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Forbes
7 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Delaware, Missouri State Add To Conference USA's Growing Inventory Of New FBS Teams
Delaware and Missouri State officially join Conference USA on July 1 and will increase league membership to 12 and FBS membership to 136. The Blue Hens and Bears will make it five schools in three seasons to have elevated from the FCS to the FBS and join CUSA. Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State made the move in 2023 and Kennesaw State in 2024. The five former FCS schools came from as many different conferences and are the most recent to elevate to the higher subdivision. UD was in the Coastal Athletic Association (formerly Colonial Athletic Association), MSU came from the Missouri Valley Conference, Kennesaw State was in the Big South, Jacksonville State had two years in the Atlantic Sun following an 18-year stint in the Ohio Valley Conference, and Sam Houston State had two seasons in the WAC after a 33-year run in the Southland Conference. Delaware and Missouri State will also make it seven schools to join CUSA in the aforementioned timeframe as previously independent Liberty and New Mexico State came on board in 2023, and at a time when independents have virtually disappeared. (Only Notre Dame and UConn will be on their own in 2025, though in entirely different spheres.) The Flames left the Big South to join the FBS in 2018 and were independent for five seasons before joining CUSA. The Aggies have had a nomadic time of it this century having been a member of four conferences, including two stints in the Sun Belt, and have twice been independent. Taking on five schools from the FCS and two from the independent ranks was necessary for Conference USA given the wheels that were set in motion in autumn 2021 when Charlotte, FAU, North Texas, Rice, UAB and UTSA announced they were departing for the American Athletic Conference effective 2023. That was the year Marshall, Old Dominion and Southern Miss decided to leave for the Sun Belt. Hence, CUSA had to quickly re-make itself, which it did by filling the gaps around holdovers FIU, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, UTEP and Western Kentucky. In the not-so-distant past, teams that moved up from the FCS usually took their lumps while finding their footing in college football's highest level. Because of how Conference USA has restructured and with Western Kentucky the only holdover having achieved notable success (10 bowl appearances in 11 years, one top 25 finish) as a league member, opportunities have been abundant for the FBS newbies and the former independents to achieve immediate success. Below are examples. The Gamecocks won the conference championship last season as a second-year FBS and CUSA member. Their lone conference loss was at Western Kentucky in the regular-season finale before blasting (52-12) the Hilltoppers a week later for the title. Rich Rodriguez led the program's transition to the FBS and went 27-10 in three seasons (13-3 in two years of CUSA play) before returning to West Virginia. Charles Kelly, an assistant at JSU in the 1990s, takes over. If not for a mid-season loss to Western Kentucky, the Bearkats would have played JSU for the conference title. As it turned out, Sam Houston State was the only CUSA team to win double-digit games (10-3) last season. Coach K.C. Keeler, who succeeded College Football Hall of Famer Tubby Raymond at Delaware – Keeler was a Blue Hens linebacker under Raymond -- in 2002 and ran the program for 11 years before taking over at Sam Houston State, returned to the I-95 corridor in December to coach Temple. Phil Longo returned to Huntsville to run the program. He was the Bearkats' OC for three seasons (2014-16) under Keeler before serving in the same role with Ole Miss, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The Aggies' inaugural CUSA campaign of 2023 resulted in a championship game appearance, a slugfest (49-35) of a defeat to Liberty, which was in its first season with the conference. Jerry Kill's team went 10-2 in the regular season – their loss to the Flames was followed by bowl loss to Fresno State – for the program's first double-digit win season since 1960 when the school was a member of the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association with, among others, Arizona and Arizona State. Tony Sanchez took over Kill and enters his second season as coach. The 2023 conference championship win over New Mexico State noted above sealed a New Year's Six Bowl for the Flames, who improved to 13-0 and ascended to No. 18 in the AP poll. Jamey Chadwell's first year at the helm in Lynchburg concluded with a Fiesta Bowl blowout loss (45-6) to Oregon, and a No. 25 ranking. True, Kennesaw State went 2-10 last year in its inaugural FBS season. Both wins, however, were in conference play, including against Liberty, and a pair of losses were in overtime. Not too bad for a school that did not field a football program until 2015 and was led by Brian Bohannon from day one before his awkward departure late last season. Former North Carolina Central head coach and NFL assistant, Jerry Mack, takes over. In the larger picture as far as Conference USA is concerned, Delaware and Missouri State coming on board should only aid the long-term health of the league, if indeed there is such a thing as 'long-term' in college football. CUSA, though, has done a nice job of continuing to build itself in a rather unique manner and with 11 states represented in what will be a 12-team league for the fast-arriving 2025 college football season.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
