Diversity in the Corps of Cadets

We value cultural, economic and ethnic diversity within the Corps of Cadets. We believe this is especially important in today's increasingly interconnected global environment. We believe that diversity gives the members of our Corps of Cadets the opportunity to interact with and understand all people. We believe this is an integral part of the leadership education that Cadets receive, and that their experience with diversity in the Corps will be of great value to them after graduation. In tomorrow's diverse environment, our graduates will be more comfortable working with people who are different than themselves.

Ashley Duffins, Adjutant General Corps, U. S. Army

Ashley Duffins graduated from the University of North Georgia College & State University Spring 2012, with a major in general education. She was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in the Adjutant General Branch and is assigned to Korea. Duffins studied in South Korea while at the university. She was the first to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship – a national scholarship – and the first to study abroad as an exchange student for a semester at Sogang University in South Korea. “My interest in Korean started because of my parents,” Duffins said. “My dad was in the United States Air Force and spent a year there. My mom was actually there with my father, and I used to love hearing all the stories and memories they would reminisce about.”

CADET COLONEL SERGIO ROLON

TREVORIS JEFFERSON Testimonial

ELIZABETH PHAM TestimoniaL

Commander of the Boars Head Brigade, 2011-2012

Augusta, GA

Attended North Georgia on a Georgia Military Scholarship from 2006 to 2010. He served as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Battalion S-3, and Brigade S-6 within the Corps of Cadets.

Sylvester, GA

Attended North Georgia on an Army ROTC Scholarship from 2006-2010. She served as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Academic NCO, and Platoon Leader within the Corps of Cadets

Bernie Richardson, Former Student Government Association President

Bernie Richardson believes that he can change lives. That’s because his life was changed by the opportunities and encouragement he experienced at North Georgia College & State University. A 2008 graduate, Bernie teaches reading to fifth- and sixth-graders in the Louisiana Recovery School District through the Teach for America program. As a music education major with a minor in political science, Bernie was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Golden Eagle Band. He was involved with the Student Government Association for four years, the last two as its president. “My leadership opportunities were due to the belief that the faculty had in me. They encouraged me to be my best; to give back to my community and the world,” Bernie says. “Today, I try to mentor my students in the same manner that I was taught at North Georgia. I incorporate values like self-confidence, leading with conscience and seeking solutions that contribute to making the world a better place. This is especially meaningful to these students in New Orleans. I am confident that when they have the opportunity, they will be fully ready to fulfill their dreams – and their community’s dreams.”

Army Ranger Major Kitefre Oboho (Shown here as a captain)

I am a 2002 graduate of North Georgia College & State University. As a Cadet, I served as a 1SG, Battalion CSM, Battalion Commander and Brigade Executive Officer. Since Joining the Army in 2003, I served as an infantry lieutenant in combat while assigned to 3/187 IN, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell. I also served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as a platoon leader and company executive officer. I then commanded D Co, 2-2 Infantry at Fort Hood, Texas. Simply put, I am where I am today because of the training, mentorship and peers that I worked along side at North Georgia College & State University. Some of my best friends are those that I made in college and I will cherish those moments forever.

"Being a minority at North Georgia College & State University while in the Corps was an experience to remember. Coming from a diverse community to a place where I'm overwhelmingly outnumbered changed my views of how the world operates. Being here made me realize that the opportunity for a minority to succeed is there and has always been. To accept the challenges in which you are presented and to persevere is a choice one must make. The Corps of Cadets taught me how to make those difficult decisions with accuracy and no regrets, and how to follow and learn to lead as well. The Corps of Cadets taught me that no matter your genetic make up, background or race, you can succeed through hard work and much effort and no one can bring you down if you remember always to do what's right. I learned that being different makes you special and gives you a different perspective and a sense of respect for those around you. Being a minority at North Georgia College & State University made me realize you can go as far as you want in life, just take the steps."

CPT Taura Hodo, US Army Transportation Corps, NGCSU Class of 2003