University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education

As hosts of the HOST Summit and home to Hospitality and Food Industry Management Program’s hands-on learning hub, we’re proud to be at the center of Georgia's hospitality evolution.

From welcoming culinary icon Alton Brown to exploring innovation, data-driven decisions, and guest experience, one thing stood out: hospitality remains deeply human.

Thanks to our active collaboration with the HFIM Program, students enjoy real-world learning labs, industry connections, and experiential learning opportunities without leaving campus.

Learn more here: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/georgia-hospitality-and-travel-summit/

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉
We are so proud to celebrate your achievements and the hard work that brought you to this milestone. A special shout‑out to our incredible student workers - your dedication, professionalism, and passion make the Georgia Center a better place every day. We can’t wait to see where your next chapters lead. Go Dawgs! 🐾

We are proud to announce our two Luetrell G. Sims Scholarship Recipients: Million Yohannes and Bobby Gillespie! The Luetrell G. Sims Student Excellence Fund honors students, like Million and Bobby, who embody the hard-working spirit of Ms. Sims. Keep up the good work!

Your gift to the Luetrell G. Sims Student Excellence Fund helps set students up for success. Donate today at: https://gail.uga.edu/commit?des=71769633

The future of science and engineering is bright 💡✨
As the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) takes place next week, we’re proud to reflect on hosting the 78th Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. More than 600 middle and high school students shared their research, evaluated by 250+ volunteer judges.

Best of luck to the 37 outstanding students selected to represent Georgia at Regeneron ISEF in Phoenix, including four students advancing from GSEF and 33 from regional fairs across the state!

Last call! Final days to claim your seat.

If you work in market research, insights, analytics, or data – this is the professional development moment you've been waiting for.

Evolving Methods, Evolving Roles: Thriving in the New Era of Insights and Research starts on May 6, and registration closes very soon.

Here's everything you need to know:

Self-paced online access: May 6 – June 17

Live sessions with Niels Neudecker, PhD: May 20 & 21 – 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM ET

$700 standard rate

Earn 1.7 UGA CEUs + a Digital Badge upon completion

This is your chance to stay current, build confidence with emerging tools, and show up as the strategic partner your organization needs.

Don't miss it! Register now: https://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/professional-programs/evolving-methods-evolving-roles-thriving-in-the-new-era-of-insights-and-research/

From classroom to career! The Georgia Center serves as a hands-on learning lab for Hospitality and Food Industry Management (HFIM) students, where real-world experience comes to life. Recently, HFIM student interns showcased their skills through capstone presentations in this dynamic learning environment.

Donate today to support the construction of teaching spaces, including a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, an events lab, and a beverage management lab. Your gift expands experiential learning opportunities for UGA students, and every contribution counts. Give today! https://gail.uga.edu/commit?des=90747000

Happy Earth Day! Nothing beats fresh air, spring sunshine, and foxgloves in full bloom here at the Georgia Center.

Feeling like the research industry is changing faster than you can keep up?

You're not alone – and that's exactly why this course exists.

Evolving Methods, Evolving Roles (offered through UGA and MRII) is designed to help insights professionals at every career stage feel confident in a world of rapid change. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll explore:

How generative AI and augmented AI are reshaping research design

Behavioral economics and neuroscience as emerging research tools

How to integrate behavioral (big data) and attitudinal data

Ethical best practices and data privacy in the AI era

How to evolve from insight provider to strategic advisor

And you'll get live online time with instructor Niels Neudecker, PhD, during the 2-day synchronous sessions. Not just theory; real practice.

Course access starts May 6. Live-online sessions May 20 & 21.

Tag a colleague who needs this! https://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/professional-programs/evolving-methods-evolving-roles-thriving-in-the-new-era-of-insights-and-research/

Congratulations to Riya Pandya, UGA's 2026 Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year!

We are so proud to celebrate one of our own. Riya has been a student worker in the Georgia Center's Continuing Education division for 4 years, spending 3 of those summers as an integral part of our Summer Academy team. What started as a counselor role quickly evolved into so much more, as Riya rose to Residential Supervisor and took on responsibilities that went far beyond what any typical student worker is asked to do.

During her time here, Riya designed and delivered programming for over 1,000 campers, supervised and mentored 15 to 20 student workers each summer, established a new operational standard for our Summer Academy camps that continues to this day, and ensured the safety and well-being of every person in her care.

Riya leads with professionalism, warmth, and an extraordinary sense of responsibility. She is the very definition of a true leader.

On April 8th, the University of Georgia recognized what we have always known: Riya Pandya is exceptional. Please join us in congratulating her on this incredible, well-deserved honor.

We’re also proud to share that two more of our student workers, Riley Godfrey and Mary Evans Bucko, were recognized among the University of Georgia’s top 100 undergraduate student workers. With nearly 200 student workers supporting teams across our different divisions, it means a great deal to see their hard work and dedication celebrated in this way.