Group of students at table

September 23, 2021
by Jere W. Morehead, President

At the University of Georgia, diversity and inclusion are core values that we strive to embody as we carry out our mission of teaching, research, and service. We are committed to strengthening diverse communities across our state and to ensuring that UGA faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds can reach their full potential.

The University’s Planning Committee on Diversity and Inclusive Excellence has developed a five-year plan to provide an integrated and strategic approach to our diversity and inclusion efforts. The plan includes 11 goals, along with corresponding key performance indicators and institutional actions, to create a better, stronger UGA. Colleges, schools, and other units across campus are now implementing the plan to build a more inclusive living and learning environment, recruit and retain a more diverse workforce, and expand community partnerships and outreach.

I am proud that UGA recently received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity for the eighth consecutive year. We also were recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the nation’s best universities for students who receive federal Pell Grants, which are given to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

While much more work remains to be done, it is exciting to see the gains we are making in the critical area of diversity and inclusion through the dedicated efforts of the UGA community.