The system supplement: a report of the Georgia Board of Regents, Vol. 38, no. 1 (Jan. 2002)

The
System Supplement

A report of the Georgia Board of Regents 8 Vol. 39, No. 1 8 January 2002

New Chancellor: System Can Still Fare Well,

Despite Gravity of Recession Worries

Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith confers with his special assistant, Shelley Nickel, just prior to the start of the January board meeting. Regent Hugh A. Carter Jr. is visible in the background.
Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith's first full week at the Board of Regents was action-packed. Meetings with a variety of University System of Georgia officials, legislative leaders and System Office staff members were interspersed between two major events -- the regular monthly meeting of the board on Jan. 8-9 and his presentation of the System's FY 2002 Amended Budget to the state's Joint House and Senate Appro-priations Committees on Jan. 10.
Meredith's critical role in ushering the System's budgeting and legislative priorities through the upcoming session of the Georgia

General Assembly was clearly on his mind as he addressed the Board of Regents.
The state's economic downturn led Gov. Roy E. Barnes last fall to order spending cuts for state agencies that add up to $105 million for the University System in FY '02 and FY `03, the chancellor said.
Meredith said he would caution legislators against overreacting to the recession, in view of the fact that the state's forecasters have predicted that recovery will begin midway through 2002. "It's not the time to make drastic cuts in important areas that will cause long-term damage to the quality of our System," he said.
"We've got to be even more fiscally responsible than we've been. We've got to make sure that we're not doing anything that doesn't maximize the use of the dollars that we have," the chancellor stressed.
Despite the dire fiscal situation, the System is in a position to benefit in terms of facilities and salaries, Meredith noted.

The Governor has recommended funding $900 million in new construction projects -- including $219 million allocated to the University System -- to create jobs and pump money into the economy.
"When you combine historic low interest rates with the state's strong bond rating, there is a great opportunity to get some things done during the 2002 session," Meredith said. "We will work closely with the Governor and the General Assembly to realize the maximum possible capital outlay."
Because other neighboring states are faring worse than Georgia in the current recession, the chancellor also feels that another merit salary increase for System employees would be a good investment for the state. Even a modest increase could boost Georgia's competitive standing in the annual salary surveys conducted by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) , helping to attract quality faculty to Georgia, he noted.
See "Chancellor," Page 2...

Board of Regents Celebrating Milestone Year

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. On Jan. 1-2, 1932, the original 11 regents met for 30 hours. This group included some of the state's most illustrious leaders, names familiar to Georgians even now, including George C. Woodruff, Philip Weltner, Richard B. Russell, Hughes Spalding, Martha Berry,

Cason Callaway, M.D. Dickerson, A. Pratt Adams, W.J. Vereen, William D. Anderson and T.F. Green.
During their marathon meeting, the regents elected a chair and vice chair, appointed a chancellor, and drafted a Statement of Plan that, for the first time, created a central source of governance for the state's public higher education institutions. This diverse collection -- organized under the categories of Universities, Senior Colleges, Junior Colleges, Colleges for Blacks, and Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (A&M) Schools -- had widely varied programs of study, admission standards, business practices and goals.

The story of how order,

statewide collaboration and long-

term strategic planning grew out

of this chaotic situation is the

story of the University System of

Georgia. System's

T7o0tchomanmnievmerosraartye,

the the

Board of Regents' Office of Media

and Publications has published an

updated history of the System,

which takes readers from how the

board was created in 1931

through the final days of

Chancellor Stephen R. Portch's

tenure and the appointment of

his successor, Thomas C.

Meredith. The document is avail-

able from the Office of Media and

Publications and on the USG web

site at www.usg.edu.

