AllOnGeorgia
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue announced the successful start to an ongoing partnership with the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) to close student achievement gaps and improve student enrollment, retention and college completion. Georgia State University launched NISS in Fall 2021 to further its work as a nationally recognized leader in innovating data-driven student success initiatives and expand its reach across Georgia and nationally. “We’re taking advantage of in-house expertise to give our own USG institutions a customized analysis of barriers to student completion, a detailed plan to address these barriers and, when necessary, support services to help make good changes,” Perdue said. “Most importantly, we’re working to provide the best foundation that helps more students be successful. There really is no higher priority than to make sure our students, our #1 customers, achieve their dream of a college education.”
AllOnGeorgia
Albany State President Marion Ross Fedrick Taking New Leadership Role
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue is offering his congratulations to Albany State University President Marion Ross Fedrick, who announced today she will take a new role within the university system to build upon her leadership expertise. In a letter to the Albany State community, Fedrick said she has accepted a new role at Georgia State University as executive vice president and chief of staff to President Brian Blake, effective July 1, 2024. With this announcement, Perdue has asked Fedrick to additionally serve as his senior advisor for initiatives related to the system’s three public historically Black colleges and universities.
The Herald Gazette
Board of Regents to meet at Gordon
By Walter Geiger
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia will hold its April meeting on the campus of Gordon State College. The meeting will be held April 16 but details are not yet finalized. Presidents from USG campuses around the state will also be in attendance.
AllOnGeorgia
Nursing program at GHC expands opportunities for high school seniors and working adults
Whether you are a high school senior or a working adult, there are growing ways to fast-track a career in nursing at Georgia Highlands College (GHC) and obtain an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The direct high school nursing pathway is unique in that it now allows eligible candidates the opportunity to obtain their registered nurse license in two years immediately after graduating from high school. In addition, recent changes to the program mean adults returning to school no longer need a Certified Nursing Associate (CNA) license to apply for the ASN program.
41NBC
Fort Valley State University launches major renovation project for campus buildings
Fiona King
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) is set to undergo a renovation project for three of its major buildings: Founders Hall, Lyons, and Bywaters. All of them were built between 1929 and 1966. The renovation project aims to provide modern amenities to students and faculty members, ensuring the campus has everything it needs for current and future students. The project was officially launched with a ceremony on Thursday.
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The West Georgian
WIT Embraces Women Entering The Tech Field
Breanna Tillie
When someone is entering an environment as an underrepresented minority, it can prove to be stressful and intimidating. The fear of facing biases and stereotypes can take a toll on one’s confidence in whatever they are doing, potentially leading to poor performance or giving up altogether. However, there is great power in someone knowing that they are not alone. …The University of West Georgia’s Women in Technology, also known as WIT, offers a bonding and relationship-building opportunity for women entering the tech field as the organization is hosting a game night in March since March is Women’s History Month.
WRBL
Columbus State University hosts African Americans in mass media panel
by: Leslie Hudgins
This afternoon, Columbus State University hosted an African Americans in mass media panel discussion. It was held at the Simon Schwob Memorial Library as a part of CSU’s Black History Month celebration. The panel featured African Americans involved in different forms of media such as television, radio, music, and more. The quest included John Houzer, a local videographer who has worked with Deion Sanders, Daymond John, Nick Saban, Nas, and Doug E. Fresh. As well as Terrance Little, the founder of Little Boyz Entertainment, award-winning author Eddwina Williams, and talk show host Loretta Rose. Dr. Tiffany McBride, moderator and assistant professor for CSU, says panels like this are crucial for students because they receive valuable information that they might not learn in the classroom.
WALB
Analysis of housing and economic growth for parts of South Ga.
