UGA Class of 2024 achieves 95% career outcomes rate

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New data released by the University of Georgia Career Center shows that 95% of UGA’s Class of 2024 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

The Class of 2024 is the 8th class of the last 10 to post a career outcomes rate of 95% or higher.

“Year after year, the success of our students demonstrates the remarkable value of a UGA education,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our faculty and staff, our hardworking graduates are well prepared to launch their careers and embrace their role as the next generation of leaders.”

Among the graduates in the Class of 2024, 61% were employed full-time, 25% were continuing their education and 9% were engaged in post-graduate internships, fellowships, residencies, postdoctoral research, part-time jobs or said they were not currently seeking employment.

Many of the employed graduates are applying their talents to the benefit of the Peach State: 70% took on positions based in Georgia.

In addition, Class of 2024 graduates accepted employment with companies representing a variety of industry sectors, from health care to business, finance to transportation, and all points in between.

“The University of Georgia continues to prepare outstanding graduates who leave this institution ready to lead and serve across industry sectors,” said Scott Williams, executive director of the UGA Career Center. “My thanks to all the campus partners who facilitate the career readiness of our students as well as our corporate partners who continue to look to UGA for top talent.”

The UGA Career Center calculates the career outcomes rate each January by collecting information from surveys, phone calls, employer reporting, UGA departments, the National Student Clearinghouse and social media websites such as LinkedIn. The current data is based on the known career outcomes of 8,498 graduates from the Class of 2024.

For more information about the Class of 2024 career outcomes, visit career.uga.edu/outcomes.

To learn about hiring UGA graduates, visit hireuga.com.

KBH Industrial named fastest-growing UGA business

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the Bulldog 100 Celebration on Feb. 21 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium. 

The 2025 fastest-growing business, KBH Industrial, is led by Tarun Ganeriwal, president and chief executive officer. Ganeriwal received his Master of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business in 2009.  

KBH Industrial is based in Smyrna, Georgia, and is an energy solutions firm offering professional, architectural, engineering, design and construction services to partners in the energy industry. This is the company’s second time on the Bulldog 100 list. 

Tarun Ganeriwal of KBH Industrial accepts the Bulldog 100 award for 2025’s fastest-growing UGA business.

Rounding out the Bulldog 100 top ten are: 

  1. Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, Georgia
  2. Marlin Construction Partners, Lake City, Florida
  3. Southeastern Consulting Services, Inc., Monticello, Georgia
  4. FleetForce Truck Driving Training, Bradenton, Florida
  5. Barnsley Construction Group, Atlanta, Georgia
  6. Ellsworth Cleaning and Facility Services, Atlanta, Georgia
  7. SlicedHealth, Woodstock, Georgia
  8. Awesome, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
  9. FranBridge Consulting, Atlanta, Georgia

“We are so excited to celebrate this exceptional class of honorees, who represent the Bulldog spirit throughout a variety of industries and across multiple states,” said Lee Zell, president of the UGA Alumni Association. “Over the years, we have been proud to welcome these Bulldogs back to campus and celebrate the impact they continue to have on campus and in their communities.” 

The Bulldog 100 companies were ranked solely based on their three-year compounded annual growth rates. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors — a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009 — verifies the information submitted by each company and determines the ranked list. In total, revenues for companies in the 2025 Bulldog 100 grew by 136 percent from 2021-2023, showcasing tremendous economic impact and steady growth. 

In this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in a total of 8 states, with 88 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 145 alumni representing over a dozen industries, including legal, advertising, transportation, and farming, were recognized. 

Ben Ross accepts the Michael J. Bryan Bulldog 100 award from Bryan’s family and UGA Alumni president Lee Zell at the 2025 Bulldog 100 Celebration.

The annual Michael J. Bryan Award was presented during the Feb. 21 event. The award, named for the co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School who passed away in 2017 from cancer, recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree who demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA that was Bryan’s hallmark. This year’s recipient was Ben Ross, the lead pharmacist and majority partner in Ross Drug, Coastal Drug Company, and Clark Drug Company, all independent pharmacies based throughout southeastern Georgia. 

