Cadets ready to lead as officers

This week, 60 University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets will commission as officers into the Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve as they take the next step in their leadership journeys. The commissioning ceremony is set for 4 p.m. May 12 in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Thirteen cadets graduating on the National Service Leadership Track (NSLT) will also be honored at the event.

Jessica Rushing, a Savannah, Georgia, native earning a degree in biology, is commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. She is a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) and Distinguished Military Student (DMS).

Her time in the Aggressors Platoon, one of the cadet specialty units, as a freshman and sophomore was instrumental in shaping her path.

"It makes you feel like you have a family in the Corps," Rushing said. "My specialty unit kept me going and made me want to do more."

A three-year Army ROTC Scholarship recipient, she has served as a resident assistant for two years. Rushing found particular fulfillment in the one-on-one interactions inherent in that role, as she pushed others to consider what drives them.

Rushing has also enjoyed her work in biology, as her outgoing personality has allowed her to serve as a leader in classrooms and labs.

One of her most impactful times as a cadet came this spring when she spent a week at the "Nicolae Balcescu" Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, Romania.

"It's so nice to see that there's common ground," Rushing said. "It made me feel less alienated from people I don't know. We need more of that in the world."

Kaleb Carter, a Decatur, Georgia, resident, earning a degree in cybersecurity, plans to commission into the Georgia Army National Guard Military Intelligence branch after appreciating his work in that branch on a previous deployment. He is also a DMG and DMS.

Carter began his time at UNG during Freshman Recruit Orientation Group Week in January 2023. He came in primarily focused on earning his degree, but thanks to the Corps of Cadets, Carter said, "I got more than what I bargained for."

He thrived the most this academic year as a tactical officer for the Leadership Development Program (LDP), which prepares cadets during their junior year for Advanced Camp, a key milestone on the path to commissioning during the summer before their senior year.

"You can build the relationships with the people you're responsible for," Carter said. "It's definitely allowed me to be comfortable being more assertive."

Shayne Strickland, a Savannah, Georgia, resident, earning a degree in criminal justice, will commission into the Army Corps of Engineers. He is a DMG and DMS, as well.

Strickland's time in Aggressors Platoon and Ranger Challenge were especially meaningful.

"I've learned what I'm truly capable of," Strickland said. "UNG and the Corps of Cadets are really good at teaching leadership."

Strickland has also appreciated his time this year as a tactical office for LDP. He wasn't sure when he first joined the Corps if he wanted to commission, and he later was interested in the Infantry branch before deciding on the Corps of Engineers. Ultimately, UNG surrounded him with leaders who helped shape his path.

"The Corps of Cadets helps you figure out who you are, where you want to go in life and what will make the most sense for your family," Strickland said.

Samuel Bailey, a Dunwoody, Georgia, resident earning a degree in criminal justice with a forensics concentration and a minor in leadership and public service, is an NSLT graduate this semester.

Bailey served this year as Foxtrot Company commander.

His time in the Mountain Order of Colombo specialty unit also made a major impact on him.

"That experience taught me to take on hard things and know my body can handle a lot more than I realize," Bailey said.

When he found out he was medically disqualified from commissioning, Bailey said he still felt called by God to serve and protect the nation through the Federal Marshals, Secret Service or a three-letter agency. That's why he pursued the NSLT path. He encourages others to push through adversity.

"Have a moral compass, and don't change that to fit into the masses," Bailey said. "You're going to have hard times. In order to grow, you have to face them head-on and not give up."