University System News:
GPBI
Overview: 2020 Fiscal Year Budget for Higher Education
By Jennifer Lee
Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed 2020 budget of $2.58 billion for the university system and $373 million for technical colleges includes money for enrollment growth and merit pay, employee recruitment and retention. The proposed 2019 amended budget adds $35 million for an aviation academy at Chattahoochee Technical College and $3.6 million to meet the need in Georgia’s Dual Enrollment Program.
By the Numbers
Amended 2019 Fiscal Year Budget
Adds $35 million to the Technical College System of Georgia for an aviation academy at the Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport (Chattahoochee Technical College)
Adds $10 million in tobacco settlement funds for pediatric and adult clinical radiation therapy renovation and expansion projects at the Augusta University Health System campus
Adds $3.6 million to the Georgia Student Finance Commission to meet the need in the Dual Enrollment Program
2020 Fiscal Year Budget
Funding for the university system’s operating budget is set to increase $147 million, or 6.1 percent, over the 2019 budget. Increases include: …University System of Georgia
The proposed 2020 budget increase of $147 million for the university system is 6.1 percent higher than last year. …
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia students’ struggle to pay tuition puts pressure on legislators
By Eric Stirgus
University of Georgia student Elton García-Castillo said he worked three part-time jobs last semester, yet he still couldn’t afford the tuition. He took out two loans to pay for school, totaling more than $8,000, and is already paying one back.“There was no way I’m going to get (the tuition money) out of nowhere,” said García-Castillo, 22, a senior majoring in finance, explaining why he needed the loans.For an increasing number of Georgia students, college is not only about learning and growing into adulthood, it’s about finding ways to afford it. Needs-based aid for financially struggling students is a growing concern among many education analysts and public officials. There are about 525,000 students enrolled in Georgia’s public and private colleges, and by some estimates, more than 10,000 of them drop out every year due to financial hardship. State lawmakers passed a bill on the final day of last year’s legislative session aimed at filling the gap, but the final version of the legislation did not set aside a pot of money for students. “If we’re really serious in the Georgia General Assembly about helping college students, we really need to be looking at needs-based scholarships,” said Sen. Lester Jackson, a Savannah Democrat who is exploring ideas about how to fund needs-based aid.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Patriots presence creates buzz at Georgia Tech
By Eric Stirgus
A group of physically imposing visitors has spent a lot of time on Georgia Tech’s campus this week, creating, shall we say, a buzz among some there. The New England Patriots are practicing at Tech in preparation for Sunday’s Super Bowl LIII matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.Some students are excited. Some are a little grouchy about it. Some have no clue what the fuss is about.About two dozen students gathered outside Bobby Dodd Stadium, waiting for the Patriots to come out of Tech’s locker room and board two idling buses Thursday afternoon. Students took pictures and cheered as team members and coaches loaded the buses after practice. A student yelled out an invitation to tight end and bon vivant Rob Gronkowski to stop by his fraternity.
WGAURadio
UGA EXPANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL AG PROGRAM BEYOND ATHENS
By: Leah Moss
An award-winning interactive Clarke County school program that teaches students about science and nutrition is now underway in Barrow County, thanks to the University of Georgia. The Grow It Know It program, established in 2013 by the Office of Service-Learning, UGA Cooperative Extension, UGArden and the Clarke County School District (CCSD) is designed to support teachers involved in farm-to-school programming. UGA alumnus Alyssa Flanders, now a teacher at Russell Middle School in Barrow County, volunteered at Clarke Middle School when she was at UGA studying agricultural education. There she helped in the school garden, growing fresh fruits and vegetables to offer in the cafeteria and helping students learn about agriculture and healthy eating. When she learned that Grow It Know It was expanding to counties outside of Clarke County, she jumped at the chance to work with the program once again.
Tifton CEO
Tift Regional Health System Invests in ABAC Students
Staff Report From Tifton CEO
Tift Regional Health System believes in investing in An Evening for ABAC at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Four ABAC students are making that investment pay off every day. Tift Regional invested $10,000 as a Presidential Level sponsor for the annual ABAC scholarship fundraising event in 2018 which resulted in ABAC scholarships for Neel Patel from Tifton, Maricarmen Tinajero from Douglas, Jaylee Bass from Adel, and Kasey Kight from Fitzgerald. Patel and Tinajero are both nursing majors. Bass majors in writing and communication, and Kight majors in health sciences. Tift Regional has already decided to increase its contribution to the ABAC 1908 Circle level for the 2019 version of An Evening for ABAC. That $15,000 investment will result in six scholarships for ABAC students in the 2019 fall semester.
