UGA President's Sunday Statement to University Community

University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams sent a campus-wide message to the university community yesterday. That message is printed below.

To the Members of the University of Georgia Community:

We have had a tragedy this weekend that has impacted Athens and the entire University of Georgia community. We are saddened by the shooting that took place Saturday, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have been affected. As we grieve, we are determined to move forward.

Over the past 24 hours, I have had several meetings with the senior administrative team and received briefings from campus and local law enforcement regarding measures of campus safety and security. UGA and Athens-Clarke County police have done an extraordinary job of providing a strong law enforcement presence as we enter the final week of classes, and I have great confidence in their abilities.

UGA will operate under a normal schedule this week with classes and other business. However, I urge everyone to continue to exercise caution until the suspect is apprehended.

In wake of this tragedy, the University Health Center, through the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) unit, will provide grief counseling and support for UGA faculty, staff and students affected by these recent events. Should anyone need or desire such services, please contact CAPS at 706-542-1162. Between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. persons wishing to reach CAPS should call University Police dispatch at 706-542-2200 and ask for the CAPS on-call staff member.

As a reminder, police are still looking for George M. Zinkhan III, 57 years of age, 6-feet three-inches tall, 240 pounds, blue eyes, white male with a goatee, with light brown hair and some graying. He was last seen wearing a polo shirt and blue shorts with a backpack, and driving a 2005 reddish Jeep Liberty with Georgia tag AIX 1376. If you know his location or see him, call 911. Please do not call 911 seeking information. Please do not call UGA Police asking questions. Only call to provide information that you may have regarding this matter. Police continue to urge members of the University community to use your best judgment in taking precautions while this suspect remains at large.

We will continue to share information with you regarding this matter as it becomes available.

Michael F. Adams, President

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