Military Times ranks UNG on 2022 Best for Vets list
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (UNG) has once again made the Best for Vets college list released by the Military Times.
UNG ranked fifth among Georgia universities and third among senior military colleges on the 2022 list.
"Inclusion in the 2022 Military Times Best for Vets list highlights our deep commitment and desire to provide a supportive environment for all military-connected students," Christy Orr, assistant director of Nighthawk Engagement and Student Transitions (NEST), said.
UNG has made the Best for Vets list of colleges annually since 2013.
The Military Times surveyed more than 300 schools with more than 70 questions on services and programs specific to military students, whether active-duty, veterans, or families and dependents of service personnel.
Student success metrics such as completion, retention, persistence, and GPAs are the most important factor in determining the relative ranking of schools on this year's list, followed closely by the range of military-specific resources and the level of financial assistance schools offer.
I try my best to be a resource for veterans when I encounter them, and I encourage them to stop by the Veterans Resource Center because if they have any questions, or need help solving issues that I have experienced and resolved, I can help share my insight or point them to a resource for help
Freddie Pellini
Army veteran and UNG student
Army veteran Freddie Pellini served four years in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, deploying to Afghanistan in 2014, before enrolling at UNG. He is on track to graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
Pellini chose UNG for several reasons including location and its reputation as The Military College of Georgia. His anticipated degree will help him to continue running his family business in chicken farming.
"As an adult, I like school. I like learning," Pellini said. "There are great professors at UNG. I've been very impressed with the economics professors, especially Dr. John Scott and Dr. Joel Potter. They taught fantastic classes, and I couldn't get enough of either of them."
Pellini began his academic journey on UNG's Gainesville Campus and transferred to the Dahlonega Campus in his junior year. He said NEST provides a wide variety of services.
"If I have any issues I can reach out to them. They have great resources," Pellini said.
He also highlighted the Student Veterans of America (SVA), UNG's student veteran organization, of which he is the current president. He said it is a great way for veterans with a shared experience to relate to one another. They also take part in humanitarian efforts and socialize. Pellini is a huge fan of UNG's Veteran Resource Lounges in Dahlonega and Gainesville. Each center has lounge space, computer stations, free printing, and a kitchenette.
"I try my best to be a resource for veterans when I encounter them, and I encourage them to stop by the Veterans Resource Lounge because if they have any questions, or need help solving issues that I have experienced and resolved, I can help share my insight or point them to a resource for help," Pellini said.
UNG is designated as a State Leadership Institution and The Military College of Georgia. At UNG, we honor the men and women of our armed services, as well as the great sacrifices given by both them and their families. One of only six senior military colleges in the United States, we strive to provide affordable education to veterans, military members, their dependents, and those who aspire to join the armed services.
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