As Vice President for Government Relations, it is my honor to welcome you to the University of Georgia’s Office of Government Relations.

Our office is entrusted with the responsibility of managing and strengthening the University’s relationships with officials at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as with the broader Athens-Clarke County community. Through strategic engagement and effective communication, we work to ensure that the University remains a trusted partner in public service and policy.

Since its inception as the birthplace of public higher education in the United States, UGA has depended on the steadfast support of our governmental leaders. This partnership has been instrumental in enabling the University to fulfill its land- and sea-grant mission of teaching, research, and service.

Today, as we confront the complex challenges facing our state, nation, and world, our commitment to fostering informed, productive relationships with public officials is more important than ever. Through these collaborations, we seek to advance the University’s strategic priorities and extend its impact for the benefit of all Georgians.

We invite you to contact our office should you require any assistance or wish to learn more about our work.

Go Dawgs!

Blake Raulerson,
Vice President for Government Relations

News & Announcements

Leaders from the University of Georgia and key supporters join for groundbreaking ceremony for the Gateway to the Garden entrance and parking expansion project. From left to right, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Director Jennifer Cruse-Sanders, Vice Provost for Academic and Community Engagement and Chief of Staff to the Provost Alton Standifer, UGA Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Elizabeth Weeks, Associate Provost for Global Engagement Martin Kagel, Vice President and Chief Resources Officer Juanita Hicks, Vice President for Instruction and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Planning Marisa Pagnattaro, Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Stacy Jones, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Benjamin C. Ayers, University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Board of Advisors member Amy Cowsert, Sen. Bill Cowsert, Rep. Houston Gaines, Chair of State Botanical Garden of Georgia Board of Advisors and UGA Foundation Trustee Natalie Schweers Coghill, Vice President for Government Relations Blake Raulerson. (Photo by Wingate Downs)
Undergraduate students studying on laptops at the Tate Student Center. (Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA)
Giovanna Palma and Emily Taylor check out a brochure featuring Hartwell, Georgia’s new community branding. The Terry College of Business ILA students were in Hartwell to present their marketing guidelines project for using the new community branding. (Photo by Cameron Pearce/UGA)