Efforts increased to support, engage vets
The University of North Georgia (UNG) has increased its efforts to engage and support its student veteran population.
With over 500 veteran students currently enrolled — each having different military experience and family situations — the task can be a challenge, but Dr. Andrew Johnson, executive director of Student Impact Initiatives, and Laura Russell, coordinator of military-connected and adult learner programs, are working diligently to engage veterans both on and off campuses.
Dedicated spaces at UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses have been utilized more than ever, Johnson said. In fall 2025, the Veterans Resource Lounge was moved from Dunlap Mathis to room 1400 in the Arts and Technology building in Gainesville. Not long after, the Veterans Resource Lounge in Dahlonega was moved from the third floor of the Hoag Student Center to a renovated space on the fourth floor.
"These moves and renovations show UNG's ongoing commitment to supporting our veterans and becoming the premier destination for student veterans and their families," Johnson said.
Launching this spring, "Battle Buddies" is a pilot mentoring program for veterans.
"The program will match student veterans with faculty and staff mentors who are also veterans, to provide guidance and support and to integrate the students into the UNG community and prepare them for academic and career success,” Johnson said.
Russell said they will begin emailing veteran faculty and staff members in February to determine how many will be interested in becoming a mentor for the program. After that, they will begin communicating with our student veterans to determine how many are interested in participating.
Apart from academic support, several social events have been held, offering family friendly opportunities for veterans and their families. UNG's Appalachian Studies Center recently hosted a one such event that included an appearance by President Michael P. Shannon and First Lady Jessica Shannon — both of whom are veterans — and their family.
Russell said Student Impact Initiatives is working to promote gardening therapy wherein vets could support the Hometown Harvest garden, an initiative of the Appalachian Studies Center.
Last fall, student veterans engaged with potential employers at the Salute to Success Veterans Career Fair hosted by Atlanta Hawks and Georgia Power at State Farm Arena. The event offered attendees the opportunity to meet with representatives from over 30 companies who value the skills and experience of veterans. Participants also engaged with veteran support organizations, networked with employers and other service members and received free professional headshots.
The Gainesville Student Veterans of North Georgia club has begun working on the Wall of Heroes, a display of photos of current student veterans. It will be outside room 1400 in the Arts and Technology building.
Members are also considering volunteering with Family Hospice to spend time with veterans who are in hospice care. They have a goal of creating a book of questions for volunteers to ask when visiting with the veterans in hospice care. This would help volunteers with conversation starters, Russell said.
For additional information about veteran opportunities, student veterans are encouraged to visit Russell in Dahlonega (Hoag Student Center, room 417) or Gainesville (Student Center, room 145) or reach out via email at laura.russell@ung.edu.
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