Updates from Benjamin C. Ayers, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. |
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March 30, 2026
Honors Week is a highlight of the academic year and an important moment to recognize the exceptional achievements that strengthen the University of Georgia’s mission and impact. This week’s celebrations will once again bring our community together to acknowledge the faculty, students, staff, and alumni whose dedication shapes the university.
One of the central events of the week is the Faculty Recognition Banquet, where we will honor colleagues whose scholarship and service contribute to UGA’s growing national prominence. Among the honorees is Dr. C. Robin Buell, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Chair in Crop Genomics, who has been named the 2026 SEC Professor of the Year — the highest academic honor in the Southeastern Conference. Her pioneering research and scholarship reflect the outstanding caliber of our faculty.
We are also celebrating strong momentum across our academic programs. UGA has admitted the Class of 2030 from a record of more than 51,000 applications, reflecting the continued high demand for an education from the University of Georgia. Interest in the new School of Medicine has been equally impressive, with more than 2,000 applications submitted for its inaugural class. These strong applicant pools reflect the university’s expanding role in shaping the future of our state.
On the global stage, UGA has once again been recognized as a Gilman Top Producing Institution, affirming our commitment to expanding access to international learning opportunities for students across disciplines.
Building on the growing momentum of our research enterprise, we are advancing innovation and discovery through new seed grant investments. Awards from the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Presidential Interdisciplinary Seed Grant Program
are supporting innovative projects in areas critical to the state and beyond. These initiatives support interdisciplinary collaboration and drive exciting new areas of inquiry across our campus.
Honors Week offers a meaningful reminder of the talent, dedication and shared purpose that define the University of Georgia. Thank you for your continued contributions to our academic community and for the work you do each day to support UGA’s mission. Sincerely, |
Benjamin C. Ayers
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost |
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Twenty fellows across nine schools and colleges began working in February to engage with technologies in the new Creative Engagement Wing at the Miller Learning Center to create hands-on assignments students will never forget. The Creative Engagement Fellows program complements UGA’s active learning initiative to shift from a traditional lecture style of instruction to meaningful experiences. |
Eleven new interdisciplinary research projects were selected for the University of Georgia’s 2025 Presidential Interdisciplinary Seed Grant cohort and will receive boosts of up to $100,000. The seed grant program, sponsored by UGA President Jere W. Morehead, has funded new project cohorts every other year since 2017 through a partnership between the offices of Research and Public Service and Outreach. |
Five UGA pre-med students participated in the pilot Pre-Med Rural Georgia Hospital Tour. The UGA Archway Partnership, a Public Service and Outreach unit, hosted the three-day rural medicine experience as part of its Look Ahead Georgia workforce initiative. The students visited hospitals in Colquitt, Grady, Laurens, and Washington counties, where they spoke with physicians, administrators, and community leaders.
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UGA DASH provides accessibility resources for the UGA community, including details about UGA’s Digital Accessibility Program, tools, and training resources to assist instructors, digital content creators, and others in meeting the federal requirements for accessible digital materials by April 24, 2026. |
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UGA's Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program Fellowship (SEC ALDP) allows faculty to gain valuable knowledge and experience in academic leadership and is part of a broader initiative involving the academic initiative of the SEC. Nominations are due on Monday, May 4, 2026. |
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The inaugural UGA Well-Being Fair is a dynamic event designed to support faculty and staff in every dimension of well-being. This interactive experience is an opportunity to explore practical tools, connect with campus and community partners, and invest in overall well-being. |
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The Arts Council facilitates arts research and practice, integrates the arts into the UGA student experience, engages with community partners, and communicates faculty, staff, and student achievements to regional, national, and international communities. |
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