Administration Announcements

Teammates,

 

I am excited to announce a significant step forward in our data-driven strategic initiatives. Dr. Jayson VanHook will join UNG on November 4 as our inaugural Associate Vice President for Data Strategy and Chief Data Officer (CDO). 

This new position is crucial to achieving our Fiscal Year 2024 goal of enhancing our capacity for data-driven strategic planning, decision-making, and programming. Dr. VanHook will develop a comprehensive data strategy to inform student retention and graduation efforts, enrollment planning, and our ambitious Moonshot initiatives. 

Dr. VanHook brings nearly three decades of higher education experience from Lee University, where he most recently served as Vice President for Enrollment. His expertise spans strategic planning, accreditation processes, and leveraging data and technology to drive organizational change. 

Key responsibilities in his new role will include: 

• Collaborating with stakeholders to develop a data strategy and enhance data literacy across the institution
• Overseeing the creation of data visualization tools to support strategic decision-making, initially and primarily around the area of student success, retention, and graduation.
• Leading UNG's data governance framework
• Ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations

 

Dr. VanHook holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has consulted with various industries on leveraging data for organizational effectiveness. 

Dr. VanHook will report to Dr. Jen Herazy, the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff, and will work closely with me and our senior leadership team. 

Please join me in welcoming Dr. VanHook to UNG. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to run into our calling and deliver like never before for our region, state and nation. 

Bold Forward! 

Mike

Teammates, 

I'm thrilled to announce that Jason Matt will be joining UNG on September 23 as our interim Senior Vice President for Business Operations/Chief Operating Officer (COO). While our recent search for a permanent leader didn't yield the expected outcome, we've seized this opportunity to bring in a highly qualified interim leader who will drive our strategic initiatives forward. 

Jason Matt brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to UNG. In his current role at Georgia Tech, Jason provides operational support to the Institute’s academic enterprise by directing complex administrative projects, leading planning efforts in support of the academic mission, representing the Provost on campus committees, and collaborating with colleagues to close process gaps and increase operational efficiencies.  He also teaches an undergraduate course on the Fundamentals of Personal Finance.

 Jason was previously the Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget at the University System of Georgia. There he led the preparation of the annual budget request and the System's operating budget development. Although his main duties were financial, he collaborated extensively with human resources, facilities, information technology, academic affairs, and other units across the USG’s 26 institutions. During his tenure there, Jason had the opportunity to work with various UNG departments and leaders, and he is thrilled to join and serve alongside such a talented team. 

Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Michigan State University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting from Georgia State University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia. 

Jason's proven track record in operational support, complex project management, and efficiency improvement aligns perfectly with our goals for the COO position. His familiarity with UNG and enthusiasm for our mission will ensure a smooth transition and immediate impact. 

Some other Key updates:

• Brandy Hawkins will continue as interim executive assistant to the COO, providing valuable continuity and support.
• We're launching searches for the Associate Vice President for Real Estate and Auxiliary Services and Chief Financial Officer to strengthen our leadership

team.

• We'll reassess the permanent COO position early next year, maintaining our commitment to a reimagined role that aligns with UNG's aspirations. 

I'd like to express my gratitude to the search committee and Dr. Jen Herazy for their dedication during this process. 

Let's give Jason and Brandy a warm welcome and our full support as we continue to run into our calling. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in driving UNG's success and realizing our strategic vision.

 Looking forward to the positive impact Jason will bring to our team! 

Bold Forward!
Mike

Dear UNG Community,

The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County has profoundly impacted our community, leaving us feeling shocked, saddened, and united in grief.  We lost one of our own - Cristina Irimie, a College of Education graduate who was teaching there. Many of our current students are Apalachee alumni. The connections are real, and so is the pain.

Please know that we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our UNG community. We're not going to pretend we have all the answers. We don't. But here's what we can do:


1. Our counseling services are open and ready. Use them if you need to. Call 706-867-4402 to make an appointment.  Crisis appointments are also available same day.

2. A gofundme for the family of Cristina Irimie has been established if you are interested and able to contribute here.

3. Classes will continue, but professors have been asked to be flexible. If you need time, take it.

4. The New York Times has a mini profile of Christina for those who want to know more about the person she was.


In the face of such senseless violence, words often fall short. Yet, we must acknowledge the courage displayed amidst the chaos. Officer Tanner Good, a UNG alumnus in Criminal Justice and a member of the inaugural class of our POST Academy, confronted and stopped the shooter. His actions, born from the training he received here, undoubtedly saved lives.

This is tough. It's okay to not be okay right now. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic event.  Let's look out for each other.

For those looking for more support and guidance:

• 24/7/365 Phone: 1.844.243.4400
• Website: Usg.mylifeexpert.com
• Code: USGCares

With a heavy heart,


Mike

Teammates,   

I'm pleased to share an update on the Senior Vice President for Business Operations/Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Financial Services/Chief Financial Officer positions. 

As we are searching for permanent hires for these roles, Dr. Jen Herazy will serve as interim Senior Vice President for Business Operations/Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Jarad Conner as interim Vice President for Financial Services/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Both appointments are effective Aug. 1 until the searches are complete. During this interim period, Brandy Hawkins, Administrative Assistant to Associate Provost-Undergrad Programs, will continue to serve as interim Executive Assistant to the COO at a 50% - time appointment.  

Prior to joining UNG as senior vice president of strategy and chief of staff in August 2023, Jen worked at Georgia Tech since 1997, serving in a dual role as interim deputy chief business officer in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance and as Associate Vice President for Strategy and Administration in the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her doctorate in higher education management from the University of Georgia.  

Since initially joining UNG in 2006, Jarad has almost 18 years of service to UNG, including nearly 14 years of experience in the Office of Budget and Financial Planning. He has spent the last four years serving as UNG's Budget Director. Jarad holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from what was then North Georgia College and State University and is now UNG.  

As we transition to interim leadership, I want to also express my sincere appreciation to James Shore for serving as interim Chief Business Officer since January. James' experience, steady approach, and good humor have been invaluable during these past few months. We wish him well as he returns to his duties full time at the University of Georgia. 

The COO search is underway and progressing according to our timeline. This key leader will report directly to me as a member of my Senior Leadership Team and cabinet and serve as our chief operations strategist, overseeing non-academic business, administrative and finance operations in support of UNG's strategic goals.  

The CFO search will be launched shortly. Reporting to the COO and serving as a member of my cabinet, the CFO will lead all financial operations of the university, with Budgets and Planning and Financial Services/Comptroller reporting directly to them. 

I appreciate the work that our search committees are undertaking to fill these pivotal roles.  

Bold Forward! 

Mike 

Teammates, 

High-functioning organizations prioritize service excellence through a focus on the customer experience delivered via high-impact training, business process improvements, and a focus on taking care of people. Since my arrival, I have sought to bring attention and support to enhancing our business operations with a focus on improving the experience of our students, employees, parents, and external partners when conducting business with UNG.

Super-charging this effort will be critical as we strengthen our base to launch the Strategic Big Bets to build the most dynamic, innovative, legacy-making university in America. To this end, we have implemented the following position and organizational changes, effective July 1, 2024.

• Reclassified Charlotte Wade’s current position from Chief Compliance Officer to Executive Director of Service Excellence. This position will be part of the Office of the President and report to Dr. Jen Herazy, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Chief of Staff. In this role, Charlotte will serve as an advocate for excellence, efficiency, transparency, service, and ethics in our business operations, especially those that impact the student and employee experience. She will be responsible for promoting a culture and practice of excellence in customer service and efficiency in operations and processes, and a culture of ethical behavior and integrity that reflects the highest standards of professional conduct, decision-making, and actions.  Additionally, Wade will retain her current responsibilities in support of Clery Compliance activities for the University System of Georgia.
• Institutional oversight and coordination of compliance obligations will move to the Office of the General Counsel, including Clery Compliance functions and responsibilities and compliance with Minors on Campus. Brooke Smith will report to Elene Garrison, General Counsel, and her position title has been updated to Director of Regulatory Risk for Youth Programs & Clery Officer.
• Title IX functions and responsibilities and the Title IX Coordinator, Misty McDonald, will report to Dr. Alyson Paul, VP for Student Engagement and Success. The Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Investigator, Derrick Holmes, will also transfer to Student Engagement and Success.

These changes align and advance our shared value "Students First. Always." by maintaining a commitment to compliance, while equally elevating the importance of customer service and efficient business operations.   

Join me in welcoming our colleagues to these new roles, new responsibilities, and new reporting lines. I am thankful for each of these teammates and their commitment to improving the service we deliver to all of UNG stakeholders.

Bold Forward! 

Mike

I am thrilled to extend a personal invitation to you for a special event I'm hosting this August: "Reveille: Awakening the Future of Higher Education." 

At UNG, we are working to create a university that has never existed before. Is that a bold proposition? Absolutely. But our nation, communities, and industries need people who dare boldly enough to make a difference. With our rich history of producing agile-minded leaders, UNG is uniquely equipped and prepared to lead from the front. 

I encourage you to join us to hear more about our vision and how you can be a part of this transformative journey. 

Event Details:

• Date & Time: August 7 at 7 p.m. or on August 8 at 10 a.m.
• Location: Convocation Center, UNG's Dahlonega Campus 

Please take a minute to RSVP online. Reservations are requested, but not required. 

You're not going to want to miss it! Check out our teaser video.

Bold Forward! 

Mike

As we gather to celebrate the 4th of July, I am reminded of the profound significance this day holds for our nation and our institution. As one of only six Senior Military Colleges in America, we hold a unique place in the fabric of our country’s history and future.

Independence Day is a time to reflect on the freedoms we cherish, and the sacrifices made to secure them. It is also a moment to honor the values of courage, leadership, and service that are at the core of our university’s mission. For over 150 years, we have been committed to cultivating leaders who not only excel academically but also embody the principles of these foundational values.

