Tour helps UNG build national security strategy

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) stays on the move in pursuing its strategic big bet to get in the national security game. UNG leaders visited state and local agencies March 31-April 1 as part of the Nighthawk Impact Tour to learn more about the roles these groups play in both national security and economic development.

Economic development and global commerce in Georgia matter to national security because the state isn't just a regional economic hub — it's a strategic national asset. Georgia is a logistics hub with Hartsfield International Airport and the Port of Savannah. Control over supply chains and rapid mobility tie into military readiness, disaster response and economic resilience.

As part of the tour, UNG visited with:

• Georgia Power
• Georgia Department of Economic Development's Georgia Center of Innovation and Global Commerce team
• Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia aerospace and defense industry entrepreneurs
• Georgia Advanced Technology Development Center
• Hall County Government
• Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
• Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce

UNG President Michael Shannon said the visits with these groups were an important part of advancing UNG's strategy.

"Engaging with these agencies that are central players in our national security and economic development reinforced the importance of providing students with the skills needed to adapt to these dynamic environments," Shannon said. "We appreciate these groups for their desire to partner with UNG, and the tour served as a great reminder that we have unlimited opportunity."

Dr. Elisabeth Burgess, dean of UNG's College of Arts & Letters and co-champion of the national security strategic big bet, saw great value in reconnecting with these groups who have relationships with UNG.

"These Nighthawk Impact Tours give us an opportunity to connect with community agencies and organizations to enhance collaboration and partnerships. National security is a broad topic, and most people think about the federal implications," Burgess said. "But local and state agencies play a pivotal role in the national security game, and this was an excellent opportunity for us to get in front of these officials with the state and Gwinnett and Hall counties. We are excited to open up new opportunities for UNG students to engage in internships and full-time jobs with these various groups."

Hall County Communications and Strategic Engagement Manager Sarah Crowe, who earned a degree in communication with a concentration in organizational leadership from UNG, was grateful to welcome UNG to hear from a variety of Hall County professionals, ranging from emergency management to planning and zoning. That visit included an emergency response tabletop exercise.

"It was an honor to host the University of North Georgia's Nighthawk Impact Tour. Opportunities like this are critical in connecting higher education to the real-world impact of local government and the essential services that shape our communities," Crowe said. "We value our partnership with UNG and are committed to supporting opportunities that strengthen that connection and advance the development of future civic leaders."

Allen Fox, Georgia Center of Innovation director of entrepreneurial and small business ecosystems, likewise welcomed the chance to collaborate with UNG leaders.

"We were honored to host the Nighthawk Impact Tour, as the University of North Georgia is a leader in Georgia's defense technology ecosystem," Fox said. "The event was a great opportunity to showcase how innovation in this sector drives economic growth and workforce development across the state. As always, we are grateful for our partnership with UNG."