Inspire
Highlights about our people and their inspired dedication to Georgia and its communities
Whether behind the scenes or on the front lines, our faculty and staff are making a difference. They work closely with government and community leaders to build stronger communities, drive economic success, and improve quality of life across Georgia.
In the past year, UGA Institute of Government experts have been recognized nationally and locally for their dedication and service.
UGA celebrates national award for community impact
The University of Georgia has been 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. ... READ MORE
Community Branding program receives national honors
When communities partner on strategic branding with the UGA Institute of Government, they receive more than an attractive logo and catchy tagline; they often become a catalyst for positive change. ... READ MORE
RSVP plans
RSVP plans
Jimmy Nolan chosen for Lifetime Achievement Award
James A. “Jimmy” Nolan has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Geospatial Association. ... READ MORE
Warrington appointed to local government Hall of Fame
Mara Shaw Warrington, faculty at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, was recently inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame. ... READ MORE
Gordon named president of national association CUPSO
Rob Gordon, director of the UGA Institute of Government, was inducted as president of the Consortium of University Public Service Organizations (CUPSO). ... READ MORE
ACCG honors two Institute faculty with leadership awards
The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) recently honored two of our faculty members. Former Associate Director Mara Shaw Warrington and Leadership Development Manager Walt McBride received 2025 Leadership Development Advocate of the Year Awards during the association’s 2025 Annual Conference. ... READ MORE
Vinson Fellow commended at UGA CURO Symposium
Aarov Malhotra, a Vinson Fellow and second-year political science and economics student, was awarded Best Paper in the Public Service and Outreach category at the UGA Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities’ 26th annual CURO Symposium. ... READ MORE
Scott Pippin receives faculty research award
Faculty member Scott Pippin was honored recently with an award for research excellence. As part of the University of Georgia’s Research Awards Program, Pippin received the 2025 Non-Tenure Track Faculty Research Excellence Award. ... READ MORE
Monroe brand
Monroe brand
Kaitlin Messich receives Walter Barnard Hill Award
Kaitlin Messich has been honored with a Walter Barnard Hill Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service and Outreach. A UGA Institute of Government faculty member, Messich’s expertise in visual communication helps address challenges in the state and fosters economic development through design and creativity. ... READ MORE
Institute’s Jeremy Daniel recognized at MLK event
Jeremy Daniel’s efforts to build a better community were recognized recently with the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award. Presented at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast held Jan. 17, the award recognizes students, faculty, staff and community members who exemplify the words and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ... READ MORE
The UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government is committed to promoting excellence in government through technical assistance, training programs, applied research, and technology solutions. Learn more at cviog.uga.edu.
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