The conclusion of the 2018 Fiscal Year marks another exceptional year in the storied history of the University of Georgia—the birthplace of public higher education in America. It also marks the end of my fifth year serving as UGA’s President. With unprecedented support from our alumni and friends, UGA has reached new heights of excellence across all areas of our mission. Before taking this role, I never thought it would be possible to accomplish as much as we have together in such a short period of time.

Over the past five years, fundraising has skyrocketed. Annual donations have increased 106 percent to $242 million—indicating an expanded culture of giving at this institution. Our generous donors have established 523 scholarships for students to attend UGA, transforming lives for generations to come. Alumni and friends also have created 62 endowed faculty positions to recruit and retain leading scholars and scientists.

The University’s academic metrics are soaring as well. Applications for undergraduate admissions have increased by 30 percent over the past five years, and each class of incoming students has surpassed its predecessor in terms of academic qualifications. And, more importantly, our students are excelling in the classroom as measures of student success continue to reach record levels.

UGA also has launched several major hiring initiatives to magnify the impact of our vital teaching, research, and service missions. The University’s total research and development expenditures are up nearly 30 percent over the past five years—at $453 million in FY18—and our economic impact on the state is now estimated at $5.7 billion.

The physical footprint of this University has transformed over the past five years. In fact, since I took office, 1.7 million square feet of facilities space has been constructed or renovated to enhance the academic mission. UGA has built a new Science Learning Center, Business Learning Community, a residential facility in Washington, DC, and an Indoor Athletic Facility, among other critical facilities projects.

These and many other achievements were reached because—united and determined—our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends worked together to help UGA expand the boundaries of what is possible. And, we are not done yet. As you will see in the pages that follow, the University has launched a number of new initiatives to expand scholarship support for our students, further enhance our learning environment, and solve grand challenges for our state, nation, and world.

As we continue our important work, I remain deeply grateful to the entire UGA family for its support and dedication to advancing our beloved University. I am honored to serve as this great institution’s President, and I am excited about all that we will accomplish together in the years ahead.

Jere W. Morehead
President