2025 OUTREACH MAGAZINE
Highlighting the work of University of Georgia Public Service and Outreach throughout the state of Georgia and beyond
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND OUTREACH
Stacy Jones, vice president for Public Service and Outreach
Stacy Jones, vice president for Public Service and Outreach
I am pleased to share the 2025 Outreach Magazine, an exploration of the people and communities working together to make Georgia stronger. People are at the center of our work. Whether it's the business owner who’s providing jobs for her neighbors, the city mayors who want to see their downtowns thrive or the young person who wants to make their community a better place, we are all partners in helping Georgians prosper. The extraordinary efforts of the University of Georgia’s Public Service and Outreach (PSO) faculty, staff, students and our community partners featured in these stories highlights the university’s dedication to its service and outreach mission.
Our people inspire me with the depth of commitment that comes in partnering alongside our many communities. From strengthening local economies and supporting small businesses to preparing high school and college students as future leaders and addressing critical challenges, PSO is making a difference every day in Georgia.
As you read the stories, I hope you can see the collaborative spirit that defines this work. We are thankful for your support and for your engagement with the University of Georgia.
We know Georgia. WE ARE GEORGIA.
Sincerely,
National Reputation
The University of Georgia has been named the 2025 recipient of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Innovation & Economic Prosperity Award in the “Place” category, a prestigious national recognition of the university’s commitment to community and economic development across the state.
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Community Branding program was awarded top honors in the Place category at the University Economic Development Association Awards of Excellence in October. This is the second year in a row that UGA has been awarded this honor, after the Rural Engagement Workshop's win in 2024.
Two UGA community members, Henry N. Young and Lorilee Sandmann, have received national recognition from the Engagement Scholarship Consortium for their outstanding contributions to community-engaged scholarship. ESC is the leading international organization for public service and community-engaged research.
Statewide Impact
The University of Georgia’s active presence in the state’s economic development landscape ensures UGA continues to be a key contributor — bringing research expertise, a deep talent pool and a spirit of innovation that helps fuel Georgia’s economic momentum.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs are capitalizing on international trade opportunities with help from an export education program from the Small Business Development Center. ExportGA is a program that supports businesses exporting on a small scale or that have the potential to begin exporting.
A few years ago, cybersecurity wasn’t a major concern for small business owner Brooks Woodward. His business operated with a small team where a data loss or system breach would’ve been inconvenient but manageable. Today, the business is significantly larger and more reliant on its digital infrastructure.
Giving in Action
Showcasing key partnerships that help us expand our work throughout the state.
We Are Georgia
How UGA is boosting economic vitality in Georgia through faculty, staff and students
By the Numbers
Milestones for 2025
1202
Public Service and Outreach & community collaborations
524
students completed an experiential learning activity through a PSO program
$25M+
in externally sponsored research expenditures by PSO faculty members
Unit Snapshots
Click on the photo for an impact update.
To learn more about Public Service and Outreach at UGA visit our website: outreach.uga.edu.
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