Preparing leaders for the 21st century knowledge economy will require increased access to lifelong learning opportunities through a variety of delivery methods. To this end, PSO will accomplish the following:

• Expand leadership development and training programs for government, education, business, and community leaders.
• Create professional development programs focused on certification and recertification. Partnerships with appropriate academic units will be strengthened or established as appropriate.
• Conduct a market analysis to examine PSO’s existing continuing education and professional development programs in order to identify new markets.
• Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of PSO training programs in order to continually update and modernize curricula.
• Become a national leader in innovative delivery platforms and approaches.

In the future, PSO must respond in a more comprehensive way to the evolving needs of Georgia. In the past, PSO units typically have worked independently to develop solutions to critical public issues. During the next five years, the VP's Office will lead a PSO-wide initiative that integrates the work of the units in order to tackle a specific issue statewide or set of issues in a community. The VP's office will focus resources on the following activities:

• Developing diagnostic tools for assessing ways to identify and address economic, social, and community needs
• Using the assessment to prepare a work plan of specific actions to address the identified needs
• Creating a partnership among PSO units, academic units, and state agencies to work with the defined community to implement the work plan

On March 8, the Polk County Visioning Committee, with the assistance and guidance of the Fanning Institute team, adopted a new vision, mission, guiding principles, and goals related to leadership, education, infrastructure/resources, and economic development to be developed over the next three years. The Development Authority of Polk County signed a contract with Fanning in April 2011 to lead the county through a strategic plan.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

The Vinson Institute signed a contract in March with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to study the economic impact of MARTA on the area. The study, scheduled for completion in June, will address the extent to which operation of the public transportation system affects labor market mobility. The Vinson Institute’s Wes Clarke will utilize data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis in addition to responses collected by MARTA’s rider survey to estimate the transit system’s impact. The Vinson Institute conducted a similar study for MARTA in 2007.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

More than 500 officials recently elected to city governments across the state participated in Vinson Institute training in Tifton March 2–3 and in Athens February 17–18. The Newly Elected Officials Institutes were cosponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association and the Vinson Institute and featured courses focused on building skills and knowledge as well as opportunities to network and learn about local government resources.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

The Pulaski County Archway Partnership Executive Committee coordinated training for UGA Fanning Institute–certified facilitators at the Sam Way Learning Center on February 7 and 14. Sixteen participants registered for the class. Members of the leadership organizations Ocmulgee Order and Pulaski Tomorrow joined the Archway Partnership Steering Committee. This joint effort represents a merging of community groups and a significant advance in community unity. The steering committee plans to commence a visioning process to help determine future work plans.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On February 29, the Vinson Institute launched GOV360™, the first 360-degree assessment tool designed specifically for government managers. The tool gives them insights into their leadership performance based on feedback from raters and helps them set professional development goals. The launch marks the culmination of a multiyear partnership with faculty from UGA’s Department of Psychology. The Vinson Institute hopes to expand its market nationally and internationally.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

The Vinson Institute signed a contract with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission on February 12 to provide financial management and leadership training to seven “small libraries” throughout the state of Texas. Institute training faculty will travel to sites in Texas beginning in February to conduct the two-day workshops with the goal of giving these library locations access to the knowledge and resources needed to be efficient, well-run organizations. The first day of each workshop will focus on management. Day two will concentrate on financial aspects.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

The SBDC is sponsoring a technology company development program at Emory University in collaboration with the university’s technology transfer program and the UGA Office of Vice President for Research. The program commenced in February and will run for five weeks. It is the second of its kind using the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac® TechVenture™ curriculum. It is funded under the federal Small Business Jobs Act. The first program was completed at UGA in fall 2011. Cem Oruc, SBDC Director of Commercialization Services, is coordinating.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

On February 1, Fanning client Liberty Regional Medical Center (LMRC) was named 2012 Business of the Year for businesses with more than 35 employees by the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce. Skip Teaster and the Fanning team designed, developed, and assisted the client in implementing a planning process that saved 450 jobs and helped return a positive cash flow with funds applied to reserves. LRMC has 525 employees and is the fourth-largest employer in Liberty County. LRMC is planning an $8 million to $12 million renovation-expansion process in 2013.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On February 12, the first class of the Athens Peer Court (APC) graduated. A collaboration among Fanning, the Athens–Clarke County Juvenile Court, and UGA Law, the APC is intended to promote behavioral change and reduce recidivism among first-time youth offenders. Youth volunteers receive training on the legal system, restorative justice, and leadership skills to serve as role models and mentors. Thirteen students from local high schools completed 14 hours of training, culminating in a mock hearing demonstration for families. The volunteers learned how to interview a client, conduct a direct examination, and write and deliver opening and closing statements. Emily Boness facilitated the graduation.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

1.    The mayor of Athens–Clarke County announced January 19 that the Vinson Institute will play a leading role in the development of an economic development strategic plan for the community. The Institute will facilitate meetings of the new 27-member economic development task force to be led by former state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. The task force will include residents, business owners, education leaders, and representatives from health care providers and local nonprofit organizations. The Institute will facilitate public input meetings during the strategic plan development process and will produce the final report.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

The Vinson Institute’s Betty Hudson met with local legislators from the Macon–Bibb County area December 1 to discuss the findings of an Institute study exploring the experiences of Georgia’s three largest consolidated governments—Columbus–Muscogee Augusta–Richmond, and Athens–Clarke. The nonprofit organization New Town Macon had funded the study, which provides a behind-the-scenes view of why the communities pursued consolidation and their experiences during and after the process. The legislative delegation is expected to submit a consolidation charter to the General Assembly in January 2012 for a possible referendum on consolidation in November.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

The Vinson Institute’s local government services unit submitted its final report concerning the effects of census counts of deployed military personnel to the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission on December 7. The commission had asked the Vinson Institute to examine the impact of the Census Bureau’s counting rules due to concerns of undercounts of the 13,000 military personnel deployed from Fort Stewart. The Vinson Institute report addressed the potential impact that the policy of attributing personnel to state population but not local jurisdiction populations has on reapportionment and funding in areas such as transportation or housing.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

       The Vinson Institute was notified on December 16 that it has been selected to lead the strategic planning process for the Alliance for Education Agency Heads (AEAH) in the first quarter of 2012. The Vinson Institute will facilitate a series of retreats for AEAH members and staff that will include needs assessments, visioning, and planning with the ultimate goal of strengthening interagency collaboration and aligning agency activities with the governor’s education and competitiveness initiatives.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On October 31, 2011, Governor Nathan Deal and Vinson Institute faculty members attended kickoff event for the Georgia Council for the Arts strategic planning process. The Georgia Department of Economic Development asked the Vinson Institute to contribute to the development of the council’s new strategic plan, which will serve as its guide through the next decade. The Vinson Institute will develop the procedures for gathering public input for the plan and facilitate two of the public input sessions as well as a meeting of the council’s board. Vinson Institute faculty members will also help write the final plan after receiving public and stakeholder feedback. The strategic plan will describe the council’s updated mission and its goals for arts education, traditional arts, arts organizations, artist support, and grants.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On October 24-26, 2011, the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI) held Leadership Summit 33 leadership training at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia. A total of 160 teacher leaders from the following counties attended and will continue developing their leadership capacity for leadership of system improvement: Athens-Clarke, Carroll, Coffee, Crisp, Griffin, Liberty, Macon, Mitchell, Monroe, Pulaski and Ware.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On October 21-23, 2011, 100 educators gathered on Skidaway Island for “Celebrating Our Shared Shoreline,” the 2011 Joint Conference of the Georgia Association of Marine Educators and the South Carolina Marine Educators Association. Hosted by the Marine Extension Service, conference attendees participated in concurrent session, field trips, and keynote presentations related to coastal processes and environment.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On October 22, 2011, an article on UGA's Campus Kitchen Task Force was featured in the Athens Banner-Herald as an example of innovative campus-community partnerships addressing critical local issues such as food waste and insecurity. In October 2011, UGA Campus Kitchen delivered a total of 212 meals to 24 families with the help of 78 volunteer hours. Campus Kitchen is a national organization that seeks to reduce food waste and address food insecurity. The goal of UGA Campus Kitchen is to collect fresh and prepared food from various sources around the community, which would otherwise be wasted, and then use it to prepare nutritious meals that are distributed through programs of the Athens Community Council on Aging in order to alleviate senior hunger in the community. Sponsored by the Office of Service-Learning, UGA Campus Kitchen partners with the Athens Community Council on Aging, Talmage Terrace, the Georgia Center, and the Northeast Georgia Food Bank. UGA Campus Kitchen is the first chapter in Georgia and is the only Campus Kitchen branch nationally focused on alleviating and studying the problem of senior hunger.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On October 19-20, 2011, plant conservation staff members hosted a statewide meeting of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance in Swainsboro, Georgia, where colleagues from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, Georgia Power, and other higher education institutions from across the state gathered to report on plant conservation projects.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On October 14-15, 2011, Angela Bliss, representing the Marine Extension Service, presented on the Marine Extension Service’s previous work reporting and identifying invasive species at the Southeastern Association for Science Teacher Education (SASTE) Conference in Athens, Georgia. Session attendees included professors from the College of Charleston and College of Coastal Georgia along with high school teachers. The estimated 200 participants received the Marine Extension Service invasive species booklet, invasive species rack card sets, Adopt-a-Wetland saltmarsh posters, Vibrio rack cards, and brochures.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On October 15, 2011, the Marine Extension Service showcased the newly designed “Horseshoe Crab Discovery” as one of the many hands-on learning sessions for the public that took place during the annual Skidaway Marine Science Day. Designed to engage audiences of all ages and interests, the activity provided an opportunity for participants to learn about horseshoe crabs and their role in natural coastal systems. They held and touched live horseshoe crabs, counted the number of legs, determined male from female horseshoe crabs, looked for their book gills, and learned about their blue blood. In addition to learning horseshoe crab anatomy, participants walked away with a better understanding of the ecological and economic importance of horseshoe crabs living along Georgia’s coast.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On October 15, 2011, the 10th annual Skidaway Marine Science Day was held at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium and surrounding campus. More than 2,000 people attended the four-hour public and family-oriented event, which was a collaborative effort among Skidaway Marine Science Campus partners ( UGA Marine Extension Service, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary) with activities that included a lecture on sea turtles, coastal reptiles, a shark dissection, horseshoe and phytoplankton discovery labs, and behind-the-scenes aquarium tours.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On October 14, 2011, a group of Hart County Archway Executive Committee members met on the University of Georgia campus with faculty members from the UGA Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. The group discussed possible avenues for partnership and collaboration between Hart County and faculty members and students in the various engineering majors. This is the first formal interaction between this program and an Archway Community.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On October 12, 2011, the Vinson Institute participated in the kickoff of the OneGeorgia Rural Policy Center and its policy-making arm, the Georgia Rural Development Council (GRDC). At the request of the Governor’s Office, the Vinson Institute will provide support for GRDC activities, which include creating policies to encourage development in the state’s rural areas. Vinson Institute facilitators will guide the GRDC through discussions and policy formulation and will help draft policy papers. The Vinson Institute will also assist in deploying the resources of the University System of Georgia (USG) by identifying and subcontracting with USG entities that can conduct research on rural development issues.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On October 11, 2011, the Vinson Institute and Seoul Municipal Government (SMG) signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their partnership in training, assistance, and cultural exchange. The new partnership reinvigorates and expands the Vinson Institute's involvement in Korea through short- and long-term programs for high-ranking Seoul city officials to enhance their career enrichment and promote connections between South Korea and the United States. It will host select, high-ranking Seoul officials who will work at the Vinson Institute during yearlong internships. The agreement also designates the Vinson Institute as manager of all short-term training programs in the U.S.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On Friday, October 7, 2011, Office of Service-Learning Director Shannon Wilder; Sarah Jackson, Campus Kitchen coordinator; and Nik Heynen, assistant professor of geography and former Service-Learning Fellow, spoke at the First Friday Eats program sponsored by the Office of Sustainability. They led a discussion about hunger in Athens and how initiatives such as Campus Kitchen and a geography service-learning course known as the Athens Urban Food Collective are striving to alleviate food insecurity. First Friday Eats occurs on the first Friday of each month and is a “green bag” bring your own lunch series, which focuses on different topics pertaining to sustainability in the community.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

On October 6, 2011, nearly three dozen leaders participated in the Camden County Economic Development Summit held in Kingsland, Georgia. Leaders representing the county, cities, and institutional partners engaged in a discussion about the future, and crafted a plan and framework to work as a team in making Camden County more attractive to business and industry. The discussion was facilitated by Joy Wilkins and Langford Holbrook of the Fanning Institute.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On October 6, 2011, the Grady County Archway Partnership held a kick-off community listening session in Cairo, Georgia. Total attendance was 180 with approximately 20 percent of those in attendance from the Hispanic community - the best minority representation to date in an Archway Community.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On October 5, 2011, some 25 faculty members, students, staff and community members attended the Fall Service-Learning with Latino Communities meeting. This session, held at the Fanning Institute in collaboration with public service associate Maritza Soto Keen and the Latino Interest Group, featured a community panel from partnering organizations for service to Latino communities, information sharing, and discussions on how better to prepare students to engage with Latino communities.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

Eight University of Georgia (UGA) faculty members gave presentations at the 12th annual National Outreach Scholarship Conference in East Lansing, Michigan, on October 2-4, 2011, on the campus of Michigan State University. UGA is one of 15 universities that supports the National Outreach Scholarship Conference Partnership, which is working “to build strong university-community partnerships anchored in the rigor of scholarship, and designed to help build community capacity.

To find out more: 2011 NOSC Presenters |

On October 2-3, 2011, 50 people participated in a design charrette in the Visitor Center. Advisory Board members, staff members, Friends of the Garden, and volunteers joined 24 students and faculty members from the UGA College of Environment and Design in planning and mapping new facilities that will form part of the new Master Plan for the Garden.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On October 3, 2011, David Mathis, who coordinates the Rural Medical Scholars program for Mercer University in Sandersville, Georgia, traveled to Hawkinsville, Georgia, for a meeting with Archway Partnership Executive Committee member Dan Maddock to talk about the program and tour the Taylor Regional Hospital facilities. The Pulaski County Archway Executive Committee has emphasized interest in finding ways to build a stronger relationship between Pulaski County and the Mercer University School of Medicine. The Mercer Rural Scholars program is one of the community health ideas being developed.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

In October 2011, the Archway Partnership worked with Taylor Regional Hospital in Pulaski County to create a Rural Medical Scholars partnership with Mercer School of Medicine. The program will be the second in the state and is patterned after the successful pilot program in Sandersville, Georgia, coordinated by Archway Partnership health professional Laura Gillman.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On September 24, 2011, approximately 1,000 people (50 percent children) attended Insectival. Displays, crafts, programs and puppetry informed and engaged the crowds in appreciating the diversity and ecology of insects and spiders. Hundreds of monarch butterflies were released at the Garden.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

In October 2011, staff member John Maynard was named Assistant State Director for Capital Acquisition. In this role he will be overseeing the Small Business Development Center’s response to the tight credit market for small business owners and enhancing efforts to help owners understand what is required to access debt and equity capital.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

In October 2011, Beth Melnik, Assistant State Director for Organizational Effectiveness and Marketing, was named Vice Chair of the national accreditation committee for the Association of Small Business Development Centers/U.S. Small Business Administration. This committee oversees accreditation of Small Business Development Center programs on campuses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

During October 2011, the Marine Extension Service began several months of collaboration with Savannah College of Art and Design sculpture professor Edward Barbier whose exhibit of metal works marine invertebrates and landscapes opened to the public on October 15 at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Dr. Barbier’s work includes larger than life, scientifically accurate, and touchable marine invertebrates. A five-foot long white shrimp, five-foot high hermit crab, and a two-foot wide blue crab are among the pieces being exhibited in the aquarium through December 2011.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

The summer of 2011 brought a sub-adult female loggerhead sea turtle into the hands of the crew of the research vessel the Georgia Bulldog. Marine Extension Service Brunswick staff members caught the sick turtle in the Nassau Sound just north of Mayport, Florida, and arranged for her safe transportation to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island for rehabilitation. “Truck” was rescued and named for Georgia Bulldog crew member Herbert “Truck” McIver. After spending several months undergoing treatment at the center, Truck was released in October 2011 from the Jekyll beach. To track Truck’s movements, click HERE.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

During October 2011, the research vessel Georgia Bulldog served as an at-sea educational platform for several community groups totaling 41 visitors aboard. Groups visiting the Georgia Bulldog learned about the working of a shrimp boat and that of a research vessel. Sample trawls were pulled, and students and guests learned to identify local coastal species. Groups included 12 members of the Glynn Environmental Coalition, 19 students of Dr. Katherine Craven’s Armstrong Atlantic University classes, and 10 management and staff members of King and Prince Seafood.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

