Academy gives insight on intelligence field

The University of North Georgia (UNG) hosted a weeklong National Intelligence Summer Academy (NISA) at the Cumming Campus for 47 high school students who traveled from California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Texas. The academy concluded with a visit to UNG's Dahlonega Campus where they met UNG President Michael Shannon and learned about the Corps of Cadets and some of UNG's academic programs.

Held July 17-21, this was the second year of the academy.

"I was amazed to see that these students were keen to learn more about the role that strategic intelligence plays in helping to safeguard our national security interests. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the students who had read up on intelligence even before the camp started and impressed to see their critical thinking skills displayed by asking complex and insightful questions," Dr. Edward L. Mienie, executive director of UNG's strategic and security studies bachelor's degree program and partnerships and professor of strategic and security studies, said.

Speakers included retired and active individuals representing the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, military intelligence, and the former Soviet KGB.

Five teachers representing high schools in the State of Georgia audited the lessons.

"It is our hope that as we continue to offer NISA camps in the future, Georgia high schools will designate more teachers to audit the camp to help introduce 'Introduction to U.S. Intelligence and National Security Studies' as an elective course at their school," Mienie said. "Our aim is that every high school in the state of Georgia, and beyond, will offer their students the opportunity to study the world of national intelligence."

The event also offered an opportunity for attendees to learn about the programs offered at UNG.

Stephen Medlin III, a high school senior from Raleigh, North Carolina, studying in dual enrollment at Wake Technical Community College came with an interest in Army ROTC and wanted to narrow the focus of his career.

"Army ROTC interests me, especially as an officer. I thought after I finish my career in the Army I could go into an agency, so I just wanted to explore my options to see what I want to do afterward," Medlin said. "My major would be strategic and security studies at UNG."

Libertad Vaughn, a high school senior from Wesley Hills, Massachusetts, used the academy as an opportunity to speak directly to agency representatives. She learned about NISA through an internet search.

"I was looking for some answers, and I wanted to talk directly to some previous CIA and FBI agents. I also wanted to be introduced to the other federal agencies that do work in intelligence, so I went on the internet and found the academy," Vaughn said. "I don't know which agency I want to join quite yet, but I do aspire to work in combating human trafficking or drug trafficking within the U.S., something I’m passionate about."

She plans to double major in criminal justice and psychology.