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NYS Budget Provisions May Protect Incumbent Democrats
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, was interviewed by City & State New York about how Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget and focus on issues like affordable housing and retail theft may provide some protection for incumbent Democrats this November. The state budget may be designed to insulate Democrats from Republican attacks, but it’s not clear that it will be the deciding factor in various races. The 2024 election cycle is an entirely different beast than 2022. Two years ago, Hochul was at the top of the ticket in New York. This year, she’s not even on the ballot. That may actually be a boon for Democrats, as many observers credited her lackluster performance with negatively impacting races down ballot and the latest Siena College polling has her favorability and job approval ratings at all-time lows. Hochul notably did not stump for Suozzi during his high-profile race in February despite her role as de facto head of the state Democratic Party. And in the weeks following the state budget, she has only visited a swing district to celebrate her policy successes in the spending plan once. Instead, President Joe Biden and Donald Trump will be at the top of the ticket, and any thoughts about the specific policies included in the state budget could be reflected by voters’ sentiments about the two presidential candidates. “With the presidential campaign at the top of the ticket, I don’t think what Hochul does, or doesn’t do, will make a particular difference in any of the competitive congressional races,” said Lawrence Levy, executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. “Yes, she may be cited by Republicans along with several other high-profile Democrats as supposedly insensitive to their constituents on housing and crime, to see if that still sticks, but mostly it’s going to be about Trump and Biden.” May 13 - City and State New York Covering New York politics - we have experts ready to help with any of your questions and stories. Lawrence Levy is the Executive Dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. He's available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group wins international recognition from InBIA
Business Innovation Group team members Dominique Halaby, DPA, Suzanne Hallman and D’Erica Evans accept an award at the InBIA awards ceremony. Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) returned home from San Antonio, Texas, with high honors from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) during its annual awards ceremony, which recognizes excellence in entrepreneur support. In an awards ceremony held during the 38th annual International Conference on Business Incubation, BIG received four awards including two of the organization’s most prestigious accolades, the Dinah Adkins Award for Non-Technology-Based Entrepreneur Support Organization of the Year, and the Randall M. Whaley Award, which is InBIA’s highest honor. The Statesboro BIG location was named the Mixed-Use Entrepreneur Support Organization of the Year, while the Metter Business Incubator location received the Rural Entrepreneurship Support Organization of the Year. “I am honored that the InBIA recognized our efforts at the Georgia Southern University Business Innovation Group with the highest accolades for the support we offer to entrepreneurs,” said Dominique Halaby, DPA, director of the BIG and associate vice president for innovation. “These awards highlight the hard work the BIG teams put into making our business incubators an incredible resource for budding businesses and furthering our mission to advance the economic growth of our region.” BIG works to build an ecosystem throughout the state of Georgia to help entrepreneurs create, incubate and accelerate their for-profit business enterprises. BIG facilitates access to University resources, creates opportunities for student experiential learning and fosters an environment that supports a growth mindset throughout the state. “Through the InBIA awards program, we celebrate exceptional organizations that catalyze entrepreneurship for their communities,” said President and CEO of InBIA Charles Ross. “Congratulations to the Georgia Southern University Business Innovation Group on their well-deserved recognition. Their commitment to high-quality programming, organizational excellence and community impact is truly inspiring.” InBIA is a global nonprofit empowering entrepreneur support organizations in every U.S. state and in over 30 countries. With over 39 years of experience, InBIA has been a guiding force in providing industry best practices, fostering collaboration, mentorship and the exchange of innovative ideas for entrepreneurs worldwide. InBIA is the go-to organization for business incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces and other entrepreneurship centers. Interested in learning more or looking to talk with Dominique Halaby? Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Associate Professor of Voice Emily Grundstad-Hall, DMA, left, plays the piano while members of the Savannah Song Birds sing. If you asked Alyson Brinkley what her favorite day of the week was, her answer of “Monday” might surprise you. But Monday mornings are her favorite because Brinkley, a graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) program at Georgia Southern University, teams up with fellow students and faculty to sing and harmonize while simultaneously helping Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with therapy. Through a unique and collaborative singing group called the Savannah Songbirds, the RiteCare Center for Communications Disorders uses this group to raise awareness of PD while providing therapeutic support through the power of music. “It is the best part of my week and the best way to start my Monday morning,” Brinkley said. “It has enhanced my experience as a student by providing a unique experience I would not have received at any other school. The Savannah Songbirds is the only choir for people with Parkinson’s in the nearby area.” Founded in 2023 by Tory Candea, clinic coordinator for the RiteCare Center, the Savannah Songbirds gather weekly for rehearsals. Inspired by The Parkinson Voice Project, the group’s formation reflects Candea’s dedication to functional communication, community engagement and enriching the lives of those battling neurological diseases. The therapeutic benefits of music and vocal exercises for PD patients are profound,” Candea said. “PD often impairs communication by affecting the muscles involved in speech production. Through singing and vocal exercises, individuals engage these muscles in a demanding yet enriching manner, enhancing communication abilities and overall quality of life.” Candea partnered with Associate Professor of Voice Emily Grundstad-Hall, DMA, from the Gretsch School of Music to enhance the Savannah Songbirds choir. Grundstad-Hall directs the choir, facilitates the rehearsals, selects music and helps organize an end-of-semester concert. “This is a great collaboration between the two departments,” said Grunstad-Hall. “There has always been a positive outlook on departments and schools working together ‘across the curriculum.’ Singing is housed in the arts and speech is housed in health professions, but singing and speaking use the same instrument/anatomy to achieve a goal. It makes sense that we would work well together.” During their sessions, the Savannah Songbirds learn a repertoire of songs, including classics like “Moon River,” “Danny Boy,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Dona Nobis Pacem” and “Give Me Your Tired.” “I have enjoyed the collaboration with my colleagues and students in the CSDS department,” Grundstad-Hall said. “The singers that participate in the choir are amazing and I benefit from the community that being in a choir can bring. We are all working toward a common goal and we get to do it by singing songs. What could be better than that?!” Participants describe the experience as both enjoyable and rewarding, highlighting the therapeutic value of music in their journey with PD, Candea said. Students like Moriah Pearce, also a graduate student in the CSDS program, see the benefits of participating. “This experience working with these individuals has cemented my passion for working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease,” said Pearce, whose interest in working with PD patients developed in her undergraduate coursework at Texas Woman’s University. “It has provided me with experience outside of a therapy room in a different environment. It is rewarding to see these individuals who are motivated and happy to be part of this wonderful group.” Like Brinkely, Pearce describes the Monday meetings as her favorite way to start the week. “The most rewarding part of being in this choir is being part of a program that provides a sense of community and camaraderie for these individuals,” Pearce said. “Our weekly meetings provide these individuals an opportunity to spend time with people who may have the same or similar experiences with PD and who have a passion for music.” Seeing the motivation of participants has also been rewarding for Brinkley. “The most rewarding part of the choir is to see the members sing when they thought that their singing voices would be diminished due to Parkinson’s,” Brinkley said. “Although Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, our members show up every Monday to rehearse. Some travel from South Carolina to be a part of the choir. It is so rewarding to see such strong motivation and to create a safe space for members to sing with their new voices and recognize what they are capable of.” For the clinicians and faculty involved, the collaboration represents a unique opportunity to provide evidence-based therapy creatively and engagingly. By integrating music into therapy sessions, they aim to enhance outcomes and promote community service-minded efforts. “Overall, working with the Savannah Songbirds has been immensely educational and rewarding, and one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career,” Candea said. “Being afforded the opportunity to provide evidence-based speech therapy services in a less traditional way has been engaging. Learning to enhance outcomes and the enjoyment of treatment through the addition of creative arts has been eye-opening. Promoting the importance of community service-minded efforts has been gratifying.” The Savannah Songbirds will host their next performance in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong Campus on April 29 at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. The partnership between the CSDS program, music department, and RiteCare Center offers a multitude of benefits for both PD patients and the broader community. Beyond therapeutic support, the collaboration fosters awareness and education about PD while showcasing the diverse programs offered by the RiteCare Center. For those seeking assistance, the RiteCare Center for Communication Disorders, located in the Armstrong Center, offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment services for individuals of all ages impacted by speech, language, cognitive, or swallowing disorders. Interested in learning more about the RiteCare Center? Contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Students at Georgia Southern University now have even more opportunities to excel with the help of two new grants from the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University totaling up to $600,000. The first is a $500,000 Acceleration Grant that will be distributed to Georgia Southern over the next two years to cover start-up costs for critical implementation steps of an ambitious program that further catalyzes Georgia Southern’s student success outcomes. “As Georgia Southern’s Fall 2024 enrollment continues to increase at record levels through freshman applications and admits, we are pleased to partner with the National Institute for Student Success to reinforce our commitment to providing exceptional student experiences and support that nurtures future leaders and global citizens,” stated Alejandra C. Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D., executive vice president, Division of Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success. “We are steadfast in our commitment to providing comprehensive, coordinated and differentiated student care to ensure every one of our students achieves their educational goals.” Funding through the Acceleration Grant will contribute to Georgia Southern’s existing initiatives to improve graduation rates and student success outcomes through the adoption of a suite of innovative, evidence-based programs. These programs, which deploy tools such as predictive analytics, AI technology, CRM platform, and big data to deliver personalized support to students, have been shown to help universities increase their graduation rates by 50% or more and to reduce discrepancies in graduation rates significantly. The second NISS award to Georgia Southern is the Keep HOPE Alive grant, which offers $100,000 across one year to support students who have lost the HOPE Scholarship as they work to regain eligibility. “We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Georgia Southern and working to deploy strategies that will contribute to substantive improvement in student outcomes,” said Timothy M. Renick, Ph.D., NISS executive director. Housed at Georgia State University, the NISS Acceleration Grants have been awarded to partner institutions that have completed a rigorous diagnostic analysis and have demonstrated a commitment to addressing structural and institutional barriers to the success of their students. Georgia Southern is a member of the second cohort to receive support from the NISS Accelerator Grant program, which launched in 2022. Unique to the Accelerator Grant program is up to three years of implementation coaching, webinars, meetings with expert practitioners and online resources provided by the NISS to support each awardee in implementing the new programs. The NISS coaching model is built on more than a decade of experience at Georgia State University developing and disseminating new approaches to student success that include predictive-analytics-based advising, AI-enhanced chatbots, and data-informed models for distributing financial aid. “These programs have helped Georgia State University increase its graduation rates for its bachelor’s students by 70% and its associate’s students by 300%,” according to Renick. “Black, Hispanic and low-income students now graduate from Georgia State at or above the rate of the student body overall.” The Acceleration Grant program will advance the NISS goal of producing 500,000 additional college graduates across its partner institutions over the next decade. Interested in learning more about this programming at Georgia Southern University or to arrange an interview with Alejandra Sosa Pieroni simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Approximately 4,200 degrees conferred during Georgia Southern’s 2024 Spring Commencement ceremonies
In May, approximately 4,200 graduates from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong and Liberty campuses received associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro on May 7, 8 and 9, and at the EnMarket Arena in Savannah on May 11. “Graduates, I don’t need to tell you about your unique college journey, which has been challenging,” said Marrero to the crowds. “I am very proud of how, together, we have persevered allowing us to have a successful semester and today, our commencement ceremony. This graduation is a momentous occasion for Georgia Southern University, as well as for all of you. Today, you are part of history at Georgia Southern.” Speakers included: Mackenzie Anderson (’07), global director of Corporate Communications at Nike Alton M. Standifer, Ph.D. (’12, ’14), vice provost for Inclusive Excellence and chief of staff to the provost at the University of Georgia (UGA) Kim Greene, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power Chris Ahearn (’09), director of research and trade development for the World Trade Center Savannah Candicee Childs, M.D., (’19) an emerging beacon of inspiration in the fields of medicine and literature. At present, she is a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, with a focus on child and adolescent psychiatry Anderson opened the graduation ceremonies in Statesboro, following a warm introduction from Marrero, who described her leadership role at Nike. “I’m sure you probably expected me to get up here and say something like, ‘Class of 2024, go out into the world and ‘Just Do It,’” Anderson mused. “But here’s the deal. I don’t have to tell you to just do it because you just did it. You did the impossible by making it through the pandemic. “Today you aren’t just graduating with a degree in whatever is written on your diploma. You’re also graduating with a degree in doing hard things. And today we celebrate you.” She continued, saying that earning a degree in “doing hard things” has no doubt been a challenge, but