Program preps students to become cadets

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cadet Leadership Preparatory Program (CLPP) has entered its second year in 2025-26 as 10 students at UNG's Gainesville Campus take military science coursework in preparation to potentially join the Corps of Cadets in fall 2026. CLPP supports students with enhanced training and mentoring to reach this goal.

"We want to give them a good purview of what it's like to be in the Corps of Cadets at UNG," Capt. Alexander Hovious, the lead military science instructor for CLPP, said.

Harsh Patel, a transfer student from Elberton, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He is grateful for his CLPP experience thus far.

"If you want to be a commissioned officer in the future, this will be a great start toward the Corps of Cadets," Patel said. "If you want to serve in the Army, it's the best thing to do here on the Gainesville Campus."

Ethan Starbird, a freshman from Richmond Hill, Georgia, pursuing a degree in sociology, served six years in the Army before enrolling in UNG in the fall and starting the CLPP. While his goal is to join the Corps of Cadets in the fall, he said students who may not end up becoming cadets can also benefit.

"It's a really good program," Starbird said. "I would recommend it for anyone who wants to develop themselves as a leader and a strong communicator."

Four students from the initial CLPP cohort in 2024-25 became cadets in fall 2025, with another five of them remaining as students at UNG's Gainesville Campus.

Gabe Fields, one of those from the initial CLPP cohort who became a cadet, is now a sophomore pursuing a degree in political science. The Adams, Tennessee, native said the program gave him "time to realize what was important" before becoming a cadet. Fields is grateful to be on the next step of his journey in the Corps.

"They want to help you be successful," Fields said. "It's nice to have people to hold me accountable."

The CLPP has partnered with University College to give the students the advising, tutoring and mentoring they need.

"The more responsibility we gave these students, the more they thrived," Lt. Col. Brandon Knox, senior director of Cadet Recruiting, said.

Jordan Mund, associate director of Cadet Recruiting, said the CLPP is a valuable program whether students become cadets or remain civilian students.

"We are giving opportunity and purpose to students who might not have had that at other institutions. We are providing initial structure. That gives students the desire to become a leader," Mund said. "They are working together and holding each other accountable. They can get their feet wet and see if this is something they want to pursue."