Letter from the President

This past year at the University of Georgia has been one marked by extraordinary growth, impactful achievements, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Thanks to the unwavering support of our talented students, distinguished faculty, dedicated staff, and passionate alumni and friends, UGA continues to ascend to new heights in teaching, research, and service.

Our research enterprise reached unprecedented milestones, with a record-breaking $628 million in annual expenditures. Our talented faculty and students pursued groundbreaking discoveries, including developing innovative technologies to remove harmful chemicals from drinking water and new, unique ways to treat traumatic brain injury. Notably, we welcomed four new Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholars, whose interdisciplinary work embodies our mission to accelerate scientific breakthroughs across a number of fields.

Academically, our students continue to thrive in the classroom and across the globe. We are proud to be one of only nine public universities in the nation with a six-year graduation rate of 90% or higher, a reflection of our comprehensive student support programs and mentorship initiatives. We also celebrated reaching a transformative milestone by endowing our 1,000th need-based scholarship, making higher education accessible to even more students. Our ongoing commitment to active learning and experiential education positions our graduates for success in their careers and lives.

At the same time, we are expanding our academic offerings to meet the needs of our state and the world. The new UGA School of Medicine has progressed with the support of public and private partners, including $100 million in a combination of state funding and private commitments for our new medical education and research facility. This landmark initiative promises to expand Georgia's healthcare landscape and is projected to generate up to $2.3 billion in economic benefits by 2040. Additionally, campus improvements such as the new Creative Engagement Wing at the Miller Learning Center and the extensive renovations to modernize research and instruction facilities on UGA's Science and Ag Hill further empower students and faculty to innovate and excel.

UGA's impact is felt far beyond Athens. Through the Small Business Development Center, we've helped launch over 2,000 businesses and supported the creation of more than 15,000 jobs in just five years. Our Archway Partnership continues to connect students and faculty with communities to address local needs, including revitalizing downtown areas and improving healthcare access in rural regions. At the CARE Center, faculty and public health experts are transforming dementia care in Georgia through education, outreach, and innovative technology, especially in underserved areas. This is what it means to serve Georgia, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to doing just that.

These advances are only possible because of you, our generous supporters. Your contributions fuel our shared vision for a vibrant, impactful UGA. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I present the 2025 President's Annual Report. Truly, it has never been a better time to be a Georgia Bulldog.

Go Dawgs!

Jere W. Morehead, JD '80