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The 2024–2025 academic year represented a time of remarkable advancement at the University of Georgia, characterized by daring progress in research, education, and public service that exemplifies the university’s unwavering dedication to excellence and influence. Throughout classrooms, laboratories, and communities, UGA’s efforts produced concrete outcomes and helped establish a resilient path for the future — making this a genuinely transformative year for the institution.
“The outstanding development we have achieved at the University of Georgia stands as proof of the collective vision and commitment of our entire university community,” stated President Jere W. Morehead. “I am immensely thankful to our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters for their unwavering assistance, and I anticipate all that we will accomplish together in the upcoming year.”
School of Medicine
In February 2024, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia permitted the University of Georgia to create a new School of Medicine — and UGA acted promptly during the past academic year to make that ambition a reality, speeding up the initiation of a school that will play a crucial role in meeting the state’s healthcare demands.
In August 2024, Dr. Erica Brownfield was designated senior associate dean for academic affairs at the newly established School of Medicine. Previously the associate dean of medical education at Emory University, Brownfield supervises accreditation, admissions, curriculum, evaluation, student services, faculty development, academic enhancement, and ongoing quality improvement.
Just a month later, Yana Zavros — a prominent gastric cancer investigator and former professor of cellular and molecular medicine at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine in Tucson — was appointed UGA’s first Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Molecular Medicine. Core to Zavros’ research is the innovative use of organoids, three-dimensional cell cultures derived from a patient’s tumor tissue, and her work has already led to a targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer that is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. Zavros also directs the School of Medicine’s research center, and she will recruit additional faculty to further strengthen the school’s research initiatives.
Meanwhile, the school’s leadership, led by Founding Dean Dr. Shelley Nuss, meticulously compiled the comprehensive application required for accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The application was presented in December, and in February, the LCME granted the School of Medicine candidate status, acknowledging the significant strides UGA has made toward fulfilling the stringent criteria for complete accreditation. The LCME will conduct a site visit to the school in September.
Advancements were also evident on-site as construction commenced on the new Medical Education and Research Building. The 93,600-square-foot facility will feature cutting-edge research laboratories, a simulation and clinical skills center, an anatomy lab, interactive classrooms, student support spaces, and a specialized medical library.
Excellence in action
It was an exceptional year for the University of Georgia. In the autumn, UGA rose two spots to No. 18 in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 ranking of the nation’s premier public universities, marking the ninth straight year the university has placed among the top 20. UGA now shares the No. 18 ranking with Purdue University and the University of Washington, solidifying its position among the most esteemed public institutions in the nation.
UGA and Georgia Tech are the only two universities from Georgia to be included in the top 20. Georgia and California are the only states with multiple institutions represented in the top 20. Furthermore, UGA joins elite company with this year’s ranking, as 19 of the institutions in the top 20 are affiliated with the prestigious Association of American Universities.
This acknowledgment from U.S. News was significantly influenced by the exceptionally vital work conducted by UGA researchers. For the first time in the university’s history, research and development expenditures reached an all-time high of $628.1 million, a 10% rise from the prior year and the sixth consecutive year of growth.
The increase in research activity also propelled UGA back to No. 1 among U.S. universities for the quantity of research-based products brought to market, according to the annual AUTM survey. For nine consecutive years, UGA has ranked in the Top 2 and has never ranked outside the Top 5 in the 11 years the survey has been conducted.
This momentum was complemented by national acknowledgment of UGA’s faculty, many of whom earned distinguished scientific accolades for their pioneering work and contributions to their fields.
In the spring, Gregory Robinson, University of Georgia Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was chosen for membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and professors C. Robin Buell and Daniel R. Perez were inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. Additionally, the National Academy of Inventors recognized eight UGA researchers as 2025 NAI Senior Members while also honoring one researcher as a fellow.
Celebrating student achievement
The university’s esteemed faculty attracts some of the nation’s most talented students — individuals motivated to excel and ready to challenge the limits of academic success.
The university received nearly 48,000 total applications for the Class of 2029, an increase of almost 5,000 from the previous year and an institution record. UGA admitted students from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and admission was granted to students with outstanding academic records. The middle 50% of admitted students reported a GPA of 4.08-4.35; an ACT score of 30-34; an SAT score of 1300-1470; and 8-14 AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses.
The combined expertise of UGA’s faculty, staff, and students has positioned the university among just nine public institutions nationwide with a six-year graduation rate of 90% or above. Focused initiatives have enhanced instruction, supported first-generation and incoming students, and broadened opportunities for early graduation. Furthermore, 95% of those who obtain a UGA degree are employed or pursuing further education within six months after graduation.
Among the talented students contributing to this level of success are some of UGA’s most dedicated and accomplished scholars, many of whom received national accolades during the past academic year.
Mercedes Bengs was one of 54 undergraduates from 49 colleges and universities nationwide to be recognized as a 2025 Truman Scholar. Michael Skibsted was selected as one of 55 students in
“`the U.S. to receive a Udall Scholarship. Additionally, Yeongseo Son was chosen for the 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, a prestigious worldwide graduate program at Stanford University.
UGA achieved an unprecedented milestone this academic year with three Schwarzman Scholars, as the program revealed its 10th cohort of awardees. Furthermore, three students were honored as Barry Goldwater Scholars, and seven were designated Boren Scholars.
For the seventh time in 12 years, UGA has been recognized as a leading producer of Fulbright students, with 17 UGA students obtaining Fulbright offers for the 2024-2025 academic period.
Enhancing UGA’s influence
In fiscal year 2024, UGA made a historic contribution of $8.4 billion to Georgia’s economy, which is an increase of $300 million from the previous year. This growth mirrors an uptick in degrees conferred, research financing, and the broad reach of UGA’s public service initiatives.
The economic impact assessment was carried out by UGA economist Michael Adjemian, a faculty member in the department of agricultural and applied economics within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Looking ahead, the economic perspective is remarkably promising. Throughout the academic year, an analysis by the highly regarded consulting firm Tripp Umbach indicated that UGA’s new School of Medicine could generate between $1.8 billion and $2.3 billion in total economic influence on Georgia by 2040.
A major benefit of the medical school will be the enhancement of healthcare accessibility. According to the report’s projections, between 354 and 424 (50-60%) of the expected 708 graduates between 2030 and 2037 are anticipated to stay in Georgia to practice. These additional physicians are expected to produce nearly $932.8 million in economic activity, establish over 5,700 jobs, and generate up to $34.7 million in state and local tax revenue by 2040.
While students, faculty, and staff contribute to the state, the university’s committed alumni and supporters continue to promote advancement throughout UGA’s campus.
The fourth annual Dawg Day of Giving garnered over 13,000 contributions to aid University of Georgia students and programs, marking a single-day record for the institution. This 24-hour initiative aimed for 11,000 donations and successfully exceeded that figure. It marks the fourth successive year that this campaign has broken the record for total gifts in a single day.
Contributions to UGA in fiscal year 2024 exceeded $275 million for the first time in the university’s history. Almost 70,000 alumni and supporters contributed towards scholarships, faculty backing, public service programs, and various crucial initiatives.
The university also celebrated a significant achievement with the endowment of its 1,000th need-based scholarship. Of these 1,000 scholarships, many aid with general attendance costs, while others support experiential learning, student veterans, graduate studies, first-generation students, and more.
This record-setting year concludes a sustained period of robust donations. UGA’s three-year rolling average for fundraising, which compiles donation totals from the past three years, now exceeds $258 million, marking an all-time peak. This is the seventh consecutive year in which this figure has surpassed $200 million.
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