By: Alan Flurry University engagement with cities and towns across Georgia takes shape in shared vision, expertise, and innovative economic growth strategies. Community service is about much more than fulfilling credit hours for Franklin students – for many, it's a way to give back to hometown or region. For others, service opportunities provide invaluable training experience and inroads to exciting career opportunities. The recipe for success led UGA to be named the 2025 recipient of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Innovation & Economic Prosperity Award in the “Place” category, a prestigious national recognition of the university’s commitment to community and economic development across the state. The IEP Awards recognize exemplary and innovative case studies of economic engagement impact. The Place Award honors initiatives that promote social, cultural and community development. UGA’s selection reflects more than a decade of strategic, community-centered work that has transformed towns, empowered local leaders and generated hundreds of millions in public and private investment. ... The Archway Partnership embeds UGA faculty in communities to connect university resources with local needs. Since its inception in 2005, Archway has worked in 16 communities, serving eight at a time. In Hart County, Archway has supported 93 projects since 2020, engaging 195 students and 73 faculty members from across multiple UGA schools and colleges with an estimated return on investment of $6.8 million. Hartwell, the county seat, has seen a dramatic transformation. Named the