How Columbia baseball saved its season to make NCAA tournament again
Columbia couldn't have scripted a worse start to its baseball season. Three key players — top starting pitcher Andy Leon, top reliever Will Parkinson and starting third baseman Eric Jeon — were lost to season-ending injuries. The Lions then proceeded to lose their next 10 games after opening the year with a win at Kennesaw State. Advertisement Head coach Brett Boretti's message to his team was simple: Our expectations are the same. Winning big is still the plan. He didn't waver. 3 Columbia coach Brett Borett and his players celebrate after their win over Harvard in the Ivy League title game on May 18, 2025. Brian Foley for Foley-Photography Advertisement 'We've to come together here, keep moving forward,' he told them, star junior shortstop and Ivy League Player of the Year Sam Miller recalled. 'This is what we train all year for.' A few months later, Columbia is getting ready for the NCAA Tournament in the Hattiesburg (Miss.) Regional. The lone team to qualify from the area, this will be its seventh appearance on college baseball's biggest stage since Boretti took over two decades ago. Since that losing streak, Columbia has won 28 of 35 games. Advertisement Jagger Edwards replaced Leon as a weekend starter, while Griffin Palfrey took over at the hot corner. The Lions are experienced, led by 11 seniors, and finished first in the Ivy League in home runs, runs scored, slugging percentage, doubles and batting average. They mash. Advertisement Miller and senior captain Anton Lazits credited Boretti with keeping the team together amid injuries and that early season slide. Lazits described him as a 'leader of men,' someone who is able to maximize talent. 'When he speaks, you listen. At the same time, he's very personable,' Lazits said. 'He keeps everybody disciplined, but keeps it loose at the same time.' Said Miller: 'He just knows how to push guys.' Prior to Boretti, 54, taking over at Columbia in 2006, the Lions last reached the tournament in 1976. 3 Columbia shortstop Sam Miller was named the Ivy League's Player of the Year. Columbia Athletics/Stockton Photo He has turned this program into one of the most successful in the Northeast, winning the Ivy League regular-season title eight times. Boretti doesn't like to think of this as his success. Advertisement A successful coach, he noted, is only as effective as his players. He pointed to a number of former assistant coaches who built up Columbia with him, such as current Endicott College head coach Bryan Haley, Minnesota Twins pitching coach Pete Maki, Boston College assistant coach Dan Tischler and San Francisco assistant Erik Supplee. He singled out his entire current staff for continuing the winning tradition. 'I'm good at surrounding myself with people that are a lot smarter than me,' he said jokingly. Advertisement Boretti has had opportunities to look elsewhere. He interviewed for one Power 5 job before — he declined to name the school — but didn't want to uproot his family. Plus, as the saying goes, why mess with happy? At Columbia, he doesn't have to manage Name, Image and Likeness as much as other coaches. 3 Columbia head coach Brett Boretti helped his team turn it around after injuries put his team in an early hole this season. Brian Foley for Foley Photography. Advertisement His players pick Columbia mostly for academics. The Lions are Ivy League contenders every year. 'The type of kid, the type of student-athlete you get, we get very driven guys. We get overachievers,' Boretti said. 'That's what we're looking for: Guys who want to work on the field, work in the classroom, and, frankly, don't give you many headaches off the field. 'It's one of the best things about the job: You get to work with great people, great kids that are going to be great adults. That's something that goes a long way when you're in this position.' Advertisement After reaching the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons from 2013-15, and advancing to the Coral Gables (Fla.) regional final in 2015, Columbia had established itself. It helped that in 2010 the program received an upgraded facility, Robertson Field at Satow Stadium. 'It built on each other,' Boretti said. 'My former boss, Dianne Murphy, did a heckuva job building our facilities and raising money and getting people involved. That goes a long, long way.' This team has a unique belief in itself, fostered by that difficult start. First came the injuries, then the losing streak. It didn't break the Lions. As the tournament begins, few teams in the country are as hot. Columbia has won nine straight games and 16 of 17. It will be a decided underdog Friday night against host and No. 16 seed Southern Miss, and not be expected to beat the following opponent, either Miami or Alabama. But the Lions and their 11 seniors believe they can play with anyone. They've been here before. 'We're a very confident group. We know the talent we have and we know what kind of baseball we can play with each other,' Lazits said. 'If we go out there and play as well as we can, we can beat just about anybody.'