Today, we celebrate the resilience and spirit of our cadets, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Your dedication to excellence and your commitment are what make the University of North Georgia a pillar of leadership and innovation.

As we enjoy the picnics and fireworks, let’s also remember the brave women and men who have fought and continue to fight for our independence. And let’s appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities that come with them.

I am incredibly proud of our North Georgia community and the role we play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Together, let us continue to strive for excellence and uphold the values that define our university and our nation.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous Independence Day!

Mike

Teammates,

I want to share an important update on the Chief Business Officer Position search we launched earlier this year. 

We have decided to conclude the search for a Senior Vice President for Business and Finance/Chief Business Officer, as our search activities revealed the need to reimagine this role to better align with UNG's aspirations and enhance our potential for success. We will restructure this role as a Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, we will utilize a vacant position to create a new position, Vice President for Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer, by leveraging a currently vacant position.

The Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO) will report directly to me and be a member of my Senior Leadership Team and cabinet. This individual will be the chief operations strategist, overseeing non-academic business, administrative, and finance operations in support of UNG's strategic goals. Units reporting to this role will include Facilities, Real Estate/Auxiliary Services, Financial Services and Budget, General Counsel, Human Resources, Public Safety, and Information Technology.

The Vice President for Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will report to the Chief Operating Officer and be a member of my cabinet. Under my guidance and that of the Chief Operating Officer, the CFO will manage all financial operations of the university, with Budgets and Planning and Financial Services/Comptroller reporting directly to them.

We will immediately launch a search for the Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer, and soon after, a search for the Vice President for Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer.

I extend my appreciation to James Shore for his continued service as Interim Chief Business Officer since January. He will continue in this role until the end of July.

I want to thank the search committee for their thoughtful work on this search. We will be moving expeditiously to launch the COO search and look forward to the continued contributions of the community as we identify this next dynamic leader as we run into our calling!

Bold Forward!

Mike

Members of the Cadet Leadership Academy,

I wanted to inform you first about the conclusion of our search for the Senior Vice President and Superintendent of our Cadet Leadership Academy. I am pleased to announce that Lieutenant General (Retired) James Terry has accepted the position of UNG’s inaugural Senior Vice President and Superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy effective June 24, 2024. Additionally, Colonel Bryan G. Kirk has accepted the position and will serve as Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff (AVP-CoS) of the Cadet Leadership Academy effective with the start of the Fall term. These two leaders will have an immediate and profound impact as we strive to shape the future of our Corps of Cadets.

Lieutenant General Terry, a native of Chatsworth, Georgia, is an alumnus of Murray County High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from what was then North Georgia College, now the University of North Georgia. During his time at UNG, he was a member of the Cadet Corps, a Distinguished Military Student, and a Distinguished Military Graduate, commissioned into the Infantry Branch upon graduation in 1978.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Terry commanded at every level from Rifle Platoon Leader to Theater Army. He has led Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines from multiple nations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. After retiring from the U.S. Army in January 2016 at the rank of Lieutenant General, he transitioned to the U.S. Defense Industry, serving as Senior Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at Cubic Defense since August 2016.

Lieutenant General Terry has remained actively involved with UNG, serving on the University Alumni Council, the Mike Cottrell College of Business Advisory Board, and the Cadet Corps Advisory Council. He holds a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Webster University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy and Policy from the U.S. National Defense University.

Colonel Bryan G. Kirk will retire as a special forces officer with over 27 years of U.S. Army service in July. He is a graduate of Campbell University (North Carolina) where he commissioned and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He holds Master of Science degrees in Strategic Studies (Army War College), National Security and Strategic Studies (Naval War College), and a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts (LSU).

Prior to his assignment at UNG as the Professor of Military Science in 2021, he served in Special Operations units and deployed worldwide, including commands in 3^rdand 7^thSpecial Forces Group (Airborne).  He most recently served as Director of Operations for the Theater Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.

Bold Forward!

Mike

Dear North Georgia Family,

Today we mark the 80th anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in American History – D-Day.  On June 6, 1944, brave Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, a daring operation that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. As we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought on that day, we also reflect on the profound significance of their actions and the enduring legacy they have left behind.

The University of North Georgia, as one of only six senior military colleges in America, is deeply connected to this legacy of service and sacrifice. The purpose of our institution is not only to provide a rigorous academic education but also to instill in our students the values of leadership, honor, and duty. Our Corps of Cadets exemplifies these values every day, preparing our cadets to lead with integrity and to serve our nation with distinction.

As we set the conditions to Deliver the Corps of the Future - a strategic big bet to be the best officer development program in America - we humbly stand on the shoulders of giants! Please take a few minutes to hear about our legacy on D-Day.

These heroes are a part of the bedrock for delivering our strategy. We are North Georgia - Truth and Wisdom!

With all my respect,

Mike

Dear Nighthawk Community,

As one of six distinguished senior military colleges in America, the University of North Georgia carries a profound legacy of service and commitment. On this upcoming Memorial Day holiday, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This day holds special significance for us, as we reflect on the valor and dedication of our Corps of Cadets and the generations of alumni who have answered the call to defend our freedoms.

