Frequently Asked Questions
It started with a simple question: “How do we — the University of Georgia — improve our capacity to respond to Georgia’s community and economic development needs?”
In January 2005, the Cooperative Extension Service hosted a two-day retreat facilitated by Public Service and Outreach faculty to talk about how that question could be answered. Attendees included representatives from Public Service and Outreach, Cooperative Extension, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and the Warnell School of Forest Resources. What emerged was “The Archway” concept, a new way to help Georgia communities solve problems by combining traditional extension activities with economic and community development services.
1. What is the “Archway Project”?
The Archway Project is designed as a new way to deliver a full range of University of Georgia resources to counties facing significant issues related to economic development. Available resources include those offered by UGA’s Public Service and Outreach and Cooperative Extension. In addition, other services will be accessible through the colleges, schools, institutes, and entities within the larger university setting. Moultrie/Colquitt County has been selected as the host community to test the concept. A pilot project is underway, which is designed to assist Southwest Georgia with its community and economic needs.
2. Why was the Archway Project started?
Part of UGA’s mission as a land-grant institution is to serve the people of the state. UGA’s Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach and Cooperative Extension are charged with fullfilling that mission for the university as a whole.
In 2004, both units evaluated how they deliver services and how they could improve their capacity to address Georgia’s community and economic development needs. What emerged was the idea of establishing an Archway county that would give citizens better access to all UGA’s resources, including those offered by Cooperative Extension.
3. How does it work?
Community leaders and citizens meet with UGA representatives and other partners to identify problems and see where UGA can help. A UGA faculty member knowledgeable in community and economic development staffs the Archway county’s office, the host county provides office space and teleconferencing support, and the local communities contribute funding and organizational support to establish and operate the Archway.
4. Who does it serve?
The Archway serves individuals, community organizations, business and industry, public-private partnerships, and government entities.
5. Who’s involved?
The Archway project is a collaborative partnership among:
- UGA’s Public Service & Outreach units, Cooperative Extension, schools, colleges, institutes, other entities; and
- Host communities, including local entities such as:
Development authorities;
Chambers of commerce;
City and county governments;
School systems;
Healthcare providers; and
Other community organizations.
The Archway also collaborates with state agencies and departments that play a key role in community and economic development activities, including:
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs;
- Georgia Department of Economic Development;
- Georgia Department of Labor;
- Georgia Department of Human Resources;
- Georgia Department of Technical & Adult Education; and
- Other state agencies and departments.
6. Will the Archway duplicate services offered by other state agencies or entities?
No. Archway project activities are designed to involve and include key partners, not to compete with or duplicate services offered by state agencies or entities. UGA collaborates with state agencies and entities to coordinate efforts and services.
7. How long will the pilot project last?
The pilot project in Moultrie/Colquitt County will last for two years. After that period, the intent is to establish a permanent office within the Moultrie/Colquitt County community that serves all of Southwest Georgia.
8. What are the future plans for the Archway?
The Archway pilot project in Moultrie/Colquitt County will provide critical information as to how UGA can better serve Georgians in fulfillment of its land-grant mission. Information and best practices developed within the context of the pilot project will provide guidance for development and expansion of the Archway concept.
9. Will there be other Archway projects?
Yes. Plans are underway to develop Archway communities across the state.
10. Is this a local or regional resource?
Currently, the Archway Project supports community and economic activities in Moultrie/Colquitt County. The project will progressively broaden its efforts and establish itself as a regional portal for accessing UGA resources.
11. Why is it called the Archway Project?
The arches are a readily recognized symbol of UGA’s teaching, research, and public service excellence. In establishing a portal for connectivity between UGA resources and the needs of Georgia citizens, the arches represent a strong visual symbol for effective, efficient, and ready access to UGA resources.
12. Who can I contact for more information?
W. Dennis Epps
Archway Project Coordinator
328 Hoke Smith Building
Athens, GA 30602-7504
T: 706-542-1098
F: 706-583-1083