Tags: Human Nature
In her 27-year UGA career, Thomas has distinguished herself as an outstanding classroom teacher, graduate student mentor, and researcher. Her work on the psychology of workplace diversity has gained national attention, and she is an elected fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race.
Thomas has also held several…
The University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences celebrated its dedicated staff members during the 2025 Staff Appreciation Awards and Reception, held on May 21. This annual event honored staff for their outstanding contributions, commitment, passion and service to the college, recognizing both individual excellence and years of service milestones.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Hollis Yates, Publications Manager and…
After returning to the U.S. following World War II, Victor Riden Jr. graduated from the UGA while his wife Annette worked as a secretary for the university. The Riden family's deep connections to UGA, both historically and in the future have taken form in generous support for the UGA department of dance as the newly named Victor and Annette Riden Lobby in the Dance Building:
The couple had two children, Martha and Vic Riden III, who earned his…
Designed to spur innovative uses for the technology, the second UGA Generative AI Competition, sponsored by the Office of Instruction and Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ department of philosophy, recognized student AI projects that enrich the UGA community or experience. The three top prizes went to Franklin College students who submitted projects to used generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E and Amper to bring their creations to…
The University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology offers transformative study abroad programs that immerse students and faculty in diverse cultures, fostering personal growth, academic enrichment, and global perspectives. From Tanzania’s savannas to Italy’s historic hills, these experiences blend psychology with cultural exploration, leaving lasting impacts on participants’ academic and career paths. We…
Jarryd Wallace, (AB Communications Studies '19) keynote speaker as well as four-time Paralympian and two-time bronze medalist, shared lessons he learned from the tests he’s faced during UGA’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony held May 9.
“That’s what trials do — they forge something in us that comfort never could. They teach us to keep going when nothing makes sense. To believe when hope feels distant. To see ourselves not by what we’…
2025 University of Georgia graduate, scientist and storyteller in training Yeongseo Son has been selected for the 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, a global graduate-level program at Stanford University.
Son, a Foundation Fellow and Stamps Scholar who earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and biochemistry and molecular biology as well as a certificate in immunology, all from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, attended high school in…
The Franklin College Innovation Initiative is designed to guide our efforts and focus into the next era of American higher education. Dean Anna Stenport provides an outline of the three-part initiative 1) Academic Innovation, 2) Research Partnerships and Public Engagement, and 3) Student Success, in a series of interviews discussing the context of this ambitious enterprise and plans for implementation.
"The Franklin College commitment to…
A session organized by UGA faculty at the Society for American Archaeology Meetings in early May discussed the ways recent innovations in radiocarbon dating are rewriting the history of Indigenous sites.
Many of these new histories are challenging conventional wisdom about Indigenous persistence, or the lack thereof, in the face of European contact, researchers reported during a session co-organized by Jennifer Birch, professor of…
A new research study found that Black Americans diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension in midlife had significantly higher levels of a dementia-related biomarker more than a decade later. The study followed more than 250 participants with high blood pressure, diabetes or both conditions. The researchers found that while one diagnosis alone did not indicate a dramatic neurological effect, having both led to striking results:
“This matters. This…
Today is the day! The culmination of our students' hard work, where they put their creativity, ambitions, curiosity and leadership all together to take the all-important next step.
Congratulation to all of the 2,100+ Franklin students graduating today! And welcome to campus to the family and friends joining us on this wonderful occasion.
Go Dawgs! Go Franklin! Congratulations to the many new UGA alumni – welcome to the family!
Photo by…
Fuad Elhage, a senior lecturer of Spanish in Franklin College’s Romance languages department, has taught Diversity Through Dance since 2010. The course allows students to spend each class period connecting to the Spanish language and culture through music and dance:
However, for two semesters, the course has been adapted to integrate a service-learning component, giving students the chance to expand their participation beyond the music. Service-…
Part 3 of 3 – Student Success
Franklin College has introduced a three-part Innovation Initiative guiding its efforts and focus into the next era of American higher education. The initiative consists of three pillars designed to complement each other and work together: 1) Academic Innovation, 2) Research Partnerships and Public Engagement, and 3) Student Success. In the third of a three-part series of interviews, Franklin College Dean Anna…
David Shaffer, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus in theDepartment of Psychology, has made an indelible mark through his passion for teaching, innovative research, and generous philanthropy. In an April 15, 2025 interview with Rich Slatcher, Gail M. Williamson Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Shaffer shared insights into his journey in psychology, cherished memories from UGA, and the motivations behind his…
The University of Georgia officially launched its chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) on April 28, with 12 Franklin College faculty among the 31 founding members. The chapter will celebrate innovation and the societal impact of academic inventions at UGA.
