UNG prepares students to shine in evolving workforce

Disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and drones are changing the world at a rapid pace. The University of North Georgia (UNG) isn't waiting to see what direction those evolutions take. It stands ready to shape the future of America's workforce by preparing leaders who can tackle tomorrow's challenges.

Building on existing AI training for cadets and future educators, drone training for future Army second lieutenants, and partnerships with K-12 schools, UNG launched the Institute for a Future Ready Workforce on Sept. 1. Dr. Lindsay Linsky, a professor in UNG's College of Education, will serve as the institute's inaugural director.

"At North Georgia, we believe preparing people for what comes next requires more than teaching the technology of today. It requires developing people who can learn continuously, adapt quickly, think critically, exercise sound judgment, and lead with character," UNG President Michael Shannon said. "That's why the Institute for a Future Ready Workforce matters. This institute brings together areas that too often operate separately: education, workforce development, emerging technology, industry, and national security."

UNG is not starting from scratch. It already is working with:

• Established K-12 outreach and recruitment programs.
• Active education technology partnerships with MagicSchool and SANS.
• Corps-integrated training and emerging tech initiatives.
• A strong pipeline of grants, contracts and donor interest. 

Shannon and Linsky noted that UNG is responding to a calling from both the nation and the state to better prepare the future workforce. The institute's Advisory Board includes a variety of industry professionals who will work alongside UNG leaders to ensure that is happening.

"The moment is now. And we are fortunate that we have people with the vision and courage to seize the moment," Linsky said. "Whether it's in the classroom or in command on the battlefield, this institute's going to prepare leaders for what comes next."

Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry '78, senior vice president and superintendent of UNG's Cadet Leadership Academy, served in the Army for more than 38 years and the private defense industry for eight years before returning to UNG in his current role in 2024. He has never previously seen a time of such rapid technological shifts as are now underway.

"The role of the officer in our nation's military is arguably one of the fastest-changing roles in the nation's workforce out there. It changes every day. Preparing future officers is what we do for operational and tactical challenges that they will face on tomorrow's battlefield," Terry said. "We cannot train for the last fight. We have to look forward, and we have to make assumptions about the future fight, and we have to train our leaders for that future fight."

Amazon Web Services (AWS) served as the event sponsor for the institute's launch. Justine Gravino Kickham, enterprise account manager for AWS, is one of the institute's Advisory Board members.

"AWS wanted to get involved with this institute because we recognize that workforce development and emerging technology is one of the critical challenges facing our nation. We are committed to being at the forefront of innovation, and that means investing in the talent pipeline where it starts," Kickham said. "We have been proud to align with the Department of War's tenants and partner with our institutions here in Georgia, but specifically UNG, to ensure that their programs are meeting today's demand of our rapidly evolving workforce."

Chris Foltz, a narrative architect, startup advisor and speaker who helps leaders redesign the stories, identities and stakeholder ecosystems that shape organizations, serves as managing director of Silicon-Valley-based Responsible.com. Living in one of the most startup-friendly areas in the country, Foltz has plenty of experience with people offering solutions to problems they have never experienced. That mindset stands in stark contrast to the visionary leadership he sees in the new institute, for which he is an Advisory Board member.

"As we're all deciding what's in our future, I'm excited to be on a team of people who actually care to scale the solutions that have come out of this school that have changed the lives for thousands of people for over 150 years," Foltz said. "I'm so honored to be here."