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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Athens, GA

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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Insurance Agency in Athens, GA You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Athens, GA

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

Truck Insurance Athens, GA

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

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Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Athens, GA

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Athens, GA

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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Trucking Insurance Athens, GA

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Athens, GA

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

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Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Athens, GA

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Athens, GA phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Athens, GA phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

Truck Insurance Athens, GA phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Athens, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

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Trucking Insurance Athens, GA

Latest News in Athens, GA

Here's why two-time Masters champ Bubba Watson made a trip to Athens with a UGA connection

Bubba Watson slipped into a couple of green jackets in Augusta as Masters champion and returns to Athens on occasion for ...

Bubba Watson slipped into a couple of green jackets in Augusta as Masters champion and returns to Athens on occasion for Georgia football and basketball games.

So what brought the former Bulldog golfer back to the area last week?

He teased a new golf course on the horizon “The Rose,” on his social media accounts.

You might have been thinking, ‘What’s that all about?’

It’s a planned 200 to 300 invitation-only 18-hole golf club that will be built on 588 acres in Hull, less than 15 minutes from downtown Athens. It will be ready to open by late 2026. Unconnected to the course on the tract will be 147 homes.

More:After Brian Harman's British Open win, which former UGA golfer could be next major champ?

More:Retired UGA mascot Uga X, known as Que, dies

It all sprung from an idea of Watson’s Georgia teammate, Nick Cassini, and his brother Dimitri who are developers on the project and have their own development company, Cassini Holdings.

It received approval from the Madison County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 8.

“It’s all centered around creating an amazing golf experience, an amazing golf course,” Nick Cassini told the Athens Banner-Herald. “It’s a collective group that has a ton of experience. Our founders are members of many, many clubs around the country so we’re sort of bringing some of the best aspects of all those clubs into this one.”

Watson, among those who left the PGA Tour for the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Tour, joined UGA golf coach Chris Haack and Cassini last week along with Georgia golf alums Brendon Todd, David Denham and current assistant coach Mookie DeMoss to walk the site on what was a cold day.

Watson and Cassini were teammates in 2000-2001 who traveled together when they played on what’s now the Korn Ferry Tour.

“When I called Bubba up and told him about this, he immediately was excited about it,” said Nick Cassini who’s been friends with Watson since they were 12. “He saw it as a way to give back to the game, to the University of Georgia and with Athens and to really connect more with Athens and the school again. When we got approval, he wanted to come see the property.”

Watson, Todd and Athens resident and recent PGA Tour winner Chris Kirk are among those who will be founding members. They could have input into hole design, Haack said.

Haack said it could compare to high-end, private clubs Ohoopee in Cobbtown or Congaree near Ridgeland, S.C.

“Just something different for Athens,” he said.

A “well-renowned” golf architect will be hired as well as a clubhouse architect and announced in the coming weeks, Cassini said, “but we’ll have Tour guys eyeballs on the golf course as well which will be great and add something to it. Our goal is to create a world class golf club.”

Matt Coutu, brother of former Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu, is a partner in the project and owns Woodland Assets which works with the Cassinis. He told the Madison County Board of Commissioners that the project on Howard Road underwent five revisions before approval.

It includes a private dining facility, swimming pool, locker room, spa and driving range. He told the board that cottages would start at about $550,000 and community lots from $800,000 to more than $1 million.

Haack said it took about 15 minutes to get from the UGA golf course to where the new course will be.

The plan is for Georgia’s golf teams—both the men and the women—to be able to use the course.

“They still have a huge interest in the program and think this will be a great place for our guys to play and practice,” Haack said. “Their anticipation on it is they’re going to keep it at really top notch, peak condition and make it a destination place that a lot of guys are going to want to come play. For us to have access to it, would be a huge feather in our cap.”

Even though the club will be for members and their guests, the plan is to host a Madison County Chamber of Commerce tournament, charity and amateur events. The Madison County High School golf team, which does not have a home course in the county, will be able to practice some there and host a match.

“We want to be inclusive and really integrated into the community,” Cassini said.

Cassini envisions fast greens and a track that would be around 7,400 yards from the back tees that will be ready for any level of golfer to enjoy.

“It will be a firm, fast golf course, a little bit more American links style,” he said. “Natural topography. A lot of long views. It’s going to be something a little bit different than what’s in the area at this point. When I say area, not just the Athens area, but the Atlanta metro area.”

