UGA receives significant funding boost in state budgets

ATHENS — The University of Georgia received significant investments from its home state after Gov. Brian Kemp signed the amended FY 2024 state budget in February and the FY 2025 state budget in May.

“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Kemp and the General Assembly for their tremendous support of the University of Georgia in this year’s legislative session,” UGA President Jere W. Morehead said. “These investments will advance our teaching, research and service missions and produce substantial, long-term benefits for the entire state.”

Among the notable allocations were:

— $50 million toward a new $100 million building for the UGA School of Medicine, expanding the university’s capabilities in medical education and research;

— $66 million to restore formula funds to the University System of Georgia, providing vital support for core operations and academic programs;

— $52 million for a $1,000 one-time salary supplement and a 4% cost-of-living increase of up to $3,000 per year for all full-time, benefit-eligible employees, recognizing their contributions to the state;

— $31.6 million for facility upgrades, including infrastructure upgrades and equipment for the Science and Ag Hill Modernization Project, design of renovations to the original Poultry Science Building and other facilities projects;

— $1.5 million to establish a new Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar position, furthering UGA’s research enterprise.

The funding ensures that UGA can maintain its standard of excellence in higher education while addressing key state priorities such as health care and STEM education.

Special Photo: Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA