Transcript for 5th Anniversary Video

Five years ago, Gainesville State College and North Georgia College & State University became UNG, the University of North Georgia.

Together, we have become a leading regional university and a driving force for educational opportunity and attainment.

Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia: As we began consolidation, I asked us to imagine. To imagine what we can become as we become the largest institution to serve a 30 county region in Northeast Georgia. To imagine what we can become as we provide additional opportunities for our students. To imagine what we can become as we create a roadmap for students to be able to live and work in Northeast Georgia.  It has been a remarkable journey and I am amazed at our tremendous success.

Change is difficult, but change also reveals the character of an organization and the members of that organization.  I have long said that the resiliency and dedication of our faculty and staff are the single most reasons why we have been successful throughout our consolidation. Our students are doing well.  Our communities and our alumni are supportive. We are garnishing more recognitions every single year.

As a result of consolidation, yes we have impacted regional economic development. We have created opportunities for students. We have used our multiple pathways as a vehicle to be able to serve the greater good for this region. In addition, consolidation has positioned us for increased opportunities. Opportunities for research grants, for national recognitions, and for other partnerships.

As we reflect on our achievements, it gives us energy and encouragement to accomplish even more.

Celebrating our Success

  • Enrollment has grown from 14,221 in spring 2013 to 18,782 in fall 2017
  • More than 13,400 degrees & academic certificates awarded
  • National accolades: Forbes’ Best Colleges U.S. News’ Top 25 Public Universities in the South Kiplinger’s Best College Values
  • UNG students have earned numerous highly competitive national scholarships, including 12 Fulbright awards since 2013
  • Since 2013, President Bonita Jacobs has awarded nearly $800,000 to support meaningful research and scholarly and creative activities
  • UNG Foundation awards more than $10 million in scholarships, raises more than $17 million in last five fiscal years
  • Student Money Management Center teaches financial literacy, responsibility
  • Research and grant awards of more than $10 million since 2013 support student success initiatives, enhance instruction
  • New campuses in Cumming and Blue Ridge expand educational opportunities
  • Bachelor’s degree opportunities at the Gainesville Campus increase from 8 to 21
  • UNG has more than 30 educational partnerships around the world
  • UNG expands to teach 12 languages, supported by $3.6 million in grants
  • Since 2013, four UNG cadets have placed in the top 10 in the nation
  • 414 UNG cadets commission as Army officers and more than 130 earn Distinguished Military Graduate honors
  • UNG teams win slots in elite Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, 2014 and 2017
  • Mike Cottrell College of Business: AASCB-accredited; MBA named as one of top 5 public programs in Georgia;
  • Best for Vets; New programs in cyber security and technology leadership
  • NSA designates UNG as Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
  • BB&T; Center for Ethical Leadership helps students fulfill leadership potential
  • New Public Safety Academy embeds POST certification in criminal justice degree
  • Graduate programs grow, including Georgia’s first graduate degree in human services
  • Department of Visual Arts earns national accreditation
  • UNG opens first 3D printer MakerBot Innovation Center in Georgia
  • Closing in on 40 years, Gainesville Theatre Alliance continues to wow audiences
  • Four-year nursing program expands to Gainesville Campus with new virtual hospital
  • Through cREATe, UNG and Georgia Tech students design devices to help physical therapy patients
  • UNG partners with community to improve healthcare through grant initiative
  • Two faculty earn national recognition for STEM education
  • Three students win internships with U.S. Department of Energy
  • Three students earn internships with National Institutes of Health
  • New College of Education graduate programs include International Baccalaureate certificate,
  • Diversity certificate, new doctoral degree
  • IESA earns $600,000 federal grant to expand programs and designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence
  • UNG Athletics: National Make-A-Wish leader; 2017 NCAA DII National Award of Excellence;
  • Peach Belt Commissioner’s Cup; Lindsay Reeves wins Administrator of the Year, 2014
  • Softball team wins National Championship in 2015,
  • Baseball team competes in National Championship in 2017
  • Rifle team moves up to NCAA DI, wins championship in first year of SoCon play
  • Community partnerships, like the UNG Summer Food Program, meet community needs while providing resume-building experiences for UNG students
  • UNG’s Professional & Continuing Education team earns: Best of Forsyth in Corporate Training; LEAD Award for PCE’s Leadership and Supervision Certificate achieving Top 10 National Ranking; LEAD Award for PCE’s Human Resources Management Certificate achieving Top 10 National Ranking
  • New facilities and renovations transform academic and student spaces
  • Convocation center will provide a new venue for large events and athletics
  • Gainesville Campus readies to expand into Lanier Tech facilities

Five years

Five campuses.

#OneUNG
UNG: University of North Georgia