UGA names new Deputy AD

The University of Georgia names a new deputy athletic director: Dr. Magdi El Shahawy comes to Athens from Los Angeles, where he has worked as an associate AD at the University of Southern California. “Magdi brings a wealth of experience to the University of Georgia,” said UGA Athletic Director Greg McGarity. “We are very fortunate to have him leading our efforts in these critical areas of our program.”   A four-year varsity football letterman at Florida State University (1986-89), El Shahawy has served in his current position at USC since 2000. During his tenure he held administrative oversight of Student-Athlete Academic Services, Student-Athlete Personal Development Programs, and the Athlete Career Transition Program.   He also served as sport administrator for baseball (2015-18), men’s and women’s track and field (2011-2018), and men’s volleyball (2007-15).   Prior to USC, El Shahawy held positions as Senior Associate Director of Student-Athlete Support Services at Michigan State (1999-2000), Academic Counselor and Eligibility Coordinator at Florida State (1994-99), and a Graduate Assistant in Athletic Compliance at Florida State (1993-94).

Local Republicans hear from GOP House hopefuls

State House candidates Houston Gaines and Marcus Wiedower spoke at last night’s meeting of the Athens-Clarke County Republican Party. Gaines is challenging incumbent Democrat Deborah Gonzalez in a rematch of last November’s special election, while Weidower faces Democratic State Rep Jonathan Wallace. Wallace defeated Wiedower and two other Republican candidates in last fall’s balloting. We are today twelve weeks away from the November 6 elections.

UGA president welcomes University communtiy to new fall semester

The University of Georgia’s fall semester classes began Monday, and UGA president Jere Morehead had a message for University students, staff, and faculty: “Welcome to the start of a new academic year at the University of Georgia, the birthplace of public higher education in America! Through our mission of teaching, research, and service, we are making a positive impact across this state, throughout the nation, and around the world. Indeed, what we do here every day matters, and it would not be possible without your hard work and commitment to excellence. The short video above celebrates this special time at our University. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.”