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NCAA Men's Golf Championship live updates: Scores, first-round tee times, highlights
NCAA Men's Golf Championship live updates: Scores, first-round tee times, highlights Show Caption Hide Caption Drone flyover video of Omni La Costa North Course par-3 16th hole Omni La Costa is hosting the NCAA mens and womens golf championships for a second year in a row. The North Course's 16th hole is the final par-3. CARLSBAD, Calif. — The 2025 NCAA Men's Golf Championship is underway. The best teams in men's college golf are at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's North Course for the second straight year battling it out for a national title. Auburn is the defending national champion and one of the favorites to defend their title. Play started Friday morning, kicking off four rounds of stroke play. Follow along below for live updates from the opening round of the NCAA Men's Championship: NCAA Men's Golf Championship live leaderboard Click here to follow scores from the NCAA Men's Championship. NCAA Men's Golf Championship first-round tee times All times EDT. 1st tee 9:52 a.m. – Connor Graham (Texas Tech), Carson Kim (Georgia Tech), Nino Palmquist (South Florida) – Connor Graham (Texas Tech), Carson Kim (Georgia Tech), Nino Palmquist (South Florida) 10:03 a.m. – Charles DeLong (Texas Tech), Kale Fontenot (Georgia Tech), Cooper Smith (South Florida) – Charles DeLong (Texas Tech), Kale Fontenot (Georgia Tech), Cooper Smith (South Florida) 10:14 a.m. – Ben Gregg (Texas Tech), Albert Hansson (Georgia Tech), Wilhelm Ryding (South Florida) – Ben Gregg (Texas Tech), Albert Hansson (Georgia Tech), Wilhelm Ryding (South Florida) 10:25 a.m. – Tim Wiedemeyer (Texas Tech), Benjamin Reuter (Georgia Tech), Shubham Jaglan (South Florida) – Tim Wiedemeyer (Texas Tech), Benjamin Reuter (Georgia Tech), Shubham Jaglan (South Florida) 10:36 a.m. – Calum Scott (Texas Tech), Hiroshi Tai (Georgia Tech), Jake Peacock (South Florida) – Calum Scott (Texas Tech), Hiroshi Tai (Georgia Tech), Jake Peacock (South Florida) 10:47 a.m. – Jaden Cantafio (San Diego), Kyle Haas (Wake Forest), Clark Sonnenberg (New Mexico) – Jaden Cantafio (San Diego), Kyle Haas (Wake Forest), Clark Sonnenberg (New Mexico) 10:58 a.m. – Cooper Humphreys (San Diego), Tom Haberer (Wake Forest), Oliver Cage (New Mexico) – Cooper Humphreys (San Diego), Tom Haberer (Wake Forest), Oliver Cage (New Mexico) 11:09 a.m. – Ian Maspat (San Diego), Jakob Melin (Wake Forest), Wyatt Provence (New Mexico) – Ian Maspat (San Diego), Jakob Melin (Wake Forest), Wyatt Provence (New Mexico) 11:20 a.m. – You Seong Choi (San Diego), Scotty Kennon (Wake Forest), Carson Herron (New Mexico) – You Seong Choi (San Diego), Scotty Kennon (Wake Forest), Carson Herron (New Mexico) 11:31 a.m. – Ryan Abuan (San Diego), Marshall Meisel (Wake Forest), Mesa Falleur (New Mexico) – Ryan Abuan (San Diego), Marshall Meisel (Wake Forest), Mesa Falleur (New Mexico) 11:42 a.m. – Claes Borregaard (Kennesaw State), Braxton Watts (Utah), Sakke Siltala (Texas State) – Claes Borregaard (Kennesaw State), Braxton Watts (Utah), Sakke Siltala (Texas State) 3:12 p.m. – Daniel Bennett (Texas), Peer Wernicke (Arizona State), PJ Maybank III (Oklahoma) – Daniel Bennett (Texas), Peer Wernicke (Arizona State), PJ Maybank III (Oklahoma) 3:23 p.m. – Jack Gilbert (Texas), Connor Williams (Arizona State), Clark Van Gaalen (Oklahoma) – Jack Gilbert (Texas), Connor Williams (Arizona State), Clark Van Gaalen (Oklahoma) 3:34 p.m. – Christiaan Maas (Texas), Michael Mjaaseth (Arizona State), Drew Goodman (Oklahoma) – Christiaan Maas (Texas), Michael Mjaaseth (Arizona State), Drew Goodman (Oklahoma) 3:45 p.m. – Tommy Morrison (Texas), Preston Summerhays (Arizona State), Ryder Cowan (Oklahoma) – Tommy Morrison (Texas), Preston Summerhays (Arizona State), Ryder Cowan (Oklahoma) 3:56 p.m. – Luke Potter (Texas), Josele Ballester (Arizona State), Jase Summy (Oklahoma) – Luke Potter (Texas), Josele Ballester (Arizona State), Jase Summy (Oklahoma) 4:07 p.m. – Jaime Montojo (Texas A&M), Trey Marrion (Illinois), Luke Powell (UCLA) – Jaime Montojo (Texas A&M), Trey Marrion (Illinois), Luke Powell (UCLA) 4:18 p.m. – Aaron Pounds (Texas A&M), Jake Birdwell (Illinois), Baylor Larrabee (UCLA) – Aaron Pounds (Texas A&M), Jake Birdwell (Illinois), Baylor Larrabee (UCLA) 4:29 p.m. – Wheaton Ennis (Texas A&M), Max Herendeen (Illinois), Kyle An (UCLA) – Wheaton Ennis (Texas A&M), Max Herendeen (Illinois), Kyle An (UCLA) 4:40 p.m. – Michael Heidelbaugh (Texas A&M), Jackson Buchanan (Illinois), Pablo Ereno (UCLA) – Michael Heidelbaugh (Texas A&M), Jackson Buchanan (Illinois), Pablo Ereno (UCLA) 4:51 p.m. – Phichaksn Maichon (Texas A&M), Ryan Voois (Illinois), Omar Morales (UCLA) – Phichaksn Maichon (Texas A&M), Ryan Voois (Illinois), Omar Morales (UCLA) 5:02 p.m. – Jacob Modleski (Notre Dame), Hunter Thomson (Michigan), Bryan Kim (Duke) 10th tee 9:30 a.m. – Kris Kuvaas (Pepperdine), Matt Moloney (Georgia), Jackson Herrington (Tennessee) – Kris Kuvaas (Pepperdine), Matt Moloney (Georgia), Jackson Herrington (Tennessee) 9:41 a.m. – Luke Bailey (Pepperdine), Grayson Wood (Georgia), Bruce Murphy (Tennessee) – Luke Bailey (Pepperdine), Grayson Wood (Georgia), Bruce Murphy (Tennessee) 9:52 a.m. – Willy Walsh (Pepperdine), George Langham (Georgia), Josh Hill (Tennessee) – Willy Walsh (Pepperdine), George Langham (Georgia), Josh Hill (Tennessee) 10:03 a.m. – Brady Siravo (Pepperdine), Carter Loflin (Georgia), Christian Pardue (Tennessee) – Brady Siravo (Pepperdine), Carter Loflin (Georgia), Christian Pardue (Tennessee) 10:14 a.m. – Mahanth Chirravuri (Pepperdine), Buck Brumlow (Georgia), Lance Simpson (Tennessee) – Mahanth Chirravuri (Pepperdine), Buck Brumlow (Georgia), Lance Simpson (Tennessee) 10:25 a.m. – Brandon Knight (Colorado), Brett Sawaia (UNLV), Supapon Amornchaichan (Purdue) – Brandon Knight (Colorado), Brett Sawaia (UNLV), Supapon Amornchaichan (Purdue) 10:36 a.m. – Ty Holbrook (Colorado), Trevor Lewis (UNLV), Jenson Forrester (Purdue) – Ty Holbrook (Colorado), Trevor Lewis (UNLV), Jenson Forrester (Purdue) 10:47 a.m. – Hunter Swanson (Colorado), Wyatt Plattner (UNLV), Nels Surtani (Purdue) – Hunter Swanson (Colorado), Wyatt Plattner (UNLV), Nels Surtani (Purdue) 10:58 a.m. – Dylan McDermott (Colorado), Zach Little (UNLV), Kent Hsiao (Purdue) – Dylan McDermott (Colorado), Zach Little (UNLV), Kent Hsiao (Purdue) 11:09 a.m. – Justin Biwer (Colorado), Caden Fioroni (UNLV), Sam Easterbrook (Purdue) – Justin Biwer (Colorado), Caden Fioroni (UNLV), Sam Easterbrook (Purdue) 11:20 a.m. – Pablo Gracia (Troy), Kuangyu Chen (UC Berkeley), Chapman Barnett (Augusta) – Pablo Gracia (Troy), Kuangyu Chen (UC Berkeley), Chapman Barnett (Augusta) 11:31 a.m. – Lee Poppell (Troy), Sihao Cong (UC Berkeley), Dean Wilken (Augusta) – Lee Poppell (Troy), Sihao Cong (UC Berkeley), Dean Wilken (Augusta) 11:42 a.m. – Nick Fowlkes (Troy), Daniel Heo (UC Berkeley), Pieter Rossouw (Augusta) – Nick