From investing in entrepreneurship and healthcare to creating career pathways for students and alumni, the longstanding strategic collaboration between Truist and the University of Georgia helps to prepare the next generation of Bulldog leaders while addressing critical needs across the state. Rooted in shared values, the partnership advances innovation and workforce development both at UGA and throughout Georgia.

“The University of Georgia is proud to partner with Truist to prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of leadership and service,” said University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead. “Through strong partnerships like this one, UGA connects students with industry, creates meaningful educational experiences and advances innovation that addresses real-world challenges.”

This partnership stands out because of Truist’s deep engagement across the university. Truist not only supports UGA’s priorities philanthropically but also champions student learning and success. For the past five years, Truist has ranked among UGA’s Top 25 Employers, providing meaningful career opportunities for graduates. Truist teammates also help students develop critical professional skills by leading immersive learning experiences, serving as the Terry College of Business Employer of the Day and participating in advisory boards for academic programs.

Truist was a strong partner to UGA in its founding of the Innovation District. A generous gift from Truist established the Truist Community Innovation Initiative and named the Truist Plaza outside of the Delta Innovation Hub. This gift focused on making funds and UGA resources available to aspiring entrepreneurs in the Athens community, as well as educating and connecting community and university entrepreneurs.

“Our longstanding partnership with the University of Georgia reflects a shared belief that we can create opportunities, strengthen communities and help people achieve their goals,” said Truist President and CEO Mike Lyons. “UGA is developing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers, and we’re proud to partner with an institution that is making such a significant impact. Together, we’re connecting talented students with meaningful careers, supporting innovation that drives economic growth and investing in the talent and ideas that will help shape the state’s future.”

The bank is also helping address Georgia’s critical physician shortage by providing $250,000 to support construction of the medical education and research building, which will serve as the UGA School of Medicine’s primary educational facility.

Beyond campus, UGA and Truist have leveraged their partnership to benefit communities throughout Georgia. Truist helped establish the Truist Entrepreneurship Academy through the UGA Small Business Development Center and supported the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Renaissance Strategic Vision and Planning program to advance downtown visioning efforts. The bank’s longstanding commitment to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Georgia 4-H, including a substantial investment in 2025, promotes education and leadership development for young people across the state.

“Truist is an outstanding partner that takes a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to its relationship with UGA,” said Jill Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations at UGA. “By connecting on our shared focus on innovation and leveraging our organizations’ missions and networks, we are creating a larger impact on our students and communities.”

The relationship continues to expand opportunities for UGA students. In September, Truist welcomed UGA students, alumni and university leaders to its Charlotte headquarters for a day of engagement and collaboration. Students participated in a human-centered design project — the Truist Rapid Innovation Program — as alumni and Truist professionals discussed corporate innovation, and leaders from both organizations explored new opportunities to work together. The visit also highlighted a broader partnership with Atrium Health and the city of Charlotte and brought together students, industry and community leaders to share resources, learn from one another and collaborate on real-world business challenges.

“The Truist Rapid Innovation Program challenges us to think beyond traditional boundaries and collaborate across industries in new ways. By bringing together diverse perspectives and the right innovation tools, we can develop stronger solutions to real business challenges, ensuring innovation is driven by impact rather than technology alone,” said Eric Fender, director of the Truist Rapid Innovation Program.

At its core, the UGA-Truist partnership creates a lasting impact. By investing in talent, innovation and healthier communities, both organizations help advance some of Georgia’s most pressing priorities. Together, they demonstrate how higher education and industry can work hand in hand to build a stronger future for the state and beyond.