🌱 Georgia Native Joins GFA + Three GA Universities Rated Top 50

Hey, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Atlanta Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including:

• Georgia native returns from Hollywood to work as the new executive director of the Georgia Film Academy
• ULI Atlanta searches for woman nominations
• U.S. News & World Report's Top 50 "Best National University Rankings"

But first, today's weather:

Clouds and sunshine. High: 59 Low: 41.

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Here are the top five stories today in Atlanta:

1. Georgia native C. Scott Votaw will take his vast experience in the film industry and bring it back to the state as the new executive director of the Georgia Film Academy (GFA). Votaw started by working on sets of commercials, shows, and films before working with major production companies like Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and more. His experience gave him the recognition to be named to this position. With the growth in the film industry, Georgia GFA continues to meet the rising demand for training opportunities and certification programs to best assist students and young professionals breaking into the industry. (Northwest Georgia News)
2. Urban Land Institute (ULI) Atlanta is joining the nation in celebrating Women's History Month and looking for women nominations to join its "The Leaders" group, which consists of women increasing their presence in real estate and the land use industry. The nomination process is going on now until Apr. 8, and anyone can submit a nomination. Those who want to be official nominees will be requested to submit an official application between April and June, and the selection committee will select finalists to announce in September. The strongest nominees will meet the criteria of 15 years minimum work experience, be dedicated to the success of the Atlanta region, and demonstrate leadership in the real estate industry. (SaportaReport)
3. Georgia has three state universities that have been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report's Top 50 "Best National University Rankings." The rankings were determined based on key characteristics like majors, campus life, cost of living, and more, with over 1,500 four-year universities included on the list. Rankings included Emory University at 22, Georgia Institute of Technology at 44, and the University of Georgia at 49. (WSB Atlanta)
4. Carfax ran a simulation with an auto parts store to see how long it takes to steal a catalytic converter since the number of thefts is continuing to spike. The simulation showed it only takes about one minute to take off with this valuable item. Around 150,000 converter thefts were reported in just the past year, according to Carfax. The top car models in Atlanta vulnerable to these thefts are the Ford F-150 truck series, Honda Accord, and the Ford Econoline van. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
5. The family of Brittany Glover, a woman who lost her life in a hit-and-run incident on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, rallied on Sunday, Mar. 19, to demand justice. Glover was killed six months ago in this accident and her killer is at large, so the family is requesting the state makes the road safer for other families to avoid this trauma. At least 13 people have died on this road since 2017; the community is requesting the installation of more speed limit signs or a crosswalk to make it safer for residents. Since it is a state highway it must be addressed by the General Assembly who Councilmember Keisha Waites has contacted about the matter. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Today in Atlanta:

• Virtual Workshop: Finding Remote Employment Hosted By Goodwill Of North Georgia (11:00 AM)
• Georgia Gateway Assistance At Clarkston Library (11:00 AM)
• Morning Meditation At Northlake-Barbara Loar Library (11:30 AM)
• 5-Minute Museum: Snow Peas (Virtual) Hosted By Elizabeth Peterson Jennings (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Atlanta Public Schools are celebrating Art in our Schools Month with the Fine and Performing Arts Division hosting the APS Excellence in Arts Education Awards recognizing students, teachers, and leaders excelling in the arts. You can view the guidelines here and send nominees who you think should be recognized for their talents. (Atlanta Public Schools via Facebook)
• MomoCon 2023 will be back, bringing the second-largest game hall in the country to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. From May 25-28, you can see some of the most iconic video games, animation, and comic book stars; register here. (Discover Atlanta via Facebook)
• Stop by and leave some of your exciting ideas for the H.E. Holmes Station Master Plan site on Mar. 28 at the Natatorium. The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., for more details you can click here. (MARTA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Colony Roofers — (Visit website)

Featured events:

• Gent's Lunch - A Benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 22)
• High Revelry, a benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 23)
• Angela Davis @ the 20th Annual Walter Rodney Symposium (March 24)
• Viernes Tropicales Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club - Bonus Hustle/top 40s (March 24)
• 3hr Bachata Boot camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Sat March 25, 2023 (March 25)
• Free Zoom Meeting with professionals about Atlanta roofers! (April 1)
• Delta Sigma Theta Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Pre- Centennial Fashion Show (April 16)

Featured gigs & services:

• Participants Needed For Docustyle Project. PAID OPPORTUNITY (Details)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.