An advisory group tasked with reviewing and studying the names of buildings and colleges on all 26 University System of Georgia campuses will meet today to introduce the lead historian on the project and provide an update on progress made as they prepare a report for the governing Board of Regents (BOR).
The advisory group was created by BOR Chairman Sachin Shailendra and Chancellor Steve Wrigley began its work in July. “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 at the time of the group’s formation. “I appreciate the time and commitment of all those who have agreed to do this review and know they will work quickly and thoroughly.”
According to USG, the group has developed a draft evaluation framework, contracted with knowledgeable historians and developed a timeline for the project’s progression. At this time, the historians have started research on all named buildings on USG campuses and are gathering information on named colleges and schools. Recommendations from the group will be announced publicly upon completion of its work. It is still uncertain if any recommendations will be made at today’s meeting.
Following the initial meeting in July, the group issued the following update:
“The Naming Advisory Group is providing the following updates on their work to review and study the names of buildings and colleges on all USG campuses:
● A framework for the evaluation of named buildings and colleges is being developed.
● Historians are being interviewed to support the Group’s work.
● Over 1,553 public comment submissions have been reviewed.
● Documents containing the names of all buildings and colleges on USG campuses have been compiled and are being evaluated.
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
