Georgia

Local students’ Spring 2024 Graduation at Georgia State University

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2024

Local students’ Spring 2024 Graduation at Georgia State University

ATLANTA, GA (06/24/2024)– More than 3,500 students earned degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate levels from Georgia State University during its 109th commencement exercises at the end of the spring 2024 semester this May.

Graduates from the local coverage area include:

Davey Barnes, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science In Nursing degree
Zachary Trotter, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Physics
Victoria Washington, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Kinesiology And Health
Hillary Gutierrez, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
Jada Harley, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
Krea Holmes, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
Nour Nassar, of Monroe (30656), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Health Science Professions
Yoneil Edwards, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Criminal Justice
Silina Hunter, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
Peyton Kelly, of Monroe (30655), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
Melvin Perkins, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
Silas Thornton, of Social Circle (30025), Earning an Associate of Science degree with studies in Business Administration
Edwin Caballero, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Arts degree with studies in Film
Lidia Quero, of Loganville (30052), Earning an Associate of Arts degree with studies in Film
Mikayla Gmitter, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Social Work degree
Adrian Sinclair, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Social Work degree
Kela Gates, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in the university’s Family Nurse Practitioner program
Katie Flynn, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in Sport Administration
Parris Maguire, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Science degree in Geosciences with a concentration in Water Sciences
Amanda Lyons, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology
Jessica Stokes, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Master of Education degree in Health And Physical Education
Elizabeth Shuford, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies, with a concentration in Religion And Aging
Meredith Calhoun, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
Jadia Bullock, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
Rosemary Peters, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree
Lesley Falcon-Estrada, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree
Renee Wilson, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree
Angelia Sack, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree
Emily Hardwar, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science In Nursing degree
Akiyah McCrary, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Special Education
Shiloh Coore, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Birth Through Five Education, with a concentration in Teacher Education
Mandy Lin, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy with a minor in Psychology
Harrison Duncan, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health
Donovan Prease, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health
Kadiatou Cisse, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in the Pre-Medical Track
Providence Mpano, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology
Sierra Chard, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Science
Dominique Torres, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Anthropology
Felix Siame, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Mathematics
Elisabeth Easley, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies, and a minor in Psychology
Jessica Roopnarine, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies
Scarlet Valencia, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies
Emily Easley, of Social Circle (30025), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Justice, and a minor in Psychology
Deja Melchor, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Justice
Andrew Davis, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
Aaron Rollings, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
Nadia Trigoso, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science
Varsha Khemraj, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Clinical Informatics
Ashley Cooper, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree
Baylon Faulkner, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
Alexis Jimenez, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
Diane Zahui, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing
Kayline Casimir, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Managerial Sciences
Kera Astin, of Monroe (30655), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance with a minor in Hospitality Administration
A’Kiriya Rucker, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems
Adara Sewell, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Actuarial Science
Dylan Strickland, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology
Alexis Kirkland, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
Mahogany Woods, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
Jada Jackson, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media with a minor in the Georgia Film Academy program
Kamal McAllister, of Loganville (30052), Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film And Media with a minor in Game Design & Development

Georgia State University, one of the largest, most innovative multi-campus public research universities, transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and strengthens the workforce of the future. With campuses in and around metro Atlanta, Georgia State readies students for professional pursuits, educates future leaders and prepares citizens for lifelong learning. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, Georgia State prioritizes student success ensuring that students from all backgrounds graduate at high rates. The university provides outstanding experiential educational opportunities and exceptional support for students seeking degrees from the associate to the doctoral level. One of the nation’s fastest-growing research institutions, Georgia State’s scholarship and research focus on solving complex issues ranging from the most fundamental questions of the universe to the most challenging issues of our day, while our creative activities expand and enrich the world.

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Georgia

WATCH: Driver smirks in mugshot after allegedly hitting group of cyclists in caught-on-camera road rage

Published

4 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Press Room

WATCH: Driver smirks in mugshot after allegedly hitting group of cyclists in caught-on-camera road rage

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An elderly man offered a smirk for his mugshot after being arrested in a caught-on-camera hit-and-run involving a cyclist group.

Jerry Wayne Ross, 72, faces charges for an alleged hit-and-run with his Honda Pilot, all caught on video, on April 23 in Cherokee County, Georgia, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

The North Georgia Cycling Association was on its weekly Thursday night ride when the driver was accused of driving up on the group in a suspected road rage incident.

One rider, identified as Richard Collins, the leader of the group, told Fox 5 Atlanta the black SUV tailed the group and laid down the horn.

FLORIDA MAN VIOLENTLY HIT BY SUV, POLICE SAY ROAD RAGE SPARKED THE INCIDENT

“Just excessive,” he told the outlet. “Didn’t let off the horn.”

The hit-and-run was caught on camera after a driver allegedly hit a cyclist participating in a group ride in Georgia April 13. (WAGA-TV)

The incident was caught on camera as the black Honda Pilot allegedly struck the cyclists after the driver honked at them.

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The group of cyclists, who fell after the clash, collided into the side of the SUV and fell onto the pavement.

STUDENTS ON CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL TRACK TEAM INJURED AFTER SUSPECTED DUI DRIVER ACCUSED OF HITTING THEM

“I turned to my left to see it at that moment that vehicle was on my left leg,” Collins said.

In the video, the vehicle speeds away.

Richard Collins, leader of a North Georgia Cycling Association group ride, told WAGA-TV that an aggressive driver followed the cyclists for two minutes while honking continuously. According to Collins, the vehicle’s side mirror clipped a cyclist behind him before striking Collins directly, knocking him from his bike. (WAGA-TV)

Collins said he sustained road rash on his shoulder, elbow and knee and was treated by paramedics who were called. He later visited an orthopedist who discovered a fracture of his lower spine.

