Many families struggle this time of year to provide a happy holiday for their families. Thanks to the generosity of the University of West Georgia community, the pressures that sometime come along with the holiday season will be easier this year for many local families.
The UWG Staff Advisory Council held its annual toy drive on December 11 at the Alumni House, where UWG staff were invited to bring toys to donate and enjoy light refreshments. Read more ...
As a study break during finals week, Ingram Library hosted Carrollton resident Sarah Boddy to set up an interactive community crossword puzzle. This event was part of Sarah’s Participatory Democrossy Project. This project stemmed from the issue that the creators of crossword puzzles typically fall into the same demographic, and they’re almost always made by one person at a time.
“Participatory Democrossy is about decolonizing the crossword puzzle, and language in general, by subverting who gets to create and how,” Sarah said. Read more ...
When Carita Wallgren-Lindholm signed up to study abroad in the United States, she knew she was going to experience life in a different country. She knew she would be in a strange place where she didn't know anyone and that she might even experience culture shock. But what she didn't expect was to be welcomed with open arms, forge friendships that would last a lifetime, and experience true Southern hospitality. Carita came to the University of West Georgia from Finland in the 1970s with the help of the Georgia Rotary Student Program. Her father was a Rotarian, and he encouraged her to apply.
“All Finnish youngsters at that time – as now – wanted to study abroad and ‘go west,’” Carita recalled. “I had been to summer school in the United Kingdom and in France, and now there was a chance to go to the United States, which of course was the ultimate aspiration.” Read more ...
At Central Elementary School, students showed their support for the UWG football team during Red and Blue Day on Friday, December 4. The entire school wore red and blue to get geared up for the big game on Saturday, December 5. This idea stemmed from the fact that many students have parents and teachers with connections to UWG.
“Both students and staff love to cheer on the UWG Wolves, and we’re all very excited about the playoff game tomorrow,” said Rachel Veal, counselor at CES and UWG alumna. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia Auxiliary Services has a new department bike on campus. The department routinely makes trips around the campus to service vending machines, remote equipment, and change out signage. With the increased bike lane use, members of the office wanted to have transportation with storage while promoting wellness around campus.
“There was need for a bike that allowed for customization along with built in signage for university use,” said Associate Director of Auxiliary Services Elizabeth Smith. “Many items were taken into consideration including the ease of use by people of varying skill levels and heights along with the desire for a look that would be appealing and integrate well with the campus while promoting healthier transportation.” Read more ...
The University of West Georgia's fall commencement ceremonies will be held on Saturday, December 12 at 9 a.m. in UWG's Coliseum. For those unable to attend the ceremony in person, it will also be streamed online. Southwire CEO Stuart Thorn will be the keynote speaker.
With a 20-year legacy of high-impact accomplishments in executive leadership, Stuart leverages a career of financial and operational savvy to deliver record profitability across divisions and around the globe. As president and chief executive officer of Southwire Company, one of the world’s largest producers of electrical wire and cables, Stuart directs all North American operations, overseeing international business, legal, finance, information technology and human resources. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia contributed more than $463.15 million to the west Georgia regional economy for the fiscal year 2014, according to a recently released report from the University of Georgia. Marking the eighth year of consecutive growth, this amount is a significant increase from the 2013 amount of $442 million.
“UWG is proud to be a contributing partner to the continued economic growth that is transforming the west Georgia region,” said UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero. “It’s rewarding to see first hand the impact that our collaborative business and corporate partnerships bring to our community and the region.” Read more ...
To celebrate those who have served our country and protected the United States as a free nation, the University of West Georgia’s Center for Adult Learners and Veterans held a Veterans Day breakfast on November 11. During the breakfast, veteran students were served an array of French toast, hash browns, sausage, and more as a humble appreciation to the men and women who serve in our nation’s military.
“We are here to serve those who serve,” said UWG Veterans Affairs certification official, Judith Horne. “What we get from the people, the gratitude, is unbelievable,” said Tim Mobley, a UWG senior Marine. “People tell me 'thank you for your service,’ and I tell them ‘thank you for allowing me to serve.’” Read more ...
The first poll of intercollegiate debate season has been released and University of West Georgia Debate is the top ranked Division II team within its field of competition. The UWG team of senior Hakeem Muhammad and junior Khalid Sharif are currently ranked #11 in the country. UWG is the only regional comprehensive university ranked in the top 25, and with Emory University the only other school in the state ranked in the poll, UWG is also the highest ranked public institution in Georgia.
West Georgia’s competition includes major R-1 (research) institutions, both private and public. Read more ...
