2023: A Year in ReviewShare this page
Season’s greetings from the University of West Georgia! At midnight on Jan. 1, we’ll say hello to 2024. But before the current year draws to a close, it is important to look back and recognize the incredible accomplishments achieved in the name of curating a first-choice university.
Here are 10 defining moments at the University of West Georgia from 2023.
Enjoy a safe, happy holiday, and best wishes for a prosperous new year. Go West, and Go Wolves!
![UWG Wolves basketball](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-DI.jpg)
We Are One: UWG Athletics to Transition to NCAA Division I
UWG announced it will elevate to join NCAA Division I Athletics as a member of the ASUN Conference, effective July 1, 2024, reinforcing a commitment to the pursuit of excellence and allowing student-athletes to compete at the highest level of collegiate sports.
![UWG Wolves cheerleaders and fans celebrate](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-enrollment.jpg)
Retention, Graduate Students Lead UWG to 7.2% Enrollment Increase
Numbers released by the University System of Georgia show the University of West Georgia added more than 850 Wolves to its enrollment over the past year, an increase of 7.2 percent and bringing its Fall 2023 total to 12,769 students.
![UWG President Brendan Kelly with honorary degree recipient and musician Zac Brown](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-brown.jpg)
Home Grown: University of West Georgia Awards Honorary Degree to Zac Brown
During its spring Commencement ceremonies, UWG awarded an honorary degree to Zac Brown, the internationally renowned musician, singer-songwriter, and founder and lead singer of the Zac Brown Band.
![UWG President Dr. Brendan Kelly speaks at the 2023 Presidential Gala](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-fundraising.jpg)
With overwhelming support from its dedicated community of donors and alumni, UWG raised more than $16,076,000 from July 1, 2022, through June 2023, while also increasing the number of donors by 54 percent and the number of gifts by 7 percent over the previous fiscal year.
![Two UWG students laughing outside](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-savings.jpg)
UWG’s Commitment to Affordable Learning Saved Students More than $40M
A recent study conducted over a span of 11 years found that UWG saved students more than $40 million by intentionally offering more online tools and faculty making conscientious choices to select textbooks and materials with cost sensitivity in mind.
![UWG student working at a computer. Photo has Go West/UWG and Great Point Studios logos on it.](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-studios.jpg)
UWG Partners with Great Point Studios for Experiential Learning Opportunities
UWG and Great Point Studios announced the signing of a groundbreaking partnership – solidifying their commitment to advancing film, media and computing education in the region – that aims to provide unparalleled experiential learning opportunities, expand academic programs and boost economic development for the local community.
![Rusty West '88 and Mitchell Clifton](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-clifton.jpg)
The Mitchell H. Clifton Computing Center – named by UWG alumnus Rusty West ’88 in honor of his faculty mentor and professor emeritus Mitchell Clifton – opened with a modernized design and improved technological capabilities to provide students in the College of Arts, Culture and Scientific Inquiry with a first-choice university experience.
![A group of people at a ribbon cutting at UWG Newnan](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-newnan.jpg)
UWG Newnan Cuts Ribbon on Newly Renovated North Wing with Student-Centered Spaces
UWG officially opened the newly renovated North Wing of its Newnan Campus, responding to the needs and expectations of students who take classes at UWG Newnan.
![Members of UWG administration hold a big check](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-a-day.jpg)
UWG Raises Record-Breaking $2.1 Million in 41st A Day
The University of West Georgia celebrated its 41st annual A Day to Give West with a remarkable achievement, raising $2,094,075 to support UWG in curating a first-choice university.
![Carrollton Mayor Betty Cason and UWG President Dr. Brendan Kelly](/assets/news/pics/around-campus/2023-year-in-review-maple.jpg)
UWG Partnering with Community and Business Leaders to Revitalize Maple Street Corridor
UWG continued to be proactive partners in the Maple Street Corridor project, which aims to enhance the lives of everyone at UWG by providing them with a vibrant connection to downtown Carrollton while redeveloping and revitalizing the street that fronts our main campus.