Athens restaurant roundup: Easter menu at Lindsey’s Culinary Market, Chick-fil-A ‘Chick-n-Minis’ available until afternoon on Saturdays and more

March Madness, outdoor-patio weather and Easter celebrations are commencing in Athens. With that, restaurants are taking note and curating springy menu items, unbeatable deals and more. Check it all out in this week’s restaurant roundup. Sunroof Coffee now has insulated travel mugs from MiiR available for purchase. If you buy one, you will receive $1 off every time you bring it into the shop to fill it up.The start of spring means that Easter is on its way, and Lindsey’s released three different Easter menu...

March Madness, outdoor-patio weather and Easter celebrations are commencing in Athens. With that, restaurants are taking note and curating springy menu items, unbeatable deals and more. Check it all out in this week’s restaurant roundup.

Sunroof Coffee now has insulated travel mugs from MiiR available for purchase. If you buy one, you will receive $1 off every time you bring it into the shop to fill it up.

The start of spring means that Easter is on its way, and Lindsey’s released three different Easter menus in preparation for the Easter Bunny’s favorite holiday.

The first menu consists of a slow roasted lamb leg with sides of Moroccan couscous and balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts with pancetta. The second menu includes a whole salmon filet with lemon-dill créme fraîche and sides of grilled asparagus with tomato caper relish and southern creamed rice with mushrooms and zucchini. The third menu consists of bone-in pork roast with chimichurri sauce and sides of wild rice with prosciutto and pineapple dressing.

Extra dishes include deviled eggs, a spring salad with fruits and vegetables and “Cioppino,” a San Francisco seafood stew. Dessert includes carrot cake, lemon cheesecake and strawberry shortbread.

To order, you can either call Lindsey’s or direct message its account on Instagram.

Normaltown Brewing has a new sour beer consisting of passionfruit, lime, raspberry and a small amount of lactose.

Crumbl Cookies is offering “Game Day Catering Bundles” for your March Madness watch parties. The bundle includes 27 frosting colors fitted for your preferred teams and two cookie flavors to choose from. You can order the catering selection on the Crumbl app, online or over the phone.

Also, Crumbl’s newest addition to this week’s cookie lineup is “Raspberry Danish,” a danish-inspired cookie baked with a cream cheese topping and finished with raspberry jam and a drizzle of frosting.

On Friday, March 22, Andy’s West Broad Street location is offering $1 regular sized one-topping sundaes all day in celebration of the start of spring.

Emmy Squared released that its new brunch service is coming soon, according to its Instagram.

On Sunday, March 24, Puma Yu’s is collaborating with The Plate Sale for its monthly Supper Club. The event will consist of a six-course tasting menu with optional add-ons and a food menu curated by owner Pete Amadhanirundr and Mike Sheats. There will also be a specially crafted drink menu by co-owner Ally Smith and Shyretha Sheats, featuring Seeker’s Gin.

Tickets are $100 per person, and do not include beverages. An a la carte beverage menu will be offered.

In other news, Puma Yu’s also has a new curry on its menu: “Duck Hung Lay.” This dish is a classic Thai and Burmese curry that is filled with ginger and spices and topped with pickled garlic. According to Puma Yu’s Instagram, it is a “perfect” balance of sweet and spicy and pairs well with a high acid wine.

On Saturday, March 30, Wing House Grill is having its grand opening in Watkinsville. The celebration will conclude with live music by Brandon Sears Band, a local music group, at 7 p.m.

On Thursday and Friday this week, Paloma Park will be open from noon to 5 p.m. to stream the March Madness basketball games. During that time, there will be happy hour pitchers for $6 and all-you-can-eat wings for $25.

On Thursday, there will be free live music performed by The Barons at 8 p.m. On Friday, it will close at 6 p.m. for a private event, according to its Instagram.

Chick-fil-A is ringing in the spring with an exciting change to its breakfast menu. For the duration of the spring, “Chick-n-Minis” will now be available every Saturday until 2 p.m.

In addition to this, the Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway has chicken tortilla soup available now until April 1, according to its Instagram.

Taqueria Del Sol is offering its limited-time-offer cheeseburger taco all month long. The taco features a mixture of ground beef, spices and jalapeños, served with lettuce, tomato, cheese dip and lime jalapeño mayonnaise in a flour tortilla.

March is National Nutrition Month, and UGA Dining Services is inviting students to join its Nutrition Services team for a free workshop series on nutrition and meal prep.

In this workshop, students will learn how to make their own salad dressing, bread, pasta and more. They will also be able to talk with nutrition experts while enjoying a meal.