From September 29 to October 1, 2011, Marine Extension Service Brunswick staff members and research vessel Georgia Bulldog crew members participated in the Beaufort, South Carolina, two-day shrimp festival that attracts 10,000 visitors annually. This was the 12th consecutive year of their participation. Almost 3,800 attendees were treated to time aboard the Georgia Bulldog and learned about working shrimp boats and the research vessel. Two shrimp net models were displayed and turtle excluder devices explained. Staff members gave vessel tours and answered questions.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On October 1, 2011, as Georgia’s largest celebration of coastal natural resources, CoastFest set an event record with more than 9,000 visitors attending the free, family-oriented educational festival in Brunswick, Georgia. Organized by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, the event hosted more than 75 interactive natural resource exhibitors and additional activity areas. 2011 exhibitors included the Marine Extension Service and Georgia Sea Grant spotlighting the CoastScapes native plant landscaping program, the marine debris initiative, Marsh Madness educational program, and the Marine Education Center and Aquarium education program.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In October 2011, the Marine Extension Service’s Brunswick Station and Georgia Sea Grant assisted the Glynn Environmental Coalition and three other public agency partners in the redesign and production of a user-friendly single-page Fish Consumption Advisory pamphlet for waterways in Glynn County, home to four federal Superfund sites. The multi-agency partnership between the Coastal Health District (Glynn County Health Department), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Coastal Resources Division), Georgia Environmental Protection Division (Environmental Toxicology Program), University of Georgia (Marine Extension Service), Georgia Sea Grant program, and the Glynn Environmental Coalition makes fish consumption advisories easier to understand. The updated pamphlets for Glynn County are available in English with a Spanish version in final production.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On September 27, 2011, the Governor’s Office of Children and Families launched a website and database designed by the Vinson’s Institute’s Office of Information Outreach Technology at a ceremony in Atlanta. The First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal, was present at the “virtual ribbon cutting ceremony,” where the new site was unveiled, along with several representatives from the Vinson Institute who had worked on the project. The website is the culmination of several years’ work in aggregating juvenile justice data so the data can be shared among the many state agencies involved with juvenile programs. This data had previously been stored in separate databases with limited access. The new site will facilitate coordination between agencies and help provide more effective services to meet the needs of youths

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On September 25, 2011, 21 state representatives and senators received certificates for completing the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute (GLLI). The legislators, all serving first terms, were nominated by their parties’ leadership to participate in the program. The participants met in May and September and engaged in activities designed to help them learn more about their personal leadership styles and how to apply those successfully in a legislative setting. This was the fourth Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute, which is conducted every two years by the Vinson Institute on behalf of the Georgia General Assembly Training Institute and with funding from the Woodruff Foundation.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On September 7-25, 2011, the Vinson Institute’s International Center led a group of 20 Chinese leaders from the Shaanxi Province State-Owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission in Athens, Atlanta, New York, and Washington, D.C. The purpose of the delegation’s visit was to learn more about enterprise and legal risk prevention and control. During their trip, they met with representatives from law firms, a U.S. trade representative, the Georgia state treasurer, business representatives, tourism and economic development officers, and others. Their meetings provided them with a perspective of the legal framework for conducting business in the United States and how to manage risk in public and private sector organizations.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On September 24, 2011, the UGA-Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) Academic Adventures program recorded the largest enrollment in the program’s history. A total of 127 gifted fifth and sixth grade students from around the state visited the Athens campus to study advanced topics with UGA faculty members, graduate students, and instructors. Courses were held across the UGA campus, and covered a wide variety of topics including robotics, medicine, physics, neuroscience, graphic design, screenwriting, and animation. The Georgia Center offers this program in partnership with the College of Education’s Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development and the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

To find out more: Georgia Center for Continuing Education |

On September 23-24, 2011, Maritza Soto Keen facilitated The Padres e Hijos Weekend held at the University of Georgia. Twenty-one academically prepared high school seniors and their families attended. Interim Vice President for Institutional Diversity Michelle Garfield Cook delivered the welcoming address and UGA senior and Padres alumna Andrea Giraudo was the student presenter. Students and their families learned about the college admission and financial aid processes, dialogued with faculty and staff about first-year university programs, toured the university, and interacted with current UGA students. The goal of the program is to increase the diversity of high school seniors who are competitive when applying to UGA.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On September 17, 2011, Adopt-A-Wetland (AAW) Volunteer Appreciation Oyster Roast and Potluck was held at the Roebling House on the Skidaway campus. Sixty-five AAW volunteers and guests attended the event, which included presentations by Chandra Franklin (Savannah State University) and Jan Mackinnon (Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Coastal Resources Division) and training sessions. In addition, a live band provided entertainment; and $125 worth of door prizes, contributed by Latitude 32 and Moon River Brewery and Restaurant, was given out during the roast. The Oyster Roast and Potluck was accomplished with cooperation and support from Tara Muenz and Allison Hughes (Georgia Environmental Protection Division) and Franklin.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On September 16, 2011, the Marine Extension Service Aquarium donated a gag grouper to the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. The 15-pound gag grouper, caught at Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, had outgrown its tank. The grouper had been on exhibit to illustrate the fisheries research being conducted at Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The gag is an example of the interstate aquarium network being established by the Marine Extension Service that provides aquarium resources, animal husbandry consultation, and advice for aquarium maintenance.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