Fowlkes (Troy), Daniel Heo (UC Berkeley), Pieter Rossouw (Augusta) 11:53 a.m. – Jake Springer (Troy), Charlie Berridge (UC Berkeley), Bo Blanchard (Augusta) – Jake Springer (Troy), Charlie Berridge (UC Berkeley), Bo Blanchard (Augusta) 12:04 p.m. – Brantley Scott (Troy), Ziqin Zhou (UC Berkeley), Stefan Jacobs (Augusta) – Brantley Scott (Troy), Ziqin Zhou (UC Berkeley), Stefan Jacobs (Augusta) 2:50 p.m. – Cayden Pope (Auburn), Filip Fahlberg-Johnsson (Oklahoma State), Cohen Trolio (Mississippi) – Cayden Pope (Auburn), Filip Fahlberg-Johnsson (Oklahoma State), Cohen Trolio (Mississippi) 3:01 p.m. – Josiah Gilbert (Auburn), Gaven Lane (Oklahoma State), Tom Fischer (Mississippi) – Josiah Gilbert (Auburn), Gaven Lane (Oklahoma State), Tom Fischer (Mississippi) 3:12 p.m. – Carson Bacha (Auburn), Eric Lee (Oklahoma State), Kye Meeks (Mississippi) – Carson Bacha (Auburn), Eric Lee (Oklahoma State), Kye Meeks (Mississippi) 3:23 p.m. – Brendan Valdes (Auburn), Preston Stout (Oklahoma State), Cameron Tankersley (Mississippi) – Brendan Valdes (Auburn), Preston Stout (Oklahoma State), Cameron Tankersley (Mississippi) 3:34 p.m. – Jackson Koivun (Auburn), Ethan Fang (Oklahoma State), Michael La Sasso (Mississippi) – Jackson Koivun (Auburn), Ethan Fang (Oklahoma State), Michael La Sasso (Mississippi) 3:45 p.m. – Zack Swanwick (Florida), Carson Brewer (Florida State), Josh Duangmanee (Virginia) – Zack Swanwick (Florida), Carson Brewer (Florida State), Josh Duangmanee (Virginia) 3:56 p.m. – Matthew Kress (Florida), Jack Bigham (Florida State), Deven Patel (Virginia) – Matthew Kress (Florida), Jack Bigham (Florida State), Deven Patel (Virginia) 4:07 p.m. – Luke Poulter (Florida), Gray Albright (Florida State), Paul Chang (Virginia) – Luke Poulter (Florida), Gray Albright (Florida State), Paul Chang (Virginia) 4:18 p.m. – Jack Turner (Florida), Tyler Weaver (Florida State), Bryan Lee (Virginia) – Jack Turner (Florida), Tyler Weaver (Florida State), Bryan Lee (Virginia) 4:29 p.m. – Ian Gilligan (Florida), Luke Clanton (Florida State), Ben James (Virginia) – Ian Gilligan (Florida), Luke Clanton (Florida State), Ben James (Virginia) 4:40 p.m. – John Broderick (Vanderbilt), Tyson Shelley (BYU), Brock Blais (South Carolina) – John Broderick (Vanderbilt), Tyson Shelley (BYU), Brock Blais (South Carolina) 4:51 p.m. – Chase Nevins (Vanderbilt), Simon Kwon (BYU), Ismael Encinas (South Carolina) – Chase Nevins (Vanderbilt), Simon Kwon (BYU), Ismael Encinas (South Carolina) 5:02 p.m. – Ryan Downes (Vanderbilt), Zac Jones (BYU), Zach Adams (South Carolina) – Ryan Downes (Vanderbilt), Zac Jones (BYU), Zach Adams (South Carolina) 5:13 p.m. – Wells Williams (Vanderbilt), Cole Ponich (BYU), Nathan Franks (South Carolina) – Wells Williams (Vanderbilt), Cole Ponich (BYU), Nathan Franks (South Carolina) 5:24 p.m. – Jackson Van Paris (Vanderbilt), Peter Kim (BYU), Frankie Harris (South Carolina) NCAA Men's Golf Championship format Finals play for both championships consist of three days of stroke play on Friday thru Sunday (54 holes), after which the top-15 teams and nine individuals not on an advancing team will be determined. That is followed by a final day of 18 holes of stroke play (Monday) to determine the top eight teams that will advance to match play as well as the 72-hole individual champion. The team national champion will be determined by a match-play format that will consist of quarterfinals and semifinals conducted on Tuesday, followed by the finals on Wednesday. NCAA Men's Golf Championship TV information Golf Channel is the TV home for the NCAA Championships. All times ET Monday, May 26 Live coverage - 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 Live coverage - 1-3:30 p.m. Live coverage - 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 Live coverage - 6-10 p.m. NCAA Women's Golf Championship tickets Fans must have tickets to attend this year's NCAA Golf Championships. Here's how to buy them.