Shannon outlines opportunity ahead

University of North Georgia (UNG) President Michael Shannon set the tone for the 2023-2024 academic year as he encouraged faculty and staff to remember the impact they are making every day. In his first State of the University address during UNG's faculty-staff convocation Aug. 11 in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus, Shannon said, "We build leaders. We build servants. We build pioneers. And most importantly, we build legacy-makers. The world we live in today is hungry and desperate, and they're crying out for help. And we're here to serve." 

Shannon pointed to the tensions caused by declining enrollment and tight budgets in coming years, as well as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shannon specifically thanked the Enrollment Management team ahead of the fall semester as UNG is up 9.2% in new undergraduate students, up in graduate students, up in dual enrollment, and up in cadets.  

"We have nothing but opportunity here," he said.  

The president shared the stories of students from each of UNG's five campuses and some of the challenges they have faced in pursuing their education. The common thread was the love and support each of the students felt from UNG faculty and staff.  

"Students are our priority first and always," Shannon said.  

Shannon outlined multiple ways he plans to lead UNG in strengthening its base — the foundation of its work — during this academic year: 

• Establish what "the UNG Way" is, outlining what the university believes and how it delivers for its students. 
• Understand UNG's competitive position.
• Strategic communications and marketing.
• Focus the budget.
• Reimagine student engagement and success.
• Align and build strategy around regional campuses. 
• Over-engage in UNG's 30-county service region.
• Reenergize corporate engagement. 
• Become more efficient.
• Make employees a priority through relational wellness. 

The president encouraged faculty and staff to fall in love with UNG every day and embrace the chance to change students' lives. Ultimately, Shannon called for a bold, forward-looking service. 

"Boldness believes. Boldness acts. Boldness transforms, and boldness is also held accountable," he said.