Leading Forward: 2025 a Year to Remember for UWG Share this page
In a year marked by momentum and milestones, the University of West Georgia turned the page on a new chapter – one defined by confidence in the future. From enrollment records to campus events howling with energy, 2025 reflected an institution that is gaining speed.
In the past year, UWG News featured stories signaling both continued excellence and impactful change, with stories including those of new leadership and a growing community of students who chose this university in greater numbers than ever before. Read on for more highlights of a momentous 2025.
Growth Continues at UWG with Record 16,072 Students
The University of West Georgia reached a new milestone this fall, welcoming 16,072 students – the largest enrollment in its history. This achievement reflects the university’s continued momentum in delivering high-impact academic experiences and expanding access to higher education.
Building on Momentum: Johnson Begins as UWG’s Ninth President
Aug. 1 marked the beginning of a new chapter in UWG history as Dr. Michael Johnson officially began his tenure as the institution’s ninth president.
Transforming Lives: UWG Ranked #1 Regional University in Georgia for Social Mobility
UWG continues to be recognized for providing students with a transformative education, most recently being named the No. 1 regional university in the state for social mobility. U.S. News & World Report recently named UWG first in the state among regional comprehensive universities (third in Georgia overall) and 87th in the nation among top performers on the Social Mobility Index, which assesses the extent to which a college or university enrolls economically disadvantaged students and supports them toward graduation.
UWG Raises Record-Breaking $2.2 Million in 43rd A Day
The University of West Georgia celebrated its 43rd annual A Day to Give West with a landmark achievement: $2,196,878 raised to support student success and institutional growth.
The Algorithm of Trust: How UWG Faculty is Advancing Reliable AI, Byte by Byte
How can we trust robots? And how can they “trust” each other? Dr. Md Shirajum Munir, UWG assistant professor of computer science, was recently awarded a $175,000 grant funded by the National Science Foundation that focuses on helping AI agents share, check and act on information together in a way that humans can trust.
As hospitals and clinics across rural Georgia face ongoing nursing shortages, two UWG faculty members are stepping up to meet the need. Backed by more than $3.6 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration – the largest in UWG history – their new initiative will open doors for aspiring nurses by reducing barriers, expanding enrollment and strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.
A Guiding Hand: $1.7M Grant Expands UWG’s Impact on Rural Mental Health
A transformative $1.7 million federal grant awarded to UWG’s Dr. Carey Crawford is poised to break down economic and geographic barriers for aspiring school counselors while strengthening mental health support in some of the region’s most underserved rural communities.
A Legacy of Love: How UWG Alumni Bring Hope to Families Fighting Childhood Cancer
When Chase McDaniel, 17, lost his battle with cancer, his parents, UWG alumni Tracy and Kiki McDaniel, refused to let his light fade. Instead, they turned their grief into action, founding Chase the Victory (CTV) to honor his memory and ease the journey for families walking the same difficult path. While mourning is still part of their daily lives, Tracy and Kiki say CTV has given them a way to keep their son’s spirit alive. Each family they reach, each smile they bring, is a reminder that even in loss, love can create a lasting impact.
‘Team Elaine’: How Health Coaching Helped One UWG Staff Member Navigate Cancer
When Elaine Heath-Ward was diagnosed with cancer, she found herself facing not only a daunting medical battle but also the challenge of maintaining her overall well-being. That’s when she turned to UWG’s health and wellness coaching program – expecting guidance but finding something even more profound: a steadfast supporter in Delilah Landrum, a College of Education graduate student.
UWG’s Online Nursing, Applied Computer Science, MBA Programs Ranked No. 2 in State
Three of UWG’s online programs have been ranked second in the state by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting UWG’s commitment to academic excellence in online education. Online programs at UWG ranked No. 2 in Georgia by U.S. News were the Master of Science in Nursing (ranked No. 25 in the nation), the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science (No. 70 in the nation) and the Master of Business Administration (No. 100 in the nation).
Honorable Mentions
- 50 Years Strong: UWG College of Education Ranked Among Largest in Nation
- UWG Powers a Record $654M Economic Impact Across Region
- Go, West: UWG Alumnus Rusty West ’88 Awarded Honorary Doctorate
- Building New Possibilities: Construction Management Concentration Launched at UWG in Partnership with Caliber 1 Construction
- Beauty in the Void: UWG Astronomer Helps Reveal New Secrets of the Butterfly Nebula