To view the complete list of 2025 Bulldog 100 businesses, visit alumni.uga.edu/b100.   

Nominations for the 2026 Bulldog 100 will open in April. 

Alumna mentor guides students to shared success

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Nominations open for UGA’s Footsteps Award

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The Footsteps Award honors trailblazers Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Hamilton Holmes and Mary Frances Early. 

The University of Georgia is accepting nominations for its Footsteps Award. This annual award recognizes a UGA graduate who embodies the same pioneering spirit of three UGA trailblazers that helped to integrate the university – Charlayne Hunter-Gault (ABJ ’63), Hamilton Holmes (BS ’63) and Mary Frances Early (MMED ’62, EDS ’67). 

Members of the UGA community are invited to submit nominations for the Footsteps Award by completing a brief form available online at alumni.uga.edu/footsteps-award. The nomination period ends February 9, and the recipient will be announced in late spring.  

The honoree must be a UGA graduate who has made a meaningful impact across multiple areas of their community. Selected by a committee of UGA faculty, staff, alumni and students, the recipient will be presented with the award during the 1961 Club Celebration this summer.  

This is the fourth year that the award will be presented. Last year, the Footsteps Award was awarded to former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Benham, following Richard Dunn and Xernona Thomas in 2023 and Eugenia Harvey in 2022. 

“It fills us with pride to see our alumni not only thriving in their personal and professional lives, but also making a positive impact in their communities,” said Adam Roell, UGA’s executive director of alumni relations. “These individuals truly embody the spirit of the University of Georgia beyond the campus, and the Footsteps Award is just one way to recognize their achievements.” 

Questions about the award can be emailed to alumni@uga.edu. 

 

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

An interview with Intel CTO Greg Lavender (BS ’83)

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This story was originally published on the Franklin College website on Nov. 20, 2024.

While on campus in November, UGA School of Computing students had the opportunity to network with distinguished alumnus Greg Lavender (BS ’83). Lavender’s Dr. Jeffrey W. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship recipient Hannah Le conducted a one-on-one interview with Lavender.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time at the University of Georgia?
A: Oh, that’s a good question! I actually never went to a single football game while I was at UGA. I was always in the computer labs — very geeky, you know? My favorite memory would be a pretty funny one. I had this huge final exam in a computer science class, and it was during the winter semester. It was freezing cold, and I was studying late, wrapped up in my electric blanket, just sleeping away.

Then my phone rang — this buzzing sound that annoyed me, so I ignored it at first. Finally, I woke up and answered it. It was one of my friends calling to ask if I was going to make it to the exam. I looked at my watch, and it was already 8:15 a.m.! The exam had started at 8:00, and I had overslept by three hours! I panicked, threw some water on my face, got dressed, and rushed to campus. I couldn’t find a parking spot, so I parked in the faculty lot and ran into the exam room. I told the proctor I had a flat tire — he believed me — and then I took the exam. I finished in 35 minutes, scored a perfect 100, and passed the course. It was a moment of pure panic followed by relief. I still look back at it as one of my favorite memories because it was such an intense experience, and I never overslept for an exam again!

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
A: I think I’m most proud of my time as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. I supervised a lot of students over the years, and many of them have gone on to do amazing things in the tech industry. Some of them are now making more money than I ever will! But the real pride comes from seeing them succeed. I always say that while I’m proud of my own accomplishments, I’m even prouder of the accomplishments of my students.

Q: What advice would you give to current students?
A: My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to take risks, but make sure they are calculated risks. A lot of people play it safe, but if you’re passionate about something, you have to commit to it fully — even if that means sacrificing other things for a while. Focus on becoming an expert in one area that truly excites you. In computer science, you get the chance to dive deep into certain technologies or fields. Who knows, maybe that focus will put you at the forefront of the next big thing. Just don’t waste time on easy problems — take on the hard ones. Those are the ones that push you to grow.

