The Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) at the University of North Georgia (UNG) recently received an internationally recognized honor.

The college's 2019 annual report earned "Gold Medal" honors from The Hermes Creative Awards, which recognizes excellence involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. It was judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, an international organization of marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production, and freelance professionals.

"This annual report was truly a collaborative effort between the Mike Cottrell College of Business and Forum Communications," said Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of MCCB . "We wanted to do something different from past reports, and are very excited to have our efforts recognized with this award."

The annual report was designed and produced in partnership with Forum Communications in Gainesville, Georgia. It highlighted the major gift by Mike and Lynn Cottrell to support a new facility for the college, detailed major student achievements, the role of new academic programs in supporting regional business needs, community engagement and outreach, and the impact and focus of faculty and staff. The report also included a retrospective of the legacy of success instilled by accounting professor Martha Merritt, CPA, who is retiring in May after 31 years in MCCB.

The annual report is just part of the overall aim of the College of Business to provide unparalleled academic success and involvement in both its local community and in the business community at large.

A list of winners can be found on the Hermes Creative Awards website at www.hermesawards.com.