Smith honored for financial aid work
Susan Smith, associate director of operations and technology for the University of North Georgia (UNG) financial aid office, received the Donald E. Payton Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Given by the Executive Board of the Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (GASFAA) at its June 1-3 annual conference, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated lifelong significant and consistent contributions as members of GASFAA, a high level of competency in student financial aid, and leadership in the community and institutional affairs. Smith is one of only 17 recipients since the award was first given in 1988.
"Susan is hard-working. She helps everyone within the state with any Banner issue they might have," Jill Rayner, UNG director of financial aid, said. "She is known across the state for her technical expertise. Susan can take a complicated process and break it down so others can learn."
Receiving the Donald E. Payton Award for Lifetime Achievement is both exciting and humbling, Smith said.
"To be recognized by your peers for being an integral part of an organization from which you have found immeasurable joy is truly amazing," she said.
Smith's 32-year career with UNG began as an instructor of mathematics in Gainesville. During her tenure as an instructor, she also worked with Institutional Research. Smith taught for more than 13 years before being named the interim director of financial aid in 2004 and director of financial aid at Gainesville State College from 2005-2012.
Additionally, David McMillion, associate director of financial aid at UNG, was elected president of GASFAA for the 2022-23 academic year.
Students help design logo for nonprofit
Visual arts students at UNG had the opportunity to help create a new logo for the Beyond Dementia Coalition, a nonprofit organization that is based in Gainesville, Georgia.
Nursing faculty member earns innovation award
Dr. Rebekah Mildenhall, associate department head of nursing at UNG, has earned the 2026 Georgia Association for Nursing Education Innovation in Teaching Award.
Students shine at Model UN event
Students from UNG won five awards at the Southern Regional Model United Nations Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia, in November.
UNG named Fulbright top producer
UNG is providing transformative experiences abroad for alumni as a top producer of Fulbright students. The university earned this distinction for a ninth consecutive year and tied for third among master's institutions with four selections.