Registration is first come first served and is only available for those with a dining services plan. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays at Oglethorpe Dining Commons, from 4 to 5 p.m.

The remaining session dates are March 27, April 3 and April 10. Students can register for this workshop at this link.

On Saturday, March 23, Franny’s Farmacy Athens and Aubrey Entertainment are teaming up to host their 4th annual “Franniversary,” a family-friendly anniversary celebration at Terrapin Beer Co.

Doors open at 1 p.m., and the event will include vendors, food and musical performances beginning at 2 p.m. by Cosmic Charlie, That’s Rad, Wonderland Rangers and more.

Tickets can be purchased at this link. Early Bird tickets start at $15, and kids 12 and under can attend for free. Proceeds from the event will go to Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit organization in Athens whose mission is to prevent suicide.

Molly’s Coffee now has something special for book lovers. It added a “Little Free Library” outside its doors. “Little Free Library” is a nonprofit that builds a community of readers and expands book access through book sharing boxes. Customers are encouraged to share their favorite books with the Molly’s community next time they visit.

Clarification: This article has been updated in the UGA Dining Services section to include that the workshop series is only available for those with a dining services plan.

Georgia Welcomes Nation’s Best to Athens for NCAA Championships

ATHENS, Ga. – For the third time in program history, the University of Georgia women's swimming and diving team plays host to the nation's best swimmers and divers as it hosts the 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving Championships, running from March 20-23 at the Bauerle Pool at Gabrielsen Natatorium.This year's meet returns the national championships for the Classic City for the first time since 2006, when Georgia narrowly missed out on a title with a second-place finish. The Bulldogs won the firs...

ATHENS, Ga. – For the third time in program history, the University of Georgia women's swimming and diving team plays host to the nation's best swimmers and divers as it hosts the 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving Championships, running from March 20-23 at the Bauerle Pool at Gabrielsen Natatorium.

This year's meet returns the national championships for the Classic City for the first time since 2006, when Georgia narrowly missed out on a title with a second-place finish. The Bulldogs won the first of seven national championships in 1999 at Gabrielsen, with Wednesday marking the 25th anniversary of the clinching day. The natatorium also hosted the men's championships in 2002 and was scheduled to host women's in 2020 before the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meet opens in earnest on Wednesday with the 200y medley relay and 800y freestyle relay, followed by the full competition slate on Thursday, March 21. For each day of action, prelims will begin at 10 a.m., followed by diving prelims at noon, diving consolation at 5:15 p.m., and finals at 6 p.m. Live coverage of the meet will stream on ESPN+, with live results available on GeorgiaDogs.com and to paid subscribers on the MeetMobile app.

Nine members of the Georgia women's team qualified for the NCAA Championships, including fifth-year senior Zoie Hartman, seniors Sloane Reinstein and Meghan Wenzel, juniors Duné Coetzee, Eboni McCarty, Abby McCulloh, and Rachel Stege, sophomore Shea Furse, and freshman Helena Jones. Wenzel joined the roster for the third time after finishing sixth on 1-meter and 12th on 3-meter at last week's NCAA Zone B Championships in Athens. Hartman is appearing in her fourth NCAAs, while the junior quartet is making its third appearance together.

The Bulldogs' championship roster is boosted by four relay alternates: senior Julianna Stephens, junior Briana Roberson, and sophomores Olivia Della Torre and Emma Norton. Stephens and Roberson are both making their second NCAA appearances, while Della Torre and Norton are joining Furse and Jones in their nationals debut.

Georgia looks to improve upon last season's 16th-place finish in Knoxville, which featured Stege finishing fifth in the 500y freestyle and eighth in the 1,650y freestyle and Coetzee taking eighth in the 500y free. Coetzee joined Hartman, Reinstein, and Jillian Barczyk to place eighth in the 800y freestyle relay and reach the podium.

Entering this meet, McCulloh is the highest-seeded Bulldog, holding the nation's fastest time by over five seconds in the 1,650y freestyle with her SEC Championship-winning time of 15:40.96. McCulloh is also one of three Bulldogs seeded top-eight in the 500y freestyle, with Stege ranked second and Coetzee fifth. Hartman is seeded eighth in the 200y IM, 11th in the 100y breaststroke, and 12th in the 200y breaststroke as she looks to become the most decorated All-American in program history. In the 100y backstroke, McCarty is seeded ninth after placing 14th in the event last season. Additionally, all five Georgia relays qualified for the meet, including the ninth-seeded 800 freestyle relay.

