Program prepares students for corps

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cadet Recruiting office launched a one-of-a-kind Cadet Leadership Prep Program (CLPP) with 18 students, many of whom came from other states, this fall. The program connects and prepares cadet candidates through academic and student success services during their freshman year so they can eventually transfer into the Corps of Cadets as a sophomore. This program is entirely on the Gainesville Campus with all in-person elements.   

"Our program is designed to provide support to students who do not initially qualify for admission into our Corps of Cadets at UNG's Dahlonega Campus," Jordan Mund, Cadet Recruiting associate director, said. "CLPP supports the Corps of the Future by training, mentoring and inspiring cadet candidates on the Gainesville Campus to successfully integrate them into the Corps of Cadets and Boar's Head Brigade." 

It allows students to adjust to college life, while also preparing to become cadets. 

Brandon Knox, director of Cadet Recruiting, said the program was first considered in late 2023 after UNG President Michael Shannon created the big bet of delivering the Corps of the Future. 

"Gainesville is a phenomenal campus with a growing student population. The Cadet Leadership Prep Program gives students who may need additional time to prepare for the cadet experience, " Knox said. 

Currently pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies with a concentration in international affairs, Arabella Kook has always wanted to be a part of the military. She shared that joining this program is the first step in her goal of commissioning into the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer. 

"This program is a steppingstone for me towards reaching my goal, and it is an honor to be one of the first cadets to participate in the preparatory program. I hope to gain more academic experience with the transition from high school to college and more knowledge on the Army and its inner workings," the Orlando, Florida, native said. 

Also joining the program this fall is Aniya Taylor, who is originally from Macon, Georgia. Taylor participated in her high school's JROTC program and shared that her instructor encouraged her to become a cadet at UNG.  

Taylor currently serves as class leader and expects to graduate in spring 2028.  

"I would recommend this program to anyone interested in joining the Corps in Dahlonega or thinking about joining the military," Taylor said. "You can create different bonds with the people in the class. The Cadet Recruiting team is very helpful and very supportive. If you have questions about anything, they are there to help you get through it."