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the heavy cost of the liberties we enjoy. It is a time to remember those who have laid down their lives so that we might live in a nation that upholds the values of democracy and justice. The commitment and sacrifices of our fallen heroes are the bedrock upon which our country's foundation stands.

Our university's commitment to service is embodied in our Corps of Cadets. These young men and women follow in the footsteps of those who have come before them, preparing themselves to lead with honor, integrity and a deep sense of duty. Their dedication is a testament to the enduring spirit of patriotism that helps define our university.

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us remember and honor the memories of those who have perished in service to our country. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms we cherish today, and their legacy continues to inspire us to strive for a better, more just world.

A strong example of the sacrifice of our North Georgia alumni is 1st Lt. Weston C. Lee.  Weston was a 2014 UNG graduate who died on April 29, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during a combat patrol. Weston was an infantry officer assigned to 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), North Carolina. While at UNG, Weston was a leader in the Corps, was involved in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Student Government Association, the combat shooting team, and rugby. He was also very involved as an INTRO orientation leader. Those who were fellow INTRO leaders said he was quiet, shy, funny, and sweet. He never wanted to miss a workout, so sometimes others on the team would “cover” for him.

Today, we honor Weston and all of those other Nighthawks who paid the ultimate sacrifice for America. He was only 25.

We are privileged to be part of a community that understands the true meaning of service and sacrifice. May we always remember the cost of our freedoms and the lives that were given to secure them. On behalf of the university, I extend my deepest gratitude to our service members, veterans and their families. We honor you this Memorial Day and every day.

Sincerely,

Mike

Nighthawk Nation,

There is much to be proud of in UNG Athletics...our tradition and heritage are strong:

• Three National Championships
• 84 Conference Championships
• 122 All-Americans 

As I send you this note, I am in Orlando cheering on our women’s tennis team and our men’s golf team as they compete this week for Division II National Championships, striving to add to these impressive numbers.

But it’s much bigger than that.

While we take immense pride in the continued success and victories of our 13 teams on the field, what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence across all aspects of the student-athlete college experience – academics, leadership and developing purpose. It’s about fostering an environment where courage, clarity and purpose are at the forefront, guiding our student-athletes to succeed in every arena of life. We believe deeply in the value that athletics brings to the college experience – for all students! 

This commitment to holistic excellence was exemplified during our Spring 2024 Commencement by Dr. Katie Metrock (Williamson), a 2006 UNG alumna and the director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Pediatric Neuro-oncology Program. Dr. Metrock, who was a four-year starter for the UNG women's basketball team, a conference champion each season, and two-time Nighthawk Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, is a pediatric neuro-oncologist and one of the nation’s leading experts in childhood brain cancers. Her journey from a student-athlete to a leader in the medical field embodies the very essence of what we strive to achieve at UNG in athletics.

And now, I'm proud to announce we have two more powerful examples.  

Monday night in Orlando, the NCAA announced the 46 Division II student-athletes who will each receive the 50th Anniversary Scholarship, worth over $1,000. They only recognize two student-athletes from each conference, and Nighthawks Claire Mills (Cross Country/Track) and Max Garnett (Men’s Soccer) SWEPT the selections for the Peach Belt Conference. Yes, our UNG student-athletes won both scholarships!    

This is an amazing accomplishment and further proof of the strength of our programs and the integrity of our student-athletes, who set the standard for excellence and leadership. This is the foundation of our athletics strategic big bet – to deliver the most competitive, value-added Division II athletics program in America. Teammates, we are delivering. Stay tuned and watch our strategy unfold.  

Read the full press release from the NCAA. I hope you’ll join us in congratulating Claire and Max as we celebrate them across social media. Keep watching and cheering us on this week as we compete in Orlando – Go Nighthawks!

Bold Forward!

Mike

View A Special Message from the Chancellor (YouTube)

Teammates,

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication and commitment throughout this remarkable academic year. Your collective efforts have culminated in a Spring Commencement ceremony that stands as a testament to our shared goals, as we joyously celebrated 1,710 new graduates, proudly representing all five of our campuses, leaving us to walk toward their purpose. Personally, Jessica and I are honored by the way all of you have embraced and welcomed us. Thank you!

As we transition into the summer months and begin to contemplate well-deserved moments of rest and rejuvenation, I wanted to take a moment to provide you with an important update regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 budgets and share some insights into our new FY25 budget. Some of these budget actions were anticipated and shared at the recent virtual town hall meeting on April 24. A recording of that meeting can be found on my website.

At their April 16 meeting, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents approved budget allocations to all 26 USG institutions. At this meeting, the board also approved several other budget-related items such as tuition and fees. The approved tuition increases are the first in five years, and the approved mandatory student fees represent a significant revision to UNG’s fee structure and create consistency for all students regardless of their campus of instruction. Learn more about these updates.

