In May, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents authorized the establishment of an independent School of Nursing at the University of Georgia.

At that time, the Board asked the USG system office and UGA to work together over the summer to develop a comprehensive plan for the school’s development. That plan is now moving forward.

“The UGA School of Nursing will advance our institution’s commitment to addressing the health care needs of all Georgians, provide educational opportunities sought by our students for many years, and develop a community of scholars equipped to prepare the next generation of nurses,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “We would like to thank the members of the Board of Regents, the Chancellor and staff of the University System of Georgia for their continued support in addressing Georgia’s most pressing needs.”

Georgia needs more nurses to meet the demands of the state’s surging population, and this region needs more nursing faculty. To address these challenges, the Board of Regents has recommended that the UGA School of Nursing initially offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and offer a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice soon thereafter.

UGA will work with leaders at Augusta University as it develops the UGA School of Nursing in Athens.

“Our university has enjoyed a strong and long-standing relationship with Augusta University, and we look forward to working with President Russell Keen and his team at AU throughout this process,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Ben Ayers.

UGA will convene a launch team to begin working on this project immediately. This group will be charged with taking the steps necessary to welcome students to the UGA School of Nursing as early as fall 2027.