This past year at the University of Georgia has been defined by remarkable momentum, meaningful impact, and the extraordinary people who power our progress. Across our campuses, throughout our state, and around the world, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends continue to advance UGA’s enduring mission of teaching, research, and service. Together, we are shaping a future worthy of Georgia’s flagship university.
That future is being built by faculty and students whose ideas are improving lives and expanding the boundaries of what is possible. This year, UGA’s annual research and development expenditures reached $654 million, a reflection of the creativity, ambition, and determination found across our institution. From One Health innovations to advances in artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, and vaccine development, our researchers are pursuing discoveries with the potential to benefit communities in Georgia and far beyond. We also celebrated the election of two faculty members to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors a scientist can achieve. Their recognition showcases the extraordinary depth and impact of scholarship at UGA, where faculty inventions have launched more than 200 companies and helped bring more than 1,300 products to the marketplace.
At the same time, our students remain at the heart of UGA’s success. The University of Georgia was again named a top 20 public university by U.S. News & World Report, marking our 10th consecutive year among the nation’s best, and the Jere W. Morehead Honors College earned the No. 1 ranking in the country. We celebrated another Marshall Scholar, continued our distinction as a top producer of Fulbright students, and expanded opportunities that help students apply what they learn in meaningful ways. Through new investments in artificial intelligence tools, scholarship initiatives, and experiential learning across disciplines, UGA is preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Our commitment to service continues to strengthen communities across Georgia. In fiscal year 2025, UGA generated $9.2 billion in statewide economic impact, and every dollar of research funding produced $2.13 in economic activity. Through partnerships that support workforce development, downtown revitalization, agriculture, coastal communities, veterans and military families, and public health, UGA continues to put knowledge into action.
We are also building for the future on campus. The new School of Medicine is moving forward with its inaugural class, new facilities, and a mission to address Georgia’s healthcare needs for generations to come. We also celebrated the naming of the Victoria Kay Ivester School of Nursing, made possible by generous support from Doug Ivester and the Ivester Foundation that will create a $20.5 million endowment to benefit the school. Along with expanded facilities for veterinary medicine, new investments in student well-being, and major improvements to academic, research, athletic, and student spaces, these efforts reflect our commitment to supporting excellence in every dimension of university life.
The achievements we celebrate belong to the entire University of Georgia community. They are made possible by the talent and determination of our students, faculty, and staff, and by the loyal support of alumni, donors, and friends who believe deeply in UGA’s mission. As you read the 2026 President’s Annual Report, I hope you will see the people behind our progress and share my pride in all we continue to accomplish together.
Jere W. Morehead