Augusta, GA
Augusta University is bringing back admission test requirement
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Students again will have to take standardized tests like the ACT or SAT for admission to Augusta University starting in the fall of 2026.
The Georgia Board of Regents on Tuesday voted to again start requiring the tests at AU, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University.
Test requirements had already been restored for the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia College and State University, the system’s three most selective schools.
An increasing number of colleges nationwide are restoring testing requirements – many of which were dropped during the COVID pandemic – including elite schools such as Harvard, Yale and MIT, as well as public institutions including the University of Tennessee system.
Tests have never been required at many of Georgia’s nine state colleges, intended to be the least selective of the state’s four tiers of schools. But they had long been required for admission to the state’s 17 public universities until the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
HAPPENING TODAY:
- Augusta University President Brooks Keel will give his final State of the University address at 2 p.m. He’s retiring this summer.
With testing services unable to guarantee the exams would be available, the system suspended testing requirements, instead admitting students based only on high school grades. Students who submit optional tests may be admitted with lower grades.
Under the new policy, other schools can require a test score starting fall 2026, but are not mandated to require one.
Chancellor Sonny Perdue has long said he believes tests plus high school grades are a better predictor of college success than grades alone.
“The standardized testing will be a great instrument for us to determine the strengths and weaknesses of every student coming in,” Perdue told regents Tuesday at a meeting in Atlanta.
Regents had previously discussed imposing testing requirements in the fall of 2025, but leaders of some of the affected universities say another year will give them more time to adjust.
The system had moved to reimpose testing requirements in fall 2022, but found that applications fell, and that many students didn’t finish their applications for lack of a test score. That year, University System of Georgia officials blamed the test requirement, before it was dropped, for causing a shortfall in applications.
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department’s toy pickup event brought smiles to children and parents as dozens of families in need collected new gifts to put under the tree.
The toys were donated by local businesses, nonprofits and families of Augusta Fire Department members. For organizers, the event represents more than just gift distribution.
“It’s been supremely joyous for everyone. I haven’t seen anyone who hasn’t had a completely wide smile on their face when they come through,” said Lerone Beasley, deputy chief of technical services. “Everyone has just been overwhelmed and happy about this opportunity.”
The fire department said the event celebrates unity, compassion and the true meaning of giving.
This is the second year that Augusta Fire has hosted the toy pickup event.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – With just two days left, the Salvation Army of Augusta’s 2025 Red Kettle Campaign is still $50,000 short of its goal.
The organization is calling on the community to come forward and fill that gap.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing critical funding that sustains programs and services throughout the year.
Every donation made — whether at a physical Red Kettle or online — stays local, directly supporting neighbors in need across the Augusta area.
Funds raised through the campaign support essential services at the Center of Hope emergency overnight shelter, where approximately 200 meals are served daily through the soup kitchen.
In the past four years, caseworkers at the Center of Hope have helped more than 400 individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing.
In addition, The Salvation Army’s rent and utility assistance program has helped over 900 residents in the past year alone keep their lights on and remain housed — preventing homelessness before it begins.
“As we enter these final days, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity we’ve already seen, and we know this community will rise to the occasion once again,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Salvation Army area commander. “These last two days are critical. Every gift — large or small — directly impacts families who rely on The Salvation Army not just during the holidays, but all year long.”
Community members can still give in person at Red Kettles located at participating stores throughout the Augusta area. For those who prefer to give digitally, each kettle features a QR code for easy, cashless donations. Online gifts can also be made at any time through the Virtual Red Kettle at donateaugusta.org.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.
Posted:
Updated:
Augusta, Ga (WJBF)– The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Nia Hudson.
According to RCSO, Hudson was last seen on the 3500 Block of Peach Orchard Road at 5:00pm this evening wearing a red shirt and black shorts.
Hudson suffers from Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.
Anyone that comes in contact with Nia Hudson or has any information as to their whereabouts is asked to contact any on call investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1085 or 706-821-1020.
Nia Hudson: 27 years old, 216 pounds, 5’06”
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