Halloween continues to be a real treat at the University of West Georgia. Carve on the Quad and Safe Treat kept the annual tradition alive and offered a spooktacular good time on Thursday, October 29.
According to Department of Art's Clint Samples, approximately 200 pumpkins from Carve on the Quad were on display for Safe Treat that evening. Safe Treat, organized by Housing and Residence Life, was attended by 600 children and 59 student organizations gave out candy and manned tables. Read more ...
Associate Professor of Business Education Dr. Susan Hall Webb and Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Gregory Dixon were selected as a 2015-16 Governor’s Teaching Fellows. As one of 12 faculty members from institutions of higher education across the state, Drs. Webb and Dixon were selected after a highly competitive application and selection process.
“Being selected for this prestigious program is allowing me opportunities to directly reflect on my teaching practices as well as providing me the ability to collaborate with other professors across the state of Georgia on what it takes to be an excellent educator in our selected disciplines/fields,” Dr. Webb said. Read more ...
October continues to be a winning month for the University of West Georgia. In addition to receiving USG Institution and President of the Year and being ranked No.1 in Division II football, UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero accepted the Leadership Development and Diversity Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities at the AASCU annual conference in Austin, Texas on Saturday, October 25. The award was given in recognition of efforts made possible through Engage West!
AASCU’s Excellence and Innovation Award program honors member institutions for excellence and innovation in several major areas of campus life and leadership that are mission focused. Read more ...
In light of modern woes deriving from criminal justice versus social justice, UWG’s Ingram Library’s Penelope Melson Society, department of criminology, and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion presented “When Criminal Justice Meets Social Justice.” This panel discussion consisted of five questions with responses from key members within the criminal justice community, ranging from a police officer over the uniformed division at UWG to a U.S. Secret Service agent.
“The panel was important to provide a public forum to differentiate many of the myths and realities of the criminal justice system, where they could actively engage in reflective discussion with experts in the field,” said Dr. David Jenks. Read more ...
University of West Georgia and UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero were honored by Chancellor Hank Huckaby of the University System of Georgia at the Chancellor's Service Excellence Awards as Institution and President of the Year on Wednesday, October 21 during a ceremony at Georgia Perimeter College. The award is the highest honor given at the chancellor’s award ceremony.
“I am delighted that UWG has been recognized with the outstanding institution of the year award,” said Dr. Marrero. “Our commitment to the ongoing development of institutional leadership continues to positively impact student success and guide us in becoming the best comprehensive university in America, sought after as the best place to work, learn, and succeed!” Read more ...
UWG reached another record-breaking student enrollment with 12,834 students for Fall 2015. Enrollment increased 5.1 percent from last year’s 12,206 students.
“We are excited to experience record enrollment for several consecutive years,” said UWG President Kyle Marrero. “We’ve continued to work diligently as a collaborative team to ensure that our marketing, recruitment, retention, progression and graduation efforts support student success, and we applaud the students and parents who made the choice to ‘Go West.’” Read more ...
The University of West Georgia is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John Green as director of the Carrollton/Carroll County Education Collaborative (CCEC) effective November 1, 2015.
The CCEC is a community-wide education initiative comprised of representatives from UWG, West Georgia Technical College, Carroll County and City of Carrollton school systems, and chamber and community leaders. It was formed in December of 2014 bringing together education leadership in Carrollton and throughout Carroll County to establish a common vision for K-16 success. Read more ...
This year marks the 12th year in a row for the University of West Georgia to receive a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant, totaling $12,000, goes towards lectures, interactive classes, and activities that promote awareness of the dangers of alcohol and driving.
“Having the financial assistance of this grant continues to serve as a vital resource in helping educate our students through various projects,” said Ron King, lead educator with Health Services. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia’s annual Luso-Hispanic Day celebration gives students and the community an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic life in Georgia and beyond. This year’s celebration included a multitude of various speakers throughout the day as well as films, presentations by Univision and many state officials in the Hispanic community, panel discussions, and a UWG concert choir performance.
The Univision presenter, Mariela Romero, joined the American Spanish language television network in 2010 as the community empowerment director. During her presentation on Univision, Mariela explained how Univision has made an immense impact on the Hispanic community by bringing light to sensitive topics, such as depression and suicide. Read more ...
In June 2015, Associate Professor and Head of Instructional Services Anne Barnhart visited Singapore with three members of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Immersion. The small team trained 65 librarians from the National University of Singapore, Yale-NUS College, Singapore Management University, and Nanyang Technological University. The ACRL Immersion Faculty is a team of academic librarians from the U.S. and Canada who provide educational training opportunities for librarians around the world.
The ACRL Immersion Faculty is a team of academic librarians from the U.S. and Canada who provide educational training opportunities for librarians around the world. Read more ...
Over 60 educators converged on the University of West Georgia campus on October 2 to learn about the latest literacy research and teaching strategies at the Literacy and Beyond conference, sponsored by UWG’s Continuing Education and the Cherokee Rose Writing Project (CRWP).
The gathering was the brainchild of Shoney Brice, literacy coach for West Haralson Elementary in Tallapoosa. This one-day conference held sessions on the newest literacies, such as blogging and digital storytelling, and examined how literacy looks in the classroom, its purposes, and how it applies to our everyday world. However, the symposium went much further than that. Read more ...
Earlier this year the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education completed a survey analysis of its stakeholders and the findings were recently presented to the board of GPEE by board member and University of West Georgia President Emeritus and Regents Professor of Business Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna.
GPEE was founded in 1992 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit partnership of business, education, community, and government leaders with a shared vision of improved education in Georgia. In a recent press release, GPEE shared that in an effort to continue their commitment to continuous improvement the organization conducts a stakeholders' survey every two to three years to determine what is being done right, what can be done better, and help plot a course for the future. Read more ...
UWG held its second annual Presidential Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Campus Center Ballroom. A total of over $75,000 was raised for need-based and gap scholarships for UWG students, an increase of $20,000 from last year’s gala proceeds.
Nearly 250 guests arrived at the ‘20s themed event in their best ‘20s formal attire. UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero began the program with a welcome, sharing the importance of scholarship support for transforming student lives and futures.
“I am delighted to be part of such a giving network of supporters where community, faculty, staff, and alumni come together for a single cause – to raise funds for need-based student scholarships,” said Dr. Marrero. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia Center for Diversity and Inclusion presented the first session of its two part Controversies of Culture Series on September 29 in the Ingram Library Nook. Featured guest Dr. Hazel Cole, mass communications assistant professor and public relations concentration head, discussed “Online Pitfalls and Your Social Brand.”
“One of the challenges I face is for company executives and students to understand social media in a content of its power and possibility,” she said. “Another challenge is getting millennials, and people in general, to understand how having your personal politics and passions heard can paint a negative picture on you, even if your intentions are good.” Read more ...
The University of West Georgia debate team of Hakeem Muhammad, senior, and Khalid Sharif, junior, led UWG’s debate team to a tremendous start of the season at the national circuit opener at Georgia State University. Competing against more than 130 teams from across the nation, Hakeem and Khalid tied for fifth place after defeating teams from University of Georgia, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Wake Forest, and University of Kentucky.
“We were thrilled with the results from Hakeem and Khalid at GSU,” said Dr. Michael Hester, director of UWG Debate and executive director of special programs. “This was their first tournament together, and Khalid has just transferred to UWG this semester, so we were expecting them to round into form later in the season.” Read more ...
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and University of West Georgia’s own Helena Exeni has been awarded the National Children’s Cancer Society Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship. As a 16-year-old sophomore in high school, Helena was diagnosed with Central Nervous System (CNS) germinoma. After many months of challenges and treatments, Helena defeated the cancer with strength and a positive outlook.
For Helena, high school began as it does for most people. She was a dedicated student, engaged in the classroom and motivated to learn. It wasn’t until her sophomore year that she began feeling unusual. Read more ...
University of West Georgia professors Dr. Daniel Williams, Department of History, and Dr. Robert Schaefer, Department of Political Science, presented in celebration of Constitution Day on September 17. The program entitled “Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Religion: The First Amendment and American Politics” gave insight how the First Amendment was formed and how it continues to present issues in modern society.
Dr. Schaefer, former technical chair of Bob Riley’s Alabama citizen’s Constitution Commission, explained how the First Amendment is a confusing topic to most individuals including those involved in the political arena. He compared interpreting difficult scripture to the difficulty of interpreting the Constitution. Read more ...
Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, past and present, of the University of West Georgia gathered for a homecoming weekend everyone could enjoy. This year’s theme, West Georgia: Through the Decades, celebrated the university’s rich history with more than 15 events.
The week started with the Homecoming kick-off dinner, sponsored by the UWG Student Activities Council, that featured fun, food, and festivities for nearly 200 students. Each attendee received a UWG t-shirt and had the opportunity to win various prizes while engaging in activities. From a homecoming banner contest to campus tours, the momentum continued to rise as fans energized for Saturday’s big game. Read more ...
University of West Georgia’s Cherie Jade Grant represented UWG’s chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi as the vice president at this year’s Student Leadership Summit. The two-day summit, hosted by the society, took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 31 and August 1.
When asked how it feels to be a part of Phi Kappa Phi, Cherie said, “It is somewhat overwhelming to be a part of such a prestigious honor society, knowing that I have actually worked my way to this point. Being given this acknowledgement feels like I have defied the odds and am not a statistic.” Read more ...
It is often easy to think of problems such as the Syrian refugee crisis as being out of our control. However, Dr. Gregory Dixon from the University of West Georgia’s political science department recently gave a brief synopsis of what is going on in Syria and how UWG students and community members can help.
The mass fleeing from Syria began four years ago when an uprising began against the Assad government. Since this time, violence has escalated substantially and the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) has emerged. The death toll has risen to above 220,000 as of February 2015, but the most concerning crisis is the number of people displaced from the conflict in Syria. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia’s Ingram Library, in partnership with the psychology department, is pleased to present an exhibit highlighting the career of former University of West Georgia faculty member, Dr. William G. “Bill” Roll entitled Bill Roll: Contributions to Parapsychology. The exhibit will be on display in the Ingram Library’s Thomas B. Murphy Reading Room from September 14, 2015 through January 8, 2016.
Dr. Roll (1926-2012) was a renowned parapsychologist and psychology professor at UWG. In 1958, Dr. Roll rose to professional prominence during a poltergeist investigation called the Seaford case, which he conducted along with a fellow colleague at Duke University, J. G. Pratt. Read more ...
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, thoughts turn from beaches and sunshine to bonfires and football. As tradition unfolds, homecomings begin to follow soon after football season opens.
Whether it’s a first homecoming for a university freshman or a return to campus for a long-time alum, homecoming stirs lots of thoughts and memories. Read more ...
UWG continues to improve its ranking, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report released on September 9. The national report ranked UWG 42nd in the Public South Regional University category, an increase from the 47th spot last year, and 87th in the overall South Regional University category, up from last year’s ranking of 92nd.
“It is always exciting to see our placement in U.S. News & World Report, as these rankings recognize our quality programs and the work of our talented faculty and staff,” said Dr. Kyle Marrero, president of UWG. “We remain dedicated to student success, and these rankings are an indication of this commitment as we endeavor to become the best comprehensive university in America, sought after as the best place to work, learn, and succeed.” Read more ...
A new school year has begun at UWG and the campus is filled with already-busy students, faculty, and staff. In addition to a dramatic increase in the number of freshmen this year, the Carrollton campus has welcomed a few new changes.
According to Brendan Bowen, assistant vice president of Campus Planning & Facilities, CP&F has actively partnered with Parking and Transportation Services, community stakeholders, and design experts to develop a safe and efficient infrastructure for biking on campus under UWG President Kyle Marrero's leadership. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia was listed in a recent Realtor.com article, titled America’s Most and Least Expensive College Towns, for its commitment to providing shows, sports events, performances and seminars to the community. Carrollton ranked nine out of 10 cities nationwide as the least expensive college town.
“UWG is proud to be an integral part of the local community,” said UWG President Kyle Marrero. “Not only is Carrollton a great place to live, work and play, it's a community in which all key stakeholders are working together to create the thriving, student-centric learning environment so critical to our future growth.” Read more ...
The University of West Georgia announced today that Academy of Country Music New Artist of the Year Cole Swindell is set to headline the fall concert. The concert will be held on Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the UWG Coliseum and includes special guests Adam Sanders and Jon Langston.
Tickets go on sale Friday, September 18. Costs include -
Pit: $50 plus tax and fees;
Reserved: $40 plus tax and fees;
General Admission: $30 plus tax and fees. Read more ...
This weekend the University of West Georgia welcomed the largest freshman class in its history as students moved into their residence halls, with classes starting on Monday, August 24. The UWG student body includes students from all 50 states and multiple countries, and all are greeted with a welcome that reflects UWG’s commitment to inclusion and service.
Enthusiastic volunteers greeted each car during the well-planned move-in weekend event, a campus- wide collaboration of staff, faculty, and student volunteers who assisted with guided traffic control, unloading cars, and helping students find their way to their new rooms. Read more ...
The University of West Georgia earned the Leadership Development and Diversity Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its efforts through the university’s Engage West! initiative. AASCU’s Excellence and Innovation Award program honors member institutions for excellence and innovation in several major areas of campus life and leadership that are mission focused.
“At UWG we have a bold vision, a new strategic plan and dedicated faculty and staff,” said UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero. Read more ...
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