Strengthening Communities

In the face of 21st century challenges, the University is providing modern and innovative solutions to Georgia communities. We are helping local leaders build talent pipelines, enhance economic vitality, and provide opportunities that strengthen the quality of life in our state.

Through UGA CyberArch, the Institute of Government works with partners across campus to address digital security issues and challenges within local governments, school systems, and hospitals. The program also gives students a chance to help communities and gain valuable experience.

UGA’s Archway Partnership, an outreach program for select rural communities, was the 2022 winner of the C. Peter Magrath Award for Community Engagement, a national award given by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The Archway Partnership, a Public Service and Outreach unit, was founded in 2005 to connect community partners to UGA’s vast student and faculty resources.

Connected Resilient Communities

The Connected Resilient Communities initiative helps communities address local challenges and increases economic opportunity and well-being for Georgians.

The program, facilitated by the Archway Partnership, has received $1 million in federal support to help Georgia communities develop resources like resilient infrastructure, workforce planning, downtown revitalization, cybersecurity analysis, and more.

Bobbi Meeler Sahm

BBA ’92, Management,

Businesswoman and Philanthropist

When Bobbi Meeler Sahm was an Athens high school student, she promised her mother she would graduate from college. She held on to the promise while she and her husband raised a family and grew their agricultural equipment business into an international industry leader. It took her over 30 years, but she kept her word, earning her degree in management.

That commitment to higher education persists. Her UGA giving—totaling more than $1 million—has enhanced the University in many ways. Her most recent gifts are strengthening the connection between UGA and the Athens community. The Sahm Community Service and Outreach Endowment has awarded nearly $75,000 to 10 projects that benefit Athens-Clarke County residents and the UGA community. One such project is the expansion of the UGA Campus Kitchen, a service-learning opportunity that provides hot meals and fresh vegetables to people experiencing food insecurity.

We have a family foundation that we started about 15 years ago, and our motto is ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ And that's how I want to live my life.