The approval of campus budget allocations follows the Georgia General Assembly’s completion of the 2024 legislative session, which included passing the USG’s budget. The FY25 budget includes several positive updates and priorities for the University of North Georgia. The budget was signed by Governor Kemp last week, approved by the Board of Regents this week, and I’m excited to share a few positive updates from the USG’s FY24 and FY25 budgets. 

I’m pleased to share that UNG’s portion of the FY24 state budget reduction of over $1 million, taken at the beginning of this fiscal year, was partially restored in the FY24 amended budget and is fully restored in the FY25 budget. This restoration will allow UNG to continue the positive momentum we are experiencing.

UNG also received design funding for the new STEM Center of Excellence facility on the Dahlonega Campus. This capital priority support follows funding for other UNG buildings over the last several years, including new academic buildings currently under construction on the Blue Ridge and Cumming campuses, and the new Military Science Center for the Dahlonega Campus currently in design. Combined, these projects represent over $40 million of state funding over the last four years. I highlight this progress to show that the work we are doing is resonating with leaders across our state. This is a tribute to your hard work, and I again say thank you. 

As was shared with you late last week from the UNG Office of Human Resources, the budget includes a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, to recognize the dedication of you, our faculty and staff members, who tirelessly serve our students and our entire community. This most recent 4% COLA, capped at $3,000, brings the total state’s COLA investment over the past three years for full-time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff members up to as much as $10,000. This COLA is in addition to the one-time supplement received in December 2023 that was provided as part of the FY24 amended budget. These state-driven adjustments are welcome news, as faculty and staff compensation has been and will continue to be one of my top priorities.

On a related note, I’d like to share that UNG will be officially establishing a minimum hiring rate for full-time staff. For the first time, UNG will ensure that no full-time staff member earns less than $31,200 annually, or $15 per hour. Impacted employees should have received additional information about this pay adjustment directly from the Office of Human Resources. The ability to provide this to many front-line employees follows a continuing concern expressed to me and our senior leadership team since my arrival last year. More work needs to be done to provide competitive compensation for faculty and staff, and some initial investments are outlined below, which will serve as a foundation for future salary enhancements.

The FY25 budget allocation includes an expected reduction due to declining enrollment over the past several years based on the funding formula. Here at UNG, we have spent a great deal of time ensuring that we implement this reduction in a manner that minimizes the impact on our students. Our shared value of "Students First. Always" is being realized with increasing momentum and positive outlooks for enrollment heading into the summer and fall semesters. Our numbers are up, but we have MUCH more work to do. While driven by our leadership team, enrollment strategy is a shared responsibility, and we all need to work together to recruit and retain students to prepare tomorrow’s leaders and the workforce for Georgia and the nation. We will not let this reduction deter us from becoming the university I know we can be.

As we absorb this reduction, we have also redirected funding and planned for modest tuition revenue increases to make some strategic investments to our instructional mission, strategic initiatives, and as mentioned, our most critical asset, our people. We made a strong commitment upon my arrival to invest in our faculty, both in terms of market-based compensation and professional development. Additionally, we made a commitment to invest in our staff who tirelessly serve our students and make our campuses run. I am pleased to update you on our progress relative to these commitments. Here is a summary of our thoughtful FY25 investments:

• Stabilize limited faculty lines to permanent funds: $1.3 million
• Launch new faculty lines in high-demand areas to support enrollment growth: $1.1 million
• Faculty market-competitive salary issues initial investment: $0.25 million
• Redirection of research indirect revenue to faculty professional development/travel: $0.25 million Salary adjustments to create a new full-time minimum wage and address high-turnover, high-risk staff retention: $0.7 million
• Facilities investments to align with our strategy

Of special note, the provost and I appreciate the work performed this year by the Faculty Senate Compensation Committee. In the fall, we will be working with them to develop a plan to strategically target limited available funds for addressing faculty market-competitive salary issues. I am also thankful to the Staff Council and numerous leaders across all five campuses for helping us build strategy toward our staff investments. 

As we move to operationalize the above investments, we will continue to update you on any significant developments related to our overall financial picture. Our number one focus for stabilizing our budget and creating the flexibility we need to take of our people and execute our Bold Forward strategic investments is to measurably improve our enrollment from both a recruiting and retention perspective. To do this, we have thoughtfully reset our organization and have launched numerous efforts to execute this work. The great news is we are already seeing the fruit. Thank you to everyone who has helped us and is continuing to work on these strategic efforts over the summer – much work has been done and there is much to do.

I know this was a long note. I hope it sheds some light on where we are and where we are investing. There is much work to do over the summer. I look forward to sharing with you how our vision sets the conditions for our future. You may have heard me say that at UNG, we are creating a university that's never existed. Is that a bold proposition? Absolutely. But our country, communities and industries are calling us to dare boldly enough to make a difference. As a university with a rich history of producing agile-minded leaders, we are uniquely equipped and prepared to lead from the front. Please mark your calendars for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, when we will present, "Reveille: Charting a Path for the Future of Higher Education." It will be an incredible day! Stay tuned for more information.

