UGA Unveils State-of-the-Art Poultry Science Building

ATHENS, GA - The University of Georgia (UGA) has officially opened its new $54.1 million, five-story state-of-the-art Poultry Science Building, which promises to revolutionize the industry with innovative research and education facilities.

Located on UGA's main campus, the new building is a significant upgrade from the department's original facility that was built over half a century ago. Designed to address the complex issues facing the poultry sector, the new building houses six thematic areas for faculty and researchers, offering students a more robust experience in gaining different research perspectives.

The state-of-the-art facilities include massive, modular classrooms, student innovation spaces, and research labs designed to promote hands-on education. A basement facility on site allows students to care for a variety of chicks and hens, while the building's exterior features local, chic farm art that reflects the industry.

"This new building represents the pinnacle of our department's success," said Todd Applegate, chair of Poultry Science. "The design is tailored to support research and education needs, providing an ideal setting for our students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and make groundbreaking discoveries."

Associate Professor Andrew Benson is excited about the potential of his courses now in the new building. Benson aims to show students the real-world implications of their studies, highlighting the impact that poultry science has on the food we eat.

"We wouldn't be able to have a Chick-fil-A sandwich for under $9.50 if we didn’t make progress in our departments," he said. "This new building provides a platform for our research and education program to thrive."

Benson's work focuses on fertility improvements, which have enabled farmers to significantly increase the number of healthy chickens hatched and raised for the poultry industry.

The presence of such esteemed alumni as Sarah Beth Kersey, who currently serves as a communications and outreach specialist for the department, underscores the growing importance of community engagement in the poultry science field. Their involvement helps spread knowledge about poultry science beyond the University walls to future generations.

Associate Professor Brian Kiepper is also optimistic about the new building's potential to shape the next generation of poultry scientists. In his "First-Year Odyssey Seminar," students will prepare and cook their own meals from scratch, fostering a deeper understanding of farm-to-table concepts.

The new Poultry Science Building marks another milestone in UGA's long history of pushing the boundaries of poultry science research and education, solidifying its commitment to innovation and excellence.