By Ashanti Isaac
The economic outlook for the year ahead is more positive for Georgia than it is for the rest of the country. According to an annual research project conducted by the University of Georgia, studies focused on a range of things – including housing, employment and population. Georgia is less likely to be impacted by a recession and should have double the population growth than the national average in the year ahead. The housing outlook is better in South Georgia cities than the rest of the state. … “We heard about Albany’s strong housing market. It doesn’t live in a bubble and that’s going to protect Albany from some declines that we see across the state with housing costs.” says Barbara Rivera Holmes, President of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Athens Banner-Herald
Mavericks vs. contrarians: UGA examines characteristics of each and how they’re viewed in US
Erica Techo, University of Georgia
Stand out individuals often capture our attention, especially in the United States. According to a recent University of Georgia study, not all nonconformists are the same. Although on the surface, several “stand out” individuals may look the same, they are likely different from one another in several important ways. Across multiple studies, researchers examined stereotypes about two types of nonconformists: mavericks and contrarians. Lead author and associate professor of psychology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Brian Haas said that understanding how nonconformists are stereotyped can not only provide insight into how Americans perceive individuality, but also clarify how different types of stand out individuals are treated.
Tuscaloosa News
Spanish moss is related to the pineapple – and other things you didn’t know | ECOVIEWS
Whit Gibbons, Contributor (Whit Gibbons is professor of zoology and senior biologist at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory)
Q. Mobile, Charleston and New Orleans are noted for their magnificent live oak trees, many of which have Spanish moss hanging from their limbs. I have several questions about this gray plant. (1) How does the moss get to the top of the trees? (2) Why do I see it mostly on oak trees and not so much on pines or palmettos? (3) Are the tales true about Spanish moss being full of chiggers? (4) Is the moss harmful to the tree? A. The iconic plant we call Spanish moss is misnamed in two ways: It has nothing to do with Spain and it is not a true moss. Its closest relative with which most people are familiar is the pineapple.
Statesboro Herald
Development Authority seeking input on direction for Bulloch Co.
Survey underway, public participation requested
Al Hackle/Staff
After recent, unprecedented industrial recruitment gains, the Development Authority of Bulloch County is putting together an economic development strategic plan for the next five years and seeking input from Statesboro and Bulloch County residents on the direction to take in the near future. …Targeted generations Then in January, the Development Authority and Boyette Strategic Advisors launched a series of surveys for local input. The DABC obtained the cooperation of Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College to send surveys to their students.
Athens CEO
UGA Honors Hispanic Leader at Virtual Leadership Conference
Charlie Bauder
The University of Georgia recognized Santiago Marquez, a leader in Georgia’s Hispanic community, for his work in developing leaders across the state at the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development annual leadership conference. Marquez, CEO of the Latin American Association, received the Innovation in Community Leadership Award at the 2024 Community Leadership Conference, held Feb. 6 online. “Building a stronger Georgia takes leaders willing and able to develop future leaders,” said Matt Bishop, director of the UGA Fanning Institute. “Santiago’s career exemplifies that. His commitment, vision and leadership have impacted countless individuals, benefitting them and the communities throughout Georgia where they live and work.”
HBCU News
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will host its 37th Annual Scholarship Luncheon with philanthropist and entrepreneur Stevie Baggs Jr., serving as the keynote speaker on Monday, February 19, 2024, at noon in the Health and Physical Education Complex on FVSU’s campus. Under the theme “Igniting the Light: A Legacy of Giving,” this year’s luncheon aims to raise $500,000 in support of student scholarships, furthering FVSU’s commitment to academic excellence and student empowerment.
Grice Connect
Three Tree Coffee makes UGA Alumni Association’s Bulldog 100 list
Special to Grice Connect
Three Tree Coffee based in Statesboro, GA, is included in the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s 2024 Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. Three Tree Coffee, founded by 2011 UGA graduate Philip Klayman, uses specialty coffee to Empower Farmers, End Human Trafficking and Engage the Community. For the past 8 years, their coffee shop on South Main St. has been serving the Statesboro community while their roaster has provided artisan roasted coffee to numerous businesses across the Southeast. They also have coffee shop locations on Georgia Southern University’s campus and in Pooler, GA.
