Name change for UGA’s Grady College?

The state Board of Regents has appointed an advisory group to look at names of buildings and colleges on campuses in the University System of Georgia: the University of Georgia’s Grady College is among the candidates for a name change. UGA’s College of Journalism and Mass Communication is named in honor Henry Grady, a University of Georgia graduate and journalist who is said by some to have been a white supremacist.

From UGA Today…

Board of Regents Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley of the University System of Georgia (USG) have asked an advisory group to review and study the names of buildings and colleges on all USG campuses and report to the Board on any recommended changes.

“It is important to the Board of Regents that USG represents the very best of our state and 333,000 students who are working to attain their degrees from our colleges and universities across the state,” Shailendra said. “I appreciate the time and commitment of all those who have agreed to do this review, and know they will work quickly and thoroughly.”

Members of the group include:

· President Marion Fedrick, Albany State University; Group Chairwoman

· Michael Patrick, Marketing and Strategic Growth, Chick-fil-A

· The Honorable Herbert Phipps, Retired, Georgia Court of Appeals

· Neal J. Quirk, attorney; Executive Vice-Chairman, University of Georgia Foundation

· Dr. Sally Wallace, Dean, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University

“USG’s mission is knowledge, and this action today is a step toward addressing how communities understand the history and context involving our campuses,” Wrigley said. “While the review may be one part of a much broader discussion, I believe it is essential to advance how we serve students and all Georgians. I am grateful to the group’s members and look forward to receiving their recommendations.”

Recommendations from the group will be announced publicly upon completion of its work.

Institution Statements of Support include:

President Jere W. Morehead, University of Georgia:

“I want to express my strong support and appreciation to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, particularly Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley, on announcing a distinguished group of civic leaders to engage in this very important and timely work. UGA stands ready to assist and support in this review of names at USG institutions, including those at the University of Georgia.”

Kirby Smart, Football Head Coach, University of Georgia:

“As both a UGA alum and the head football coach, I fully support the USG Board of Regents and chancellor’s decision to form this committee to study these important issues. This is an important first step in the right direction to help us evaluate our history and work to bring us closer together.”

© 2020 Cox Media Group