Thank you for the leadership, effort and commitment you show every day to our students. Your work is valued and appreciated. The work you do with our students is an investment in their journey toward purpose. It is missional work and I appreciate all you do. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can be helpful. Should you have questions regarding the FY25 budget, please contact me at president@ung.edu.

Bold Forward!

Mike

Good morning, Nighthawks!

Our spring athletics teams have been winning at the highest levels nationally and in the Peach Belt Conference throughout this spring, and a few of them are one step closer to earning a national title.

This past weekend, our men's golf, women's tennis, and softball teams won NCAA Division II regionals, with the first two advancing to nationals in the Orlando, Florida, area and the softball team advancing to a Super Regional today and Wednesday in Dahlonega with a trip to the eight-team national championship in Florida on the line. All three of these teams rank in the top eight nationally in their respective sports.

We have a great opportunity to support our softball team as it seeks to join our men's golf and women's tennis teams in Orlando at the NCAA Division II Festival in pursuit of championship glory. The first game of the best-of-three Super Regional against Lenoir-Rhyne is at noon today at Haines and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park, with the second game (and possibly a third to follow) starting at noon Wednesday.

As the UNG softball team looks to return to the game's biggest stage a year after winning the national title in 2023, all students, faculty and staff will receive free admission and free food at the Wednesday noon game. Please bring your ID and come out to the field during your lunch break to cheer on our Nighthawks!

Finally, our nationally-ranked men's tennis team is playing today in the NCAA Southeast Regional in Auburn, Alabama, against Columbus State University with a chance to also reach the 16-team NCAA championship in Orlando.

As our teams continue to deliver the most competitive, value-added NCAA Division II athletics program in the nation, stay tuned to ungathletics.com to keep up with the latest scores, schedules and how to watch these teams play online. We will also soon be announcing send-offs for our teams that are Orlando-bound and invite all fans to come out to cheer them on as they depart.

We are so proud of these teams, and we know they aren't done yet! Bold forward, and Go Nighthawks!

Bold Forward!

Mike

Dear UNG teammates,

I wanted to share with you all some events planned for fall to bring our faculty and staff together and celebrate the excellent work you do each day.

First, I would like to personally invite you to a special event I am hosting this August called "Reveille: Charting a Path for the Future of Higher Education."

You may have heard me say that at UNG, we are creating a university that's never existed.

Is that a bold proposition? Absolutely. But our nation, communities, and industries are looking for people who dare boldly enough to make a difference. As a university with a rich history of producing agile-minded leaders, we are uniquely equipped and prepared to lead from the front.

So I'm encouraging you to join us at 7 p.m. Aug. 7 or 10 a.m. Aug. 8 in the Convocation Center to hear more about what this looks like and how you can get involved. You're not going to want to miss it!

Based on the very positive feedback we received hosting five campus holiday luncheons in December, we will be replacing Faculty and Staff Convocation with a series of campus-based and a university-wide faculty and staff honors. These six events are intended to celebrate the unique community of each campus and provide an opportunity for all of UNG to gather and celebrate together before the start of the academic year.

From Aug. 5-7, we will hold five campus welcome back celebrations. At these events, faculty and staff will be recognized for their accomplishments: our retirees, length of service awards, promotion and tenure, and campus-specific awards. These events will be breakfast or lunch events with the specific campus dates and times to be announced early this summer. Please stay tuned.

At noon Thursday, Aug. 8, we will hold a university-wide faculty and staff awards lunch in the Convocation Center at the Dahlonega Campus. This will recognize faculty and staff members receiving university-wide awards and honors.

Finally, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, I will deliver my inaugural State of the University address. Watch for more details coming about this event.

I look forward to working closely with you over the coming weeks as we prepare for the 2024-25 academic year and the exciting events that will serve as further accelerators for our momentum. I am very grateful for all you do and appreciate your commitment to changing the lives of our students. Each one of you bring the mission and work of the University of North Georgia to life everyday. I am so thankful to be a part of this team and our amazing work.

Bold Forward!

Mike

Presidential Town Hall April 2024

Dear Students,

Last week the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents approved and provided us with next year’s tuition and fees. These rates will be effective starting with the upcoming Fall 2024 semester. Below is a brief update and a link to the information posted on USG’s website. 

The approved 2.5% increase for in-state tuition next year is the first in five years, reflecting USG and UNG’s ongoing commitment to affordability, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can still pursue higher education. Additionally, out-of-state tuition has been approved to increase by 5% for the upcoming year, and a new rate for out-of-country students has been established. In addition to these changes, further adjustments were made to tuition rates for UNG’s two-year degrees. 

The Board of Regents also approved a new mandatory student fee structure for all USG institutions that reflects a consistent approach by including all students as fee payers regardless of campus designation, including those students taking classes online. As a result, there are several changes to UNG’s mandatory student fees. Students on all campuses will now have access to the services provided by these fees even if students take classes on more than one of UNG’s five campuses. Like tuition, fee levels have mostly not increased over the past five years and have decreased with removal of the Special Institutional Fee, further enhancing student affordability. UNG leadership will be working with the Student Government Association to implement this new fee structure and associated programs across the university. 