Regents Closely Examining Retention/Graduation Issues

The Board of Regents must gain a better understanding of the barriers to retaining and graduating students enrolled in the University System of Georgia, according to a presentation made at the January board meeting by Dr. Daniel L. Papp, senior vice chancellor for academics and fiscal affairs.
"We have a number of institutions with special programming that have been very successful in increasing retention and graduation rates, but we're not doing everything we need to do," Papp noted.
Papp led a discussion aimed at shaping policies that will enhance student retention and graduation rates -- top priorities included among 11 goal statements the Board of Regents adopted last September as part of its new strategic plan. The discussion will help the regents develop specific strategies over the next few months to support the plan.
National statistics show that the most critical point for losing students is at the end of the freshman year. An extensive benchmarking process undertaken by the regents during the last two years revealed that University System institutions are on par with peer groups in other states regarding freshman-to-sophomore-year retention.
The University System lost about 24 percent of its first-year freshmen in 2000. "Nationally, the average loss was 21 percent,"

Papp said, "but our retention rate has improved from 66 percent in 1984 to 76 percent in 2000, perhaps due to the raising of admission standards."
A host of factors influence retention rates, including student academic performance, motivation and fit with the institution, and institutional attitudes, programs, and initiatives. Papp cautioned against comparing the rates of different institutions without comparing their missions.
University System benchmarking data also indicate that fulltime students have a retention rate roughly 30 percent higher than part-time students, but there is virtually no difference in the rate at which various ethnic groups are retained at the end of their first year.
When it comes to graduation rates, the picture is quite different. "We don't do too badly in keeping students after the first year, but we seem to be losing them sometime between the sophomore year and graduation," Papp said.
While four-year graduation rates within the System are for the most part in line with those of peer institutions, six-year graduation rates at many of the System's universities lag behind. System data also reveal significant differences in terms of race and gender -- white female students have much higher six-year graduation

rates than do white males, who have higher rates than black females and much higher graduation rates than black males.
Papp said good student advisement programs have proven critical to improving retention, as have "Freshman-Year Experience" programs that ease the transition to college life. He identified a number of other "best practices," including:
x Surveying students to determine their needs; tracking performance and offering assistance when needed;
x Creating learning communities in which students go through their first year of college with a familiar cohort of fellow students;
x Teaching faculty members to communicate better with students;
x Offering student services during off-hours to accommodate unconventional schedules; and
x Creating a more student-friendly atmosphere on campus.
Papp recommended the creation of "Sophomore-Year Experience" and academic-intervention programs. He also suggested that System officials conduct more extensive research on the issues that affect retention and graduation, increase accountability for the System's goals in these areas at the institutional level, and develop System-wide programs and policies to reinforce the board's strategic emphases.

Chancellor
Continued from Page 1 ...
Among the 15 SREB states, Georgia ranked No. 4 in faculty salaries in FY 2001. System salaries remain below national averages.
"Since 1995, [the System] has seen an average yearly merit increase of 5 percent and, across the South, that is extraordinary. As a result, Georgia has been able not only to attract, but to keep top faculty," he noted. "Despite the poor economic picture, there is a good chance for us to move ahead of other states in the coming year and make up some of the ground we lost" during the late 1990s.

With the economy so uncertain and an election looming for the Governor and many other state officials, it will be more important than ever for the regents and other University System officials to speak with one voice during this legislative session, making a unified case for System goals, Meredith said.
"Any hint that we are uncertain or divided will not aid our efforts to move this System forward," he noted. "We must be united in our goals and our efforts."
Though the legislative session will be challenging, Meredith pointed out that "this board -- and past boards -- have never pulled back from challenges."

Noting that the Board of Regents is celebrating its 70th birthday this month, Meredith commented that the membership of the original board in 1932 (see story on Page 1) represented some of Georgia's preeminent leaders in business, government, the judicial system and education.
"They faced great challenges, but they kept pushing forward, and I know that this board is going to do the same thing," he said. "I came to Georgia in response to a legacy that is legendary. You've got a visionary governor, a dynamic board, good presidents and one of the nation's strongest Systems, and I'm proud to be a part of this history."

