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Dawg Source is a new one-stop service model for student resources. Read more on Page 3.
Efforts continue to improve campus parking. Read more on Page 3. Vol. 51, No. 4
August 14, 2023
BACKTOCAMPUS
news.uga.edu/columns
UGA to construct new residence hall
By James Hataway jhataway@uga.edu
Graduating students celebrate during Commencement at Sanford Stadium.
Powerful progress
Dorothy Kozlowski
UGA three-year fundraising average hits record $235.1 million By Clarke Schwabe ccschwabe@uga.edu
Donors have long been a powerful source of progress at the University of Georgia, and the past year was no exception. Private donations to UGA in fiscal year 2023 reached $242.8 million, the second-highest fundraising total in the university’s history. “I want to express my sincere thanks to each and every donor for helping us continue to elevate the University of Georgia to new heights,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “UGA would be a vastly different place without the gener-
ous support of our alumni, friends and the UGA Foundation. Private giving helps faculty members raise the bar in their fields, helps connect communities across Georgia to university resources, and helps students achieve things they never thought possible.” From July 2022 to June 2023, 71,223 donors contributed to UGA, resulting in the third consecutive year—and sixth year of the last seven—that donations have surpassed $200 million. The university’s three-year rolling average, which averages the three most recent years of giving, rose to a record $235.1 million—the third
consecutive year this number has risen and the sixth consecutive year it has exceeded $200 million. “What is so special about the UGA community is that their support is not just strong, it is always so consistent” said Neal Quirk, who chaired the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees during FY23. “Year in and year out, our donors give generously, and that reliable support is so very valuable. No matter what economic conditions arise, the university and its students can thrive thanks to the backing of our great alumni and friends. It makes our entire board very grateful and See FUNDRAISING on page 4
GRADUATE SCHOOL
UGA graduate programs earn top 10 rankings By Kristine Groft kgroft@uga.edu
University of Georgia graduate and professional programs continue to be recognized among the best in the nation in the 2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools. The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings coincide with a period of growing demand for graduate and professional training at UGA. “The University of Georgia’s innovative approaches to graduate and professional education are not only benefiting our students, but also local, regional and global communities,” said Ron Walcott, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. “The strong performance of our graduate and professional programs reflects the excellence
and commitment of our faculty.” The School of Public and International Affairs ranks No. 7 overall and has several graduate specialties among the nation’s top five. SPIA’s programs ranked third in both public finance & budgeting and public management & leadership, and fourth in local government management.The nonprofit administration program continues to climb and is ranked No. 13 in the nation. The School of Law has earned its highest ranking ever at 20th among the nation’s 196 ABA-accredited law schools. The ranking places the School of Law among the top seven public law schools in the nation. The College of Veterinary Medicine ranked No. 7, up three spots from its most recent ranking. The Mary Frances Early College of Education moved up one spot from the prior year to be ranked No. 31 in
the nation,and several of its programs ranked in the top 10 — notably school counseling,secondary teacher education, and curriculum and instruction. The full-time MBA program in the Terry College of Business advanced seven spots to 31 in the nation and No. 11 among public universities. In addition, the parttime MBA program ranked No. 35 nationally and No. 22 among public business schools. The higher education administration program in UGA’s Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education rose to No. 6 in the nation, continuing a run of top 10 rankings dating back to 2007. UGA’s online graduate business and education programs were recently ranked in the top 10 among all institutions in the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report best online programs ranking.
The University of Georgia will build a new 565-bed residence hall for first-year students to address student housing capacity needs associated with recent enrollment increases and to support future growth. The new residence hall, which was approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, will be located on South Lumpkin Street near the intersection of West Wray Street. The proposal approved by the board also includes plans to construct a new dining, learning and wellness center at the intersection of University Court and East Cloverhurst Avenue.
A separate proposal that would add a new parking deck adjacent to the existing West Campus Parking Deck south of Brumby Hall also has been approved. “We know that living on campus is critical for first-year students to help them engage with the campus community and to benefit fully from all that the university offers,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I am grateful for the Board of Regents’ support of our efforts to continue enhancing UGA’s world-class learning environment for these exceptional students.” The residence hall will be constructed on a site that is now a surface parking lot. The 125,000 square foot, 565-bed facility will accommodate recent growth in
See RESIDENCE on page 4
STUDENT AFFAIRS University continues to prioritize student mental health and well-being By Stan Jackson ugastan@uga.edu
At the start of a new academic year, the University of Georgia continues its investment in supporting student mental health and well-being. The fall semester brings excitement and opportunity for new and returning students alike, as well as stress and worry at the challenges they face. “Everyone on campus is here for the students, we want—no, we need—the students to know that,” said Beau Seagraves, associate vice president for student well-being.
“Not only do we have the resources to help students who need them, but we also want to provide a learning environment in which students can thrive.” The Well-being Resources initiative aims to help students become more active, healthy and successful. Initially launched in 2020 as part of Student Affairs’ 2025 strategic plan, and subsequently expanded and strengthened with support from UGA President Jere W. Morehead, the initiative connects a network of campus-wide programs and resources and convenes campus See WELL-BEING on page 4
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES
Administrators, deans join UGA Several new administrators and deans have joined the University of Georgia in the last year, including the following:
Kevin Abernethy
Kevin Abernethy was named vice president for government relations. Abernethy previously served as chief of the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and was responsible for representing the U.S. government in all civil litigation pending in the district. He also served as an assistant U.S. attorney and as chair of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance
Commission (formerly known as the State Ethics Commission). Abernethy earned a degree in political science from UGA and then Kevin Abernethy received his law degree from Georgia State. He was a partner with the law firm of Hall Booth Smith, P.C. in Atlanta and served as vice president/general counsel of Abco Inc. for four years. In addition, he has previously served as deputy legislative counsel to See ADMINISTRATORS on page 2