Nine cadets in top 10% of nation

October 25, 2021

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is tied for the most Distinguished Military Graduates (DMG) among the nation's six senior military colleges for 2021-22, with 32 selected. Nine of those rank in the top 10% of their ROTC class nationally.

DMGs are commissioning cadets who finish in the top 20% of Army graduates on the national Order of Merit List by achieving superior grade-point averages, strong performance in the Army Combat Fitness Test, and proving their worth as exceptional leaders in their college ROTC training.

"DMG designation is a testament to the dedication, hard work and success of these individuals, the Corps of Cadets teammates who supported and trained them, and the instructors and cadre who set the foundation for leadership and excellence," Col. Bryan Kirk, UNG's professor of military science, said.

The nine UNG cadets who rank in the top 10% out of more than 6,700 cadets nationally are Ayomide Adekola, Justin Collado, Jordan Cook, Benjamin Danko, Henry Gale, Davis Isley, Ryan Jones, Alex Minton, and Benjamin Yetman.

Jones, a senior from Richmond, Virginia, pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, is the brigade commander for the Corps of Cadets. He said the emphasis on academics and physical fitness sets UNG cadets up for success.

"This high number of Distinguished Military Graduates is a testament to how driven we are," Jones said. "It is also good news for the Army getting new second lieutenants from UNG." 

UNG's other DMG honorees are: Victor Ambriz, Noah Armstrong, Michael Bun, Daniel Burke, Thomas Cothren, Jarrett Dooley, Dillon Evans, Hayley Farmer, Carson Hager, Alexander Haller, Connor Hamilton, Chandler Harris, Wesley Hoekwater, Raymond Moore, Matthew Powers, Micah Robertson, Daniel Shearer, Komlan Sogah, Aaron Stark, Samuel Stuart, John Tapia, Casey Wagoner, and William Wischnewsky.

Farmer, a senior from Griffin, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice, said it is rewarding to get the recognition for her years of hard work.

As a member of UNG's Ranger Challenge specialty unit, Farmer has helped the team win two ROTC titles and finish in the top four overall twice at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. She credits the unit for much of her growth.  

"That's helped me realize the limits I can push myself to mentally and physically," she said.

Meanwhile, Adekola, a senior from Loganville, Georgia, and a corps battalion commander who is pursuing a degree in computer science, said he and his classmates have pushed each other in pursuit of lofty goals.

"We know what we are capable of. While we support each other, competing with one another gave us another goal beyond achievement," he said. "We were able to do that together." 

Ten of UNG's DMGs will commission as Army National Guard officers upon graduation.

"UNG is one of the main reasons that the Georgia National Guard is arguably the best in the nation," Dr. Billy Wells, UNG senior vice president for leadership and global engagement and a retired Army colonel, said. "We produce quality leaders, and they are rising to the top of the Georgia Guard leadership."