Mund takes lead of alumni relations

Jordan Mund came to the University of North Georgia (UNG) as a cross-country and track and field student-athlete passionately pursuing her degree in graphic design. She fell so in love with the university and the area that she never left. 

After five years working in Cadet Recruiting, including the final two-plus years as associate director, Mund started her new role as executive director of alumni relations Sept. 1. Mund, a 2021 graduate, is ready to learn more about others' reasons for loving UNG and helping them find ways to keep connecting with the university.  

"I'm really excited to get to know the stories and the legacies of those who have come through the hallowed halls of North Georgia," Mund said. "There are so many people who have had their humble beginnings here, who have gone off to be incredible leaders either in our military or the private sector of society and just those who truly care about the people and the communities around them. I can't wait to hear about the impact that North Georgia had on those individuals." 

As she steps into this new opportunity, Mund can't help but think about those who poured so much into her as a student: 

• Mary Rob Plunkett, who became athletic director in December 2020 and has been at UNG since 2016 when she became associate athletic director for business. 

• Margaret Poitevint, former faculty athletic representative. 

• Christopher Dant, associate professor of visual arts. 

• Paul Dunlap, professor of visual arts. 

"The four of them were really my biggest mentors here, not only because they knew what I needed as an athlete and as a student, but also what I needed as a person to grow," Mund said. "So they were some of my biggest champions, and I can't thank them enough for it." 

In her time on staff at UNG, she said five mentors have provided similar encouragement on her journey: 

• Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, senior vice president and superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy. 

• President Michael Shannon. 

• Lt. Col. Brandon Knox, senior director of Cadet Recruiting. 

• Greg Killeen, recruitment operations officer.  

• Mike Ivy, Florida regional recruiter for Cadet Recruiting.  

As a former UNG student-athlete, Mund is hoping to facilitate more partnerships between the UNG Alumni Association and the Athletic Department, the Corps of Cadets, and Fraternity and Sorority Life as a way of helping engage young alumni. 

Mund calls her time as a student "the four most transformational years of my life." She sees similar stories from others. In particular, she was able to hear them firsthand from members of the class of 1966 at the President's Gathering of Generals and the group's reunion in April. She said their connection is emblematic of what thousands have found at North Georgia. 

"So many of them met here and have been friends ever since. And that just shows that things are not temporary here," Mund said. "They're a lifetime."