LAS VEGAS MEN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO MOWING DOWN RETIRED POLICE CHIEF LEARN SENTENCE

Cherokee County Sheriff’s officials arrested Ross at a neighbor’s house nearby. Ross faces six charges, including hit-and-run, aggressive driving and failing to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle.

“I just hope this experience will raise awareness to the rules of the road for cyclists and how drivers should allow for the 3 feet distance in safe passing,” Collins said.

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Jerry Ross, 72, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, hit-and-run, reckless driving, aggressive driving and failure to maintain a safe distance from a bicycle. (Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office)

In a statement, the North Georgia Cycling Association thanked law enforcement and emergency services for “their swift response and professionalism.”

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“We encourage all road users to follow the rules of the road, stay alert and respect one another. Sharing the road responsibly helps keep everyone safe,” the group said.

“We also encourage everyone to treat one another with care, patience and kindness — on and off the road. Most importantly, we are thankful that those involved made it home safely to their loved ones.”

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Georgia

Georgia county’s HR policy council goes digital, boosting attendance, reducing grievances

Published

16 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

Georgia county’s HR policy council goes digital, boosting attendance, reducing grievances

To better serve county employees and streamline processes, the DeKalb County, Ga. Human Resources and Merit System (DeKalb HR) moved its quarterly policy council meetings online. The shift to digital has boosted attendance and made the meetings more efficient by enabling chat-based Q&A and real-time issue tracking, according to Jadia Haynes, the DeKalb County interim Human Resources director.

Since the DeKalb County Department of Human Resources and Merit System-led policy council moved online, there has been a 50% reduction in grievances, a 67% increase in meeting participation and a 50% improvement in Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) processing efficiency for 6,600 employees, according to county data.

DeKalb County has 45 departments, with more than 200 locations across the county where staff work, so many people who would otherwise want to attend the meetings when they were in-person were unable to, according to Katherine Furlong, interim deputy director, DeKalb County Human Resources Information Systems Division.

Between the length of the actual meeting and the time it took to commute there and back, it could take up to three hours out of some people’s days, noted Haynes.

County survey feedback shows 88% of department liaisons feel more informed and aligned with human resource policies after participating in a policy council meeting. Since shifting the meetings online, attendance has increased from an average of 75 people to 126.

“This gives the employees a lot more flexibility,” Haynes said. “So now the time commitment is a lot less, and more people can participate.”

The meetings are much more efficient and interactive now, as people can submit questions through Zoom’s chat feature, said Furlong.

People share more often with the comment feature, which Haynes attributes to people feeling more comfortable typing a message vs. speaking up in-person or on camera.

Policy council participants include directors, deputy directors, managers and department administrators. Utilizing Zoom enables the human resources department to review meetings to better inform the process and make improvements moving forward, Haynes said.

“We can go back and check the chat too, and see what types of questions people ask, so we can make sure we can follow up to ensure that we’ve addressed them,” Furlong said. “If we don’t address them verbally in the meeting, we say, ‘OK, we’ll take that as an action item and come back and make sure we give that back to the team.’”

Human Resources has received “rave reviews” from county employees regarding the shift to virtual, Haynes noted.

According to Kevin Buford, DeKalb County Parks and Recreation’s deputy director, the new structure has been “so valuable and useful.”

“We would be totally lost without this policy council,” said Debra DeBerry, DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court.

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Georgia

Wild video captures elderly driver Jerry Ross, 72, crashing into group of cyclists on Georgia road

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Press Room

Wild video captures elderly driver Jerry Ross, 72, crashing into group of cyclists on Georgia road

An elderly motorist is accused of driving through a group of bicyclists in Georgia – knocking one over and fracturing his spine – before speeding off in a hit-and-run that was caught on camera.

Jerry Wayne Ross, 72, flashed a wide grin in his booking photo as he faces charges for the alleged hit-and-run with his Honda Pilot, all caught on video, on April 23 in Cherokee County, Ga, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

The North Georgia Cycling Association was on their weekly Thursday night ride when the older driver was accused of driving up on the group in a suspected road rage incident.

The cycling group was in the middle of its 32-mile ride through Cherokee County when Ross appeared behind them, blasting his horn for nearly two miles along Sugar Pike Rd in Canton.

“Just excessive. Didn’t let off the horn,” Richard Collins, the leader of the group, told Fox 5 Atlanta.

The cyclists were riding double-wide along the scenic, rural road when Ross allegedly floored forward, alongside the leading pack of the group, according to video captured by one of the cyclists and obtained by the outlet.

Ross is believed to have pulled up alongside the first group of cyclists, striking one of the riders with his passenger side mirror.

“I turned to my left to see it, at that moment, that vehicle was on my left leg,” he said.

The cyclists, who became tangled up by the bump, collided into the side of Ross’ car and crashed onto the pavement.

The vehicle sped away as Collins was left lying in the road.

Collins said he sustained road rash on his shoulder, elbow and knee and was treated by paramedics who were called to the scene.

He was later examined by an orthopedist and discovered he had suffered a fracture to his lower spine, he told the outlet.

Both cyclists were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Ross was found hiding out at a neighbor’s house down the road after officials from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office spotted damage to his SUV consistent with hitting a bicycle.

The suspected driver told authorities that he had encountered the group of cyclists but denied responsibility, blaming the bikers for the collision, saying the riders had been in the middle of the road, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Ross was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, aggressive driving, hit-and-run and failing to maintain distance, according to jail records viewed by The Post.

He remains behind bars in the Cherokee County Jail with his charges totaling $24,540.

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