October 31, 2022
The University of Georgia recently hosted faculty leaders from across the Southeastern Conference at the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program fall meeting. I had the opportunity to welcome this year’s cohort of fellows to our campus and to present an overview of the many initiatives now underway to advance excellence in teaching, research and service at UGA. There is no doubt our colleagues from the SEC were impressed with what’s happening in our classrooms, in our laboratories and in the many communities we serve across the state. I want to thank Sara Covert, interim associate provost for academic programs, for planning and coordinating the four-day conference.
The quality of our world-class faculty is one of the defining features of the University of Georgia. Earlier this month, we celebrated the news that Jenna Jambeck, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering, had been named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow for her innovative work investigating the scale of plastic pollution and galvanizing efforts to address plastic waste. Commonly known as “Genius Grants,” the fellowship presented by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is among the most prestigious in the country. Jenna is most deserving of this incredible honor, and I am sure you will join me in congratulating her on this recognition.
The arts and humanities are an integral component of our campus and we will celebrate the creativity and scholarship of our students and faculty during the annual Spotlight on the Arts
festival in November. The month-long festival begins Nov. 1 with Student Spotlight, featuring performances by UGA students at Tate Plaza from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Family Day, scheduled for Nov. 12 at the university’s Performing and Visual Arts Complex, offers free performances, hands-on activities and demonstrations designed especially for children. We will highlight student research in the arts and humanities at the annual 4 Minutes, 33 Seconds competition on Nov. 16 at the Athenaeum. In between these special events, colleges, schools and units will host a wide variety of performances and exhibitions. I hope you will take time to enjoy this year’s festival that serves as a showcase for UGA’s longstanding excellence in the arts and humanities.
The fall semester continues to go well. I want to thank everyone for your dedication to our students and to discovery in addressing the pressing challenges facing society.
Sincerely,
