News Archive - 2025

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Franklin College launches Franklin CREATE! startup initiative

The Franklin College has partnered with The Marcus Foundation to launch Franklin CREATE!, a new initiative designed to build students’ entrepreneurial confidence and to help them create successful startup companies. Funded by a $3 million grant from The Marcus Foundation, Franklin CREATE! will establish a robust three-phase model that allows arts and sciences students to gain hands-on experience, mentorship and access to the resources needed to…

Pictured: Vice President Jill Walton, Dean Anna Stenport, Kelly Layton, Brent Layton, School of Art Director Joe Peragine, President Jere W. Morehead, and Layton Design Studio Director Lindsey Camelio at ribbon cutting ceremony
Creativity ignites and drives student success at the Layton Design Studio

Launched in Spring 2025, the donor-funded Layton Design Studio bridges academic learning and professional practice. This new client-focused studio is modeled after a small design firm fully run by creative students that work as a team of art directors with non-profit and business clients alike from concept to execution. In 2023, graphic design alumna Kelly Layton BFA ’90 and husband Brent Layton AB ’89 donated $500,00 to establish the Layton…

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Peggy Galis – A “History” of Giving

In our final story in this seven-part series, we’re excited to highlight our 2025 Franklin alumni award winners—showcasing their accomplishments and providing some insights as we seek this year’s nominations. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards honor a group of outstanding alumni across various categories. These individuals exemplify the Franklin Spark, the characteristics that unite the arts and sciences: ambition,…

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The power of positive thinking - on health

New research led by UGA psychology suggests a strong correlation between having a positive perspective about the future and enhanced health. “There are many ways that people cope with risk to survival. One way people may thrive when conditions are risky and difficult is to adopt a positive perspective about the future,” said Brian Haas, lead author of the study and an associate professor in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences…

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A place at the table

UGA researchers from across campus are deeply engaged in food systems and agricultural sustainability issues around town and around the globe. UGA Research Communications offers an updated look at the social connections that provide the foundation for a wide variety of efforts to support a healthy ecosystem. The largest remaining Saltwater Geechee community in the nation has lived in Sapelo Island’s Hog Hammock community for centuries. Today,…

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Therapeutics Discovery Area of Emphasis approved for life sciences master’s degree

The UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has developed a new Area of Emphasis in Therapeutics Discovery under the major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.S., Non-Thesis) as a paradigm for increased partnerships between the University of Georgia and the biotechnology industry. The new program will launch in fall 2026 and is expected to establish UGA as a leader in preparing students…

Bernard presenting his work
Lecture details how research and innovation reach global heights through Horizon Europe

As research drives innovation around the globe and its ever-changing political, social and economic landscape, the power of collaboration fuels visionary breakthroughs for the most complex challenges.   Building on Franklin’s commitment to Academic Innovation, the college welcomed Florent Bernard to campus on Oct. 3 for an invited lecture on EU/U.S. collaboration opportunities in research and innovation. Bernard, Counsellor for…

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Collective experience strengthens social ties

Coincidental convergence aside - a Friday on campus, a getaway day for a big game away – new research from University of Georgia psychology suggests attending live events can combat loneliness and build social connections, particularly if those events are in person. Led by Franklin faculty member Richard Slatcher (Julianne Holt-Lunstad at BYU is co-lead of the project) the research team analyzed data from 1,551 participants who reported…


Franklin’s 2025 Homecoming tailgate is a win-win

There were wins both on and off the field Oct. 4 as Franklin College of Arts and Sciences turned up the spirit at this year’s Homecoming Tailgate, held on the New College Lawn. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered for a celebration that was nothing short of electric. Even Hairy Dawg was in attendance, trying his paw at waffle making!  There is truly nothing like a Saturday in Athens with delicious catering from Flying…


Technical Communications Internships in Engineering Capstone Groups Spring 2026

The English Department and the College of Engineering are partnering to offer Technical Communications Internships with Engineering Capstone Groups.  All Engineering students participate in a yearlong capstone project, where groups of 3-5 engineers work together to solve a complex problem, often for actual companies and organizations.  Some of the companies engineering students have worked with before include Creature Comforts Brewery…