History

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia launched our nation’s great tradition of world-class education for all. As one of America’s “Public Ivies” and a top 10 best value in public higher education, the University of Georgia is home to the School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering – a school that is uniquely poised to tackle some of the world’s grand challenges—from combating infectious disease and developing advanced therapeutics to advancing biodegradable plastics and reducing global plastic pollution.

The University of Georgia (UGA) has continuously produced engineering graduates since the mid 1800’s with the first graduating in 1868. Over the past twenty years the University of Georgia has increased the breadth of its engineering programs. Sensing a growing statewide deficit of engineering talent, the University of Georgia approved the Faculty of Engineering in 2001 as a bridge toward a fully functional College of Engineering, which was approved in by the UGA University Council in April 2012.

In November 2016, the UGA University Council approved a proposal to reorganize the College of Engineering. The reorganization, implemented in January 2017, divided the college into three, interdisciplinary schools; the School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering. The School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (CMBE) is responsible for administering the biochemical engineering degree programs, as well as the biological / biomedical engineering degree programs at the BS, MS and PhD levels. Following a nationwide search, the Founding School Chair, Dr. James Warnock, was appointed in August 2017.

Vision

Within the next few years, the School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering will attain an international reputation as a thought leader in the industrialization of biology and biological systems. The faculty will have acclaimed expertise in bio-based manufacturing, renewable energy and chemicals, sustainable new materials and next-gen advanced therapeutics and medical devices. Students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels will receive a demanding, high quality education that emphasizes experiential learning and inter-disciplinarity.

Value Statements

1. The school will offer unique, inter-disciplinary degree programs.
2. The school will be a thought leader in developing creative solutions for human health and wellness and the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.
3. The school will foster a culture of innovation and research excellence.
4. The school will be characterized by its diverse, highly accomplished alumni.
5. The school will sustain a reputation for offering demanding, high quality programs.

The University of Georgia College of Engineering’s strategic plan, Engineering Compass, was developed collaboratively by faculty and staff over an approximately 15-month period beginning spring semester 2017 and concluding spring 2018.