career experts contend.
Inside Higher Ed
Fitch Says FAFSA Delays Put Private Colleges at Risk
By Katherine Knott
Delays in processing financial aid applications could threaten the credit or viability of small private colleges that serve students who are low income or come from underrepresented groups, Fitch Ratings warned in an alert Wednesday. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid delay is one of several factors that are increasing financial pressures on these colleges, Fitch analysts wrote. Other changes include the Biden administration’s plan to make more employees eligible for overtime, a new process for mergers or acquisitions, and the Supreme Court’s decision this past June to end race-conscious admissions.
Inside Higher Ed
Colleges, Education Department at Odds Over Inclusive Access Changes
The department is sticking by its plan to prohibit colleges from automatically billing students for course materials despite strong opposition from publishers and university leaders.
By Katherine Knott
After three rounds of talks, a rule-making advisory committee on Wednesday failed to reach agreement on an Education Department proposal that would prevent colleges from automatically billing students for books and supplies. The proposal, which colleges and universities say would undermine their efforts to provide students with affordable course materials on the first day of class, became one of the most contentious issues in this round of negotiated rule making—a lengthy process that the Education Department must go through before making certain regulatory changes. The current rules helped to spur growth in a procurement model for mostly digital textbooks and course materials known as inclusive or equitable access. Under the model, unless students opt out, they receive all required course materials, which are offered for sale at below-market rates through deals struck between institutions, publishers and campus bookstores, and they pay for them as part of their tuition. Under the department’s proposal, students would have to opt in before colleges and universities can charge them.
Inside Higher Ed
Report: Most University IT Employees Are Burned Out
By Lauren Coffey
IT employees at universities are experiencing burnout, increased workload and dipping budgets, according to a new report. Educause, a nonprofit focused on the intersection of higher education and technology, released a report Monday focused on IT leadership and its workforce. It is part of a series that previously reviewed cybersecurity and privacy, plus teaching and learning. Over two-thirds (70 percent) of respondents said their workload was at least “somewhat” excessive, according to the survey, which polled 411 people. Nearly the same amount (68 percent) reported their workload had increased over the last year. Unsurprisingly, 58 percent reported experiencing at least some burnout in the last 12 months. Female respondents, in particular, reported more burnout. Perhaps because of this, they also were significantly more likely to prefer remote work.
Inside Higher Ed
Struggling Eastern Gateway Gets $6 Million State Lifeline
By Josh Moody
Struggling Eastern Gateway Community College in Ohio will receive a $6 million lifeline from the state to keep it solvent through the spring, local NBC affiliate WFMJ reported. The move comes after EGCC halted registration in February, citing ongoing financial challenges. The $6 million was approved by the Ohio Controlling Board, part of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management. The board, which oversees state budget adjustments, is tapping state instructional funds for what local news outlets have described as an advance for Eastern Gateway. The Ohio Department of Education will need to sign off on the cash infusion.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Missouri State Announces Its 12th President
Johnny Jackson
Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams has been appointed president of Missouri State University. “I’m humbled by the honor and excited by the opportunity to lead Missouri State University toward a future where innovation, collaboration, and excellence define our educational journey,” said Williams, who becomes the university’s 12th president. “I’m inspired by the rich history and look forward to leading us to even greater achievements.” Williams has demonstrated proven success in strategic planning, community engagement, legislative advocacy, and fundraising, according to Board Chair Lynn Parman.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Florida Atlantic, UC Merced Earn Award for Institutional Transformation
Johnny Jackson
The American Council on Education (ACE) has announced winners of the 2024 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. Florida Atlantic University and the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) each received a $10,000 prize alongside the recognition. …The winners are represented in two categories, one for institutions with student populations of up to 12,000 (UC Merced) and another for institutions with student populations over 12,000 (Florida Atlantic).
Cybersecurity Dive
AWS CISO: Generative AI is just a tool, ‘not a magic wand’
Attackers and defenders have access to the same capabilities in generative AI. Clear advantages for either side have yet to materialize.
Matt Kapko, Senior Reporter
Chris Betz is neither fearful nor overly optimistic about the role of generative AI in cybersecurity. Instead Betz, CISO at AWS, balances both ends of the spectrum — he treats it just as he does any other burgeoning technology. “For what it’s worth, I’m not sure that the sky is falling,” Betz told Cybersecurity Dive. The security industry has not yet seen evidence that substantiates broad concerns about threat actors using generative AI to initiate cyberattacks more quickly, more often or with more damaging outcomes.
Cybersecurity Dive
Change Healthcare cyberattack having ‘far-reaching’ effects on providers
Providers said the outage at the UnitedHealth-owned technology company has affected billing, eligibility checks, prior authorization requests and prescription fulfillment.
By Emily Olsen and Susanna Vogel
A cyberattack against UnitedHealth-owned technology company Change Healthcare has shut down its systems for more than a week, hamstringing providers and disrupting pharmacy and other key operations. Change, which was acquired by insurer UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division in 2022, first reported the network outage on Feb. 21, then later said the problem was a “cybersecurity issue” from an outside threat. On Thursday, the technology company confirmed the ransomware group AlphV, also known as BlackCat, had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Cybersecurity Dive
Yet another threat actor seen exploiting ConnectWise ScreenConnect
Kroll researchers identified a new malware variant threat actors are deploying against the rapidly exploited security vulnerabilities.
David Jones Reporter
Dive Brief:
A new state-linked threat actor has joined the ConnectWise ScreenConnect fray, capitalizing on already rapidly exploited security flaws to deploy malware, Kroll Cyber Threat Intelligence researchers said Tuesday. The new malware, which Kroll dubbed ToddlerShark, was used during post-compromise threat activity linked to two vulnerabilities in ScreenConnect, including CVE-2024-1709, which has a CVSS score of 10. The ToddlerShark malware shares several similarities to BabyShark malware, which Palo Alto Networks researchers previously identified as targeting U.S. national security think tanks. That malware is linked to a group tracked by Kroll researchers as KTA082, but is also known as Kimsuky.