In 1801, classes finally began on a 633-acre tract of land near the Oconee River in Athens. This modest start laid the foundation for what would become a prestigious institution. The University of Georgia Alumni Society was organized in 1834, fostering a sense of community and continuity among graduates. The establishment of the law school in 1859, by leading attorneys Joseph Henry Lumpkin and Thomas R. Cobb, further solidified the university's academic stature. Initially connected to the university, the law school became an integral part of it post-Civil War.
The institution underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving identity. It was renamed Georgia State University in 1859 before finally becoming the University of Georgia in 1931. The following year, in 1932, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia was established as part of Governor Richard B. Russell’s state government reorganization, providing more structured oversight and governance.
Throughout its first century, the University of Georgia offered a traditional liberal-arts curriculum, with a student body of fewer than one hundred students. However, the mid-20th century saw substantial growth. By the early 1950s, enrollment surpassed 4,000 students. This expansion continued into the 1970s, with enrollment reaching approximately 21,000 students by 1970. Today, the University of Georgia stands as a testament to the enduring value of public higher education, evolving from its humble beginnings into a major academic institution.
Evolution of the University of Georgia: From Charter to Prominence
