This week: Miss and Mr. Augusta University will be crowned, researchers look at how income levels impact the health of cancer survivors and the new ROTC leader looks to build on the current program.

Augusta University to crown royalty

The Miss and Mr. Augusta University scholarship competitions will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at Maxwell Theatre on the Summerville Campus. This is the first time both the Miss and Mr. Augusta University ceremonies will be held at the same time. Scholarships will be awarded to the winners and the Miss Augusta University competition is a preliminary event and affiliate of the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition.

Tickets are $7 for the general public, $5 for Augusta University faculty and staff and free for AU students.

Research shows cost of cancer treatment can impact health of survivors

A significant number of people who have survived cancer are living in poverty, which can have negative effects on their physical and mental health, according to researchers at the Medical College of Georgia and the Georgia Cancer Center.

“We found that cancer survivors who are low income, living below the federal poverty line, are much more likely to have poorer physical health, as compared to the higher income survivors,” said Dr. Steven S. Coughlin, interim chief of the Division of Epidemiology in the MCG Department of Population Health Sciences. “They are also more like to have poor mental health and to not have health insurance.”

New ROTC leader looks to continue program’s momentum

Lt. Col. Matthew Miller has replaced Lt. Col. Jeffrey Keenan as chair and professor of military science at Augusta University. Miller has taught adult learners at an intelligence agency college, but this is his first opportunity to work in a true college atmosphere.

“The Army is all about people and being part of a team, being a good leader and being a good follower, so I was really excited for this opportunity to come here and serve,” Miller said. “Our mission is to commission Augusta University cadets as officers in the United States Army. We’re here to help them develop into those career Army officers to serve our nation and to lead American’s sons and daughters.”