Lambert promoted to brigadier general

Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert in September became the latest University of North Georgia (UNG) graduate to ascend to the rank of general. UNG has produced 60 flag officers across all military branches.

Lambert, a 1993 UNG graduate, took over as deputy commanding general of maneuver for the Army's 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia.

He previously served a year as deputy commander of support for the 3rd Infantry Division. The UNG alumnus served two years as division chief of staff at Fort Riley, Kansas, before joining the 3rd Infantry Division.

Lambert said several UNG alumni served as mentors at different times throughout his Army journey, including retired four-star Gen. Stephen Townsend, '82, retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, '78, Lt. Paul Calvert '88, and Lt. Gen. James "Jamie" Jarrard, '88.

"It's a little unbelievable. I certainly don't put myself in that category. I feel blessed to be where I'm at," Lambert said. "It's humbling, and it's not lost on me that it's a rare opportunity. I can do more for people in this capacity than I've ever been able to before."

After completing high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, while his father was in the Army, Lambert only applied to UNG. He remains grateful for the path it paved.

The mentorship I received from fellow cadets, faculty and staff was absolutely instrumental. I had the best four-year experience you can have as you prepare to go into the Army.

Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert

Army 3rd Infantry Division deputy commanding general of maneuver

He was commissioned into the Infantry branch upon his graduation from UNG. He sees his impact as much deeper than anything that could be marked in a service record.

"I feel an overwhelming sense of urgency to take care of and do good things for as many people as I can," Lambert said. "Your legacy in the Army is defined by those you have invested in along the way."

Lambert's wife, Shannon, is also a UNG alumnus, and they have two daughters: Abigail and AnnaPaige.