Gen. Parker retires after 30 years
University of North Georgia (UNG) alumnus Brig. Gen. Charles "Rob" Parker retired this year after 30 years in the Army. The 1993 UNG graduate served in a variety of command positions, including his final role as commanding general of the U.S. Army 7th Signal Command (Theater) and deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command.
Prior to that assignment, Parker served as deputy director for command, control, communications, and computer/cyber systems for the Joint Staff out of the Pentagon. Parker also previously served within the Headquarters Department of the Army G-8 (resource management) as the director of joint and integration.
Parker said he was more focused on his own success early in his career before quickly realizing the importance of investing in others.
"I became more confident in myself and recognized I had a leadership model that others were interested in emulating," Parker said. "My ability to help share with others paths for success and building on their own strengths was rewarding."
Parker earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from UNG.
UNG cadets plan and execute all of their events with oversight from the commandant staff. Parker said that model laid a solid foundation for his career.
"It allows you to start to learn about yourself and develop your own skills and traits. You really benefit from the time members of the faculty and military cadre invested in you as a cadet," Parker said. "You have been set up for success in ways others haven't been at ROTC programs at other universities."
Mental health grad assistant program starts
Two UNG students in the Master of Science in counseling program are serving as mental health graduate assistants for the Athletic Department, and one is serving in the same capacity for the Corps of Cadets.
Students publish article with biology professor
Dr. Evan Lampert, a UNG professor of biology, and four of his students recently published an article on research funded by a UNG Presidential Award.
Experiences prepared cadets to commission
Almost 40 members of UNG's Corps of Cadets are commissioning as second lieutenants in the active-duty Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve in a Dec. 9 ceremony.
2 alumni inducted into veterans Hall of Fame
UNG alumni retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard '88 and the late Col. Robert Barclay '68 have been inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame this fall.