UGA News

Former Georgia Bulldog endows scholarships at UGA

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A.J. Green left his indelible stamp upon the Georgia football program as a playmaking pass catcher of recent vintage.  He has now created a greater, more lasting legacy through his generosity off the playing field.

Green and his wife Miranda have announced the endowment of two scholarships at his alma mater:  The A.J. Green Family Football Scholarship, intended to provide support for a student-athlete on the UGA football team, and the A.J. Green Family Scholarships, earmarked to support two need-based UGA students, with first preference going to students from Green’s home state of South Carolina.

The Greens will be honored for their contribution at an on-field recognition at the Georgia-Kentucky game on Nov. 7.

The Greens have stipulated that the recipient of their football scholarship represent UGA ”in an outstanding manner in the classroom as an honor student, on the playing field, in the community, and who also demonstrates a commitment to the University and its football program.”

”I’m very excited and very thankful that we were in the position to give back to the University of Georgia,” Green said.  ”My time at UGA is still close to my heart.  It was definitely important for me to give back while I’m still playing professionally and I’m fortunate that we are able to do that.”

The latter scholarship also holds a special place in A.J. Green’s heart.  He was inspired as a middle schooler by his football and basketball coach in his hometown of Summerville, Louis Mulkey, who died in 2007 while performing his day job as a Charleston firefighter.

”His big thing was helping kids realize their full potential,” Green said.  ”He pushed me every day to become the best I could be, on and off the field.  By giving back, and having the opportunity to pay the way for somebody who otherwise couldn’t, is a great way for me to help them realize their potential.  That was very important to me.”

The A.J. Green Family Scholarship is intended specifically to help at least two UGA students who have financial need.  First preference will be given to honor students from South Carolina.  Second preference will be given to similar students from the metro Atlanta area.  All recipients will be chosen by UGA’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

A native of Summerville, S.C., Green earned All-SEC honors in each year he played at Georgia (2008-10).  He ranks second in career TD catches (23), third in career receptions (166) and receiving yards (2,619), all despite playing just three seasons.  A freshman All-American in 2008, Green was regarded as one of the nation’s top wide receivers in both 2009 and 2010, when he was a Biletnikoff Award finalist each year.  He was the Bulldogs’ Offensive MVP as a sophomore in ’09 and the team’s overall MVP after the following season.

”We are deeply appreciative of A.J. and his wife Miranda for this wonderful gift,” said Georgia head football coach Mark Richt.  ”With this gift, they are creating a tremendous legacy — of giving back and helping the next young person fulfill his or her dreams.  Their generosity will endure for years to come. Continue reading.

UGA sets record high freshman retention rate

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The University of Georgia has set a record in a key measure of student success: Its freshman retention rate increased by a full percentage point from 2014 to 2015 to reach 95.2 percent.

The freshman retention rate measures the percentage of a school’s first-time, first-year undergraduate students who continue at that school the next year. The national average for public, four-year institutions is 80 percent, and UGA’s 95 percent retention rate places it among the nation’s top universities in this measure.

“We continue to invest in faculty, staff and innovative programs to ensure that students at Georgia’s flagship university have an unparalleled learning experience,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Our high retention rate is one sign that these investments are having a positive impact on student success.”

In addition to reaching a new height in freshman retention, UGA also saw its six-year graduation rate increase to 85.3 percent, another record that is well above the national average of 59 percent for four-year institutions. UGA’s four- and five-year graduation rates are 62.5 percent and 82.4 percent, respectively, which compare to national averages of 39.4 percent and 55.1 percent, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

In fall 2016, UGA will become the largest public university in the nation to require that each of its students engage in hands-on learning-through internships, study abroad, service-learning, research and other forms of experiential learning-prior to graduation. Morehead noted that in addition to helping prepare students for careers or graduate school, experiential learning has been shown to enhance student learning and promote on-time graduation.

“Our graduation and retention rates are very strong, but we’re striving for greater success for our students in this important area,” Morehead said. “In addition to changing the lives of individuals, each additional UGA degree represents a significant contribution to the economic vitality of our state and nation.”