-- 2 --

School Leadership Initiatives Gain Financial Support
The University System is a partner in two statewide coalitions recently awarded funds to enhance leadership in Georgia schools.
Following discussions in Fall 2000 by Gov. Roy E. Barnes' Education Reform Study Commission on how to reform educational leadership preparation, the governor asked the System and the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) to take the lead in this effort.
Now, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded Georgia a $3 million State Challenge Grant to partially fund the new Leadership Institute for School Improvement, and the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds has awarded Georgia a $250,000, three-year grant to implement an action plan.
"School superintendents and principals are in a pivotal position to drive change for student success," said Dr. Jan Kettlewell, associate vice chancellor for the University System's P-16 Initiative, who is serving as project director and chair of both the institute's executive committee and the action plan's coordinating board. "This initiative will give them the tools and policy support needed to make a difference."
The institute is being launched this spring. The state action plan partners the University System with the Atlanta Public Schools in focusing on developing policies and practices that strengthen the ability of superintendents and principals to improve student learning.
The
System Supplement
Arlethia Perry-Johnson
ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR
John Millsaps
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
Diane Payne
PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR
To Provide Feedback
write to: dpayne@mail. regents.peachnet.edu

ON CAMPUS

Valdosta State University Has New President

Ronald M. Zaccari, president emeritus of West Liberty State College in West Liberty, West Virginia, was named president of Valdosta State University by the Board of Regents and University System of Georgia Chancellor Stephen R. Portch on Dec. 31, 2001. He took office at VSU on Jan. 7.
A professor of art and an accomplished sculptor, Zaccari served as president of West Liberty, a four-year public institution, from 1996 until he retired in August 2001 to work on commissioned sculptures.
Under Zaccari's leadership, West Liberty State was able to turn around a declining enrollment, renovate existing campus facilities, add new facilities and launch additional program initiatives. His work was widely acclaimed, both on campus and in the community.
He succeeds Dr. Hugh Bailey, who had been president of Valdosta State since 1978. Bailey officially retired in June 2001, but agreed to stay on as president until his successor could take office.
Commenting on the appointment, Portch said, "Zaccari brings both experience and creativity to Valdosta State, and a clear sense of working collaboratively with faculty and staff."
Regent John Hunt, who chaired the Special Regents' Committee that assisted with the search, commented that "Ron Zaccari has some fine ideas for helping the

regional economy through higher education."

Prior to his appointment at West Liberty State, Zaccari held a wide variety of administrative posts at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La., while simultaneously serving as a professor of art.

Valdosta State University's new president, Ronald M. Zaccari, was introduced at the Regents' Jan. meeting. Pictured here (left to right) are: Regent John Hunt, Zaccari and Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith.

Those posts included provost and vice president for academic affairs (19941996), associate provost for academic and student affairs (1990-1994), acting provost (1989-1990), assistant vice president for academic affairs (1987-1989), dean of the College of Education (1982-1987) and head of the Visual Arts Department (19771982). Southeastern Louisiana University is a public institution with an enrollment of 15,330.

Zaccari holds a bachelor of science degree from the State University at Slippery Rock in Slippery Rock, Pa., a master of education degree from the University of Pittsburgh (Pa.), and a doctor of education degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

$1 Million Golf Course Donated to ABAC

The college with one of the top golf-clubmanagement programs in the South now has a $1 million golf course to go along with it.
Tifton ophthalmologist Larry Moorman announced in early January that he and his wife, Debra, will give the
entire 91-acre Forest Lakes Golf Course to the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation.
ABAC President Mike Vollmer said the college will put the course to immediate use in the golf-club-management major as a unique outdoor learning laboratory. He said the course will also be used in many other programs, such as horticulture, agricultural engineering, forestry, wildlife, physical education, youth connection, agriculture equipment technology, and golf turf management.
"Through the Moormans' generous gift, we will be able to provide our students with

the very best in learning and real-world experience," Vollmer said. "It's one thing to talk about how to manage a golf course. It's quite another to actually go to that course and put theory into practice."
Moorman said he and his wife decided to donate the golf course to ABAC because it will work well with the college's golf club and turf programs.
"It's a perfect fit," Moorman said. "A golf course used for educational purposes is great for the students. It will provide valuable hands-on experience, putting students in real-life situations. Actually being on a golf course will give students a totally different perspective than what they learn from text books. I am a big supporter of ABAC, and for me, this donation is all about ABAC."
College officials said the course will remain open for public play. Former ABAC golf coach Wayne Cooper will manage its day-to-day operations.

