16 cadets are Distinguished Military Students

October 3, 2022
Jordan Armstrong was one of 16 cadets honored as Distinguished Military Students at the Sept. 25 DMS Review on the Gen. William 'Lipp' Livsey Drill Field.

Article By: Clark Leonard

Sixteen University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets have been named Distinguished Military Students (DMS) for the 2022-23 academic year. They were honored at the Sept. 25 DMS Review on the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

"These cadets' transition to university life and studies, as well as the Corps of Cadets, was greatly impacted by COVID during their first two years. They persevered in spite of the increased challenges and excelled in their field of study, physical fitness, and Advanced Camp performance this summer," Col. Bryan Kirk, UNG's professor of military science, said. "Consistent involvement from exceptional UNG faculty along with the professional cadre of the ROTC set conditions for success, and these dedicated students and leaders deserve recognition."

To be selected, a cadet must be in the upper half of the academic class, the upper third of the ROTC class, and the upper third of UNG's Order of Merit List, established by the professor of military science. Additionally, cadets are chosen based upon interest and aptitude for military service, outstanding qualities of leadership, and high moral character as demonstrated by participation and achievement in campus, civic and military activities.

Consistent involvement from exceptional UNG faculty along with the professional cadre of the ROTC set conditions for success, and these dedicated students and leaders deserve recognition.

Col. Bryan Kirk

UNG professor of military science

This year's DMS honorees are Brian Aguilar Jimenez, William Allen, Jordan Armstrong, Andrew Flournoy, Jacob Hughes, Noah Isley, Devin Krass, Anthony Linatoc, Phillip Ly, Harrison Markham, William Morgan, Jordan Ryan, Nathan Sawyer, Joseph Stover, David Vinci, and Warren Walker.

Armstrong, a senior from Kaiserslautern, Germany, pursuing a degree in kinesiology, attended high school in Augusta, Georgia. She is a four-year Army ROTC Scholarship winner.

"I hope I can be that inspiration to other females in the Corps of Cadets," Armstrong said. "If they put in the work, their dreams are possible."

Aguilar Jimenez, a senior from Canon, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration, appreciates the support he has received from those in the Corps of Cadets, along with his friends and family.

"I've been blessed enough to have great leadership throughout my four years here," Aguilar Jimenez said. "They have influenced me to become the best I can."

Isley, a senior from Milledgeville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice, said his time in the specialty unit Mountain Order of Colombo has made a major impact on his trajectory.

"It helped me learn a lot about myself mentally and physically," Isley said. "We went through things together that I will never forget, and this unit encouraged me to become an ambitious person."

The cadets and their families were honored Sept. 24 during the annual DMS Banquet. The DMS Review and Banquet were part of the seventh annual Boar's Head Brigade-Corps Alumni Weekend, which brought together current and former cadets.

Retired Staff Sgt. David G. Bellavia spoke Sept. 23 at the Convocation Center to start the weekend. Bellavia is a Medal of Honor recipient for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.


Fulbright grantee heads to South Korea in 2027

Fulbright grantee heads to South Korea in 2027

Three UNG students were selected as Fulbright U.S. Student grantees. One has accepted the opportunity and will teach English in South Korea.
Cyber camps assist workforce development

Cyber camps assist workforce development

UNG hosted 26 high school students and 21 teachers for cybersecurity camps from June 8-12 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
Teacher training pairs with STEM projects

Teacher training pairs with STEM projects

Summer Scholars STEM Institute served as a pivotal experience this year for pre-service teachers and also inspired rising fourth-graders through eighth-graders with hands-on learning.
Students present, perform at String Band Summit

Students present, perform at String Band Summit

Four UNG students from the Department of Music presented a workshop at the fifth annual String Band Summit at East Tennessee State University Center.