Eli McKinney | Alumni Awards Nominations | Spring Recap

CAES Alumni Newsletter
 

Virtual State Botanical Garden Tour
with Alum Eli McKinney

Play 

Eli McKinney (BSA '12) discovered his passion for horticulture while working in campus greenhouses, leading him to switch majors and graduate in horticulture in 2012. His early career included roles at Costa Farms, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, and managing an organic farm in Winterville.

 

He now serves as the greenhouse manager at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, where he oversees plant propagation, greenhouse operations, and production for displays and plant sales. His work supports the garden’s conservation, education, and outreach efforts, with a focus on cultivating diverse and native plant species.

Read full feature here
 

Nominate an Ag Dawg

2026 Alumni Award honorees and GA Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees

Nominations are open for the 2027 CAES Alumni Awards and the 2027 Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame! We invite you to nominate outstanding CAES alumni who have achieved excellence in their chosen field and communities for the Young Alumni Achievement Award and the Alumni Award of Excellence. We also encourage nominations of highly accompished individuals who have made great contributions to Georgia agriculture while leading with exemplary character for the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. 

 

Nominations by July 1, 2026! No late submissions will be accepted due to the review timeline. Honorees will be celebrated at the 71st Annual UGA CAES Alumni Association Awards Celebration and Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony taking place on Friday, March 5, 2027, at the Tate Student Center in Athens, GA. For questions, please contact Kayla Hendrix.

CAES Alumni Award Nomination
GA Ag Hall of Fame Nomination
 
Bulldog 100

Nominations for the 2027 Bulldog 100 are open through July 31. Nominate a deserving Ag Dawg-owned or -led business today!

 

The Bulldog 100 embody the best of what the University of Georgia stands for. These alumni are leading the way in business and building better communities. Every year, we celebrate these Dawgs on top by recognizing the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA alumni. 

Nominate an #AgDawg Business
 

CAES Alumni Relations: Spring Recap

Ag Dawgs After Hours: DC

The CAES Alumni team has been busy this past spring working hard to connect CAES alumni, students, and friends of the college. Many know about the CAES Signature Events, but the college also hosts numerous events and programming aimed at connecting CAES alumni with students. 

 

Check out this brief Spring 2026 CAES Alumni Recap to learn more about how our incredible alumni engaged with the college and students.

 

 

Read more here
 

Giving Impact: CAES Deans' Promise Fund

The CAES Deans' Promise Fund was established to provide CAES students with experiences outside the classroom including, but not limited to, international travel, service learning, internships and fellowships.

 

During the 2025-2026 academic year, 26 CAES students were able to participate in study abroad programs totaling $31,000. Help ensure that CAES students are able to participate in study abroad and other experiential learning opportunities in the 2026-2027 academic year!

Support Student Experiential Learning
 

Upcoming Events

 

Food Science and Technology IFT Social

Chicago, IL

 

July 13, 2026

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Join the Food Science and Technology department in Chicago, IL for their annual alumni social. This reception coincides with the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, and it will be held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk hotel. Alumni, students, faculty, and friends of CAES are welcome. 

Register by July 6
 

Ag Dawg Kickoff

Athens, GA

 

August 26, 2026

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ag Dawg Kickoff is an annual student-focused event welcoming them back to campus and takes place at the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena in Athens, GA. We invite alumni to join as volunteers and receive a free Ag Dawg Kickoff t-shirt.

Volunteer
 

Ag Dawg Welcome Back

Tifton, GA

 

September 2, 2026

4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Ag Dawg Welcome Back is an annual student-focused event welcoming them back to campus and takes place at the UGA Tifton Conference Center in Tifton, GA. We invite alumni to join as volunteers and receive a free Ag Dawg Kickoff t-shirt.

Volunteer
 
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