For all news and updates about Georgia swimming and diving, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter (@UGASwimDive), Instagram (@ugaswimdive), and Facebook (UGA Swimming and Diving).

UGA to launch new School of Medicine

With its vote on Feb. 13, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents authorized the University of Georgia to establish a new independent School of Medicine in Athens.The initiation of a school of medicine at Georgia’s flagship university comes at a time when the state faces a significant shortage of medical professionals. In recent years, Georgia’s population has surged to approximately 11 million residents, straining existing medical infrastructure and resulting in longer wait times for appointment...

With its vote on Feb. 13, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents authorized the University of Georgia to establish a new independent School of Medicine in Athens.

The initiation of a school of medicine at Georgia’s flagship university comes at a time when the state faces a significant shortage of medical professionals. In recent years, Georgia’s population has surged to approximately 11 million residents, straining existing medical infrastructure and resulting in longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Georgia—the nation’s eighth largest state—is forecasted to experience further population growth in the coming years, while nearly one-third of the state’s physicians are nearing retirement.

“This is a very important decision by the Board of Regents and a historic moment for our state and university,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “As a land-grant and sea-grant research university, our commitment to Georgia is unwavering, and the new University of Georgia School of Medicine will expand our positive impact on Georgians in many critical ways. The School of Medicine will significantly expand the pool of medical professionals in Georgia, attract more top-tier scientists and researchers to the state, and produce more physicians to serve underserved and rural Georgia communities.”

Building on success, meeting a critical need

The UGA School of Medicine will build on the success of the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, which has been educating physicians in Athens since 2010. The AU/UGA Medical Partnership is currently the longest-serving medical partnership in the United States; others founded around the same time have already transitioned to independent medical schools, which is the natural evolution for such arrangements. UGA will continue to work closely with the Medical College of Georgia to ensure a smooth transition for current medical students as UGA seeks accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

“I am thrilled by the Board of Regents’ decision to authorize UGA to seek an independent school of medicine,” said Dr. Shelley Nuss, campus dean of the AU/UGA Medical Partnership. “By expanding the pipeline of students in medical education, the UGA School of Medicine will help Georgia produce more highly trained physicians, alleviating physician shortages and improving the state’s ability to provide quality health care for its citizens.”

Georgia currently ranks No. 40 among U.S. states for the number of active patient care physicians per capita, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), while it ranks No. 41 for the number of primary care physicians and No. 44 for the number of general surgeons per capita. The shortage of medical providers is particularly acute in rural and underserved areas, where access is even more limited.

The university will leverage its vast public service network — which already serves all 159 counties in the state — to partner with local health care providers, rural hospitals and clinics to extend the school’s impact throughout Georgia. Additionally, area health systems across the state have more than sufficient capacity to serve as additional clinical training sites and have expressed their eagerness to do so.

The School of Medicine will benefit from robust internal demand for medical education among UGA undergraduates. The University of Georgia is the ninth highest producer of medical school applicants in the United States, according to the AAMC.

Fueling discovery and economic development

“The UGA School of Medicine will help address the health care needs of Georgia while also serving as a springboard for economic development that advances our state,” said UGA Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost S. Jack Hu. “The school will attract additional researchers and scientists as well as biomedical companies and startups, fueling discovery and commercialization that create new opportunities for Georgians.”

The School of Medicine will add to the University of Georgia’s burgeoning research enterprise. In fiscal year 2023, UGA’s total R&D expenditures reached an all-time high of $570.9 million. Over the past decade, total R&D expenditures at UGA have increased 61%, while federally funded R&D has risen by 76%.

Driving these gains have been increases by several federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, which funds a significant portion of America’s biomedical research. The University of Georgia receives the largest amount of NIH funding among all of Georgia’s public research universities and is the largest recipient of NIH funding among American public universities without a medical school.

UGA scientists already work closely with several research universities and medical schools in Georgia, and the addition of a new stand-alone medical school will strengthen those partnerships and enhance opportunities for future collaboration. Faculty in several colleges and schools on campus already engage in research on Parkinson’s, COVID-19, malaria and other conditions such as stroke. Their discoveries have led to new treatments and vaccines that are among the 1,100 products developed from UGA research to date.