Q: You mentioned taking a big risk in your career. Can you elaborate?
A: Sure! One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a well-paying job to go back to school for my Ph.D. I had a great career going, and I was well-established, but I felt like I needed more advanced knowledge. I wanted to be the person who didn’t have to say much, but when I did speak, it was something important. People with Ph.D.s were the ones being respected in academic and professional circles, so I decided to go back to school. It wasn’t easy — I had three years of work experience under my belt, but I finished my master’s in just a year and then my Ph.D. after that. And I haven’t looked back since.

Q: You’ve been in the tech industry for a long time. How did you end up in Silicon Valley?
A: I never really planned it, but it happened. After I finished my Ph.D., I ended up in Silicon Valley because I sold the company I had started. That move felt like going to the “new Rome” — the center of innovation at the time, just like ancient Rome was for culture and knowledge. Silicon Valley was (and still is) a place where you have a front-row seat to the cutting edge of technology, and I wanted to be part of that. It was a wealth of opportunity, and being there opened doors I never imagined.

Q: You’re clearly passionate about technology and innovation. How do you keep yourself grounded and manage stress?
A: I’ve always been someone who needs an outlet to clear my head. Back when I was at UGA, I’d go hiking or just walk by the river. I wasn’t into football or the typical college stuff — I was always in the labs. But getting out in nature helped me reset and focus. Now, I travel a lot for work, and I still try to do the same thing. Whether I’m in Tokyo or Singapore, I take time to explore the local culture and clear my mind. It’s important to step away from work and recharge.

I get to meet interesting people from around the world. Plus, it helps me think creatively by experiencing new perspectives.

Q: You’ve lived in many places around the world. What’s your favorite travel destination?
A: Athens, Greece, holds a special place in my heart. I’m on the board of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and for the past 30 years, I’ve been combining my love for technology and archaeology. I bring tech tools like drones and 3D mapping to archaeological sites to help preserve them. Greece is an amazing place to visit — great food, history, and culture. I’ve traveled to many Greek islands and explored places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Delos. I’m actually planning a trip next year to Turkey and Greece for an ancient history tour that includes stops in Troy and Ephesus.

Q: You mentioned that you were born in Panama and lived in Germany as a child. How has this international upbringing influenced your career?
A: I grew up in a military family, which meant I had the chance to live in different parts of the world. I was born in Panama, and we lived in West Germany for five years, so I was exposed to different cultures from a young age. That international experience has shaped how I view the world. It’s one of the reasons I love meeting new people from different countries and cultures. It gives you a broader perspective on life and work. Plus, I speak Spanish and German, which has helped me build connections globally.

Q: What’s the next big project you’re working on?
A: Right now, I’m managing a lot of the AI and generative AI work at Intel. We’re developing new chips and systems, and we’re also working on factory automation. I oversee a large team — around 15,000 people — so my time is spent managing research labs, where we have 700 people working on everything from semiconductor physics to software, AI, and graphics. I’m excited about the potential of generative AI, so I’m closely involved in shaping how we apply that technology to new areas.

Q: You’ve had a successful career in both academia and industry. What advice do you have for students aspiring to enter the tech field?
A: My advice is simple: stay curious and never stop learning. The tech industry evolves so quickly, and you need to be willing to take on new challenges and learn new things all the time. And remember, no matter how far you go in your career, always give back. Whether it’s mentoring students or helping others in the industry, the value of sharing knowledge and giving back to the community is immeasurable.

Q: You’ve stayed connected to the University of Georgia. Why did you create the Dr. Jeffrey W. Smith Undergraduate Scholarship?
A: Dr. Smith was my favorite professor at UGA. He inspired me a lot during my time there. He’s now retired, but I wanted to honor him by creating a scholarship in his name. It was a way to give back and show appreciation for the impact he had on my life. The funny thing is, I didn’t even realize how much of an impact I had on his life until I reconnected with his daughter years later. It was a full-circle moment, and I’m proud that I could do something to honor his legacy.

Q: What keeps you excited about your work today?
A: I’m still excited by the opportunity to solve difficult problems and push the boundaries of technology. Whether it’s working on AI, leading large teams, or creating new systems, I love being at the forefront of innovation. I’m also passionate about applying technology in areas like archaeology, which is one of my hobbies. I’ve been programming for fun — whether it’s automating my home or working on cool tech projects — and I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.

