Legislative update: a briefing for faculty and staff of the University System of Georgia, No. 3 (Jan. 22, 2001)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
A Briefing for Faculty & Staff of the University System of Georgia
No. 3, Jan. 22, 2001
University System Students Join Chancellor in Capitol Spotlight
Current and Future USG Alumni Showcased at Legislative Budget Hearings
Students were "front and center" at the Capitol last week when Chancellor Stephen R. Portch delivered his FY 2002 Budget Presentation to the Joint Appropriations Committees, showcasing the special talents and achievements of the University System of Georgia's students.
Legislators heard from a great-grandmother who earned her master's degree on-line; a tenacious visually impaired student who just completed her psychology degree; and from the globe-trotting student leader of the nation's historically black colleges and universities, who is preparing to attend medical school. They also heard from fraternal twin brothers who are both enrolled in the state's public military college, and the chair of the University System's Student Advisory Council, who delivered closing remarks.
The students were as proud to address the Committee as the legislators were pleased to hear from them. In fact, many of the elected officials were visibly moved by the candid and inspiring presentations.
"Our student presenters deserve a big tip of the hat," said Tom Daniel, interim senior vice chancellor for External Affairs and Facilities. "They helped convey some very powerful messages about the contributions being made by the System's current and future graduates. Legislators were visibly reminded that our students and alumni are leaders in education, business, you name it, and come from all walks of society."
Mary Knight, a December 2000 graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University's on-line master's degree program in Quality Assurance, epitomized the University System's commitment to providing "continuous learning." The greatgrandmother thanked legislators for the technological resources they had provided to the state and the USG that enabled her advanced study -- which she informed them she often conducted in the comfort of her pajamas. A glaucoma sufferer, she said she couldn't drive to a campus at night after work, so her new degree might not have been a possible were it not for the online program. A long-time health administrator, Knight also joked about another special perk of pursuing an on-line degree -e-mailing assignments just before midnight to meet professor's deadlines.
Kimberly Satcher, a December 2000 graduate of Kennesaw State University, has a brain tumor and is visually impaired; yet she graduated with high honors and has been accepted to graduate school at Georgia State University. She spoke with pride and passion about her desire to pursue a college degree, and of the unique support she received for her goals from KSU staff. Satcher explained how her mother plainly informed her after a surgery left her visually impaired that she could still achieve the same goals in life she had planned for herself when sighted. She committed herself then to attaining a college degree, and now is planning to become a Christian counselor (after graduate school), to provide others the special assistance she's received. Satcher also thanked the legislators for Georgia's HOPE scholarship program, bragging that she finished college without any loans, and her brother (who attended a private college) is $16,000 in debt.
Keith Hose, an Albany State University Health, Physical Education and Recreation major who plans to graduate in December 2001, boldly shared his humble beginnings with the legislative body to accentuate the true heights of his achievement. Raised by a single parent, Hose announced, "my mother has been my sole provider and protector." Yet, the ambitious student leader from Moultrie, Ga., told legislators that he has traveled the world with the ASU Concert Chorale, to Paris, Brussels, and other international cities, and has developed tremendous leadership skills as president of both ASU's Pre-Alumni Association and the National Association for Student Government Officers. He credited ASU's president, Dr. Portia Holmes Shields, and the institution's administration and staff with providing the supportive environment that has led to his achievement
Micah and Josh Preston of North Georgia College & State University told the assembled Committee members that they both aspire to military careers, and are well on their way to becoming commissioned officers in the Army Reserve when they graduate from the institution's esteemed ROTC program. The future military leaders delivered their remarks wearing the uniforms afforded NGC&SU's nationally recognized corps of cadets, and joked that they both joined the program so they could continue to dress alike. Next May, Micah plans to graduate with a B.S. in computer science, while his fraternal twin, Josh, plans to graduate with a B.S. in political science. Both young men attend the institution on full Georgia Military Scholarships,

funded by the state.
Nels Petersen, a high achiever who scored 1500 on the SAT, plans to graduate from Kennesaw State this May. The SAC chair has a 3.97 grade point average, and hopes to transition from his collegiate success to law school. Deeply involved in student government since first enrolling at KSU, Petersen informed the legislators that students were critically involved in the governance of the University System. He said they took particular pride in helping to shape the current student fee policies, including those associated with the HOPE scholarship program. The budding orator thanked the legislators for providing resources that have helped move the University System on its present course and challenged them to maintain their commitment and the funding momentum needed to achieve future goals.
In his address, Portch -- who was joined at the podium by Board of Regents Chair Glenn White -- outlined all of Gov. Roy Barnes' recommendations for the University System as proposed in the FY '02 Budget. He highlighted, among other special funding initiatives, the 4.5 percent salary increase the Governor has put forward for University System faculty and staff. The chancellor emphasized that the System has slid from 2nd to 4th in faculty salaries among the 16 states which compose the Southern Regional Education Board -- a slide that, if not rectified, could adversely affect the ability to recruit and maintain the best and brightest faculty and administrators.
Portch also proudly presented a headline from the a recent issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, quoting the chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, who is soliciting increased funding for university research from his state's General Assembly. It read: "If we don't get on this ball quickly, the North Carolinas, the Georgias, the Wisconsins, are going to be out there quickly grabbing these research dollars and businesses." Portch had the quote enlarged and printed on poster board to reflect the increased prominence the state has gained on the national landscape in recent years. He commented that when he first came to Georgia, these were the types of quotes that he dreamed of seeing, and likes the current company with which the state is associated.
In addition to White, the following Regents attended the budget presentation: Joel O. Wooten, Jr., Hugh A. Carter, Jr., Elridge McMillan, Michael J. Coles, Martin W. NeSmith, Donald M. Leebern, Jr. and J. Timothy Shelnut.
The students were accompanied to the budget presentation by USG presidents or their designees.
Appropriations Subcommittees Membership

House of Representatives Richard Royal (D-Camille), Chairman Newt Hudson (D-Rochelle) Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) Robert Ray (D-Fort Valley) Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) John Yates (R-Griffin) Ray Holland (D-Ashburn) Louise McBee (D-Athens) Gerald Greene (D-Cuthbert), Ex Officio Jack West (D-Bowden), Ex Officio

State Senate Jack Hill (D-Reidsville), Chairman Vincent Fort (R-Atlanta), Vice Chairman Richard Marable (D-Rome) Doug Haines (D-Athens) Nathan Dean (D-Rockmart)

Next Up:
z Georgia Library Legislative Day, Thursday, Jan. 25 { 8:30 a.m. - Light breakfast, Floyd Room, James H. "Sloppy" Floyd Federal Building. { 9 a.m. - Morning briefing (same location) with remarks from Gov. Barnes. Rep. DuBose Porter will be honored with a national award for his advocacy of library issues. { Noon - Library Legislative Luncheon, Georgia Railroad Freight Depot.
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Last Updated: January 22, 2001 | Leave a Comment 2001 University System of Georgia Board of Regents