The State of UGA? Improving, Always Improving

The road to change in Georgia leads through Athens. As UGA prospers, so will the State of Georgia.

That was the thesis of ’ “State of the University” address on Thursday. "We produce the producers, we create the creators, energize the innovators, encourage the change agents," he said.

In 35 minutes or so, Adams outlined the numerous accomplishments UGA has had during the past year, talked briefly about future projects, recounted difficult times in the school’s history—strangely similar to events of today—and then ended by saying what’s necessary for UGA to continue serving those students “who love Georgia, who know Georgia, who are Georgia.”

One crucial issue, Adams said, is for the Board of Regents to “fully and fairly” fund the formula by which the board distributes state money to its many institutions. Not funding the increase in the formula last year meant a loss of $15 million for UGA.

Another important issue is to increase faculty and staff salaries, in order to keep UGA competitive in the global marketplace, Adams said. And UGA also needs to increase “current and endowed funds to support faculty positions.”

UGA also needs to set the academic standard for the state, Adams said.

For a full text of the president's remarks, click here.