UGA dedicates Ralston Center for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

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This story, written by Cal Powell, was originally published on the FACS website on Dec. 9, 2024.

On the day he announced sweeping reforms to the failed healthcare delivery system for Georgians with mental health challenges, the late state representative David Ralston (JD ’80) simply said, “Hope won.”

The bill Ralston championed in 2022 addressed systemic barriers to the quality and delivery of behavioral health services and required insurance companies to cover mental health and substance abuse issues as they would physical illnesses.

“Countless Georgians will know we have heard their despair and frustration,” said Ralston, then speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives who died not long after the signing of the legislation.

The University of Georgia is building on Ralston’s legacy with the establishment of the David Ralston Center for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Housed in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), the Ralston Center will prepare future professionals for careers in the behavioral health and developmental and intellectual disabilities fields with the goal of creating a pipeline to provide a community-based system of care.

UGA President Jere Morehead (JD ’80) joined FACS Dean Anisa Zvonkovic and Kevin Tanner, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, at a dedication ceremony announcing the Ralston Center on Sunday. The state legislature allocated $1.5 million for the establishment of the Ralston Center in its 2025 budget.

Morehead acknowledged Ralston’s lasting impact on UGA and the state in remarks made during the dedication ceremony, which was hosted in conjunction with the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, an orientation for new legislators sponsored by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Morehead noted he and Ralston were classmates at the UGA School of Law and close friends.

“David was a person with the highest integrity, an inspiring work ethic and a tremendous concern for others,” Morehead said. “As a political leader, he worked across the aisle to pass measures that would benefit all Georgians, as he did for mental health care reform. I think he would be proud of the Ralston Center, and I appreciate every state leader who played a role in its creation.”

Both Morehead and Zvonkovic noted the university’s strengths in teaching, research and outreach and its ability to leverage an existing network of collaborators make it an ideal home for the new center.

“The center will reflect former speaker Ralston’s vision for a behavioral health system that provides sustained support based on the strengths, wellness and goals of the person and is built on existing networks, resources and treatment options throughout the state,” Zvonkovic said. “As we launch the center, we are eager to collaborate with faculty across the entire University System of Georgia to coordinate curriculum offerings and other trainings to assist the state to be able to establish the workforce for these issues.”

Tanner, who chaired the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation committee formed in 2019 to produce recommendations that led to the legislation, said addressing those workforce needs will be a priority for the center.

“Put simply, hiring and retaining top quality talent in the mental health care sector is the greatest challenge facing our system of care,” Tanner said. “We do not have enough trained, licensed clinicians to meet demand. As UGA’s faculty and administration stand up the Ralston Center, I am certain they will keep this fact top of mind and use the center to help us meet the extraordinary workforce demands we face.”

Tanner added that the establishment of the center at UGA is a fitting continuation of Ralston’s vision.

“Speaker Ralston knew this effort would take years to bring to complete fruition,” he said. “His vision went beyond the role of legislature – it extended to our university system and the pivotal role UGA will play in this work. Ultimately, I think he would see this center’s establishment as one more step toward success – a milestone on a long but worthwhile journey to improve the lives of Georgians.”

University of Georgia celebrates 15 years of Bulldog 100

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The University of Georgia Alumni Association released the 2025 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UGA graduates. The program, organized by the Division of Development & Alumni Relations, celebrates 15 years of honoring alumni and their entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Among this year’s class, businesses are headquartered in a total of eight states, with 87 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 142 alumni representing over two dozen industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals, software, and entertainment, are being recognized as a part of this year’s list. 

