2022 IN REVIEW
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is among the best and most established colleges of agriculture in the country, with initiatives that span the globe. Our groundbreaking research and Extension efforts make a meaningful difference everywhere CAES has a presence.
“For the last 150 years, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has been a cornerstone of investment and opportunity. As we look into the future, we are leading the way in agricultural innovation to care for our global ecosystems, enrich our communities, and equip the next generation of leaders in agricultural and environmental sciences.”
STATEWIDE PRIDE
CAES is a conduit for leading-edge science education and research opportunities for students statewide. With campuses in Athens, Griffin and Tifton, CAES students have the opportunity to work with nationally recognized and awarded faculty in plant pathology, horticulture, agricultural and applied economics, crop and soil sciences and more.
RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION
Growing the future of medicine
UGA’s Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC) is a collaborative unit of researchers from a range of disciplines and institutions. The RBC is making great strides in developing new cures for devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and stroke. CAES received Board of Regents approval for a new regenerative bioscience major that began enrolling students in fall 2022. Scan the QR code to read more about the future of medicine through regenerative bioscience at CAES.
Collaborating with precision
In collaboration with the UGA Office of Research, CAES and the College of Engineering established the Institute of Integrative Precision Agriculture (IIPA) at UGA. The IIPA was established to serve as a conduit to connect agricultural technology research, education and outreach within UGA and with external partners, paving the way for increased collaboration as we seek to feed a growing global population and maximize the impact UGA makes in the world. As we look toward the future of agriculture, CAES is proud to be a part of the work happening in global precision agriculture. Learn more at iipa.uga.edu.
Market-ready innovation
Operating in a state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia, the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) helps food companies take products from conception to market launch. Under the direction of Jim Gratzek, FoodPIC assists with product development, packaging, process engineering and consumer testing. FoodPIC’s internationally renowned experts work with external marketing, technology and engineering groups to launch novel products nationwide.
“My journey with CAES started with the Young Scholars Program in the summer of 2018, when I first conducted research with aphids and fell in love with both UGA and the field of agriculture. CAES opened so many opportunities that I did not know existed before coming to the college. These opportunities included internships, attending conferences, studying abroad and memories that will last a lifetime.”
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Entrepreneurship + CAES
Director of Industry Partnerships Chris Rhodes grew the student-focused FABricate entrepreneurial initiative to 21 teams, setting an all-time high participation record for the second consecutive year. He assisted seven student startups and 10 faculty startups at various stages, while elevating CAES with industry support and partnerships.
Rural Scholars program
The Rural Scholars Program recognizes incoming first-year UGA students from Georgia’s rural communities who have excelled academically and show strong leadership abilities. Through generous donations and additional funding from CAES, we have invested over $130,000 in the Rural Scholars Program. There are currently seven Rural Scholars — four in the 2021 cohort and three in the 2022 cohort. We are proud that CAES will be able to offer three additional scholarships to grow the 2023 cohort.
Poultry Science Building
This cutting-edge facility, scheduled to be completed in fall 2023, will increase capacity for hands-on instruction, innovative research and meaningful collaboration that supports Georgia’s multibillion-dollar poultry industry. Investments from the state and federal legislatures, industry partners, and friends are making this building a reality and will enhance our research and teaching programs in poultry science. Additional naming opportunities are available for those who want to make their mark and be a part of this project. Read more about the building’s progress in the CAES Almanac, and follow the building’s progress online. We are grateful for the support of our partners and are looking forward to what the future brings for the poultry science industry with this new facility.
Academic stats
1,459
Number of undergraduate students
702
Number of post-secondary students
55,708
Credit hours generated at CAES
“CAES has offered me so many opportunities and relationships that have shaped me into the person I am today. The instructors and classroom environment are personable and welcoming, which has given me confidence in my major and career path. The ever-present pride that is shared among students and staff who are a part of this institution makes me feel honored to call myself a part of CAES.”
Point of pride: Hospitality Dawgs
Our new undergraduate degree in hospitality and food industry management continues to thrive and serve students as a program designed to prepare them for jobs in hotels and resorts, restaurants, meeting and event management, club management, and agritourism. Thanks to partnerships with on-campus hospitality industries, students gain 400 to 600 hours of industry experience by graduation.
332%
Enrollment growth since 2019
Second-fastest growing UGA undergraduate major since 2019
Five students accepted into the Marriott Voyager Program (Marriott’s Management Development Program) for FY 2021-22
Ten HFIM students hired by Augusta National Golf Club for the 2022 PGA Masters Golf Tournament
Taking root in cities statewide
UGA Cooperative Extension helps gardeners develop school gardens, community gardens and urban farms to benefit communities. Extension works with educators to create sustainable school gardens that function as successful outdoor classrooms. Community gardeners are supported in growing healthy food crops in small spaces while urban farmers are encouraged to apply the latest agricultural research to grow their businesses.
Extension county programming is delivered by 320 county agents, 68 educators and 386 support staff. Subject matter expertise and support is provided by 135 Extension specialists in various disciplines with 10-100% appointments.
“Georgia 4-H provides opportunities for youth to learn, grow and thrive. Our programming is centered on experience to help youth find their spark and engage in a learning environment that creates a sense of belonging and fosters developmental relationships with caring adults. We seek to provide a pathway that leads to academic and vocational success, employability, civic engagement, happiness and well-being.”
152,040
Georgia 4-H enrollment during the 2021-22 school year
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Fiscal year 2022 was another exceptional year of fundraising for CAES. Private support for the college totaled $19,117,734 — the second highest total at the university (excluding UGA Athletics). CAES is making significant progress on private fundraising for the construction of the new Poultry Science Building, having raised nearly $13 million.
|
FY 2022 Fundraising Report |
|
|---|---|
|
Unit |
Total fiscal year to date |
|
CAES |
$15,712,505 |
|
Georgia 4-H |
$3,405,229 |
|
Total |
$19,117,734 |
FY 2023 Funding Priorities
- Poultry Science Building
- Hospitality and Food Industry Management
- Rural Student Support
Alumni count
20,306
Total living alumni
914
Alumni donations in FY 2022
12,332
Alumni living in Georgia
RAISING OUR VISIBILITY
Magazine
Almanac, the college’s annual magazine, tells stories of science in service of humanity and the environment. Illustrating an overarching view of the college’s impactful mission areas, the inaugural issue was mailed to more than 24,500 CAES stakeholders and has garnered nearly 10,000 views online.
Podcast
CAES launched a new podcast! On Cultivating Curiosity, we speak with CAES experts on all the ways science and agriculture touch our lives, from what we eat to how we live. Mason McClintock, former Georgia 4-H’er and current UGA student, created the original music and sound effects. You can find episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Content directory
Never miss an update! Scan the QR code to visit our Digital Directory where you will find Cultivating Curiosity, Almanac, CAES Newswire, Cultivate as well as our social media channels.
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