-- 3 --

Demographer Helps Shape BOR Strategies

University of Georgia Professor Doug Bachtel presented key demographic data to the Board of Regents at its January meeting to support the development of a new Mission Statement and Strategic Plan that will guide the board's policy decisions for the University System over the next five years.

Georgia's tremendous growth -- the

population grew

26.4 percent over

the past decade --

is driven by a

strong and diversi-

fied economy,

Bachtel said, but

the benefits have

not been distrib-

uted evenly across

the state. More

Professor Doug Bachtel

than one million Georgians live

below the poverty line, he pointed out,

and 94 Georgia counties have a per-capita

income lower than that of the state of

Mississippi, which has the nation's lowest.

"This has huge implications for higher

education," said Bachtel, a member of

UGA's Department of Housing and Con-

sumer Economics faculty and editor of

The Georgia County Guide.

Among other strategic goals, the regents have placed a special emphasis on increasing college participation rates by African-American males and non-traditional students.
The University System's AfricanAmerican enrollment stood at 22.4 percent for fall 2001 -- closely mirroring the state's overall African-American population -- but the number of African-American male students is low. For every two African-American females enrolled, there is just one African-American male in the University System.
According to Bachtel, Georgia ranks 50th in post-secondary-participation rates among two non-traditional age groups. In Fall 1997, only 4.5 percent of those aged 25-39 were enrolled in college (compared to a national average of 6.7 percent), while only 1.1 percent of those aged 40-64 (compared to a national average of 2.1 percent) were college students.
The percentage of Georgians aged 25 years and older without a high-school education dropped from 81.6 percent in 1940 to 29.1 percent in 1990. However, statistics show that improved high-school graduation rates haven't significantly improved Georgia's post-secondary participation rates.

USG Figures Heavily on List of `Most Influential Georgians'

Regent Joe Frank Harris and several University System of Georgia officials are among "100 Most Influential Georgians" identified in the January issue of Georgia Trend.
The business magazine's annual directory of the state's top power brokers included Assistant Vice Chancellor for Economic Development Annie Hunt Burris and Kennesaw State University President Betty L. Siegel -- two of only 11 women selected by Georgia Trend editors. A number of other System presidents made the list, including Dr. Michael F. Adams of the University of Georgia, Dr.

G. Wayne Clough of Georgia Tech and Dr. Carl V. Patton of Georgia State University. The editors also saluted Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, director of Georgia State's Economic Forecasting Center, who, at age 36, is one of only two people under 40 on the list.
An accompanying list of "Notable Georgians" (individuals who have "wielded power, made contributions, or garnered notoriety") includes newly retired Regent Juanita Powell Baranco, UGA Vice President Kathryn Costello and Dr. Rosemary DePaolo, president of Georgia College and State University.

BOARD OF REGENTS
Hilton Hatchett Howell, Jr. Atlanta CHAIR
Joe Frank Harris Cartersville VICE-CHAIR
Hugh A. Carter, Jr. Atlanta
Connie Cater Macon
William H. Cleveland, M.D. Atlanta
Michael J. Coles Kennesaw
John Hunt Tifton
Donald M. Leebern, Jr. Columbus
Allene H. Magill Dalton
Elridge W. McMillan Atlanta
Martin W. NeSmith Claxton
J. Timothy Shelnut Augusta
Glenn S. White Lawrenceville
Joel O. Wooten, Jr. Columbus
James D. Yancey Columbus
OFFICERS
Thomas C. Meredith CHANCELLOR
Gail S. Weber SECRETARY TO THE BOARD
William R. Bowes TREASURER

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