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Vol. 48, No. 23
February 1, 2021
R E S IL IE NCE A N D R E S O LV E
installed tens of thousands of feet of plexiglass shielding; and delivered millions of sanitizing wipes, all to protect classrooms and workplaces. We marked off spaces for social distancing, updated our HVAC systems, and developed a university-wide training and awareness plan. Our Athletic Association implemented rigorous plans and protocols to enable our student-athletes to safely resume competition. Despite significant challenges to the supply chain, we built from the ground up a robust surveillance testing program and exceeded our testing goal by over 30%. We also laid the groundwork to begin distributing vaccines to our campus community. Throughout it all, the University navigated one of the most difficult budgetary environments we have ever faced. We lost tens of millions of dollars of revenue and spent millions more for surveillance testing and other mitigation measures. However, with commitment and resolve, we have been able to maintain campus operations and protect jobs. By working together, the UGA community accomplished something many thought was inconceivable during the summer months: a productive and successful fall semester.
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ood afternoon, and thank you for joining me for the 2021 State of the University Address. 236 years ago today—January 27, 1785—the charter of the University of Georgia was adopted, creating our beloved institution and setting into motion a powerful movement toward public higher education in America. Throughout its long history, our University has seen it all— both good and bad times, trials and triumphs—but I suspect very few years have been as turbulent as 2020. Indeed, over the past 12 months, our world has undergone extraordinary change—change as dramatic and fundamental as any in our lifetimes. COVID-19 swept across the planet, transforming our daily lives, threatening our friends and loved ones, and disrupting the operations and cherished traditions of our institution. Amidst the distress caused by the virus, our nation also reckoned anew with issues of racial justice. In the wake of senseless acts of violence and hate against Black citizens, our campus reflected upon our core values of diversity and inclusion and recommitted to building a better, stronger UGA, a UGA characterized not only by academic excellence but also by unity and the strength of our community. And earlier this month, we were stunned and saddened by the violent events in Washington, D.C., and the assault on our U.S. Capitol. However, our Constitution and the rule of law prevailed, and our great democracy has affirmed its enduring strength. In my nearly 35 years at this institution, we have never confronted a set of circumstances as broadly complex and demanding as those of the past year. Yet, this difficult chapter in the story of our University has revealed the very best of who we are: our perseverance, resilience, and resolve; our determination to lift up individuals and communities— even in the midst of a global pandemic. Today, let us look back at one of the most trying periods in our history as a way of understanding the “state” of our University. From there, we can look forward, into 2021, at the obstacles and the opportunities that most certainly await us.
CO V ID R E S P ON S E
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ast March, in what felt like the blink of an eye, the University of Georgia was forced to suspend instruction. In the face of these unprecedented circumstances, in just a matter of days, our faculty moved over 4,500 courses and 11,000 sections online. Staff members worked tirelessly to support this astonishing transition, even delivering wireless hotspots to students with unreliable internet connectivity. Our students demonstrated tremendous flexibility, quickly pivoting to the new online instructional environment.
news.uga.edu/columns
delivered by
President Jere W. Morehead January 27, 2021 president.uga.edu/sotu universit y of georgia Meanwhile, scientists and scholars from across disciplines shifted focus to tackle COVID-19. Some began searching for vaccines and treatments. Others began forecasting the spread of the virus and exploring how to mitigate the pandemic’s impact. We designed and manufactured face shields for doctors and nurses in our local community. We delivered meals to those in need. Our Small Business Development Center helped Georgia businesses secure more than $60 million in CARES Act funding to stabilize their operations. Our alumni also stepped up, contributing substantial resources to help students address emergencies related to the pandemic. That was just the beginning. The response of the Bulldog Nation was immediate; it was courageous; and it was widespread, engaging all parts of our University and reaching all parts of our state. As we progressed into the summer, nine teams— comprised of nearly 150 faculty, staff, and administrators— took up the monumental task of planning our safe return to campus for the fall. In short order, our University procured tens of thousands of face masks and thermometers;
“Yet, this difficult chapter in the story of our University has revealed the very best of who we are: our perseverance, resilience, and resolve; our determination to lift up individuals and communities— even in the midst of a global pandemic.” —pr esiden t j er e w. mor eh e a d I want to thank the many faculty, staff, and students who rose to meet the occasion. You helped to identify and implement solutions, when the challenges were most daunting. You volunteered to help, even when you were tired and stretched thin. You inspired unity and community, when others tried to pull us apart. You embraced the University’s mission, when our state and world needed you most. Thank you. Thank you for your hard work, your leadership, and your dedication to the University of Georgia. CONTINUED on page B