Tifton Gazette
Georgia Power donation results in scholarship for Fitzgerald student
When sponsors invest in An Evening for ABAC at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, their dollars really do turn into ABAC scholars. The Georgia Power Company was a Gold sponsor for the annual ABAC scholarship fundraising event in 2018 and invested $2,500 which resulted in a scholarship for Luke Guy from Fitzgerald. Guy is a sophomore biology major. Georgia Power has also agreed to a Gold sponsorship for this year’s event.
Moultrie Observer
Fulwood Garden Center donated to ABAC Foundation
By Eve Copeland
The historic Fulwood Garden Center was officially handed over to the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation during a ceremony on Jan. 31. The donation was made by the Council of Garden Clubs of Tifton. ABAC President David Bridges formally accepted the facility during the ceremony, which honored president of the council Virginia Pennington on the occasion of her moving out of town. Pennington, who has been the president for 10 years, said that the day was “overwhelming.”
Bloomberg
Live From Radio Row in Atlanta (Podcast)
Don Yee, Partner at Yee & Dubin Sports Talent Agency, discusses what he looks for when considering athletes to represent. George “Bud” Peterson, President of Georgia Tech, talks about the growing innovation sector in Atlanta. Former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield shares his thoughts on the big game. Mary Laschinger, CEO at Veritiv, explains why she likes doing business in Atlanta. (Interview begins at 7:38)
Marietta Daily Journal
AROUND TOWN: More on that Cobb Legislative Delegation walkout; ice birds; KSU update
3rd story down – OWL UPDATE: The Kiwanis Club of Marietta likes to push new members into service quickly. But Kennesaw State University President Pamela Whitten may have set a record. At Thursday’s luncheon meeting, Whitten was inducted as a new member of Kiwanis at 12:21 p.m. She then took the podium as the club’s featured speaker at 12:32 – a mere 11 minutes later. In introducing the speaker, club member and KSU Foundation Trustee Trent Turk mentioned Whitten has attended, worked at or been part of a handful of higher learning institutes: Georgia, Kansas, Michigan State, Tulane and Kentucky. That means, before her current stint as an Owl, she’s been a Bulldog, a Wildcat, a Jayhawk, a Spartan and part of the Green Wave. In her talk, madam speaker ran through an impressive litany of KSU accomplishments. Some highlights and comments:
Marietta Daily Journal
KSU needs to harbor freedom of thought
DEAR EDITOR:
In the Jan. 16 lead editorial in the Marietta Daily Journal, local columnist Dick Yarbrough had an article entitled, “It is no joke that Kennesaw State’s reputation is on the rise.” He praises former KSU President Dr. Betty Siegel’s era as president of the university. I would add my praise for the way that she managed the explosive growth of the school during her leadership. I would also concur wholeheartedly with his positive comments about the nursing school. It has been an exceptional part of the university for many years. Mr. Yarbrough also is glad that “the bunch of self-aggrandizers more interested in publicity for themselves” have “gone down the rabbit hole.” In his third paragraph, he brings up the mission of the university, which is “giving students a quality education via a top-notch faculty and forward-looking administration.” Speaking of the historic mission of education, John Stuart Mill opined in his 1859 book, “Liberty,” that free discourse is the necessary condition for intellectual progress. But do we have free discourse in our college classrooms?
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Bulldog 100: Service companies cite strategy and experience for their success
By Melanie Lasoff Levs
Growing up in Dalton, Ga., the center of the nation’s carpet and textile industry, design was in Margaret Long’s blood. “People were always changing their aesthetics, because it was readily available in Dalton. Carpet, paint…I was constantly around that market,” she said, especially since her father was in the carpet business. “I found it fascinating — the designs, the patterns. Whether I realized it or not, we were always talking about [the industry].” Long graduated from University of Georgia with an interior design degree in 2003 and started her own firm in 2005. The business grew steadily, as did the daughter she had in 2013. After “tremendous growth” in 2017 and 2017, Long said her friend, also a UGA grad, nominated her for the Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing companies started by UGA alumni. …Long is one of 22 companies on the Bulldog 100 list that self-identified as service-oriented, the largest category on the list. There were 67 new companies in various categories on the list this year, its 10th. From interior design to workspace sharing to janitorial services, these service companies, many based in metro Atlanta, take their category – and subsequent success — seriously.
WGAURadio
GOVERNOR NAMES COBB COUNTY DA VIC REYNOLDS AS NEW DIRECTOR OF GBI
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has a new director, the governor’s office confirmed to Channel 2’s Richard Elliot. Cobb County District Attorney Vic Reynolds was named to the position Friday. Reynolds replaces Vernon Keenan, who retired Jan. 1 after 16 years as the director. “I look forward to continuing my service alongside dedicated law enforcement professionals all across our state,” Reynold said in a statement. Kemp campaigned hard on cracking down on what he sees as a growing gang problem across Georgia. It’s partly because of that tough stance on street gangs that Kemp appointed Reynolds. “Vic Reynolds is a courageous leader with unmatched experience,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “As District Attorney, Vic led efforts to dismantle gangs and protect local families from crime and violence. As GBI Director, he will work around the clock to ensure a safer, stronger Georgia.” Reynolds won the election for Cobb district attorney in 2012. Reynolds is a native of Rome and graduated from Georgia Southern with a degree in criminal justice. After he served in law enforcement for four years, Reynolds graduated from Georgia State University’s law school.
WGXA
‘Distressing’: High suicide rates among veterinarians causing concern
by Miles Garrett
Dealing with animals all day could be many people’s dream job, but for some, it’s a tough profession. Dr. Bernard Bean is veterinarian in Jones County who knew from a young age that taking care of animals was his calling. …Bean has also had to go through of the harder parts of the job. When he was growing up, he said he wasn’t 100 percent prepared for what he was about to face. “As you go through school, you realize that’s not the case, and the longer you’re in practice you realize that in some cases you’re not going to win,” said Bean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that the rate of suicide for veterinarians was three times the United States’ national average. Because of this, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia is working to help their students deal with the pressures of the field.
Inside Higher Ed
Under Fire for Comments on White People
U of Georgia Ph.D. candidate in philosophy says he’s under investigation for his comments about race — now that donors are involved in the debate.
By Colleen Flaherty
The University of Georgia says it is “vigorously exploring all available legal options” regarding a black graduate student’s provocative comments about race. That the university is investigating the student’s comments at all has drawn criticism from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and other scholars. They object, in part, because the student’s comments were brought to light by a political activist who urged donors to stop supporting Georgia after it initially declared the speech protected. “The First Amendment does not permit [the university] to subject the expressive rights of faculty members or students to the whims of donors, students, or members of the public who find those views uncomfortable, objectionable or deeply offensive,” FIRE wrote in a letter late last month to Jere W. Morehead, Georgia’s president. Georgia already condemned the teaching assistant’s expression, and the First Amendment “prevents the institution from taking any further steps,” the group wrote. Instead, the university “must immediately abandon its investigation into protected expression.”
The George-Anne
Georgia Southern University Police Department building renovations complete
By Rachel Adams
Renovations on the new Georgia Southern University Police Department building are complete. The new building, located on Forest Drive near Sweetheart Circle, was completed in December 2018. “They pretty much gutted it and started over from scratch,” Chief Laura McCullough said. According to an email from Matthew Shingler, director of facilities, planning, design and construction, the total project budget for the renovation/expansion of the building was $2,500,000. Some features of the new building include bullet-resistant glass on the front windows of the building and the windows of the conference room, larger, more protected dispatch area, a roll call room/classroom, a protected armory and a records room.
13NewsNow
New look unveiled for Norfolk Police vehicles
Police say all vehicles should sport the new look by the end of 2019.
Author: Staff
NORFOLK, Va. — No need to double-check your rear-view mirror: Norfolk’s police cruisers are getting a new look. The department unveiled their new paint scheme in a Facebook Live video on Thursday. Corporal William Pickering explained the blue-and-white look: “The colors for this might have been inspired by our own Chief [Larry] Boone’s alma mater. So you might want to look into that.” That would be Georgia Southern University, by the way.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Expectations Build for College Transparency Legislation
With Democrats in charge of the House education committee, supporters of a student-level data system hope to see progress in Congress on transparency for college outcomes.
By Andrew Kreighbaum
When California governor Gavin Newsom offered his inaugural state budget, it included a proposal that was familiar to participants in one of the longest-running debates over higher ed policy in Washington. Newsom, who was elected in November, called for investing $10 million in a data system that would track outcomes in K-12, higher education and the work force. Such a system would allow the state to monitor the success of individual schools in getting students to and through college and into well-paying jobs. His proposal was the latest illustration of how state leaders are looking for workarounds for the current federal ban on collecting student-level data — a prohibition that has a strong chance of being overturned in the new Congress.
Science Magazine
Jeffrey Mervis, David Malakoff
The longest U.S. government shutdown in history is over. But federal research agencies that were shuttered for 35 days won’t be returning to normal anytime soon, officials warn. And any relief could be fleeting: Another closure could come on 16 February if Congress and President Donald Trump can’t agree on funding for Trump’s proposed border wall. “Scientists will need to be patient” as agencies dig out from an avalanche of incomplete paperwork, unanswered emails, and canceled meetings, says Sarah Nusser, vice president for research at Iowa State University in Ames. “You’re not going to get all your questions answered immediately.”