September 2011 marked the beginning of the Marine Education Center and Aquarium's annual teaching season. The following programs illustrate the variety of student groups that participate in marine science and coastal ecology programs offered by Marine Extension Service faculty members. On September 8, 2011, Savannah Ocean Exchange Trawl: Marine Extension Service faculty members led a research vessel Sea Dawg estuarine sampling trip for Ocean Exchange adult participants. On September 10, 2011, Mommy and Me: During this first of a series of classes, toddlers and parents learned through story, marine animal yoga, and show and tell the ways marine animals move. On September 12-14, 2011, Epstein School: 48 sixth graders and their teachers participated in a series on field explorations, laboratories, and boat studies. On September 14-16, 2011, Mercer University: Undergraduates and research faculty members undertook a series of focused estuarine, lab, and barrier island studies with Marine Extension Service faculty members. On September 16, 2011: Hardeeville Elementary School, Beaufort County, South Carolina: Marine Extension Service faculty and staff members led education activities for 825 elementary students during the first ever Catfish Festival.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On September 14, 2011, more than 80 participants attended the 2011 Georgia Gold Medal Symposium and plant sale at the Callaway Building. Horticultural talks from invited speakers and guest of honor Vince Dooley received excellent reviews. Similar reviews were received from attendees of other courses and lectures including tree identification, beekeeping, the annual Johnstone Lecture, Friends First Friday, seed saving, sedge identification, metalsmithing, beneficial insects, and plant families.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On September 12-14, 2011, the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI) 2011-2012 held Base Camp 33 leadership training at the Evergreen Conference Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Base Camp 33 is a customized leadership development opportunity for teams of district-led and principal-led teacher leaders. The session helps teacher leaders recognize and act upon their leadership role in team-based system improvement that leads to increasing the percentage of students graduating from high school prepared for the demands of college and careers. Participants apply their learning between sessions to create a sense of urgency among key stakeholders around students’ college and career success.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On September 9, 2011, more than 60 members of the Board of Advisors met at the State Botanical Garden; they, the staff and Interim Vice President Jennifer Frum welcomed Kathy Young as the new chair and thanked outgoing chair Jimmy Jeter for his past two years of board leadership. In addition, the board greeted four new advisors who, with 20 experienced members and partners, were treated to an orientation session and tour by Botanical Garden staff on September 8.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On September 7-9, 2011, the national Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) Conference was held in San Diego, California. Four Georgia SBDC faculty members were chosen to present at the conference, which is the principal professional development program for SBDCs across the country. Also, Ron Simmons, area director of the SBDC’s Gainesville office, was recognized as a national ASBDC “Star Performer” for his work with small business owners in Georgia. The conference drew more than 1,500 participants.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

On September 8, 2011, The Garden celebrated and honored outstanding donors at the 2011 Giving Tree Tribute at the Visitor Center. This year’s Distinguished Honoree was Deen Day Sanders, and the Southern Magnolia Honorees recognized were the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation and Nancy and John Ludwig. Their generosity was celebrated by 130 other donors and guests at the Garden Conservatory. Joining the toast to donors was UGA President Michael Adams, Senior Vice President Tom Landrum, and Interim Vice President Jennifer Frum.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On September 7, 2011, the Vinson Institute’s Office of Communications signed an agreement with UGA Office of Institutional Diversity to produce a video that will become part of UGA’s First-Year Odyssey program. The video features two UGA undergraduate students providing information to incoming freshmen about the value of diversity among UGA’s students and faculty and staff members. They also discuss diversity-related resources available to students, events, and opportunities for becoming involved around campus. All of UGA’s incoming freshmen will view the video as part of the First Year Odyssey program, giving them a strong familiarity with the campus and its many opportunities.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On September 2, 2011,"Eddie" the loggerhead sea turtle was released on Wassaw Island, Georgia, after being raised from a hatchling to three years of age at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. The release was a coordinated effort among Marine Extension Service staff members, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Caretta Research Project. The turtle was tagged with coded-number flipper tags and a Passive Integrated Transmitter (PIT) tag so that data can be reported to studies of loggerhead movements and habitat use.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

The State Botanical Garden, with assistance from Public Service and Outreach, moved forward with developing a new 10-year master plan. This will be conducted by the College of Environment and Design (CED) as both a service to the Garden and a research and education opportunity for CED. Completion date is targeted for summer 2012.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

In September 2011, the Marine Extension Center and Aquarium (MECA) Summer Marine Science Camp Program was a featured story in Georgia Magazine, circulation of 200,000 households. http://uga.edu/gm/ee/index.php?issue/2011/09/.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In September 2011, the crew of the research vessel Georgia Bulldog studied the interactions between blacknose sharks and shrimp trawlers in the South Atlantic. This year, Marine Extension Service staff members will help local shrimpers learn to identify migratory shark species. The project, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Research Program is also supported by Georgia’s Coastal Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Georgia Sea Grant.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In September 2011, the UGA College of Public Health is coordinated a needs assessment for the Pulaski County community at the request of the Archway Community Health Issue Work Group. This effort was coordinated through the College of Public Health with the assistance of Laura Gillman, Archway public health professional.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

In September 2011, Archway Professional Mary Beth Chew developed a white paper regarding the need for leadership development programming in Brunswick and Glynn County, Georgia. This white paper will be used to create a new leadership development curriculum in Glynn County and provide a framework to discuss issues and needs within the community, as well as a suggested time line for implementation, and stated goals and outcomes. This paper was shared with the Leadership Development Task Force, as well as with the Archway Executive Committee, for its review and approval.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

In August, the Georgia SBDC Network obtained evidence from the annual economic impact survey that entrepreneurs who utilize SBDC assistance experience employment and sales growth greater than the state average. Key findings show the employment base of the Georgia SBDC Network’s existing business clients grew by 6.1% from 2009-2010, while overall employment levels in Georgia decreased by 1.4%. Also, during the same time period, the SBDC’s existing business clients increased their sales by an average of 10%, while the average Georgia business experienced a 2.5% increase in sales.  Overall, 93% of all existing business clients reported they benefited from working with the Georgia SBDC Network.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

In August 2011, aquarium curator Devin Dumont collaborated with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division Sportsfish Monitoring Program to collect exhibit specimens for the aquarium. Dumont offered field assistance and expertise with the research program conducted in the Wassaw Sound estuary system.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In August 2011, participants in the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program took classes at the Marine Extension Service to improve their shrimping businesses. Marine Extension’s Lindsey Parker taught sessions about competing with imports, cutting costs, developing marketing plans, finding ways to diversify, and navigating regulations. Of the 187 shrimpers in Georgia, 149 have already completed an initial business plan enabling them to receive $4,000 each. This summer and fall, shrimpers who have elected to continue with the program will be eligible to receive an additional $8,000 to implement a long-term business plan.

