Shannon selected to lead University of North Florida

University of North Georgia (UNG) President Michael P. Shannon has been selected to serve as the next president of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Shannon has served as UNG’s 18th president since July 2023, leading the university through a period of significant growth, investment and institutional transformation. During his tenure, UNG surpassed 20,000 students for the first time in its history, expanded academic opportunities across its five campuses, strengthened its commitment to student success and leadership development, and advanced major investments in STEM, health sciences, military education and workforce development.

His presidency has been centered on a simple commitment — Students First. Always. — and a belief that UNG’s responsibility is to equip students to discover their purpose and prepare them to lead what comes next.

"Serving the University of North Georgia has been one of the great privileges of my life," Shannon said. "Jessica and I have come to deeply love this university and the people and communities who make it extraordinary. I am incredibly proud of what our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends have accomplished together, and I am even more excited about what lies ahead for UNG. There is tremendous momentum here, an extraordinary leadership team in place and a community united around serving students and building the future of this remarkable university."

Under Shannon's leadership, UNG advanced a series of strategic initiatives focused on expanding opportunity, developing leaders of character and strengthening the university’s impact across north Georgia, the state and nation. The university expanded access to academic programs, deepened partnerships with industry and communities, elevated athletics as a platform for student development and institutional pride, and strengthened UNG's distinctive role as a Senior Military College through renewed investment in the Corps of Cadets and the creation of the Cadet Leadership Academy. The university also developed new approaches to workforce readiness and human performance.

UNG also made significant investments across its five campuses, including the STEM Excellence Center and Wynne-Mathews Military Science Center in Dahlonega; Ralston Hall in Blue Ridge; the academic building expansion in Cumming; a renovated library and student activities commons in Oconee; and the Strickland renovation and Bob Lathem Poultry Instructional Center Complex, including the Abit Massey Poultry Instructional Center, in Gainesville.

"I want to thank President Shannon for his dedicated leadership in driving momentum across the University of North Georgia," University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. "As a former military officer, he put meaningfulness into a cadet program that provides leaders for our nation's defense. I'm grateful for his service, and we wish Mike, Jessica and their family the best in their next chapter."

Shannon will continue serving as president of UNG through Oct. 31 to support a smooth transition. Information regarding next steps will be shared by the University System of Georgia at a later date.