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Vol. 53, No. 26
February 9, 2026
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A N S W E R IN G T H E C A L L T O L E A D
hank you for joining me for the 2026 State of the University Address. Each year, this address offers an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared achievements and look ahead to a future brimming with promise. As Georgia’s flagship institution and the birthplace of public higher education in America, we recognize the significant expectations placed upon us. For more than 240 years, the University of Georgia has consistently answered the call to lead, providing innovative solutions to problems and emerging as a definitive force for the public good. Yet leadership is more than just a title we hold — it is a responsibility we embrace. Whether we are lifting up citizens and communities, pursuing ground-breaking research, or educating the next generation of leaders, UGA takes tremendous pride in setting the example for others to follow. It is ingrained in our DNA as Bulldogs to seek out society’s toughest challenges and to tackle them head-on. Here, excellence is measured not in accolades, but in impact. As a result, the success of the University of Georgia and how we carry out our vital land-grant and sea-grant mission is defined by the mark we leave on others. Throughout this address, I hope you will be reminded of the important work our faculty, staff, and students carry out each and every day and that you will be inspired by all we plan to accomplish together as UGA boldly leads the way.
L E A DIN G T H E WAY T O A B R IGH T E R F U T U R E F O R GE O R GI A A N D B E Y O N D
The University of Georgia is entering a defining chapter as a premier public research university — one shaped by our growing role in meeting the needs of communities across our state and advancing life-saving research. From solving grand challenges for our state and world to preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers, veterinarians and lawyers, farmers and teachers, business leaders and physicians, and many more, UGA is answering the call to improve the well-being of our citizens. The School of Medicine continues to make exceptional progress. Construction on the $100 million medical education and research building began last May with an anticipated completion date this December. Additionally, last September, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education completed a two-day site visit evaluating our progress on several key indicators, including curriculum development, academic policies, and facilities. UGA expects to be notified by the LCME of its decision on preliminary accreditation status in the near future so that we can soon begin recruiting our inaugural class of medical students. Last May, UGA received authorization from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to establish a School of Nursing, and in November we announced Dr. Carolyn Clevenger — a nationally recognized academic leader from Emory University — as the Founding Dean. We are eagerly moving forward with planning efforts to formally launch the school as early as Fall 2027. The addition of the School of Nursing now brings the total
delivered by
President Jere W. Morehead February 3, 2026 sotu.uga.edu universit y of georgia
“Whether we are lifting up citizens and communities, pursuing groundbreaking research, or educating the next generation of leaders, UGA takes tremendous pride in setting the example for others to follow.” — pr esiden t j er e w. mor eh e a d
columns.uga.edu
number of colleges and schools at UGA to 20 and will enable the University to help address critical nursing shortages throughout the state and beyond. Together, the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing will expand the University’s transformational impact and place UGA and our graduates at the forefront of improving health care outcomes for people and communities in every corner of our state. The addition of these programs represents a significant milestone in our institution’s history, and I am grateful for the confidence placed in us by the Governor, General Assembly, Chancellor, Board of Regents, and the people of Georgia to fulfill our important mission. I am also excited about the Governor’s proposed budget that would advance these and many other institutional priorities. While the creation of the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing stands among our most important initiatives, our responsibility to the citizens of Georgia extends far beyond health care alone. For more than two centuries, the University has been defined by its service to the state — driving economic prosperity, strengthening communities, and connecting Georgians to the resources of a land-grant and sea-grant institution. This year, the University was awarded the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Innovation & Economic Prosperity Award in recognition of our deep commitment to community and economic development. That commitment continues to pay dividends: last year, UGA’s economic impact on Georgia reached $9.2 billion — a new record and a proud achievement that reflects our identity as the state’s flagship institution.
E M B R A CIN G OU R R O L E A S L E A DE R S F O R DI S CO V E R Y A N D IN N O VAT IO N
The relentless pursuit of new knowledge is a cornerstone of the University of Georgia’s land-grant and sea-grant mission. As leaders in their fields, UGA’s distinguished faculty conduct transformative research that holds the potential to save lives and solve the most pressing challenges facing our society. Last year, the University’s total R&D expenditures increased to $654 million, a new record that reflects an increase of 75% since 2015. While I am incredibly proud of this achievement, I am even more inspired by what the work behind this number represents. Our faculty’s belief in purposeful research allows them to excel at translating their findings into impactful solutions. Once again in 2025, UGA ranked number one in the nation for products brought to the market. From developing new biotech innovations to cutting-edge processes that eliminate harmful chemicals in our water, UGA researchers set the national standard for research that truly makes a difference. As a result of their dedicated efforts, this year our faculty received recognition from prestigious national organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Inventors, among others. Our talented faculty publish their scholarship in books and top academic journals, constantly pushing their fields of inquiry further CONTINUED on page 2