Meet Charlie Barrett, ‘19
Charlie Barrett, a young man from the northeast corner of Georgia, grew up in Gainesville and graduated from UNG in 2019 with his Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He attended North Hall HS in Gainesville but considers Dahlonega home. Proud of his region, he has traveled extensively across Georgia visiting small towns, and he holds a special affection for Northeast Georgia. Inspired by his father, a physical therapist who was part of the inaugural class for the physical therapy program at UNG, Charlie initially aimed to follow in his footsteps. However, he soon discovered a fear of blood, prompting him to seek a totally different career paths – the world of politics. His mother, a special education teacher nearing retirement, also influenced his aspirations.
Charlie’s connection to UNG runs deep; both his parents are alumni, as is his grandfather, and even his great-grandfather attended when it was still named North Georgia Agricultural College. Growing up visiting Dahlonega for Gold Rush and enjoying local restaurants solidified his affection for the campus, which he perceived as a small yet vibrant community. He felt he could thrive here, gaining opportunities that might have been overlooked at larger institutions. During his orientation and campus visits as a high school senior, Charlie was inspired by UNG's motto, UNG Leads. A self-help book enthusiast, this resonated with his concept of leadership. Observing the Corps of Cadets performing drills and hearing cannon fire on campus left a lasting impression. He realized that these early experiences would significantly influence his career trajectory and that the motto UNG Leads would become central to his professional identity.
Charlie is adamant that his political science degree has been invaluable in his current position as Chief of Staff for Georgia State Senator and President Pro Tempore John Kennedy. The connections he made during his time with the Political Science & International Affairs Department, both on campus and while serving as an intern for State Senator Steve Gooch, enabled him to meet like-minded individuals who also have pursued careers in government and in politics. The education he received and the discussions with professors and peers helped him formulate ideas about governance and politics that laid the foundation for his career. He firmly believes it was not just the academic knowledge he gained but also the soft skills developed in the UNG classroom that give him a competitive edge in his current duties in support of Sen Kennedy. Effective communication skills, and the ability to clearly articulate ideas, positions and legislative priorities are an absolute necessity in his current role; Charlie credits his time at UNG for preparing him to articulate such thoughts clearly and persuasively.
Charlie in 2018 with co-interns and Sen Gooch and Lt Gov Cagle.Last Spring, Charlie was named by the UNG Young Alumni Association to its 20 Under 40 program. For Charlie this was a significant honor, particularly as he is one of the youngest recipients. He appreciates the opportunity the 20 Under 40 program provides for networking with other successful UNG alumni and the importance of building a community of professionals with shared interests.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to be a University of North Georgia alumnus. And it is a place, and it is a time in my life that I hold incredibly dear and will never forget.”