Could you be the next Nigel mascot?

Noah Myers graduated from the University of North Georgia (UNG) in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At that time, he revealed his identity as Nigel, the UNG mascot, by wearing the costume's talons and referencing his experience in his commencement speech. Myers held the coveted role for three years and maintained a GPA of 3.66. He was hired on at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) as a pediatric nurse.

More recently, Myers has been hired as UNG's mascot coach, effective July 2024. Part of his new leadership role will be coaching new talents and teaching them how to perform and excel in the role.

"It's full circle," Myers said. "To be in charge and be able to mentor other people and see people who love UNG as much as I do is awesome. Being able to still do this is rewarding. It's like they say, 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.' That's how I feel about all this."

The Cartersville, Georgia, resident was hired due to his "true dedication to the mascot program," Taylor Garcia, sports clubs and teams coordinator, said.

"Noah has been in the suit most of his undergraduate career, and it just made sense to bring him back on board to train and guide our new student talent," Garcia said. "We hope that his passion, experience and connections in the mascot world will prepare our new and future student talents with the necessary skills to keep up with that energetic Nigel we all know and love."

Garcia, who arranges Nigel's schedule, said she hopes to see more external events in connection with other mascot programs with collegiate athletics and professional athletics spaces. 

Being Nigel has brought about several incredible opportunities for Myers. He's met Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp "twice in a bird suit," which he described as "really nice and kind of funny." Myers' favorite experience as Nigel was attending the birthday party of Chopper, the Gwinnett Stripers' mascot.

His first task will be to find students to fill his former role.

"Anyone that loves UNG and would like to be the figurehead, the heart and soul of UNG is who I'm looking for. Tryouts are this fall," Myers said. "Fliers will be everywhere."

He wants Nigel to become synonymous with UNG like Blooper is to the Atlanta Braves.

"My main goal is to make Nigel a huge image for the university," Myers said. "When people think of UNG, they also see Nigel. I want to make the school seem bigger and better. I feel like for the first time in forever, we're being seen as a contender with the other big schools, and I believe that's how it should be. We have one of the top nursing programs in the state that has gotten me incredibly prepared for my future career. UNG's a great school."

To create more visibility for the school, Myers said he will network and collaborate with other UNG departments. He has big plans for the nighthawk, including a basketball birthday party with other mascots in attendance.

"It's all in talks right now, but I feel like a lot of people would come to that. Maybe have a T-shirt giveaway," he said. "It would be really fun."

Myers' exuberance hasn't dwindled since his spring 2024 graduation.

"A big part of it is that I love sports. Mascotting is connected to that," Myers said. "UNG athletics has been amazing. President Shannon has supported us, too. He's been awesome. I really feel like he cares about the student body and our school spirit. He's fostered that through Nigel as well."

Appearance requests can be made on the Nigel webpage and Myers will respond. Anyone interested in assuming the role of Nigel is asked to reach out to Myers directly.