Scott Benham

The committee received a written report regarding real estate actions delegated to the Vice Chancellor. Consent items included the authorization of a sub-rental agreement for the Georgia Institute of Technology, project authorization for a chiller replacement at the University of Georgia, and a budget modification for renovations at Fort Valley State University. Additionally, the committee approved the transfer of the Spec Towns Track name and the naming of the Mack H. Guest III and Family Garden and the Webber-Stowers Family Terrace at the University of Georgia. The committee also approved the naming of the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center at Kennesaw State University.

The University System of Georgia's Strategic Enrollment Plan for 2024 is a comprehensive roadmap addressing challenges and opportunities in higher education enrollment. It aims to support Georgia's workforce development goals and enhance system-wide success. The plan is structured around four strategic pillars: market engagement, student success, market penetration, and program innovation. It emphasizes attracting diverse student populations, improving student outcomes, optimizing existing services and policies, and developing responsive, innovative programs aligned with market demands and the overall USG Strategic Plan 2029.

The Board meeting addressed several committee reports and new business items. The Committee on Academic Affairs approved the establishment of a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Kennesaw State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Sciences at Georgia State University, while also approving the termination of several degree programs across Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia, Augusta University, and Savannah State University. This committee also directed the development of a policy regarding the use of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for admissions purposes, to be presented in February 2026. Furthermore, revisions to institutional mission statements for Georgia Highlands College and Georgia College and State University were reviewed. The Finance and Business Operations and Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance Joint Committees heard information items on the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Engagement Results and the 2025 Consolidated Annual Financial Report. The Committee on Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance approved the Internal Audit Charter, Compliance and Ethics Charter, and the Committee Charter. The Committee on Organization and Law approved mutual aid agreements for Savannah State University and the University of West Georgia, and the awarding of an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The Committee on Real Estate and Facilities authorized several facility actions, including a sub-rental agreement for Georgia Institute of Technology and various project authorizations and namings for the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. The Board also formally approved an update to Bylaw 1.6 to reflect the consolidation of Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College.

The primary meeting date documented is January 13, 2026, which included full Board and committee meetings. Key discussion topics for the full Board included the Chancellor's Report, an update to Bylaw 1.6, and committee reports. The Executive and Compensation Committee agenda covered SACSCOC Self-Assessment Recommendations and the election of 2026 officers, specifically recommending David B. Dove as Chair and Deep J. Shah as Vice Chair. The Academic Affairs Committee focused on approving new program requests, such as an MS in Psychology at Albany State University, and recommended terminations for several degree programs across Clayton State University, Dalton State College, Valdosta State University, and Georgia Highlands College. They also addressed Mission Statement Reaffirmation for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and an amendment to BOR Policy 2.8 regarding institutional missions following the consolidation of Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College. Committee meetings in the document also referenced actions from prior meetings in November 2025 and December 2025.

The Board of Regents meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The Executive and Compensation Committee discussed the SACSCOC self-assessment and the election of 2026 officers. The board approved the establishment of a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Georgia, a Bachelor of Business Administration at Gordon State College, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Science at Georgia Southern University. Additionally, the board approved the termination of the Associate of Arts in Mass Communication at Gordon State College and the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management at Albany State University. The naming of the Hyundai College of Education at Savannah State University and a revised institutional mission statement at Savannah State University were also approved. The board authorized project number BR-10-2603, Football Complex Expansion, for the University of Georgia and the execution of an amendment to a sub-rental agreement for office and laboratory space in Lexington Park, Maryland, for the Georgia Institute of Technology. Furthermore, the board approved mutual aid agreements between Georgia Southern University and several local law enforcement agencies, as well as a mutual aid agreement between Georgia College and State University and Georgia Military College. Honorary degrees were approved for awarding by Fort Valley State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. The board also received updates on strategic reserves, fall student enrollment, and degrees conferred.