Fortified by public and private support

In addition to funding from state government, strong private support will fortify efforts to create a School of Medicine at UGA. Donors have demonstrated robust support for UGA initiatives in recent years. In fiscal year 2023, UGA raised over $240 million in gifts and pledges from alumni, friends and foundation and industry partners. The university’s three-year rolling fundraising average is now a record $235 million per year, with annual contributions exceeding $200 million for the past six consecutive years.

Georgia Hosts Georgia Fall Invitational This Weekend in Athens

ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia swimming and diving teams conclude their fall campaigns this weekend with the Georgia Fall Invitational, running Thursday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 19 at Gabrielsen Natatorium.No. 9/13 Georgia will be joined by an impressive slate of teams, including No. 3/7 Florida, No. 10/18 Auburn, No. 18/14 Michigan, No. 23/NR Georgia Tech, No. 24/NR Florida State, and the Wisconsin diving team. For the visiting teams, it will be a first look at the competition pool that will host ...

ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia swimming and diving teams conclude their fall campaigns this weekend with the Georgia Fall Invitational, running Thursday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 19 at Gabrielsen Natatorium.

No. 9/13 Georgia will be joined by an impressive slate of teams, including No. 3/7 Florida, No. 10/18 Auburn, No. 18/14 Michigan, No. 23/NR Georgia Tech, No. 24/NR Florida State, and the Wisconsin diving team. For the visiting teams, it will be a first look at the competition pool that will host the NCAA Women's Swimming & Diving Championships in March.

For Thursday through Saturday, there will be a prelims session at 9:30 a.m., followed by a finals session at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a long-course session at 10 a.m. Admission to Gabrielsen Natatorium is free for all spectators. All short course sessions will stream live on SEC Network+, with live results available on GeorgiaDogs.com and to paid subscribers on the MeetMobile app.

The Georgia women are looking to finish off a strong fall that has produced five dual meet victories, including an upset victory over No. 4 NC State earlier this month. The Bulldogs' distance group has been its top strength, with four swimmers already earning B-cuts in the 500y freestyle and juniors Duné Coetzee and Rachel Stege posting top-10 times in the 1,000y freestyle. Senior Zoie Hartman has remained a dominant presence in the breaststroke and IM events, while freshman Helena Jones has emerged as a top performer in the sprint events. At the diving well, senior Meghan Wenzel has already qualified for Zones on both springboards and has earned four individual wins in dual competition.

On the men's side, Georgia nearly pulled off an upset of its own at No. 4 NC State, remaining in contention until the final relay. Senior Jake Magahey has been the team's leader throughout the season, posting top-10 national times in the 1,000y freestyle and 200y butterfly. Fifth-year Ian Grum has also notched B-cuts in three events, while sophomore transfer Ruard van Renen has turned in two top-10 program times in the 100y backstroke, including a dual-meet record time of 45.19 at NC State. In diving, all four Bulldogs have qualified for Zones on both springboards, highlighted by a strong freshman year for Matthew Bray.

SCHEDULE Thursday, Nov. 16 Swim Prelims: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/7dc12f99-ff79-4f97-8231-9fc415df2e40 Dive Prelims: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/8549c453-4725-47b4-aade-28e36c2cc9fb Swim Finals: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/db321ecb-8330-4a3c-b100-2b6dae7743b0 Dive Finals: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/4d5c26de-0df5-4783-8f7d-9bfc73c50031

200y Freestyle Relay 500y Freestyle 200y IM 50y Freestyle Women's 1m Diving Men's 3m Diving 400y Medley Relay

Friday, Nov. 17 Swim Prelims: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/29d9d40a-e51f-4166-95b5-84e31bd71d83 Dive Prelims: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/bda6624a-4195-4de9-9ab6-c3e3b778ff90 Swim Finals: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/1e536251-3013-4857-bcd2-10e772739c73 Dive Finals: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/fd5cc8e0-3711-4ba9-a386-008f563d2802

200y Medley Relay 400y IM 100y Butterfly 200y Freestyle 100y Breaststroke 100y Backstroke Women's 3m Diving Men's 1m Diving 800y Freestyle Relay

Saturday, Nov. 18 Swim Prelims: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/984f05f1-66f8-4d5a-a187-02f60ad0462a Dive Prelims: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6b75ef41-fa3c-4a97-a205-6bf0bd73b088 Swim Finals: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/36a500ed-7e95-439a-bd61-578182023f93 Dive Finals: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/e95d0f28-3b5e-4427-9f08-bfdfd7b556d2

1,650y Freestyle 200y Backstroke 100y Freestyle 200y Breaststroke 200y Butterfly Platform Diving 400y Freestyle Relay

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