Details of tuition and fee amounts, including new housing and dining rates, can be found on USG’s website.

Thank you for trusting UNG to provide you with a first-class education. We are incredibly proud of you and the progress you have made on your journey. We look forward to continuing to serve you.

Bold Forward!

Mike

Teammates:

Early last fall, I tasked Provost Gille and the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Alyson Paul, with evaluating our entire approach to student affairs to ensure it is completely integrated with academic affairs and student success. For the past several months, the Provost and Dr. Paul have been leading a concerted effort to reset our strategy. From this work the four pillars of student success - academic achievement, sense of purpose, well-being, and belonging & engagement - have emerged. This work is truly incredible and sets the stage for us to become the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in America. One of the outcomes of that work is the reset of our student affairs function.

Today, I am pleased to share that I am launching a reimagined unit - Student Engagement and Success - along with some important leadership appointments that are all aligned with our new strategy.
Leadership Appointments:

Dr. Alyson Paul - Vice President for Student Engagement and Success

First, I am thrilled to share with you the appointment of Dr. Alyson Paul as our new Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, effective immediately. Many of you know Alyson from her dedicated service as the interim Vice President for Student Affairs since September. Her exceptional leadership during this time has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to our students and our university's mission. Alyson will report directly to me, with a dotted line to the Provost, reflecting the strategic importance of her role in guiding students towards success.

With nearly 20 years of experience at UNG, Alyson has held various pivotal roles, including leadership positions in Residence Life and Dean of Students.

Her tenure has exemplified our university's guiding principle: "Students first. Always." This mantra is not just a slogan for Alyson; it is the core of her daily work and interactions with our student body.

In her new role, Alyson will spearhead the development and execution of strategies aimed at enhancing student success initiatives. Her focus will be on promoting student well-being, fostering engagement, guiding students in finding their purpose, and supporting academic achievement. As the chief student success officer of UNG, Alyson will lead the charge in creating an integrated and holistic student experience across our five campuses and online platforms.

Dr. Darcy Hayes - Associate Vice President for Well-being

Dr. Hayes has served in progressive leadership roles within the Division prior to her appointment as Interim Associate Vice President/Dean of Students. This position will lead and coordinate 4 significant departments (Student Counseling, Student Health, Campus Recreation & Wellness, and Student Accessibility Services) contributing directly to the promotion and delivery of student well-being services.

Dr. Michelle Eaton - Associate Vice President for Student Success

Dr. Eaton has also served in progressive leadership roles within Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. She has experience in addressing barriers and creating intervention strategies to improve student retention in her role as Executive Director of Student Retention and Success. In her new role, Dr. Eaton will work with Career Services, Testing, Orientation Programs, and Veteran, Adult Learner, and Transfer programs.

Future Leadership Positions:

We will soon post three additional leadership positions within the Division:

• Senior Dean of Students (DAH): This role will serve as the senior Dean of Students, supervising the representatives of the Dean of Students Office on the Cumming, Gainesville, & Oconee campuses, and serves directly as the Dean of Students for the Dahlonega and Blue Ridge campuses. The Senior Dean of Students will supervise professional staff and provide overall direction of the Dean of Students Offices, Student Care & Outreach programs and services, and guide and supervise the Office of Student Integrity to effectively provide vital student support and student success services across five campuses, and within the online community.
• Dean of Students (Oconee): This position will serve as the senior Student Affairs representative on the Oconee campus and will be a member of the Oconee campus leadership team. As the Dean of Students, this position is responsible for managing and coordinating a collaborative approach to supporting student success.
• Associate Vice President for Student Engagement: This position will provide administrative oversight, coordination, and assessment for the areas promoting student belonging and engagement including Residence Life, Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Leadership, Student Involvement, and Fraternity & Sorority Life.

These strategic leadership appointments and the launch of Student Engagement and Success mark an exciting chapter for The University of North Georgia. I am grateful for all that you do as we run into our calling!

Bold Forward!

Mike

Dear UNG Community,

Today, we remember and honor the important legacy of former UNG President Sherman Day, who passed away recently. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the profound impact he had on our university and the lives of those he touched.

Sherman Day served as president of the University of North Georgia from 1996 to 1999. What began as an interim position turned into a three-year tenure, during which he became a beloved figure in UNG's history. His unexpected journey to permanent president exemplifies his dedication and the deep connections he  forged with students, faculty, and staff. 

Known for his ability to engage with our community, the Day Conference Room in Price Memorial Hall stands as a testament to his enduring influence. Sherman had a unique way of instilling confidence and providing unwavering support to all who worked alongside him. His presence had a calming effect, and his leadership inspired us to strive for excellence. Even after leaving UNG, Sherman was called back to service and was instrumental in the establishment of our Cumming campus.