This year’s fastest-growing businesses, in alphabetical order, include: 

Accelerated Leadership Group, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

Alexander & Alexander Attorneys at Law, Barnwell, SC 

Anchors Marina, Eatonton, GA 

Architectural Fountains & Pools Inc., Atlanta, GA 

ASW Distillery, Atlanta, GA 

Awesome Inc, Atlanta, GA 

Barnsley Construction Group, Atlanta, GA 

Bay Point Advisors, Atlanta, GA 

BDI DataLynk, Ball Ground, GA 

Big Apple Services Inc., Conyers, GA 

Biren Patel Engineering, Macon, GA 

BlueBear Solutions, Atlanta, GA 

BrokerHunter, Cumming, GA 

Buckhead Beans, Marietta, GA 

Builder’s Specialty Contractors, Boynton Beach, FL 

Capital Real Estate Group, Atlanta, GA 

Carl R. Varnedoe, LLC, Savannah, GA 

Certified Clean Care, Watkinsville, GA 

CIG Consulting, Decatur, GA 

Clark Drug Company, Waynesboro, GA 

Classic City Consulting, Snellville, GA 

Coastal Drug Company, Midway, GA 

Cruise Planners, Madison, AL 

Dental Claim Support, Savannah, GA 

Detritus, LLC, Savannah, GA 

Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, GA 

Ellsworth Cleaning & Facility Services, Atlanta, GA 

enewton design, Atlanta, GA 

Erica Davis Lowcountry, Savannah, GA 

Extra Special People, Watkinsville, GA 

FI Navigator Corporation, Atlanta, GA 

FinQuery, Atlanta, GA 

FirstPage Marketing, Savannah, GA 

FleetForce Truck Driver Training, Bradenton, FL 

FranBridge Consulting, Atlanta, GA 

Friendly City Pharmacy, Tifton, GA 

FTM Travel, Brentwood, TN 

Full Circle Coverage, Cartersville, GA 

Golden Isles Pharmacy, Brunswick, GA 

Good Dog Veterinary Care, Marietta, GA 

Infinite Agave, Atlanta, GA 

Intown Golf Club, Atlanta, GA

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC, Newnan, GA

Jaffe Family Law, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

Jetset World Travel, Atlanta, GA 

Joe Powell & Associates, Alpharetta, GA 

Joe Powell Services Inc., Alpharetta, GA 

KBH Industrial, Smyrna, GA 

Kempt Men’s Shop, Athens, GA 

Kingfish Pest Control, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 

King’s Hometown Pharmacy, Blairsville, GA 

Lake Pine Animal Hospital, Apex, NC 

LiteWorks Window & Door, Marietta, GA 

Marlin Construction Partners Inc., Lake City, FL 

Martin CPA, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 

Milestone Construction, LLC, Athens, GA 

Moore Civil Consulting Inc., Perry, GA 

Morris Hardwood Distribution, Savannah, GA 

Murray Osorio, PLLC, Fairfax, VA 

Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers, Augusta, GA 

NXG Studio, North Palm Beach, FL 

Onward Reserve, Atlanta, GA 

Pace Lighting & Home, Savannah, GA 

Pandev Law, LLC, New York, NY 

Pathwise CPA Group, Watkinsville, GA 

Puppy Haven, Sandy Springs, GA 

Rebel Raw, Atlanta, GA 

risk3sixty, Roswell, GA 

Roam, Atlanta, GA 

Root Design Studio, Atlanta, GA 

Ross Drug, Sylvania, GA 

Rugged Road Outdoors, Norcross, GA 

Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, GA 

Savannah Drywall Supply, Pooler, GA 

Scott Construction, LLC, Macon, GA 

SDA CPA Group, P.C., Dunwoody, GA 

ServeScape, Chamblee, GA 

Shuma Sports, Lawrenceville, GA 

Siegel Construction & Design, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