the graduates will soon find out that this is also their superpower. They produced their own playbook, as unique and rare as they are. How they use the playbook moving forward is up to them — to wit, be curious, be wrong while giving yourself permission to make mistakes, be humble and be persistent. “Launch into the world,” Anderson concluded. “And whether you land just across the street, across the country like me or somewhere around the world, remember where you came from. Today you are etching your name alongside a proud Eagle alumni network of more than 147,000 strong. “It is my honor to be the first to say, ‘Georgia Southern University graduating Class of 2024, welcome to the alumni family.'” Standifer shared his own story as a young man, undecided about going to college while he worked as a cashier. A regular customer, Mr. Paul, continuously asked Standifer about whether he’d attend college, until one day Standifer told him he was going to attend Georgia Southern University. With a wide grin, Mr. Paul congratulated him and handed him a $100 bill. Incredulous, Standifer asked why he’d given him such a large tip. Mr. Paul told him it wasn’t a tip. It was an investment, and he’d continue to mentor Standifer in the following years, and remain a profound influence in his life. “I want to encourage you all to think of the Mr. Paul’s in your life,” Standifer said. “Think of the people who have helped you get to today. And then when you leave here, make the conscious effort that you will be Mr. Paul for someone else.” In Savannah, Ahearn shared his journey of discovery in Georgia Southern’s classrooms where he explored Irish film, an introduction to the United Nations, abnormal psychology, Celtic identity and conflict, psychology and law, and gangs, drugs and criminal justice. “There’s a whole menu of choices for you and experiences for you to choose from to really help you discover who you are, where you fit, what drives you, what gets your creative juices flowing, and what options are out there when you graduate from these key interactions,” Ahearn said. Following, he pursued a master’s in international relations in Ireland that gave him a deeper perspective on how the world operates and how interconnected we all are. Ensuing professional roles in higher education, international networking and fundraising, culminated in his current role at World Trade Center, Savannah. From the stage, Ahearn stressed his key takeaways: network, stay in touch with your classmates, be authentic and perhaps, most importantly, travel. “Go outside your comfort zone,” he encouraged. “Try things you’d never try. Expand your horizons. This is your opportunity to learn about different cultures, to embrace the differences and similarities we share with our fellow global citizens and find common ground.” In closing: “Many of you may stay in the region to leave your impact as this community continues to expand,” Ahearn said. “There are plenty of great employment opportunities at your fingertips. Many of you will leave to follow your careers wherever they take you. But please know that you’re part of this institution’s history. You’ll always be an Eagle, and Georgia Southern will always welcome you home." Interested in learning more about Georgia Southern University? Contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
It's Pride Month - We have experts who can help with all your coverage.
Pride Month stands as a vital commemoration of the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing fight for equality, acceptance, and visibility. Rooted in the historic Stonewall Riots of 1969, Pride Month not only celebrates the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights but also highlights the persistent struggles faced by the community. This topic is newsworthy due to its significant social, cultural, and political implications, reflecting broader societal issues of human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Furthermore, Pride Month's impact on public discourse, policy changes, and cultural awareness underscores its relevance. Key story angles include: The Evolution of Pride: Tracing the history of Pride Month from the Stonewall Riots to its current global celebrations, and its role in shaping LGBTQ+ rights. Intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ Community: Exploring the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. Policy and Legal Milestones: Reviewing significant legal and policy advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing legislative battles. Corporate and Community Engagement: Analyzing how businesses and local communities are participating in Pride Month, including corporate responsibility and support for LGBTQ+ causes. Media Representation: Investigating the portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and entertainment, and its impact on public perception and acceptance. Mental Health and Well-being: Discussing the mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community and the resources available to support them. Connect with an Expert about the History of Pride Month: Margaret Galvan Assistant Professor · University of Florida Genny Beemyn Director of The Stonewall Center · University of Massachusetts Amherst Melanie Wilcox, PhD Assistant Professor and Researcher · Department of Psychological Sciences, the Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and the Department of Psychiatry · Augusta University Emily Fisher Professor · Loyola Marymount University Ryan J. Watson, Ph.D. Ryan J. Watson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies · University of Connecticut To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Sara Rampazzo
#ExpertSpot: How Does the Ukraine/Russia War Finally End?
