The University of Georgia has been reaffirmed as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, marking the institution’s second reaffirmation of the distinction.
The IEP designation recognizes institutions that demonstrate a substantive, sustainable and institution-wide commitment to and strategy for regional economic engagement, growth and economic opportunity. UGA was one of only 16 universities in the country to receive the initial designation in 2013 and has maintained the recognition through rigorous five-year review processes.
“The University of Georgia, guided by our vital land-grant and sea-grant mission, is deeply committed to driving progress throughout the state and in communities across the nation,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “This distinction by APLU reinforces UGA’s position as a national leader in economic development and innovation, and I am incredibly grateful to our faculty, staff and students for their exceptional work in support of these efforts.”
The reaffirmation followed a comprehensive self-study and stakeholder engagement process that identified three main goals in UGA’s initial application: partnering for economic growth, facilitating interactions between the public and the university and improving communication of economic development contributions.
To support its redesignation, the university demonstrated strong progress toward its five-year goals and highlighted ongoing efforts to build on that momentum.
“Universities are powerful engines for economic growth,” said APLU President Waded Cruzado. “From cultivating talent and research breakthroughs to fostering new businesses and enriching communities, public universities play an indispensable role in economic advancement. We are thrilled to recognize the University of Georgia for its dedication to collaborating with its community to propel regional economic development.”
Since earning its initial designation, UGA has significantly expanded its economic development footprint across Georgia through initiatives including the UGA Archway Partnership, which embeds faculty and staff in communities to address locally identified needs; Innovation Gateway, the university’s technology transfer and startup support arm; and a growing Innovation District on campus that connects students, faculty and industry partners around entrepreneurship, technology transfer and startup development.
That work earned national recognition in November 2025 when UGA received its first IEP Award honoring collaborative programs led by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Archway Partnership that have generated more than $500 million in combined public and private investment across Georgia communities.
Looking ahead, UGA’s five-year growth and improvement plan centers on three major opportunities. Among them is the university’s One Health initiative that is anchored by the creation of the School of Medicine, the state’s second public medical school, and the new Victoria Kay Ivester School of Nursing. Together with the existing College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, the UGA initiative brings human, animal and environmental health together in an integrated collaboration for the first time in Georgia higher education.
UGA’s plan also calls for expanding the reach and impact of its Innovation District, increasing connectivity between students, faculty and external partners to generate more market-ready research outcomes and entrepreneurial ventures.
“We have a proven history at UGA of collaborating with our partners in industry, state and local government and other sectors to apply our research and innovation activities for the benefit of citizens in Georgia and beyond,” said Chris King, interim vice president for research. “This renewed designation from APLU shows our work has real impact on the communities we serve.”
A third priority focuses on deepening the visibility and accessibility of UGA’s public service enterprise, strengthening community connections across the state through expanded regional presence and improved communication of available programs and services.
“As Georgia’s land-grant and sea-grant university, our responsibility is to serve every corner of the state,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for public service and outreach. “That means ensuring Georgians not only have access to UGA’s expertise and resources but also see how UGA is working alongside communities by listening, partnering and delivering solutions that improve quality of life.”
APLU is a research, policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The association’s membership includes more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations.