University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead delivered his 2025 State of the University Address on Jan. 29, highlighting historic achievements in research funding, student success and economic impact while emphasizing UGA’s relentless pursuit of excellence across all aspects of its mission.

“This university has existed for 240 years as a symbol of optimism, strength, and prosperity for the state of Georgia and its people,” President Morehead said. “But we are not content to rest. As Bulldogs, we are tenacious and remain committed to reaching higher and accomplishing even more.”

Research and innovation reach new heights

The University of Georgia achieved another record-setting year for its research enterprise, with total R&D expenditures reaching $628 million — a 10% increase from the previous year and a 77% increase over the past decade.

Faculty excellence was evident through significant scholarly output, with UGA researchers being honored with highly prestigious national awards, contributing to tens of thousands of citations in top academic journals and publishing nearly 800 books across various disciplines over the past decade.

The university welcomed three new Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholars, bringing the total to 19, while increasing endowed faculty positions from 229 in 2014 to 380 today. Additionally, 97 renowned scholars have been added since 2020 through Presidential Hiring Initiatives in strategic areas including Brain and Behavioral Health, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electric Mobility, and Integrative Precision Agriculture.

Furthermore, the university has raised more than $14 million for graduate education in the past fiscal year, including funding for Presidential Graduate Fellowships and other scholarships to support the next generation of researchers and scholars.

Student success continues surpassing records

“Of course, students are at the heart of all that we do at the University of Georgia,” Morehead said. “Tasked with educating tomorrow’s leaders, UGA has consistently risen to meet the needs of communities, the state of Georgia, and our nation by instilling in our graduates an intellectual curiosity that complements the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills honed during their time on campus.”

In recognition of these efforts, Morehead celebrated UGA’s rise to No. 18 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report rankings and its ninth consecutive year in the top 20. The university also achieved record graduation rates, with four-year and six-year rates reaching 76% and 89%, respectively.

The university also surpassed its goal of establishing 1,000 need-based endowed scholarships, making a UGA education accessible for more students, regardless of their family’s income.

The university’s commitment to student success was further represented by a 96% career outcomes rate, with nearly two-thirds of graduates remaining in Georgia.

UGA continued to be a top producer of Fulbright and Boren Scholars, established a record with three Schwarzman Scholars, and had a Truman and two Goldwater Scholars. The university’s commitment to support students also shined through with its seventh consecutive year as a top military-friendly, tier-1 research.

The university is transforming student learning through innovative efforts like the Active Learning Initiative, which has supported more than 78,000 students since 2018, and the Willis Center for Writing. Additionally, the new Miller Learning Center Creative Engagement Wing will equip students with 21st-century skills and tools to think, plan, and create for the future.

Economic impact grows to $8.4 billion

The university’s economic impact on the state reached a record $8.4 billion. “In our role as the flagship institution of the state, we are more than just the University of Georgia — we are the University for Georgia,” Morehead said.

The School of Medicine achieved several milestones, including Board of Regents approval to grant M.D. degrees and submission of its accreditation application. The new medical school is projected to have a $2.3 billion economic impact on the state by 2040.

Additionally, the $100 million needed for the new School of Medicine building was secured through a combination of state funding and private support less than a year after its announcement. The state-of-the-art facility will feature medical simulation suites, biomedical laboratories and classrooms to address Georgia’s healthcare needs.

“This ambitious goal was reached only through the steadfast support of the Governor, General Assembly, Chancellor, and Board of Regents, as well as the UGA Foundation, the UGA Research Foundation, and the profound generosity of our loyal donors,” Morehead said.

Additional accomplishments include:

• A partnership with the U.S. Army authorized for up to $100 million over 10 years to enhance resiliency of military installations and their surrounding communities

• Launch of the ninth Archway Partnership community in Dublin-Laurens County

• Support for Georgia farmers in the wake of Hurricane Helene

Investment in campus community expands, fundraising hits record levels

The president detailed significant investments in campus safety totaling $23 million over the past eight years, including $7.3 million last year for security enhancements such as perimeter fencing, lighting and emergency call stations. President Morehead also recently approved more than $1.7 million in additional campus safety projects to install even more emergency call stations and security fencing, as well as new software and technology improvements for the UGA Police Department.

Additional major campus infrastructure improvements include:

• Completion of Phase 1 of the Science and Ag Hill Modernization Project

• Dedication of the renovated Holmes-Hunter Academic Building

• Groundbreaking for a new first-year residence hall and start of construction on a new dining, learning, and well-being center, as well as a new parking deck

• Opening a new softball training facility, nearing completion on major renovations to Foley Field, and started construction on a new outdoor track and field facility

• Completion of renovations to Sanford Stadium

The university’s fundraising reached new heights with more than $275 million raised in the previous fiscal year and a three-year rolling average of $258 million.

New initiatives to support faculty and staff include a revamped Staff Appreciation Day to be held in the spring, as well as further exploration of recognition programs for employees.

“Through these various initiatives, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace that recognizes the invaluable role our faculty and staff play in the university’s ongoing success,” Morehead said.

In summarizing a year filled with achievements across campus and setting a path for the year ahead, Morehead thanked all faculty, staff and students, as well as alumni and friends, for their commitment to continue pushing UGA forward.

“As you look ahead, do so inspired by all that the University of Georgia has accomplished,” Morehead said, “and let that inspiration drive you forward, confident that an even brighter future awaits our great university.”