Happy New Year, Bulldogs. I hope you enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season with friends and family. Here at the School of Medicine, we celebrated more significant milestones in 2025, and we are looking ahead to a busy and historic 2026.
In November, President Morehead and I commemorated the completion of the structural construction phase of the medical education and research building by signing the final beam before it was set in place. Our dedicated faculty and staff also had the opportunity to sign the beam before it was placed in the structure. We are excited to see this building come to life.
This year will be a significant time for both the University of Georgia and the School of Medicine. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) will review our application for preliminary accreditation in February, and if approved, we will begin recruiting our first class of talented and bright future physicians to join us in Athens.
These future physicians will need strong support systems. Medical school students often graduate with an average debt of over $200,000, and that’s why scholarships play such a vital role in opening doors for talented individuals. The University of Georgia recently launched a major initiative to expand scholarship opportunities across campus, further reducing financial barriers for students. This effort reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that the next generation of physicians can focus on learning and serving, rather than worrying about cost.
I remain grateful to our supporters. You have demonstrated such selfless generosity to our campus, and your legacy will remain at the School of Medicine for years to come.
Get ready, Bulldogs, because this is just the beginning. We are about to celebrate several milestones together, and I’m so thankful that you are along for this exciting journey.
With my gratitude,