SlicedHealth, Woodstock, GA 

Southeast Aquariums, Buford, GA 

Southeastern Consulting Services Inc., Monticello, GA 

Southern Commercial Roof Tech, LLC, Norcross, GA 

Southern Reins Logistics, LLC, Alpharetta, GA 

Stable Kernel, Atlanta, GA 

Stable Waters Financial, Athens, GA 

Surcheros Fresh Mex, Alpharetta, GA 

SynerGrx, Atlanta, GA 

Telecom Innovations, Athens, GA 

teXga Farms, Clarkesville, GA 

The Barnes Law Office, LLC, Atlanta, GA 

The Live Oak Insurance Agency, Saint Simons Island, GA 

The Sign Brothers, Bogart, GA 

Tioga Capital, Atlanta, GA 

Translation Station, Atlanta, GA 

Whitmire Animal Hospital, Dawsonville, GA 

WinGen By Swordpoint Services, Atlanta, GA 

Womack Custom Homes, Cartersville, GA 

Yancey Wire & Cable, Fairburn, GA 

Yonder Yoga, Atlanta, GA 

Each year, Bulldog 100 applicants are measured by their business’ compounded annual growth rate during a three-year period. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009, verified the information submitted by each company. 

“These alumni represent the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that is intrinsic to every Georgia Bulldog,” said Adam Roell, executive director of alumni relations at UGA. “We are so proud to celebrate all their hard work and to honor them as leaders and innovators of their industries.” 

The university will host the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration in Athens on Feb. 21, 2025, to celebrate these alumni business leaders and count down the ranked list to reveal the No. 1 fastest-growing business.  

‘Circles of Success’ empower students and alumni

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Midway through their first mentorship meeting, Sidi Ndiaye ’25 and Lindsay Ayers (BBA ’15) were both surprised at what they heard. 

“Our first meeting via Zoom was unexpectedly impactful. Hearing Lindsay share her similar journey — starting with an interest in medicine, but shifting to the healthcare business side while longing to find that balance — motivated me to fully embrace the experience,” said Sidi, a fourth year psychology student. 

“During our first meeting, I shared my experiences and insights from the health care industry. One student said, ‘Wow, that’s exactly the type of information I need to hear, I didn’t even know I needed to hear that!’” said Lindsay. “Moments like these remind me that the lessons I’m still learning can set someone up for success before they even step into the field.”  

Sidi and Lindsay are both participants in the UGA Mentor Program’s inaugural Circle of Success, with Lindsay serving as a mentor to Sidi, one of three mentees in the circle. Their relationship has blossomed through the program, leading to personal and professional growth for both as they explore their careers. 

Sidi and Lindsay meet via zoom.

Sidi and Lindsay meet via Zoom. (Photo: Submitted)

Circles of Success are a new, additional mentorship approach within the UGA Mentor Program. Unlike traditional one-on-one mentoring, this approach enables students to join a group led by a matched mentor. This model fosters collaborative learning and networking, connecting individuals like Sidi to peers and professionals who share similar interests and goals. 

Currently, there are 18 active circles supporting 75 students, with additional mentors ready to start new circles in January. 

“Group mentoring allows students to discover questions they didn’t know they needed to ask and gain insights they might not have considered alone,” said Lindsay. “In a less intimidating environment, they can learn alongside peers, realizing they’re not alone in their uncertainties.” 

“Even during my time at UGA, I’ve had a couple of mentors, but a program like this is incredibly valuable, as the individual expertise of these professionals creates a great opportunity to maximize your potential,” said Sidi. 

The UGA Mentor Program is a digital platform that facilitates mentoring relationships between students and UGA mentors — faculty, staff, and alumni. The program’s vision is for every UGA student to have a mentor before graduating, so they are focused on meeting students where they are, fostering inclusivity, and making mentorship an integral part of the student experience. Mentors participate as volunteers, driven by a genuine desire to give back. 

“She’s only here to help, and when you have that support in your life, why not use it?” said Sidi. 

“Mentors are not here out of obligation; they choose to be here because they genuinely want to help. Having once been in your shoes, they are excited to see you grow and succeed,” said Lindsay. 

Lead a circle by joining the UGA Mentor Program today

History of the Rivalry: Tennessee

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Larry Munson is one of the all-time greats in college football commentating, and his legendary career covering the Georgia Bulldogs—from 1966 to 2008—made him as central to UGA’s football history as Vince Dooley. Munson’s highlight reel spans decades and includes dozens of teams, but two of his most legendary calls signaled the start of new eras of Georgia football. And they came against the same opponent: Tennessee.

