Strengthening UGA’s Future Impact
Thanks to our faculty, staff, and supporters, UGA has never been better positioned to serve our students, Georgia communities, and the world. But we’re not done yet.
The world is calling out for innovative solutions to complex problems, for deeper engagement and customizable experiences for students, and for organizations willing to build bridges and knock down barriers.
We are here to answer that call with a vision to set a new standard in undergraduate education, address urgent challenges, and foster a stronger, more resilient Georgia.
Active Learning
Active learning is a teaching practice designed to engage students more deeply in what they are learning. It asks students to be active participants in the classroom and learn by constructing knowledge rather than absorbing it.
Evidence-based active learning practices are the cornerstone of UGA’s next Quality Enhancement Plan, a five-year initiative central to our reaccreditation process. To advance this initiative, in 2021 President Morehead devoted $6 million over the next five years to expand active learning at UGA. This investment will transform classrooms into dynamic, active learning spaces, train faculty in active learning, and create a culture of active learning on campus.
ALL Georgia: A Rural Focus
In 2018, we launched the ALL Georgia program to offer students from rural areas financial and academic support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. The program includes resources to help students get acclimated to campus life, and it introduces them to service opportunities that connect them with the community.
ALL Georgia has successfully supported more than 3,000 undergraduate students. As part of UGA’s effort to foster a diverse and inclusive campus, President Morehead has renewed this program for six more years.
Reimagining the Student Experience
As UGA continues to see record numbers of applicants, the University is meeting demand with investments in undergraduate education. The University has prioritized small class sizes and personalized student support. UGA also announced an initiative to recruit 20 additional faculty members in fields experiencing rapid student growth and eight additional academic advisors to support students in high-demand areas.
Expanding Our Research Capabilities
Data science and artificial intelligence are crucial tools for research and discovery. They can illuminate opportunities and challenges in areas from infectious disease prevention and cybersecurity to environmental solutions and precision agriculture.
An ambitious faculty hiring initiative will recruit 50 additional data science and artificial intelligence experts in eight interdisciplinary fields to strengthen our expertise in these areas.
“At the University of Georgia, we are constantly seeking opportunities to expand our impact on society, to solve complex challenges, and to shape the future. This strategic hiring initiative will enable us to do that while building on our excellence in teaching, research, and service.”
— President Jere W. Morehead
Strengthening Graduate Education
Graduate students bring something special to our University community with their diverse experiences and fresh ideas. They contribute to every aspect of our teaching, research, and service missions. And, with 11% enrollment growth over the past two academic years alone, graduate education at UGA is thriving.
We are committed to strengthening graduate education with a fundraising initiative to support our students. So, the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees committed $1 million in matching funds to generate more endowed scholarships for exceptional graduate students.
We also launched GradFIRST, a seminar series for first-year graduate students to provide professional development and networking opportunities that will prepare them for exceptional careers ahead.