September 30, 2025
With exceptional students, a thriving research enterprise and extensive community outreach programs, it is no wonder the University of Georgia is consistently recognized as one of the best public universities in the nation. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings released last week, UGA placed in the top 20 among public universities for the 10th consecutive year. Our No. 19 ranking in USNWR underscores recognition from earlier this year. UGA ranked No. 18 among public universities nationwide according to Forbes and moved into the top 10 national public universities ranking by Niche.
While no single ranking can fully capture the quality of any university, the consistency of our high marks year after year is a testament to the commitment of our talented faculty, staff, students and alumni. I sincerely appreciate everything you are doing to make sure the University of Georgia fulfills its mission of excellence in teaching, research and service.
Our new School of Medicine is one of the most important initiatives in UGA’s history and promises to expand the university’s impact across the state even further. The school marked a significant milestone on Sept. 17 and 18 when a team from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) completed its preliminary accreditation site visit. The team conducted a thorough review of the School of Medicine’s policies, educational programs, facilities and financing. The LCME Board will vote on the school’s preliminary accreditation in February.
Also, this month, we launched the search for the inaugural dean of the University of Georgia School of Nursing. I have appointed a 10-member committee, chaired by Shelley Nuss, founding dean of the School of Medicine, to begin the search. We are coordinating with leadership from Augusta University on transitioning their existing nursing program in Athens to UGA by fall 2027.
By training a new generation of medical professionals, conducting world-changing research, and serving communities across Georgia, the new Schools of Medicine and Nursing will have a lasting impact on our state’s critical healthcare needs. Additionally, these initiatives will create new opportunities for students, expand our research enterprise, and elevate UGA’s national reputation as a comprehensive, research-intensive institution.
As you can see, this is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Georgia. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and exchanging ideas with faculty, staff and students across our vibrant campus this semester. Whether it is a faculty meeting, a gathering of student leaders or an opportunity to engage with the university’s leading researchers, I have been energized by the commitment of our community and I know the best is yet to come.
Thank you for making UGA such an extraordinary institution.
Sincerely,