Munson’s calls made those games legendary, but even without a freshman “running over people” or a “hobnail boot,” games in the Georgia-Tennessee series were destined to have iconic moments. After all, we’re talking about the second and third winningest football programs in SEC history.

A Coronation in Knoxville

Perhaps the strangest thing about this rivalry is that, despite having played each other since 1899, despite being founding members of the Southeastern Conference and despite the schools’ campuses being separated by less than 150 miles, the Dawgs and the Vols have only met 53 times. Compare that to Georgia and Auburn, who started playing each other in 1892, but have met 129 times.

By 1980, the Bulldogs and Volunteers had only met 17 times, with Tennessee holding a one-game lead in the rivalry: 8-7-2. Georgia went to Knoxville to open the 1980 season, and the hopes they had to tie the series faded quickly. The Dawgs found themselves down 9-0 quickly, and their offense couldn’t sustain a drive. Vince Dooley knew his team of upperclassmen was strong at a number of positions, but tailback wasn’t one of them, and the early results here had proven that. So, he made a change.

The impact of that decision wouldn’t become clear until the second half, when Tennessee extended their lead to 15. No one knew it then, but that was the end of their scoring, and the beginning of Georgia’s season. Freshman Herschel Walker, who had spent the second quarter feeling out the defense and getting up to game speed, broke out in the second half and announced himself to the world with the Bulldogs’ first touchdown of 1980, immortalized by Larry Munson.

A safety and another Herschel touchdown later, UGA stunned the Knoxville crowd, pulled even in the series with the Vols and began their march to a national championship.

11 years, 11 points and a lot of praying

In 2000, Jim Donnan was in his fifth season as UGA head coach and in the proverbial hot seat. At most schools, a record of 32-15 doesn’t put you in trouble. But at Georgia, when that 32-15 contains a 5-11 record against Florida, Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia Tech, your record against everybody else means a lot less. Nevertheless, UGA started the 2000 season with a 3-1 record heading into a home game against Tennessee, who owned a nine-game winning streak over the Dawgs.

Tennessee was 2-2, with losses to No. 6 Florida and an unranked LSU team. This was out of character for the Vols, who were just two years removed from a national championship, and their ranking tumbled to 21. Still, they had no fear of the No. 19 Bulldogs. After spending nearly every year of the ’90s beating Georgia, why would they?

They found the why by halftime, when Georgia took a 7-3 lead into the locker room thanks to a stifling defense. After the half, Tennessee scored to take the lead, 10-7. But Georgia answered with a Jasper Sanks rushing TD, then ended the discussion in the fourth quarter with a Musa Smith touchdown and Tim Wansley’s second interception of the day with less than two minutes remaining.

The feeling of impending victory over the Vols, foreign to Bulldog fans for over a decade, was too much for many in attendance. The raucous crowd began to spill onto the field after the game-sealing interception, and play had to be halted until the crowd could be removed.  Security kept the fans under control until the final whistle.

It was dramatic, it ended Tennessee’s dominance over UGA and it marked the only time the goal posts were torn down in Sanford Stadium’s history. But many may not remember this game, because by season’s end, there was much more this game did NOT do than what it did do. It did not spark a magical season for the Dawgs. It did not save Jim Donnan’s job. It did not herald the arrival of a new era.

Bulldog fans would have to wait a year for that.

“Another Hobnail Boot?”

Mark Richt’s tenure at Georgia wouldn’t be quite as dominant as the Tennessee streak that preceded him, but he certainly leveled out the rivalry before his 2015 departure. Richt went 10-5 against the Vols from 2001 – 2015, bringing the all-time series record to 21 Georgia wins, 22 Tennessee wins, and 2 ties.

When Kirby Smart arrived in Athens, Knoxville had been in disarray for some time. Lane Kiffin’s ignominious midnight exit, Derek Dooley’s poor results and Butch Jones’ big game struggles all kept the Vols from coming close to their former glory. But in 2016, Tennessee was fresh off a bowl win over the No. 12 Northwestern Wildcats, they had brought in a top-20 recruiting class, and it looked as if they might finally be pulling things together.

