UNG welcomes new faculty members

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is welcoming more than 50 new full-time faculty members this fall, and they had a chance to acclimate to UNG in a new faculty orientation held July 25 on Zoom and July 29-30 on UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses. UNG's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership (CTLL) hosted the event.

Dr. Jessica Espinoza, who previously worked for a large metro school district leading professional learning for teachers, is starting this fall as a professor and coordinator of UNG's online Master of Education in curriculum and instruction after previously serving as an adjunct professor in the College of Education.

"I am really impressed by the University of North Georgia. The culture, you can feel it's very tangible," she said. "You can feel this culture of kindness and collaboration, and I feel like everyone I have come in contact with as a newbie on the block has been eager to help and connect me with resources and the things I need to be successful."

Matthew Higgins, a lecturer of English, is starting at UNG after spending seven years at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He appreciated the chance to adjust to UNG alongside his colleagues at new faculty orientation.

"I'm excited to be teaching in the Dahlonega area. Coming from Atlanta, it's a little bit slower-paced life and a different type of beautiful campus," Higgins said. "And I get to continue teaching English, which I love to do."

Dr. Roger Runquist, director of CTLL, is excited to see the enthusiasm of the new faculty members.

"Our new faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly enrich the academic experience of our students. They will inspire, motivate and guide our students to achieve their full potential and prepare them to succeed," Runquist said. "The new faculty orientation event provides a solid foundation for our new colleagues to integrate into our academic community, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our students and the institution as a whole."