News Archive - 2026

Marianna Baccus singing on stage at Commencement
Franklin graduate and ‘Georgia on My Mind’ singer Marianna Baccus uses talent to inspire and heal

For Marianna Baccus, music has always been a tradition. From choir practice to guitar jam sessions with her family, the art form has been a routine, grounding force in her life. As the spring 2026 Commencement “Georgia on My Mind” singer, Baccus — now a Franklin alumna — has become part of a University of Georgia musical tradition spanning six years. Each spring, dozens of students audition for the opportunity, but only one principal and one…

portrait of Eliza Fausset
Recent Franklin grad chosen for prestigious FAO Schwarz Fellowship

Recent Franklin graduate and Atlanta native Eliza Fausset (BA Sociology; BA Spanish '26) has been selected as a 2026-28 FAO Schwarz Fellow, earning a place in one of the nation’s most selective postgraduate fellowship programs focused on social impact and nonprofit leadership.  Fausset, who was a double major in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the Jere W. Morehead Honors College, is one of seven students nationwide chosen for…

four people toasting over drinks
The New York Times turns to Franklin psychology professor Richard Slatcher for advice on couple friendships

Last week, The New York Times featured Richard Slatcher, a psychology professor in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, in a story about the challenges and benefits of couple friendships. Slatcher’s research explores how social relationships shape long-term well-being and romantic connection. In the article, Slatcher explains that double dates and shared social experiences can help couples feel closer to one another.…

seedlings in globe
Franklin researchers receive prestigious award for environmental science study

Researchers from UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences have been recognized with one of the Ecological Society of America’s top honors in plant ecology and environmental science. Congratulations to Megan DeMarche in plant biology, Jill Anderson in genetics and the Odum School of Ecology, recent plant biology Ph.D. graduate Derek Denney, and their collaborators on receiving the 2026 W.S. Cooper Award from the Ecological Society of America.…

Artis Stevens giving speech
UGA alumnus Artis Stevens receives honorary doctorate from American University

Artis Stevens, a graduate of UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, received an honorary doctorate from American University during the university’s commencement ceremonies, where he also delivered the commencement address. Stevens is president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a national leader in youth mentorship and nonprofit leadership. He is the first Black leader in the organization’s 120-year…

Zoe Simmons and Melissa Fahmy
Franklin philosophy student Zoe Simmons receives Horace B. Russell Prize for ethics writing

Zoe Simmons, a rising senior in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and Morehead Honors College, has received the Horace B. Russell Prize from the Department of Philosophy for excellence in undergraduate ethics writing. The Horace B. Russell Prize is awarded annually for the best undergraduate ethics paper written for a philosophy course during the previous calendar year. Simmons is majoring in philosophy and religion and pursuing minors…

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