They were 4-0 coming into a week 5 game in Athens, including a win over No. 19 Florida the week before. Georgia was 3-1 and had just been blown out by Ole Miss, a loss that nearly saw them fall from the top 25.

Smart had prepared his team well, taking a 17-7 lead into halftime. But in the second half, the Volunteers outscored the Dawgs 21-7. After multiple miscues, Georgia finally managed to string together a drive as the final minute wound down, and with 10 seconds left, down 28-24, Jacob Eason found Riley Ridley for a 47-yard touchdown pass that gave the Bulldogs the lead.

A short kickoff was returned by Tennessee to midfield, and with four seconds left, the Vols turned a heart-stopping Georgia win into a heartbreaking loss.

This one stung for Georgia fans, and it stung even more when Tennessee rattled off three consecutive losses after this: No. 8 Texas A&M, No. 1 Alabama, and unranked South Carolina, who Georgia would beat in week 6.

That sting lasted exactly one year. Because in 2017 — and every year since — the Bulldogs beat the Volunteers. We are in the midst of Georgia’s longest winning streak in the history of the rivalry, which now stands at 28-23-2 in the Bulldogs’ favor.

So, if we understand a “Hobnail Boot” play to be one that signifies a dramatic, come-from-behind game-winner that ushers in a changing of the guard, then when Gary Danielson called Tennessee’s 2016 Hail Mary “another Hobnail Boot,” he did Mr. Munson a great, great disservice.

Today, Josh Heupel is the Volunteers’ head coach, Tennessee’s sixth in 15 years, and national spotlights are shining on our contests once again. For now, the Bulldogs maintain a firm grip on the series, but the Vols have become national contenders, so we are surely in for a heavyweight bout.

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Tasty Tailgate: The Spotted Trotter Hot Dogs and Sandwich

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Crafting the ultimate game day lunch starts with sourcing top-notch ingredients. Once you’ve got that, you’re all set to amp up your tailgate with this tasty recipe!

Today’s recipe comes from husband-and-wife duo, Kevin (ABJ ’04) and Megan (BBA ’02, JD ’05) Ouzts. They are the proud founders of The Spotted Trotter, a USDA-certified charcuterie and butcher shop in Atlanta, GA. They take pride in providing products that are priced right and sustainable with good, quality taste.

Spotted Trotter Hot Dogs

In 2023, The Spotted Trotter took home two awards from the Good Food Awards for their uniquely crafted salami. Their Coppa received a finalist award, while the Georgia Blue Cheese Salami won the Good Food Award. The Spotted Trotter has also been recognized as a Bulldog 100 honoree five times! 

Spotted Trotter Hot Dogs 

Jalapeno CheddarWurst:

  • Grilled jalapeño cheddar hot dog sausage (we recommend The Spotted Trotter’s Jalapeño Cheddar Dogs)
  • Fresh hot dog bun
  • Sauerkraut
  • Mustard

The Classic:

  • Hotdog sausage (we recommend The Spotted Trotter’s Original Hotdogs)
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard

A Fresh Twist:

  • Option 1:
    • Beef hotdog sausage
    • Fresh pico de gallo
  • Option 2:
    • Beef hotdog sausage
    • Sliced onions
    • Pickles

The Real Gameday Deal:

  • Jalapeño cheddar hot dog sausage
  • Sliced cheese
  • Fresh queso

Spotted Trotter Hero Sandwich 

  • Salami, thinly sliced (we recommend The Spotted Trotter’s Finocchiona Salami)
  • Ham, thinly sliced (we recommend The Spotted Trotter’s Rosemary Ham)
  • Pepperoni, thinly sliced
  • Fresh French bread
  • Mayo
  • Provolone
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Mama Lil’s peppers
  • Oil
  • Vinegar

The Spotted Trotter Sandwich

Pair any of these meals with kettle cooked chips and your drink of choice for the perfect game day lunch. Find out more about The Spotted Trotter at https://www.thespottedtrotter.com/

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