The University of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees named Ron Walcott, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School, as the 2025 recipient of the foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a long-serving UGA employee or volunteer with a record of impactful and selfless service to others.  

“Dean Walcott has spent over 20 years advancing graduate education at UGA through leadership, mentorship and commitment to academic excellence,” said Howard Young (BBA ’82), chair of the University of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees. “Not only has he expanded access and opportunity through personal contributions and advocacy, he has mentored more than 40 graduate students and served in numerous roles that have shaped the academic landscape at UGA. We are proud to honor his work with the Distinguished Service Award and the corresponding scholarship that will continue to change the lives of our students for many years to come.”  

This recognition comes with a $100,000 allocation from the UGA Foundation to establish a scholarship in the honoree’s name to support students with financial need.

“Ron Walcott has been a transformative leader for graduate education at the University of Georgia, and this Distinguished Service Award is a fitting tribute to his profound impact,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “His commitment to mentorship, his success in growing the graduate student body, and his dedication to enhancing the quality of academic programs directly support the university’s highest aspirations. We are incredibly proud of his service and grateful to the UGA Foundation for recognizing him in this significant way.”

“Graduate students are critical to achieving UGA’s teaching, research and service missions and ensuring that they receive the top-notch training and support that they deserve is my primary motivation,” Walcott said. “I am humbled and honored by the foundation’s generous recognition, and I am grateful that this investment will benefit graduate students far into the future.” 

During Walcott’s time in his current role, graduate enrollment has grown more than 16% and fundraising efforts for graduate students have increased significantly. In addition to his role as vice provost and dean, Walcott is a professor of plant pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Walcott graduated from the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in plant pathology after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, also in plant pathology, from Iowa State University.