STUDENT AFFAIRS NEWS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS

GENERAL

Parents Leadership Council raises $1.5M for student programs

The University of Georgia Parents Leadership Council raised a record-breaking amount of $1.5 million to support student programs during the 2025-26 academic year. This service-oriented group of highly engaged UGA parents gives an annual gift of $5,000 or more per individual family.

Carrie Truax named senior director of development for Student Affairs

Carrie Truax, previously director of development for university wide initiatives at Clemson University, has been named senior director of development for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia.

No Bulldog Barks Alone: UGA Student Builds Community Through Dawg Camp 

Brady Hawkins, a first-year student at the University of Georgia, found his most meaningful college experience through Dawg Camp, a program that helps incoming students connect and adjust before classes begin. After attending as a camper, he returned as a counselor to guide others, building community and growing as a leader in the process.

UGA Class of 2025 spreads its wings and learns to fly

A total of 8,781 students — 5,971 spring undergraduates and 953 expected summer undergraduates, along with 1,857 graduate students — met requirements to walk in the university’s spring Commencement ceremonies and had their degrees conferred by UGA President Jere W. Morehead.

Miss UGA turns crown into community impact 

Ella Ryann Cottrell had never even thought about competing in a pageant before when she signed up for the Miss UGA contest. “I thought, if I were to win this thing, it could really set me up to be able to serve and connect with people in Athens in a way that I normally wouldn’t be able to,” Cottrell said.

Ramsey Student Center to add third strength and conditioning space

In response to high demand and student feedback, the University of Georgia’s department of Recreational Sports has announced a renovation project to add around 10,000 square feet of strength and conditioning space to the Ramsey Student Center.

UGA student reshapes sustainable fashion from the ground up 

Driven by a passion for fashion and a purpose to protect the planet, Leynie Hester is leading a movement toward more mindful style. From thrifted treasures to clothing swaps, she’s making sustainability a statement worth wearing.

Animesh Paul is named 2025 recipient of the Saeeda Peermahomed Award

Animesh Paul, a third-year Ph.D student in Engineering Education and Transformative Practices in the College of Engineering is this year’s Saeeda Peermahomed Award recipient.

Making Campus Feel Like Home: The Power of Getting Involved  

Life as a college student can be an isolating experience, but finding community through campus involvement helps students build friendships and feel more at home. From student organizations to recreational activities, there are countless ways to connect and create a meaningful college experience.