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Enhance the lives of future generations and leave an indelible mark on the state of Georgia by supporting the public service and outreach mission of the University of Georgia. Public Service and Outreach puts the knowledge and resources of the University of Georgia to work in all 159 counties of the state, helping to build communities, educate citizens, develop leaders, create jobs and solve community challenges. Charitable gifts to Public Service and Outreach are maintained and invested by the University of Georgia Foundation (Tax ID number: 58-6033837) and are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.


Public Service and Outreach Fund

SBDC business consultant visits their client, Seva, an adult day care center in Norcross.

As the state’s flagship public land- and sea-grant institution, the University of Georgia has a deep commitment to extend its intellectual resources to improve lives and strengthen communities across the state.   By partnering with communities, businesses, governments, schools, nonprofits and others, our faculty, staff and students are tackling the real-world challenges facing our state.

Charitable gifts to the Public Service and Outreach Fund empower the leadership team at the Office of the Vice President to deploy needed resources to hundreds of dedicated public service faculty, staff and students across eight outreach units.  The Public Service and Outreach Fund often underwrites new initiatives designed by faculty and students or provides modest investments to existing programs.


PSO Student Scholars

students talks with small business owners
PSO Scholar Cam Shepherd visits with Southern Press & Packing Blueberry farm in Blackshear, Georgia, to see how the UGA SBDC can help the business expand internationally and better market native GA blueberries, juice and supplement products. (Photo by: Shannah Montgomery)

Since 2011, UGA’s Public Service and Outreach division has selected a cohort of exceptional undergraduate students to explore and engage the meaning of public service and civic engagement. The year-long program provides a deeper understanding of UGA’s commitment to serving the state and helps students link public service experiences with career and educational goals.

Charitable donations to the PSO Student Scholars Program Fund offset the cost of student community visits, finance hands-on leadership development training and provide spring and summer internships. Investments in the PSO Student Scholars Program Fund are directly impacting the next generation of civic leaders and public servants who embody UGA’s mission to serve the state.


Vivian H. Fisher Leadership Academy

The 2022 graduates of the Vivian H. Fisher Leadership Academy

UGA’s Public Service and Outreach faculty designed a leadership academy to promote a culture of professional growth and self-empowerment for PSO faculty and staff. The academy, named in celebration of Vivian H. Fisher, associate vice president for PSO from March 2001 until January 2008, reflects her dedication to uplifting and mentoring others. Committed to equipping PSO faculty and staff with a deeper understanding of the university’s land-grant and sea-grant mission, 126 participants have completed the program since its inception in 2007.

Charitable investments in the Vivian H. Fisher Leadership Academy Fund increase access to leadership development training for participants, create a pipeline for professional development, and offset the cost of participation for units seeking to enroll qualified faculty and staff.


Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award

The HEALTHYouth program was supported by a Sahm Award in 2023. Participants in the program learn about nutritional food and how it is grown and prepared. The program is run by Athens nonprofit, Farm to Neighborhood, in partnership with School of Social Work. (Photo by Shannah Montgomery/UGA)

In 2021, Athens native and ardent UGA supporter, Bobbi Meeler Sahm established an award to celebrate the collaborative partnerships forged between UGA and local organizations. The award is designed to enhance UGA’s Public Service and Outreach mission and is directed to UGA units or departments whose faculty and/or staff are partnering with a community organization addressing issues such as public health, Pre-K through 12 education, disadvantaged youth, childhood and adult literacy, civic engagement, public safety and more.

Charitable donations to the Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award extend the reach of the University of Georgia, enabling more resources to be deployed to meet critical needs in Athens-Clarke County.  In addition, these gifts create unique opportunities for UGA students to engage in meaningful public service throughout the Classic City.

Contact

Anne Moser

Anne Moser
Senior Director of Development
amoser@uga.edu
706.542.6654

Johnathan Barrett

Johnathon Barrett
Director of Development
johnathan.barrett@uga.edu
706.542.6150

Shirley Allen

Shirley Allen
Associate Director of Development
shallen@uga.edu
706.542.8928

kathryn mchugh

Kathryn (Reeves) McHugh
Development Coordinator
kathryn.reeves25@uga.edu
706.542.8883

Kathy Adams
Development and Stewardship Coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia
mkadams@uga.edu
706.542.3977

clarissa hobbs

Clarissa Hobbs
Development Associate
clarissa.hobbs@uga.edu
706.542.8941

© University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
706‑542‑3000