Since its founding, NAI has promoted innovation and the societal impact of academic inventions by recognizing and empowering U.S. patent holders, supporting education and…
University of Georgia Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Gregory Robinson has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Robonison joins an illustrious list of 250 members elected in 2025, including renowned figures like CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper, actor and humanitarian Danny Glover, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés.
A UGA faculty member since 1995, Robinson has conducted…
Madalyn Fremstand, is a fourth-year student from Dallas, GA, majoring in biological engineering and German. She chose these two majors to pursue her passion in engineering and connect with her heritage. She believes that her unique background will set her up well for law school.
Fremstad always knew that she wanted to pursue engineering but it wasn’t until her freshman year at UGA that she discovered she could connect with her family heritage…
Dawgs make their mark wherever they go, and now their prints are left behind in the golden sands of Morocco. For three first-year students — international affairs major Brady Hawkins, regenerative bioscience major Bram Rosenblatt and music education major Nichole Botsoe — the opportunity to take their studies overseas through the University of Georgia’s recently-introduced Connect Abroad program provided an unforgettable experience.
We…
The Franklin College announced the latest round of funding through the Franklin Forward graduate student seed grant program. In the spring 2025 cycle, six projects were funded, with donor support.
The six Franklin Forward recipients for spring 2025, and their projects:
Carsynn Miller, doctoral student, industrial/Organizational Psychology: Effective Talent Management Strategies for Autistic Employees
Sloan Garner, doctoral student,Theatre and…
Ally Smith, 2025 Dodd commencement speaker and recipient of Art Director’s Award for Outstanding undergraduate student, is a fourth-year graphic design student with a minor in studio art, design and media at UGA’s Lamar Dodd School of Art. Smith has worked closely with alumna Kelly Layton (BFA graphic design, '90) and credits her own interests in participating in the newly introduced Layton Design Studio to Layton herself. Layton Design Studio…
Alexa Bill, double major in history and social studies education in the Mary Frances Early College of Education, and triple minor in classics, European studies & historic preservation in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences shows the power of the ampersand with her multiple academic pursuits as well as many interests on and off campus.
1. What advice would you give to high school students who are preparing for the college…
Part 2 of 3 – Research Partnerships and Public Engagement
Franklin College has introduced a three-part Innovation Initiative guiding its efforts and focus into the next era of American higher education. The initiative consists of three pillars designed to complement each other and work together: 1) Academic Innovation, 2) Research Partnerships and Public Engagement, and 3) Student Success. In the second of a three-part series of interviews,…
New research from the University of Georgia suggests our familiarity with yeast traces back to the footsteps of our ancestors.
Humans domesticated baker’s yeast as early as 7000 BCE to make bread, beer, wine and sake. However, wild varieties of the same yeast species also live on trees. These domesticated and wild yeast look different genetically, but UGA researchers wanted to explore possible links between the two:
“Other studies had just…
The Georgia Debate Union won the overall team title at this year's Regents Cup Debate Tournament on Thursday, April 17. The Regents Cup was created by Chancellor Sonny Perdue in 2024 to support civil dialogue and debate amongst USG colleges and universities. The competition was hosted by the University System of Georgia at Middle Georgia State University in Macon.
The Georgia Debate Union is housed in the Franklin College of Arts…
University of Georgia senior Mercedes “Sadie” Bengs is one of 54 undergraduates from 49 colleges and universities across the nation to be selected as a 2025 Truman Scholar, a prestigious award given each year to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector.
Bengs is from Aberdeen, South Dakota, and is studying international affairs in the School of Public and…