The University of Georgia held dedication ceremonies for two new student-focused facilities Thursday, celebrating the completion of projects that expand housing, dining, academic support and wellness services for students
Attendees gathered at both the new First-Year Student Residence Hall Building 2266 and the Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center to participate in ribbon-cutting ceremonies and tour the new facilities
Speakers highlighted the role the new facilities will play in supporting student success
“These two buildings are tremendous additions to our campus. They will further enhance UGA’s world-class learning environment, providing students with the opportunity to eat, study, learn and grow in spaces that have been intentionally and carefully designed to meet their needs,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “They also will provide our students with immediate access to important regress towards their degrees.”
The new residence hall, located on the corner of South Lumpkin Street and West Wray Street, will house 565 first-year students beginning this semester
The facility features double-occupancy rooms with modular furniture, large windows, in-room temperature control and privacy-enhanced community bathrooms. Students will also have access to several shared lounges and study areas as well as an exterior courtyard facing the Founders Memorial Garden
The $72.5 million project was developed and constructed in partnership with the University of Georgia Real Estate Foundation
“We know that success does not begin when a student walks into a classroom. It begins the moment they realize they are part of something bigger than themselves and grows through the confidence that comes from knowing others are invested in their success,” said Michelle Cook, vice president for student affairs. “That is why these buildings matter. They are places where community is built, students discover their strengths, and everyday interactions become the foundation for lifelong success.”
The Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center is located at East Cloverhurst Avenue and University Court
The three-story facility is designed specifically to support recent enrollment growth while also significantly expanding dining, nutrition, health and well-being services for the student population
The first floor of the building features five active learning classrooms totaling 216 seats. These classrooms will also be available in the evenings for student organizations to use as meeting spaces. In addition, the first floor includes six collaborative study rooms, access to outdoor classroom spaces and a residential-style teaching kitchen where students can take classes to learn about nutrition
The first floor also houses a Well-being Center that will operate as a satellite branch of the University Health Center, offering medical care, wellness coaching and mental health support to students
The second and third floors of the building will house the Hillside Dining Commons, which provides 800 indoor seats, 100 outdoor terrace seats and a reservable private dining room
The $60.7 million project was developed and constructed in partnership with the UGA Real Estate Foundation
“The theme I’ve heard from students more than any other is that they want to feel supported. They want help that is easily accessible,” said Trey Wilson, Student Government Association president and member of the class of 2027. “This new center puts private rooms for medical and mental health care in the same building where students eat, study and meet. When you’re struggling, support won’t be a trip across campus. It will be right where you already are. Students told us what they needed, and this is UGA answering.”