To find out more: Savannah Morning News | Marine Extension Service

In August 2011, the Georgia Department of Public Safety asked the Vinson Institute to provide promotional testing assistance for the Georgia State Patrol and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division. The Vinson Institute’s human resource experts will devise and implement a testing strategy designed to provide fair access to promotion opportunities. Compliance officers will have the opportunity to vie for promotions to the ranks of corporal, sergeant, sergeant first class, and lieutenant. The tests will be administered to 500–750 troopers and officers seeking promotions. The agencies have not offered promotions for three years and are in need of new leaders at their 28 patrol posts throughout the state.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

In August 2011, a survey project by Sumter County Archway Professional Barbara Grogan and UGA Master of Public Administration intern Adam Hebert was completed. The survey contained information received from 164 individuals serving in elected/appointed positions in the community. With a response rate of more than 30 percent, data collection included information regarding training services, terms of office, and of knowledge of current roles and responsibilities.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

During summer 2011, the Archway Partnership and 21 CED graduate and undergraduate students joined forces with civic leaders, community members, and governmental agencies from six Archway communities to provide them with enhancement strategies and tools through design. Projects included landscape plans, gateway and entrance designs, trail design, streetscape design, and neighborhood and regional revitalization plans. The Archway communities involved include: Sandersville/Washington County, Brunswick/Glynn County, Clayton County, Hartwell/Hart County, Dalton/Whitfield County, and Moultrie/Colquitt County.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On August 31, 2011, the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement’s (GLISI) Mary Anne Charron conducted a session at the Gwinnett County Instructional Support Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This Data Utilization Project included 70 district and school leaders from Fulton, Floyd, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Muscogee, Lowndes, Morgan, DeKalb, Rockdale and Atlanta Public Schools to compare National Student Clearinghouse data on postsecondary enrollment with high school math completion and freshman year attendance.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On August 30, 2011, UGA graduate student David Tully presented Karen Bailey, director of Hawkinsville Better Hometown, with an inventory of existing downtown retail space in Pulaski County. Working with the Downtown Development Authority and Hawkinsville Better Hometown, UGA students, through the Archway Partnership, compiled the information provided.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On August 27, 2011, the Vinson Institute’s local government services unit signed a contract with downtown development group NewTown Macon to compile case studies of Georgia’s three biggest consolidated governments—Columbus-Muscogee, Athens-Clarke, and Augusta-Richmond. The studies will help inform the ongoing efforts to consolidate the governments of City of Macon and Bibb County. The Vinson Institute will gather information about the structural changes that occurred as a result of consolidation in the other Georgia communities and those that have occurred since. They will also interview community leaders who were involved in the consolidation processes to discover what issues were significant during the process and what issues are important now. Using this information, Vinson Institute faculty members will include in their report options that Macon and Bibb County can consider. The study is part of a broader effort by the area’s local legislators to reenergize efforts to put a consolidation referendum before voters.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On August 25, 2011, the Sandersville Downtown Development Authority hosted a luncheon for local leaders and interested parties to showcase the work of 17 Georgia Institute of Technology students who proposed ideas and plans for usage of vacant second-story properties in downtown Sandersville. Approximately 30 individuals participated in the luncheon and presentation. The event’s invitation was designed by Archway intern Jennifer Taylor.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On August 25, 2011, the Archway Partnership, the College of Environment & Design (CED), and community members participated in an exhibition and reception at the Tanner Building on campus. The exhibit featured the work and emphasized the service-learning partnership between the Archway Partnership and the College of Environment and Design.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On August 23, 2011, Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI) Director Gale Hulme announced The Wallace Foundation is launching a $75 million initiative to help six urban school districts (Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina; Denver, Colorado; Gwinnett County, Georgia; Hillsborough County, Florida; New York City, New York; and Prince George’s County, Maryland) develop a larger corps of effective school principals and determine whether this improves student achievement across the district, especially in the highest needs schools. GLISI, along with UGA’s College of Education and the University of West Georgia, has been named as a training partner to work with the Gwinnett County, Georgia, school district.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On August 18, 2011, the UGA Aquarium welcomed its newest member – a hatchling loggerhead sea turtle. The hatchling was a straggler from a nest on Ossabaw Island, Georgia, and arrangement for its display as an exhibit animal was made with the assistance of Mark Dodd of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The young hatchling is adapting well to its new home and will become an animal ambassador for the coastal ecology and marine science education activities of Marine Extension , as well as sea turtle populations worldwide.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On August 18, 2011, 19 professionals from local parks and recreation departments around the state graduated from the George F. Harris Executive Management Institute, which is offered through a partnership between the Vinson Institute and the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA). The participants engaged in five days of professional development during GRPA’s annual conference in Macon that included training in management, public speaking, budgets, social media use, and problem solving. The program develops leadership talent within parks and recreation departments in Georgia’s cities and counties and helps them become better-managed organizations.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On August 17, 2011, at the invitation of Georgia Forward, Vinson Institute demography specialist Matt Hauer gave a presentation at the 2011 Forum at Callaway Gardens, Georgia. Forward is a nonpartisan initiative that seeks to connect public-, nonprofit-, and private-sector stakeholders to address some of Georgia’s most daunting challenges, including education, public health, and economic development. Hauer’s presentation detailed the demographic changes taking place in Georgia related to race, age, immigration, and more. His message, centering on the concept that “demography is destiny,” encouraged leaders to consider Georgia’s rapidly changing population dynamics when crafting solutions to the state’s challenges.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On August 17, 2011, the Grady County Archway Partnership held its first Executive Committee Meeting in Cairo, Georgia. The Executive Committee identified some of Grady County’s greatest assets and opportunities, were presented with an overview of the Archway organizational model, and began laying the foundations for operations. Members of the Executive Committee include representatives from Grady County; City of Cairo; Joint Development Authority; Chamber of Commerce; Board of Education; Archbold Medical Center (Grady General Hospital); Koyo Bearings; Performance Food Group; Woodhaven Furniture Industries; Southwest Georgia Technical College; Cooperative Extension; andThe Cairo Messenger.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On August 13, 2011, the American Diabetes Association hosted its annual Kayak for a Kure. The event began at Butterbean Beach where 60 kayakers launched their kayaks into the Skidaway River and paddled three miles to the Marine Education Center and Aquarium. The event ended with closing ceremonies on the bluff behind the facility. The event raised more than $3,000 for research and education for individuals with diabetes.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On August 11, 2011, Keren Giovengo, the program manager of the UGA Marine Extension Coastal Sustainable Communities Program (CSCP), spoke at the Georgia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (GEAFCS) Annual Meeting at Jekyll Island. The theme of the annual meeting was Living Green. Giovengo’s session was titled How Your Conservation Efforts Help the Environment. The presentation was heard by approximately 65 people involved in the UGA Cooperative Extension Program.