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kennesaw State professors join outcry against removal of Black studies major
The Brief Kennesaw State University is facing criticism from students, and now professors, over its decision to eliminate three majors, including Black Studies. Faculty members argue that the administration bypassed curriculum committees in making the decision, while students suspect political pressure influenced the move. The school has said the decision to let go of certain programs was based on low graduation numbers. KENNESAW, Ga. - Some professors at Kennesaw State have joined their students, voicing strong opposition to the university's recent decision to eliminate three majors, including Black Studies. During a virtual news conference, faculty members condemned the move, calling for the programs to be reinstated. What they're saying Students have expressed concerns that the decision may be influenced by political pressures, particularly from the Trump administration, to eliminate certain types of programs. They are urging the university to reconsider and reinstate the Black Studies and Philosophy majors. RELATED: Kennesaw State students' outcry against removal of Black studies major "If upper administration wants to close a program they can do it without any input from faculty at all," said Dr. Lauren Thompson, an assistant professor of history and chair of the History and Philosophy Curriculum Committee. "The very existence of the multiple curriculum committees across the university belies these excuses and frankly insulting explanations. KSU faculty deserve better and KSU students deserve better." The other side The university, however, maintains that it adhered to standard protocols in deactivating the majors, citing low graduation numbers as the primary reason for their removal. According to a statement from KSU, the Black Studies major, along with two others, averaged fewer than 10 graduates per year, failing to meet the criteria necessary for continuation. "Kennesaw State University followed institutional protocols in the decision to deactivate the Black Studies, Philosophy, and Technical Communications majors. All KSU majors are reviewed annually and held to the same criteria. Courses in Black Studies, Philosophy, and Technical Communications will continue to be offered as minors, electives, and available to all undergraduate students in our general studies curriculum. "Undergraduate programs are expected to maintain a three-year rolling average of at least 10 graduates per year. The Black Studies major has a three-year graduation average of 5.7 degrees per year, while Philosophy averages 6.3 and Technical Communications 7.7. "The programs underwent a multi-year remediation process, which included annual improvement plans focused on increasing enrollment. As the required benchmarks were not met, the University deactivated these programs. "A formal 'teach-out' plan is in place to ensure all currently enrolled students have the opportunity to complete their degrees." The Source Information in this story was previously reported by FOX 5 Atlanta and was taken from a public, virtual news conference that took place on May 10, 2025. Kennesaw State University released a statement on the decision to discontinue certain majors.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Father of 15-year-old who killed 2 at Wisconsin religious school faces felony charges
