Day 1 (Monday) of Dr. Caballero’s Excellent Adventure – Meets Uga; Wins Rock/Paper/Scissors Tourney

Today, we kicked off our UGA New Faculty tour with a visit to Dublin, GA, where we learned about UGA’s Small Business Development Center program as well as local health services the university supports. One highlight was the Fishers of Men program led by Dr. Henry Young, CoP Head of the Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Department, which was recognized by the community for its health impact.  Later, we toured UGA’s aquarium at Skidaway Island and explored how their team is contributing to the growth of oyster farming across the state. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many passionate faculty members who are deeply committed to improving the lives of Georgians. We have discussed research and personal interests and even unwinded a little with great local food, meeting Uga XI (Boom).  We also had a rock/paper/scissors tournament… I won!

Day 2 (Tuesday) of Dr. Caballero’s Excellent Adventure – 

Today was a full and exciting day of learning and discovery. We began with a tour of the Port of Savannah, which is one of the nation’s busiest and most efficient ports. From there, we traveled to Glennville, home of Georgia’s world-famous Vidalia onions, known for their distinctive, sweet flavor. A collaborative effort between UGA and Bland Farms led to the discovery that leaving the stem long during harvest helps protect the onions from disease and keeps them fresher for a longer period. In the afternoon, we visited UGA’s Tifton campus, where we explored innovative research aimed at developing improved turfgrass not just for home lawns, but for golf courses across the country (and our football field as well). We also observed Dr. Luan Oliveira’s cutting-edge research using drones and AI technology to reduce pesticide-use by precisely targeting infected areas in crop fields. We also explored how cotton is processed and how UGA serves to test and provide quality measures.  It was inspiring to see how UGA’s partnerships and research are making a real impact across agriculture, sustainability, and beyond in our great state.

Day 3 (Wednesday) of Dr. Caballero’s Excellent Adventure – 

Today’s journey led the group to Columbus, GA, for conversations with community leaders and stakeholders about UGA’s current and future partnerships in the region. After a scenic lunch along the Chattahoochee River, the tour continued to West Point for a behind-the-scenes look at KIA Georgia’s impressive production facility. Faculty witnessed the vehicle assembly line in action—where a new car rolls off the line every 51 seconds!

Today was a great blend of business and agriculture. We started the morning in Atlanta at the Terry College Executive Education Center, where we learned about the different MBA programs UGA offers—both for early-career professionals and those further along in their careers. It was eye-opening to see the breadth of opportunities available for leadership and professional growth within the university system. In the afternoon, we traded the city skyline for the rolling hills of Dahlonega. At Kaya Vineyards, we met with the owner to talk about their collaboration with UGA Extension. I was fascinated to learn how research and expertise from UGA help optimize grape production and harvest—proving that science and agriculture truly go hand in hand. We wrapped up the day continuing conversations with stakeholders across North Georgia about building and strengthening partnerships. Over the past few days, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my fellow faculty members—people from all corners of the university who share a passion for serving the state and its communities. Tomorrow, we head to Gainesville to learn about Georgia’s poultry industry, which plays a major role in the state’s economy. I’m looking forward to what promises to be another insightful day. Go Dawgs!