Friends:

I hope this missive finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. As you might imagine, the University of Georgia Community, like many across the nation, has experienced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, all UGA courses were shifted online in March, and the majority of our students, faculty and staff were required to telework. Most of our research programs were suspended, and only essential travel was permitted. Our graduate students rose to the occasion, supporting the online instruction of classes and labs and finding creative ways to continue research and scholarly activities.

While the emotional and economic toll of COVID-19 has yet to be calculated, it is expected to be substantial. Despite this, we are grateful for the steady and deliberate guidance of President Morehead, Provost Hu and the dedicated senior UGA administrative team that has ushered us through these unprecedented times. The economic hardships faced by our graduate students were allayed by generous gifts to the Graduate Student Emergency Fund (GSEF) by individual donors, the President’s Venture Fund, and the UGA Foundation. Graduate students benefitted from the GSEF, receiving up to $2,000 to defray expenses related to COVID-19 and other acute emergencies.

Plans are being implemented for a phased return to campus and face-to-face instruction for the fall semester, as long as health conditions permit. At present, all efforts are being made to ensure a safe resumption of normal campus activities. Additionally, the Graduate School is preparing to transition from Terrell Hall to our future home in Brooks Hall.

As if the COVID-19 pandemic was not enough, we watched in horror as George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other African Americans were senselessly killed, triggering a wave of antiracism protests across the world. Similar protests were held in Athens, as citizens expressed their frustration, outrage, and desire for equality and justice. As many of our institutions are acknowledging the need to do more to combat racism and inequity, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents recently established a committee to review the names of buildings on our campuses. Indeed, we are experiencing unprecedented challenges!

Nevertheless, I am confident that we will emerge from this turmoil as a stronger University, community and society. My confidence flows from our wonderful and engaged graduate students, who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, I encourage you to learn more about our students profiled in this issue of the magazine; I am sure that you will be equally assured of the brightness of our future. I also entreat you to support our GSEF to ensure that our graduate students have the financial support to weather the current storm and reach their full potential.

Respectfully,

Ron Walcott, Interim Dean