Continue reading this story.

The power of THANK YOU

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A recent UGA study found that a key ingredient to improving couples’ marriages might just be gratitude.

“We found that feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to it, and your belief that it will last,” said study co-author Ted Futris, an associate professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Last week, I stopped by my favorite bagel joint en route to work. The gentleman behind the counter remembered my “regular” and had it ready as soon as I paid. I left a generous tip as a thank you for his making me feel like a true “local.”

This morning, Executive Director of the UGA Alumni Association Meredith Gurley Johnson (BSFCS ’00) shared a number of handwritten thank you notes with our team. These were messages from alumni and friends who had attended recent events or been recognized as 40 Under 40 honorees during our luncheon last month in Atlanta. It was a wonderful way to begin a beautiful fall Friday morning.

Knowing the importance of saying thank you, the university strives to foster an “attitude of gratidude” among students, faculty and staff who benefit from the generous support of alumni and donors. We ask them to take a moment and recognize the benefits they enjoy as a result of others’ making a financial gift or volunteering their time. There are donor recognition events such as “Thank a Donor Day,” and numerous emails, cards, videos and phone calls to alumni and friends.

This morning, my team would like to take yet another moment to say thank you. We appreciate the support of so many who believe in the power of this place. UGA changes lives and makes the world a better place. Your gifts help make all of that possible.

Research like the study mentioned above, experiential learning opportunities like the International Genetically Engineered Machine Giant Jamboree in Boston (which the UGA Alumni Association helped sponsor thanks to unrestricted gifts to the Georgia Fund), and so much more.

If you have ever made a gift to the University of Georgia, pat yourself on the back this morning and accept a digital handshake (or hug!) from those of us at the UGA Alumni Association.

(And then watch this special thank you video from this year’s Thank A Donor Day!)

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This blog post was written by Elizabeth Elmore (ABJ ’08, BBA ’08), director of communications.

Ryan Seacrest to headline UGA’s spring Commencement ceremony

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When Ryan Seacrest takes the stage for the University of Georgia’s spring Commencement ceremony on May 13, 2016, in Sanford Stadium, he will have two tasks—inspire a new class of UGA alumni and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the university he attended as a freshman.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved Seacrest’s honorary degree during its Oct. 14 meeting. Other than an earned doctorate, the honorary degree is the highest recognition UGA can bestow and is given to recognize a person who has a sustained record of achievements of lasting significance.

Seacrest holds pre-eminent positions in broadcast and cable television, as well as nationally syndicated radio and local radio. He is celebrated internationally as host of the top-rated prime-time talent showcase “American Idol” on Fox. He is host and executive producer of ABC’s annual New Year’s eve program, “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” He also has an agreement with NBCUniversal that includes on-air broadcasting and producing duties across the NBC and E! networks.

On radio, Seacrest is host of “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” his market-topping nationally syndicated Los Angeles morning drive-time show for iHeart Media’s 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally syndicated Top 40 radio show.

Ryan-Seacrest

Seacrest is being honored by the university for his commitment to youth-oriented initiatives.

Seacrest’s philanthropic efforts include his service as chairman of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which has opened eight broadcast media centers—known as Seacrest Studios—in pediatric hospitals across the country. Through these studios, patients have the opportunity to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media and are provided with a variety of programming during their hospital stays. Students from local journalism schools intern with the studios to learn about broadcasting, programming and operating a multimedia center. 2015 40 Under 40 honoree Mamie Shepherd (ABJ ’13) is a program coordinator at the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

“We look forward to welcoming Ryan Seacrest back to the UGA campus,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Through Seacrest Studios, he has channeled his success into a source of comfort and creativity that has positively impacted the lives of pediatric patients and their families while providing significant learning opportunities for students. I am sure he will have a compelling message to deliver as the Commencement speaker.”

Seacrest is also honorary chair of the Grammy Foundation and is on the board of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Seacrest, who attended UGA in 1992, moved to Hollywood to pursue a broadcasting career that he began as a radio intern while attending Dunwoody High School. Twenty-four years later, he is known internationally for his work in television and radio.

