A Look Back at 2025
Record-breaking fundraising, long-term projects realized, and unprecedented growth and impact: Even amid change and challenges, Georgia Tech has had another year of growth, success, and opportunity.
Take a look back at some of the most widely read stories and highlights from the past year on campus.
Recognition in Rankings
Year after year, Georgia Tech continues to be recognized for its prestige and value. This year, Tech was ranked No. 1 in the country in numerous disciplines, was again named a “New Ivy” by Forbes, performed well in graduate rankings, and earned high marks for best value and interdisciplinary research.
Leading-Edge Research
Georgia Tech launched two new Interdisciplinary Research Institutes this year, focused on neuroscience and space. It also received $40 million to advance cell therapy research and $20 million to build Nexus, a new AI supercomputer. The year was the strongest ever in research commercialization, breaking multiple records for invention disclosures, issued patents, and licensed technologies.
A Historic Fundraising Year
Georgia Tech had the most successful fundraising year in its history, raising nearly $300 million in philanthropic support in fiscal year 2025. The year was also marked by a legacy donation of $100 million from John Durstine for mechanical engineering and $10 million from John T. Martinson for the Honors Program.
Sustained Growth and Impact
Georgia Tech experienced the most growth of any University System of Georgia school this year, with an 11.4% increase from last spring. The Institute also set a record for state economic impact at $5.8 billion.
Campus Projects Realized
Several long-term projects came to fruition, including the Pathway of Progress, cycle track, and Aircraft Prototyping Lab. The Creative Quarter is taking shape and hosted its first exhibit in October.
Advancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The relaunch of The Biltmore as an entrepreneurial space is a pillar of Tech’s efforts to make Atlanta a top-five tech hub. It was complemented by Velocity Startups moving in and by Chris Klaus providing incorporation funding for all interested 2025 Georgia Tech graduates.
New Leaders In Place
Units across campus saw new leadership this year. Some faces were familiar, while others were new to Georgia Tech. The Office of Development, the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, Research, Administration and Finance, the College of Lifetime Learning, Athletics, and Academic Affairs all welcomed new leadership in 2025.
Big Bets Continue
During his 2025 Institute Address, President Ángel Cabrera discussed how record enrollment, campaign fundraising, and research expenditures have positioned Georgia Tech ahead of schedule on the strategic plan that runs through 2030.
A Named School
Following the death of President Jimmy Carter in December 2024, Georgia Tech announced plans in April to name its School of Public Policy for the former president and alumnus. The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy hosted a celebration in November, which also served to celebrate the newly renovated D.M. Smith Building.
35 Years of Georgia Tech-Europe
In June, Georgia Tech-Europe celebrated 35 years as a hub for international learning and collaboration and announced plans to expand capacity to serve even more students. The anniversary was complemented by a celebration in the fall of 30 years of international education.
New Academic Programs
Georgia Tech’s academic offerings continue to evolve. New programs this year include minors in astrobiology; business, sports, and entertainment; and sustainable business. New bachelor's degrees are in the works for mathematics and computing; urban planning and spatial analytics; and arts, entertainment, and creative technologies.
On-Field Success
Football closed the regular season ranked No. 22 in the country, the first time since 2014 that the team has been in the top 25 in final rankings. On Saturday, Dec. 27, the Yellow Jackets will play Brigham Young University in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Volleyball made it to the NCAA tournament for the sixth straight year. Cross country and softball made it to the NCAA regionals. New coaches took the helm for baseball, women’s basketball, and golf following the retirement of several legendary coaches, including Nell Fortner, Danny Hall, and Bruce Heppler.