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

On December 8–9, 2011, Janet Rechtman and Louise Hill delivered a two-part leadership workshop for Educational Policy Fellows sponsored by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education held at Callaway Gardens. During the workshop, 20 participants shared perspectives about adaptive leadership challenges they hope to address over the long term. 

To find out more: Archway Partnership

From October 15 to November 12, 2011 (five Saturdays) a Spanish/English Medical Interpreter Program is being conducted at the University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus. This 40-hour (continuing education unit award) certificate program prepares bilingual professionals with the theoretic, linguistic and procedural training necessary to comply with the Medical Interpreting Standards of Practice.

To find out more: Georgia Center |

On October 24-27, 2011, a certificate in grant writing program was held for the first time at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah, Georgia. This 30-hour (continuing education unit award) certificate program included comprehensive modules on the fundamentals of nonprofit development, proposal process, writing skills, funding resources, and grant management.

To find out more: Georgia Center |

On June 24, 2011, the Clayton County Archway Education Issue Work Group identified three priorities to address: 1) Workforce and College Readiness, 2) Technology as a Learning Tool, and 3) Parent Engagement and Education. UGA faculty members who attended the meeting also discussed resources offered by UGA and the University System of Georgia.

To find out more: Archway Partnership

During June 2011, the Botanical Garden conducted 10 public education programs that covered such subjects as plant names, beekeeping, grasses, garden geology, digital photography, tree identification, pollinators and invasive species. One of the programs included a walk through the Garden with artist Andrew Crawford.

To find out more: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

In June 2011, the Fanning Institute joined the Sumter County Archway Partnership Leadership Issue Work Group to share the Fanning Institute models of Leadership Training and Train the Trainer. The Leadership Issue Work Group recognized the need for a curriculum-based leadership development program. Many members of the community who serve in elected, appointed, and leadership positions are aging, and many have not been provided with the tools necessary to serve to the best of their ability. After two local meetings, the group agreed there is a need for curriculum-based training, and Sumter Archway would like to determine the best method and curriculum available to address this community-wide need.

To find out more: Archway Partnership