The father of a Wisconsin teenage girl who killed a teacher and fellow student in a school shooting was charged with felonies Thursday in connection with the case, police said. The shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison last December. The shooter's father, Jeffrey Rupnow, 42, of Madison, was taken into custody around 3:45 a.m. Thursday, police said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] He faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a child and two counts of providing a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 resulting in death, police said. The police plan to hold a press conference later Thursday to provide more details. Rupnow's daughter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, opened fire on Dec. 16, 2024, at Abundant Life Christian School, killing a teacher and a 14-year-old student before killing herself. Two other students were critically injured. RELATED STORIES: Wisconsin school shooting: Teacher killed graduated from Harrison High, Kennesaw State Teacher, Kennesaw State graduate killed in Wisconsin school shooting to be laid to rest today Wisconsin shooting: Victims identified; judge issues restraining order against California man Jeffrey Rupnow did not immediately respond to a message The Associated Press left on his Facebook page. No one immediately returned voicemails left at possible telephone listings for him and his ex-wife, Melissa Rupnow. Online court records indicate he represented himself in the couple's 2022 divorce and do not list an attorney for him in that case. Police had said they were investigating how Natalie Rupnow obtained two guns she had the day of the attack. Police have not discussed a clear motive in the attack. Former Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said shortly after the shooting that a 'combination of factors' motivated the shooting, but he declined to specify what they were. Jeffrey Rupnow is the latest parent of a school shooter to face charges associated with an attack. Last year, the mother and father of a school shooter in Michigan who killed four students in 2021 were each convicted of involuntary manslaughter. The mother was the first parent in the U.S. to be held responsible for a child carrying out a mass school attack. The father of a 14-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting four people at a Georgia high school was arrested in September and faces charges including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for letting his son possess a weapon. In 2023, the father of a man charged in a deadly Fourth of July parade shooting in suburban Chicago pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanors related to how his son obtained a gun license. Killed in the shooting were Abundant Life teacher Erin Michelle West, 42, and student Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14. Abundant Life is a nondenominational Christian school that offers prekindergarten classes through high school. About 420 students attend the institution. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