Continue reading this story.

UGA to reduce class sizes by hiring faculty, adding more than 300 course sections

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In the latest in a series of steps to enhance the learning environment, UGA is investing $4.4 million to reduce class sizes by hiring faculty and creating more than 300 new course sections.

“This major initiative demonstrates the University of Georgia’s strong commitment to putting students first,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80). “Reducing the number of large class sections in critical instruction areas will improve student learning and success and further enhance our world-class learning environment.”

The first of the new faculty members will begin teaching this fall, and a total of 56 will be hired in the coming year. By fall 2016, a total of 319 new course sections in 81 majors will be added, the majority of which will have fewer than 20 students.

UGA currently has an 18-1 student/faculty ratio, and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Pamela Whitten noted that the new courses will help ensure students receive even more personalized attention from their professors.

She added that the push to decrease class sizes at UGA builds upon a series of academic enhancements the institution has implemented in recent years. Last fall, the university hired 10 new faculty to teach in 80 high-demand course sections. In the spring, the university approved a new graduation requirement that will make UGA the largest public university in the nation to require that each of its nearly 27,000 undergraduate students engage in experiential learning-such as internships, research, study abroad or service-learning-prior to graduation.

“UGA offers the broad range of resources and opportunities that a major research university provides as well as personalized and hands-on learning experiences that are typically associated with smaller universities,” Whitten said. “It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s exactly what our world-class students deserve.”

UGA’s Scott Angle selected to lead international agricultural organization

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J. Scott Angle, who has served as dean and director of UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for the past decade, has announced that he will step down from his position to lead a global organization that works to alleviate hunger.

As president and CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center, Angle will oversee an organization that has been active in nearly 100 countries and is focused on increasing food security and agricultural productivity through the development and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

“Over the past decade, Dean Angle has provided outstanding leadership to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” President Morehead said. “He has been one of the strongest champions of UGA’s land-grant mission, working tirelessly to connect the vast resources of the college to the challenges and opportunities faced by the agriculture industry across the state. We are grateful for his many years of dedicated service and wish him well in this new endeavor.”

Continue reading this story.

UGA builds tomorrow’s leaders with new partnership

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The UGA Alumni Association welcomes Vice President Victor K. Wilson (BSW ’82, MED ’87) as today’s guest blogger. He has some exciting news to share regarding a leadership development opportunity for UGA alumni and friends working in all industries.

I am excited to introduce a new partnership that will ultimately benefit students and aspiring student leaders across UGA.

UGA Student Affairs has joined with the renowned Accelerated Leadership Group (ALG) to launch the UGA Academy for Leadership Excellence. This initiative will enable UGA students and other leaders from all fields the opportunity to develop and hone world-class leadership skills, through the latest practice and research, preparing emerging leaders for future growth in their studies and careers.

For UGA students, the Academy will be part of the Center for Leadership and Service, which empowers students to intentionally engage in leadership learning and practice active citizenship. The Academy will also offer cutting-edge leadership training programs for emerging and front line leaders in business and industry, hosted at UGA.

Preparing students for leadership of local and global communities is one of our highest priorities. This innovative partnership promises some of the best leadership expertise and education to benefit UGA students.

Victor K. Wilson
Vice President for Student Affairs
The University of Georgia

For additional information, visit www.ALGleaders.com/UGA.

UGA Career Center Services for Alumni

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The UGA Career Center offers many invaluable resources and events for alumni. Whether you’re looking to grow your professional skills, revamp your resume or change job paths, the UGA Career Center is here for you.

For example, alumni can still access DAWGLink and take advantage of career counseling by making appointments at the Atlanta Alumni Center in Buckhead. Appointments can include resume critiques, mock interviews and advice on job search strategies and networking.

This summer, the Atlanta Alumni Center will host a series of summer workshops titled “Finding a Meaningful Career.”

