University of Georgia is the nation’s oldest state university and the birthplace of the American system of public higher education. The flagship institution offers the most comprehensive and diversified higher education in the state of Georgia. In 1784, the General Assembly had set aside 40,000 acres of land to endow a college. The act of the General Assembly on January 27, 1785 led to the incorporation of the University of Georgia, and Georgia became the first state to charter a state-supported university. The university was actually established in 1801, on the banks of the Oconee River in northeast Georgia. In 1931, the University of Georgia was placed under the jurisdiction of a single board, known as the University System of Georgia. This university now owns 43,261 acres throughout the state, and more than 4,300 acres in Clarke County. The university’s main campus, in Athens, is spread over an area of 600 acres with more than 300 buildings. Its newest section, the east campus, houses the state of Georgia’s official art museum, the Georgia Museum of Art. The University of Georgia Libraries features three main libraries and several branches throughout the state. The three prime libraries, located at the main campus, jointly possess more than 3.5 million volumes and more than 5 million microfiche. UG encompasses 15 schools and colleges, and offers baccalaureate, masters, professional, and doctoral degrees in numerous fields. As a part of the outreach efforts, the university provides a variety of continuing education and professional development programs. The University of Georgia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It also has won a number of prestigious awards for the excellence in various fields of education.