The University of Georgia Routinely Ranks as One of America's Top Schools for Economic Development

The University of Georgia, incoming President Jere Morehead, has announced plans to open an economic development office in Atlanta.

UGA consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the U.S. for moving research discoveries into the private sector marketplace.

Opening an Atlanta-based office is designed to continue the economic development success.

According to a news release from school, this step is in keeping with the mission of UGA, “One of the pillars of the university’s mission is service to the state, and that includes helping foster growth and prosperity,” Morehead said in the news release. “I am convinced the University of Georgia can play an even greater role in economic development, and these changes signal our intention to do so.”

The center was announced Monday and has already received positive feedback. It aims to “provide a closer link with the business sector and the Georgia Department of Economic Development,” according to the news release.

“This new structure will enhance UGA’s ability to deploy the full breadth of our resources with focus and agility across the state,” said Margaret Wagner Dahl, associate provost for economic development and director of the Georgia BioBusiness Center, in the news release. “I look forward to being a part of this significant effort initiated by President-elect Morehead.”

The installation of a new economic development center will add to the more than 30 companies the Georgia BioBusiness Center has launched — with collective investment in those companies at approximately $150 million.