The City Menus
Central High School Student Published Author
Central High School junior Michele Presley authored, illustrated and published a book guiding students through the art of poetry. Her book is titled, “Winnie Whitlock’s Guide to Poetry.” “As a student, I found writing poetry to be intimidating and somewhat uncomfortable. Assuming other students may have the same apprehensions, I decided to write a story to help students find their path to writing poetry,” said Michele. …She is an active member of Beta Club and National Honor Society, and takes dual enrollment classes at the University of West Georgia.
WRBL
Kinetic Credit Union Golden Apple Award Winner: Gabriel Hart
The Kinetic Credit Union Golden Apple was awarded to Gabriel Hart of Carver High School in Columbus. A marketing education teacher and graduate of Columbus State University, he has been teaching at Carver for three years. “I wanted to become a teacher just to try to make a difference in some kids lives, just like my teachers that I had growing up did for me,” said Hart. Clint Pekins of Kinetic Credit Union presented Hart with the award.
The Covington News
Johnny Edwards Named Georgia Music Educator Association’s District 4 Teacher of the Year
Staff Report
Newton County School System (NCSS) has announced that Johnny Edwards, music teacher and choral director at Newton High School, has been awarded the prestigious title of Georgia Music Educator Association’s (GMEA) District 4 Teacher of the Year. …Edwards brings a wealth of experience to his role, having earned a bachelor’s of music education (BME) from Georgia Southern University and a master’s of music education with an emphasis in choral music (MME) from Georgia College and State University.
Fox28 Savannah
UGA Marine Education Center And Aquarium hosts Sea Turtle conservation talk
by Genevieve Lund
Nearly all species of sea turtles are now classified as endangered, with three of the seven species being critically endangered. Thursday afternoon, the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant hosted a community talk about sea turtle research on the Georgia coast. Family, friends, and guests were able to sit in and learn about sea turtles on the Georgia coast.
BVM Sports
The Georgia Southern swimming and diving teams concluded the first of four days of action in the Sun Belt Conference Championships, hosted by the Rosen Aquatics Center in Orlando, Fla. Two season bests and a school record were set during the day’s meets. Work began last fall with focus group meetings of “stakeholders,” such as representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the university and colleges and school system. The consulting firm also identified some “benchmark communities” for comparisons to Statesboro-Bulloch.
Gators Online
Florida Gators lose special teams coach to another school
Nick de la Torre
The Florida Gators are losing graduate assistant Brandon Taylor to an on-field coaching opportunity with the University of West Georgia. Bruce Feldman was the first to report the news. Taylor will serve as the special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach for the West Georgia Wolves.
13WMAZ
Wrongful termination lawsuit against Fort Valley State dismissed by federal judge
The decision was made because, according to the court, the Georgia Board of Regents can’t be sued in this case under the “Sovereign Immunity” principle.
Author: 13WMAZ Staff
A lawsuit filed against Fort Valley State University by a disgruntled employee was tossed out on Thursday, a federal appeals court decided. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Taquila Monroe’s suit against the university, in which she claimed she was wrongfully fired from the university’s Head Start and Early Head Start program.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia prison medical provider cites millions in extra costs due to violence
By Danny Robbins and Carrie Teegardin
The medical provider for the Georgia prison system backed out of its contract with the Department of Corrections last year after incurring more than $30 million in unanticipated costs, most due to the rampant violence in the state’s prisons, records obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution show. Wellpath, based in Nashville, Tenn, provided no clues for its decision when it sent the state a notice of non-renewal in June, just two years into its contract. But emails between Wellpath and GDC officials give a detailed accounting of how the company’s trauma costs in Georgia were more than twice as high as those in the other states where it provides prison healthcare. …Wellpath was chosen as the GDC’s medical provider in 2021 when the agency decided to privatize its healthcare. A division of Augusta University, Georgia Correctional HealthCare, had been the prison system’s medical provider for the previous 23 years.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Can Higher Ed Avoid a Dire Future?
David Wippman and Glenn Altschuler review Derek Bok’s Attacking the Elites.