To find out more: CoastScapes | Marine Extension Service

On August 4, 2011, Leigh Elkins and Danny Bivins convened the Project Riverway Phenix City Visioning Committee to create an implementation plan for the community in Phenix City, Alabama. The committee reviewed preliminary design recommendations, prioritized areas of work, and identified the steps toward making their vision a reality.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On August 4, 2011, the Vinson’s Institute’s Office of Information Outreach Technology (ITOS) signed an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to collect highway data in compliance with the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Performance Management System (HPMS). ITOS experts will travel to 346 roads designated by the highway administration. Using a video- and GPS-capturing system, they will record data on road characteristics and quality. ITOS will also train representatives in data collection. They, along with a GDOT crew, will survey an additional 442 road segments. HPMS is used in apportioning Federal-aid Highway Program funds to states.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On July 27, 2011, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program’s Coastal Advisory Council visited the UGA Marine Extension CoastScapes Conservation Landscaping Program’s Native Plant Demonstration Gardens at the Brunswick, Georgia facility. In addition to the tour of the gardens, the council members heard a brief presentation regarding the CoastScapes program and sustainable landscaping practices that have been implemented at the demonstration site. The demonstration site promotes the benefits of native plants, including maintaining and improving water quality, water conservation, enhancing and/or creating wildlife habitat, reducing or eliminating pesticide use, eradicating invasive species, promoting pollinators and other beneficial insects and their habitat, and enhancing, protecting, and sustaining the region’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Further, through the demonstration of CoastScapes conservation landscaping practices, the site helps build an understanding of the value of conservation landscaping as a critical tool for balancing conservation and development interests across the public and private sectors in the coastal plain of Georgia. The demonstration site includes pollinator habitat, wildlife habitat, drought tolerant, salt tolerant, native grasses, native alternatives to invasives, native vines, and natural partial shade theme gardens. In addition, the following green infrastructure best management practices were implemented at the demonstration site: rain garden, permeable pavers, underground 500-gallon rain harvesting cistern, site reforestation/revegetation, and soil restoration.

To find out more: CoastScapes | Marine Extension Service

On July 22-23, 2011, Keren Giovengo and Greg Evans of the UGA Marine Extension Coastal Sustainable Communities Program (CSCP) participated in the Glynn County-UGA Archway Partnership ACT Altama Corridor Design Committee two-day retreat. The ACT Altama Corridor design planning effort has been a work in process and continues after a consortium of UGA faculty members hosted a town hall meeting on June 28, 2011, engaging approximately 70 community members to share ideas about challenges to growth, connectivity, sustainability, safety and transportation concerns in key nodes along Altama Avenue. The results of these public participation and outreach efforts were shared with the ACT Design Steering Committee at their retreat. The UGA-Glynn County ACT Altama Corridor partnerships include UGA’s Archway Partnership, Carl Vinson Institute of Government and Fanning Institute, College of Environment and Design, and Marine Extension’s Coastal Sustainable Communities Program. The UGA Marine Extension CSCP staff members also serve on the Glynn County Partnership Growth Task Force.

To find out more: Glynn County Archway Partnership | Marine Extension Service

On July 11-15 and 18-22, 2011, respectively, two sessions of summer camp were held for the Sweet Pea Club for 3-4-year-olds and the Garden Explorers for rising fourth to seventh graders. Day campers experienced age appropriate week-long adventures and learned about garden earth while exploring the natural and cultivated areas of the Garden.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On July 19-22, 2011, the SBDC exhibited at the Georgia Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives Annual Conference on Jekyll Island. Chambers of Commerce are important collaborators with the SBDC in communities across the state as they are focal points for small business activity. Building and maintaining relationships with chambers is important as they are important resources for referrals and co-sponsorships.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

In an agreement signed on July 19, 2011, the Northeastern Judicial Circuit of Superior Court has asked the Vinson Institute to conduct an evaluation of the Hall County DUI Court. The study will examine the effectiveness of DUI Court, a program that attempts to replace incarceration for DUI offenses with treatment and counseling alternatives. The Institute will analyze data about participants who completed DUI Court by 2008 and track the rate of recidivism, or the number of participants who were arrested for DUI after graduating from the program. The Institute conducted a similar evaluation for the court in 2008. The new results will be helpful in evaluating the program’s effectiveness over time.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On July 18, 2011, Garden curators Shelly Prescott and Pam Butts, along with Public Relations/Special Events Coordinator Connie Cottingham and Assistant Director Shirley Berry, attended the Perennial Plant Association’s national meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On July 18, 2011, David Anderson Hooker delivered a leadership training session titled Leading from the Middle to the Spalding County Griffith School (Superintendent's) Cabinet Level appointees and mid-level managers (i.e. department heads) as part of the preparation for a new school. This session focused on analysis, conflict resolution, and communications from a middle management position. The unique aspect of the presentation was the intentional attention paid to self-reflection, identifying personal motives and challenges and understanding how personal values, perspectives and attitudes impact the managers' individual approaches to their work, the system, and their colleagues.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On July 13-14, 2011, Langford Holbrook and Skip Teaster presented the Community Leadership Program (CLP) to 17 citizens of Early County to enhance the community’s capacity to keep an active leadership training initiative for interested citizens. Since state funding for leadership programs was eliminated by the Georgia Legislature, Fanning faculty members are being asked to train communities to run their own leadership programs under the umbrella of “Train the Trainer”. The training process is a two-day approach including an informational portion and a 30-minute action session.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On July 6 and July 14, 2001, the Vinson Institute’s International Center signed agreements with the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) and the Government Association of Korea (GAK) to establish new programs for professional and organizational development and cultural exchange. The agreement with the Seoul government will create a year-long internship for city officials to work at the Institute. The agreement with the GAK, an organization of local elected leaders and civil servants, will bring groups of officials to the Institute for one-month periods to learn about professional development and training programs.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government