Director of Alumni Career Services Bethany Mills will provide activities to navigate career exploration. These sessions will be both informative and interactive. Attendees will use the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to consider how their interests, personality, and values affect career satisfaction.

Each session costs $65 per person and includes coffee, snacks and two career assessments. The dates are:

June 16
June 23
July 7
August 4

Space is limited to 12 alumni per session; so register today!

Are you no longer in Athens or Atlanta? Have no fear, the UGA Career Center is here for you, too! Career Center staff members frequently host lunchtime webinars for alumni across the country.

Self-Promotion: Developing Your Authentic Personal Brand
Wednesday, June 17
Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Building an Online Presence for New Professionals with Steffan Pedersen (BBA ’13)
Thursday, June 13
Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Career Center staff also travel to visit with alumni chapters and host workshops. On July 1, Bethany Mills will visit the Colorado Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association for a “Find a Meaningful Career” workshop in Denver. Learn more about this event.

No matter where life takes you, always remember that as a UGA alumna or alumnus, you can take advantage of the UGA Career Center’s services.

President Morehead, UGA Athletic Association to support experiential learning

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To support the university’s new experiential learning initiatives, President Jere W. Morehead (JD ’80) will personally establish a scholarship fund to help undergraduates participate in and fulfill the new requirements.

The initiative, when implemented in fall 2016, will require undergraduate students to participate in a tailored, hands-on learning opportunity prior to graduation. Undergraduate research, study abroad, service-learning, internships and other high-impact experiences will meet this requirement.

“I believe I have a special obligation to give back to this great institution, which has given so much to me,” Morehead said. “The experiential learning initiative will further enhance the world-class learning environment at UGA, and I am pleased to be able to support this initiative personally through the establishment of a scholarship fund.”

In addition to support from President Morehead, the experiential learning initiative will also receive financial support in the form of a $1 million endowment from the UGA Athletic Association.

“The athletic association has a strong track record of supporting the university’s most important academic initiatives,” said President Jere W. Morehead, “and none is more relevant to the institution right now than this initiative designed to further enhance student learning at UGA.”

The $1 million gift to establish the endowment for experiential learning will bring the Athletic Association’s total contribution to the university’s academic enterprise to $5 million for this fiscal year.

“We are exceptionally pleased to provide these funds that will support the experiential learning initiative,” said Greg McGarity (ABJ ’76), J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics. “It is one of the university’s most important programs being developed and will be a cornerstone in the undergraduate curriculum for years to come. It’s also another way we can integrate academics and athletics on our campus, continuing the strong partnership around programs that benefit the university.”

When the initiative begins, UGA will become one of the largest public universities to provide experiential learning to all undergraduates.

UGA Executive MBA ranks in top 10 in the U.S., according to The Economist

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The Executive MBA Program at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business was ranked No. 14 worldwide by The Economist in its latest assessment.

The new ranking is a step up for Terry’s EMBA program, which was No. 22 worldwide in the previous scoring by The Economist.

“I am certainly proud that the excellence of this degree is being recognized in Georgia and around the world,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, dean of the Terry College. “This ranking is a reflection of the investment and quality that our faculty put into our EMBA program, and a good indication that it truly enhances the careers of our students.”

The Economist’s rankings reflect each EMBA program’s performance in two broad categories: personal development/education experience and career development, with each category weighted equally. Terry’s EMBA program received the highest ranking among schools in Georgia and was eighth among programs based solely in the U.S.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as one of the very best Executive MBA programs in the world,” said Rich Daniels, director of Executive and Professional MBA Programs at the Terry College. “Our focus on leadership development, international experience and harnessing the Terry College network has proven to be particularly effective in ensuring that our graduates are successful.”

The Terry College’s Executive MBA degree is an 18-month program geared toward mid- to senior-level managers. The format combines weekend class sessions with asynchronous interaction using distance learning technologies. The program also offers individual leadership coaching, valuable opportunities to network and an international residency.

For more information about Terry’s Executive MBA, Professional MBA (offered in Buckhead and Gwinnett County) and Full-Time MBA (in Athens), see terry.uga.edu/mba.

Source: UGA Today