With the war between Russia and Ukraine now approaching two and a half years - there's no end in sight. How does it end? Check out this ExpertSpot from Augusta's Dr. Craig Albert for some insight and perspective. Craig Albert, PhD, is director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. He is a leading expert on war, terrorism and American politics. AI and the upcoming election is a serious topic. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today.
Trump now a convicted felon.... let our experts explain this unprecedented situation.
Just six months before the upcoming election, former President Donald Trump has become the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony, following his involvement in the hush money scandal. A Manhattan jury delivered a guilty verdict on 34 counts, raising profound questions about the implications for Trump's political future, the Republican Party, and the broader landscape of American politics. This unprecedented situation marks a historic moment in American politics, as no former president has ever faced such legal repercussions so close to an election. From constitutional debates to shifts in public opinion, and from international reactions to financial impacts, the scope of the story is immense. Here are several journalistic angles to explore this multifaceted issue: Constitutional implications of a felon running for presidency. Republican Party's internal conflicts after Trump's felony conviction. Public opinion on Trump's candidacy post-conviction. Trump's legal appeals and their impact on his campaign. Media's role in shaping perception of Trump's conviction. International reactions to Trump's felony and candidacy. Trump's campaign strategy adjustments after the conviction. Financial implications for Trump's businesses and fundraising. Historical instances of political candidates facing legal troubles. Impact of Trump's legal issues on down-ballot races. The ramifications of Trump's conviction are vast and unpredictable, potentially reshaping the political landscape in ways that are still unfolding. Let our experts assist with your understanding of this complex and evolving situation. Connect with an Expert about the Trump conviction: John Clinton | Vanderbilt University Abby and Jon Winkelried Professor of Political Science Brian Kalt | Michigan State University Professor of Law & Harold Norris Faculty Scholar Mean Bose | Hofstra University Professor of Political Science, Executive Dean for Public Policy & Public Service Programs Michael Genovese | Loyola Marymount University Professor of Political Science and International Relations, President of Global Policy Institute David RedHawks | University of Delaware Professor and Chair, Political Science Political Science and International Relations Tony Smith | UC Irvine Professor of Political Science James Sample | Hofstra University Professor of Law Todd Collins | WCU Steed Distinguished Professor Mark Caleb Smith | Cedarville University Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth | University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science and International Affairs To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
It's National Heat Awareness Day - Our #Experts are Here to Help
As global temperatures continue to rise, Heat Awareness is becoming an increasingly critical issue that affects public health, safety, and infrastructure. This topic is not only newsworthy due to its immediate impact on communities but also because of its connection to broader issues such as climate change, urban planning, and health equity. The importance of Heat Awareness spans across various sectors, providing numerous story angles for journalists to explore: The health risks associated with extreme heat and strategies for prevention and protection The role of urban planning and green infrastructure in mitigating heat island effects The impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and low-income communities Technological and innovative solutions for cooling cities and enhancing public resilience The intersection of climate change policies and heat management strategies Public awareness campaigns and community initiatives to promote heat safety As we enter the warmer months, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these multifaceted narratives, highlighting the urgent need for Heat Awareness and the collaborative efforts required to safeguard communities against the growing threat of extreme heat. Connect with an Expert about Heat Awareness: Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D. CEO-Korey Stringer Institute, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, Department of Kinesiology · University of Connecticut Mariana Brussoni Associate Professor · University of British Columbia Paul Gordon, Ph.D. Professor of Health, Human Performance and Recreation · Baylor University Dave Hubbard Founder · America's Fitness Coach® To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Ibrahim Rifath
How the Trump verdict will impact the election
When members of the jury handed down their guilty verdict in NY v. Donald J. Trump, they had simply completed their nearly three-month stint of civic duty. At the same time, they had set in motion a seismic shift in the 2024 election. What's not clear is which way that shift will go, said David Redlawsk, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. Redlawsk is a political psychologist with expertise in campaigns, voter behavior, decision making and emotion. His research focuses on how voters process political information to make their decisions. In addition to publishing volumes of research and writing several books on politics, Redlawsk also has years of experience on the frontlines. He's worked behind the scenes on campaigns and ran for local office – winning and losing as a member of both major parties. To arrange an interview with Redlawsk, visit his profile and click on the contact button. These messages will go directly to Redlawsk and a member of the UD media relations team.