By David Wippman and Glenn C. Altschuler
Higher education is facing a perfect storm. In polls taken before the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, only 36 percent of Americans expressed confidence in higher education, down from 57 percent in 2015. A majority think higher education isn’t worth the time and money and is headed in the wrong direction. Undergraduate enrollment in the United States slid 15 percent from 2010 to 2021 and is expected to continue to “shrink, year after year, for most of the next two decades.” An increasing number of colleges are closing or merging, and many more are struggling financially. In a growing number of states, educational gag orders restrict “discussions of race, racism, gender, and American history.” Campaigns are underway to cut diversity, equity and inclusion programs and weaken tenure.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Survey Reveals Most Jewish Students Dissatisfied with Universities’ Responses to Antisemitism
Johnny Jackson
Jewish college students are expressing in a new survey increased frustrated with the lack of response from university presidents and leadership to ongoing antisemitism on campus. The online survey was conducted between Feb 5-7, by Benenson Strategy Group on behalf of Hillel International, and included 300 Jewish college students. It found that 57% of students are not satisfied with the response of their administration to acts of violence and hate on campus since Oct. 7.
Inside Higher Ed
Textbook Affordability a Top Faculty Concern
By Lauren Coffey
Nearly two-thirds of faculty members view textbook affordability as a top priority for their universities, according to the annual Faculty Watch Report. The survey, released Thursday by the National Association of College Stores, found that 63 percent of faculty cited textbook affordability as a top priority, up from 57 percent in 2021. The report also found that faculty use of e-textbooks nearly doubled over the last seven years, hitting 68 percent in 2023, up from 37 percent in 2016. However, print remains the most commonly used form of textbook, with 72 percent of faculty using print materials last year.
Inside Higher Ed
U.S. Eyes Debt Relief for Borrowers Facing Hardship
The expansive proposal could open the possibility of student loan forgiveness to a larger swath of borrowers.
By Katherine Knott
Student loan borrowers likely to default and those experiencing hardship because of their loans could see their balances wiped out under the Biden administration’s latest debt-relief plan, though it’s not clear how many borrowers would be affected. The plan, released Thursday, builds on the department’s work over the last six months to craft regulatory proposals that would offer debt relief to certain groups of borrowers. Those plans included borrowers who owed more than they initially borrowed or who have been paying back their education loans for more than 20 years. But consumer protection advocates and congressional Democrats argued the department’s proposals don’t go far enough and pushed for a more inclusive plan focused on borrowers experiencing hardship.
Inside Higher Ed
Texas A&M’s Board of Regents voted to shutter its long-standing, hugely profitable branch campus in the Gulf country. Are accusations of Hamas ties to blame?
By Liam Knox
The Texas A&M system Board of Regents voted last Thursday to close their branch campus in Doha, Qatar. No incoming class will be admitted for this fall, according to a system spokesperson, and the campus will cease operations by 2028. The decision comes just three years after Texas A&M renewed its 10-year contract with the Qatar Foundation, a state-sponsored nonprofit that partners with many international universities to operate satellite campuses in the Persian Gulf country. There was no public discussion of the issue at the board meeting; the vote for closure was introduced and finalized in less than a minute. It was an abrupt and unceremonious end to a 21-year partnership worth hundreds of millions of dollars—and, some say, a harbinger of future challenges for international branch campuses in a politically charged environment.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Sacramento State Creates Nation’s First Black Honors College
Jamal Watson
Sacramento State — home to the largest number of Black students within the California State University (CSU) system — is launching what will become the nation’s first-ever Black Honors College. Slated to begin operating in the fall, the honors college will enroll students who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and an interest in Black history, life, and culture.
Higher Ed Dive
Goldwater Institute sues Education Department over records related to Grand Canyon fine
The conservative think tank wants the agency to release emails over its decision to fine the Christian university $37.7 million.
By Lilah Burke
Dive Brief:
The Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank, is suing the U.S. Department of Education to release emails and records related to its decision to fine Grand Canyon University $37.7 million. The Education Department accused the Christian university in October of lying to thousands of students about the cost of its doctoral programs, leading to the largest fine of its kind. The Goldwater Institute alleges in the complaint that it requested the records from the department under the Freedom of Information Act, but that the agency has not complied.