“Our storied history is filled with chapter after chapter of achievements. But we are not content to rest. As Bulldogs, we are tenacious and remain committed to reaching higher and accomplishing even more.”
Jere W. Morehead — President, University of Georgia
A New Breed of Vet Care
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UGA Pet Health Center brought together faculty clinicians, veterinary students, staff, and community partners to showcase medicine designed around hands-on learning and high-quality veterinary care. Thanks to a $5.2 million expansion funded by the Stanton Foundation, the facility gained 5,000 square feet of high-quality, service-based learning space for students to practice medicine. The result is a vital community resource that centers the Stanton Spectrum of Care model, a tailored approach to pet care that considers the unique circumstances of client and patient.
The Next Generation of Nursing
The future of nursing in Georgia is happening now. Thanks to a $20.5 million endowment from Doug Ivester and the Ivester Foundation, UGA has established the Victoria Kay Ivester School of Nursing, a major step forward in strengthening Georgia’s healthcare workforce and expanding access to care across the state.
Set to enroll its first class of 60 students in fall 2027 in its baccalaureate program, the school will prepare future nurses to meet a critical and growing need for highly trained health professionals, with graduate-level programs planned for the future.
Securing Student Success
As the School of Medicine trains its first class in real-world clinical medicine, leadership is ensuring that students are supported by a strong foundation of people committed to their success.
Dr. Vaishali “Rani” Schuchert, the associate dean for student affairs at the School of Medicine, is at the center of the student experience. Schuchert is leading the development of a comprehensive student support system that will help students navigate the academic rigor and personal demands of medical education.
Working alongside her is Dr. Johan Bester, associate dean for curriculum, who shapes how medicine will be taught at UGA. Bester designs the innovative, integrated curriculum that connects foundational science with early clinical experience. His work ensures that students master medical knowledge and learn to apply it in real-world settings.
In the first days of recruitment, thousands of applications poured in for the School of Medicine’s first class of 64 students, reflecting both the excitement surrounding a new medical school and the urgent need for more physicians in Georgia.
The inaugural class marks the beginning of a new pipeline of physicians ready to serve Georgians and help meet the healthcare challenges facing our state.
Building Belonging
Momentum is building across the UGA campus. With every new brick placed, the campus experience is transformed for students, alumni, faculty, and the entire Bulldog community.
Student life is being reimagined on West Campus, where a new Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center takes shape along with a new First-Year Student Residence Hall. These spaces are designed to help people grow and connect over a meal, in study rooms, and active learning classrooms, while participating in student organizations or through well-being programming.
The new Gateway to the Garden entrance project at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia will be completed by the end of the calendar year. As more people come to experience the garden’s natural beauty, this updated entrance, along with expanded parking and trailhead connections, will ensure that visitors can fully enjoy one of UGA’s most treasured spaces.
Enhancements at the Ramsey Student Center are underway, which include a new 10,000-square-foot strength and conditioning facility. The new space will support additional cardio machines, weight racks, and free weight equipment. This renovation reflects the growing demand for places that enhance the everyday well-being of our community.
UGA’s elite track and field program has a new home on South Milledge. The 34,700-square-foot UGA Track and Field Complex replaces the former South Lumpkin Street location, offering an expanded Spec Towns Track and modern upgrades while continuing its role as a gathering place and resource for student-athletes, the Athens community, and the state of Georgia.
The Medical Education and Research Building at the School of Medicine nears its December completion with 93,000 square feet to prepare Georgia’s future medical professionals. Nearly one-third of the building’s space will be dedicated to biomedical research with state-of-the-art equipment.
Phase II of the Science and Ag Hill modernization plan wrapped up in April 2026 with a full renovation of Cedar Street Building B (former Biological Sciences) east wing. The University updated research labs for safety and accessibility, including all new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems. Phase III, now underway, is scheduled to open in January 2027 with renovations to support research for the Institute of Integrative Precision Agriculture and instructional spaces in Cedar Street Building A (former Poultry Science Building).