Enriching Our State

The University strengthens the infrastructure, economy, and development of communities across every corner of the state.

The Small Business Development Center, a Public Service and Outreach unit of UGA, has helped create more than 400 new businesses across the state in 2023. In 2024, it was awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help train small businesses in rural communities in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

In fiscal year 2023, UGA Extension made more than 1.8 million face-to-face contacts with Georgians, including families, farmers, and agricultural producers, while our 4-H leadership programs served more than 150,000 Georgia children and teens.

Poultry Science

Thanks to a $54.1 million public-private partnership, the Poultry Science Building welcomed students through its doors for the first time in January. The next generation of poultry science leaders is benefiting from state-of-the-art labs, collaborative meeting spaces, and classrooms outfitted with the latest technology.

The poultry industry represents more than 25% of the agricultural income in Georgia. UGA’s poultry science research helps ensure that the state will remain the global epicenter for this billion-dollar industry.

UGA CyberArch

Cybercrime is a growing concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. UGA CyberArch takes a two-pronged approach to address this challenge in Georgia by preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and helping communities defend against cyberattacks now.

The CyberArch program pairs students with partner organizations to assess the cyber infrastructure of school districts, local governments, hospitals, and small businesses across Georgia. With seven teams developing security solutions, the program provided an estimated value of nearly $210,000 in Spring 2024 alone.

UGA is one of three universities in the state designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research. A recent $500,000 grant from Google’s philanthropic arm allows the CyberArch program to expand our efforts in cybersecurity and reach even more organizations and businesses.

portrait of Abit Massey
Profiles

Abit Massey BBA ’49, President Emeritus, Georgia Poultry Federation

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UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Georgia’s commercial fishing career pathway course for high school students is the first of its kind. In 2019, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant partnered with local schools to launch the dual-enrollment program. Since then, students have engaged in hands-on learning within the commercial fishing industry and helped to develop the state’s workforce.

This unique initiative teaches students about navigation, seamanship, commercial fishing practices, and fisheries management. It is one of many stand-out programs created for Georgia’s coast since the University’s first marine extension program was established more than 50 years ago.