On July 11-12, 2011, Mark Kosmos, Senior Associate for AECOM, Ft. Collins, Colorado, met with staff members in consultation about the future Children’s Garden.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

On July 6-8, 2011, Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement’s (GLISI) Gale Hulme, Leslie Hazle Bussey, and Mary Anne Charron joined a State of Georgia policy team in participating in the Education Commission of the States (ECS) National Forum on Education Policy in Denver, Colorado. The ECS was created in 1965 as a nonpartisan organization to improve education by facilitating the exchange of information, ideas, experiences and innovations among state policymakers and education leaders. ECS has 49 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia as members. The conference theme, Boosting College Completion for a New Workforce, aligns with GLISI’s focus on college and career success. Conference speakers included Hilary Pennington, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Robert Corcoran, GE Foundation President; E.D. Hirsch Jr., Professor Emeritus of Education and Humanities, University of Virginia; and Rick Hess, education policy maven of the American Enterprise Institute Think Tank. The Georgia team included John Barge, State School Superintendent; Joel Thornton, Georgia Department of Education Chief of Staff; Amy Mast, Alliance of Education Agency Heads Director; Lynne Weisenbach, Vice Chancellor, Educator Preparation and Innovation, University System of Georgia; Josephine Reed-Taylor, Deputy Commissioner, Technical College System of Georgia; Melvin Everson, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Workforce Development; Martha Reichrath, Deputy State Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, Georgia Department of Education; Gale Hulme, Executive Director, GLISI; Leslie Hazle Bussey, Director of Strategy and Development, GLISI; and Mary Anne Charron, Director of Strategic Programs, GLISI.

To find out more: Fanning Institute

On July 7, 2011, the Hawkinsville-Pulaski Economic Development Committee (HPED) met on the UGA campus with Associate Provost for Economic Development Margaret Wagner Dahl, HERTY Foundation Representative Ross Harding, Vice President for Research David Lee, and Director of UGA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Alan Adams to explore possible economic development projects in Hawkinsville-Pulaski.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

On July 3, 2011, the Athens Classic City Band performed for more than 350 attendees at a patriotic concert held in the State Botanical Garden Visitor Center and Conservatory. Prior to the concert, an opening reception was held for Earl Miller’s art exhibit titled “Painting from the Garden” on display through July 31.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

In July 2011, the SBDC completed the collection of data for its participation in a national SBDC economic impact study. The response rate from clients to requests for information was more than 40 percent, giving the Georgia SBDC one of the highest response rates in the country. An impact report for Georgia will be available next month.

To find out more: Small Business Development Center

During July 2011, student and faculty volunteers delivered more than 300 lbs. of rescued food to 22 families that were identified as being food-insecure by the Athens Community Council on Aging, a founding partner of the Office of Service-Learning's UGA Campus Kitchen Project. Summer deliveries have been made up primarily of fresh produce boxes provided by UGArden, the on-campus "student powered" garden located on South Milledge Avenue. Nearly 1,200 lbs. of food have been delivered since UGA Campus Kitchen's pilot began in March 2011.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

In July 2011, the Office of Student Learning's Campus Kitchen Project partnered with the Georgia Center and Talmage Terrace/Lanier Gardens Senior Living Community to provide commercial kitchen space and excess food donations. UGA's Campus Kitchen is a partnership with the Athens Community Council on Aging focused on alleviating senior hunger in Athens by becoming a hub for service-learning courses and student volunteers interested in issues of nutrition, hunger, and food insecurity. The Office of Service-Learning is sponsoring UGA's application to become a national affiliate and the first Campus Kitchens Project in Georgia.

To find out more: Office of Service-Learning

In July 2011, Katy Smith, Marine Extension water quality program coordinator, was nominated to be a new member of the Southeast Atlantic Marine Debris Initiative (SEA-MDI) Consortium, led by UGA researchers, Jenna Jambeck and Christine Laporte. The Consortium’s three primary tasks are to identify and prioritize regional marine debris issues; share knowledge and innovations; and develop a framework to identify, evaluate, and fund projects that address marine debris in the region.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

In July 2011, The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service printed 2,600 copies of an original children’s book titled “The Flying Debris”. The book is part of an outreach effort begun earlier this year to address plastic debris in the ocean and present consumer options likely to reduce human impact on the marine environment. Plastics are designed to be highly durable, yet are increasingly used in manufacturing disposable items. In this hands-on educational program, creative activities cultivate support for environmental protection and citizen stewardship.

To find out more: Marine Extension Service

On June 30, 2011, at the request of the chairs of the House and Senate Education Committees, the Vinson Institute facilitated the first of several meetings for the Education Funding Committee in Atlanta, Georgia. Composed of key legislators, along with the state school superintendent, the university system chancellor, and others, the committee is attempting to develop innovative ideas for funding education in the state. Two Institute faculty members guided the committee through its first brainstorming session in which participants proposed cost-saving ideas. The committee will make recommendations for reforms to the current funding formula established in 1985 with the Quality Basic Education Act.

To find out more: Carl Vinson Institute of Government