Before his time at UNG, Sherman Day held significant roles in various institutions. He served as acting president at Georgia State University from 1991 to 1992 and later as interim president at Gordon State College and Bainbridge College. His diverse career also included impactful positions such as director of the National Institute of Corrections, assistant director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and managing director of Legacy and Olympic Programs for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. 

Sherman is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the love and support he shared with his family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Afton, and survived by three daughters and a son. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Since my arrival at UNG, I had the privilege of spending time with Sherm. He was a great man who loved UNG, our mission, and our athletic teams. As we reflect on Sherman Day's life and contributions, let us carry forward his spirit of dedication and commitment to excellence. His legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of our university, inspiring generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to know him. He will be missed. 

Find details about the funeral service.

With deep admiration, 

Mike

Teammates:

The University of North Georgia (UNG), one of only six senior military colleges (SMC) in the country and the lone Army-only SMC, announces the initiation of the search for two pivotal leadership positions within our university. As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and our journey to become the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in America, we are seeking strategic and accomplished individuals to join us as senior vice president and superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy and senior vice president of business & finance, chief business officer, and chief financial officer (SVPB&F).

These roles are integral to the continued success and advancement of UNG, contributing to the overall vision and strategic direction of our institution. The selected individuals will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our academic and administrative landscape, ensuring that UNG remains at the forefront of higher education.

SVP and Superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy:

The senior vice president and superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy serves in a strategic role reporting directly to the president and serves as a member of the president's Senior Leadership Team and cabinet. The mission of the Cadet Leadership Academy is to develop leaders of character for the Total Army, other military services, public or private enterprises, and civic organizations for the good of the nation and of the states and communities they serve.

The person hired for this role will develop and implement strategies to accomplish this mission and to position UNG as the premier SMC. Job requirements include a master's degree or higher and 20 or more years of progressively responsible leadership. The selected candidate must be a retired U.S. Army officer, and experience in a higher education institution is strongly preferred.

Retired Lt. Col. Keith Antonia currently holds the role of superintendent and will continue to serve until the new superintendent is selected. The search committee will be chaired by Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chaudron Gille, Ph.D.

SVP, Business & Finance and CBO, CFO:

The SVPB&F serves in a strategic role reporting directly to the president and serves as a member of the president's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and cabinet. The SVPB&F is the executive responsible for all aspects of the business, administrative, and finance operations of the university under the guidance of the president and in collaboration with other members of the SLT. Responsible for providing vision, leadership and oversight for all functions of Facilities, Real Estate, Budget Office, Financial Services, Legal Affairs, Human Resources, Public Safety, Auxiliary Services, Information Technology, and Compliance.
This position will also play a pivotal role in developing and implementing financial strategies and advancing operational excellence. Job requirements include a master's degree or higher and 10 or more years of senior level experience, preferably in higher education and within the University System of Georgia (USG).

James Shore currently serves as interim Senior Vice President for Business and Finance and will continue in this role until the new SVPB&F is selected. The search committee will be chaired by Senior Vice President for Strategy and Chief of Staff, Jennifer Herazy, Ed.D.

We anticipate both searches to be concluded by end of May. For more information and updates about the two searches, refer to the Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer Search webpage.

Bold Forward!

Mike

Teammates:

An Artic Blast may have hit north Georgia, but that hasn’t slowed us down one bit.  Our Bold Forward movement continues to gain momentum, attracting top-level talent to join an already impressive team.

Today, I’m excited to announce that Tee Mitchell will be joining UNG as Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Chief Enrollment Officer, effective January 29. In this strategically realigned role, he will also serve as a member of the Cabinet. 

Tee brings to our institution over 20 years of invaluable experience in advancing enrollments at access mission institutions and comprehensive universities within the University System of Georgia.  

Most recently, Tee served as the vice president for enrollment management at Riverside Military Academy, where he played a crucial role in shaping enrollment strategies. Prior to this, he held the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management for the Tennessee Board of Regents, showcasing his expertise on a regional scale.

Tee’s impact on Valdosta State University was profound, where he served as the Associate Vice President for enrollment management.  In this role, he was responsible for the overall student enrollment, demonstrating a commitment to shaping the quality and diversity of the undergraduate student body.

During his tenure at Georgia Gwinnett College from 2009 to 2015, he led all aspects of admissions operations, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of their Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. Under his leadership, the overall enrollment skyrocketed from 2,900 to over 11,000.

As our next Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Chief Enrollment Officer, Tee will play a pivotal role in shaping our enrollment strategies and advancing our mission to become the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in America!

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Tee as he joins our community. 

Bold Forward!

Mike

Teammates:

Welcome back, everyone! I hope the holiday break proved to be relaxing and rejuvenating for you all. As you know, we ended 2023 with strong momentum and 2024 is building from it with Bold Forward movement. 

Today I’m excited to announce that James Shore, Senior Associate Vice President for Finance & Administration in the Office of the Vice President for Finance & Administration at the University of Georgia, will be joining UNG as interim Senior Vice President for Business and Finance starting on January 8.

He will have a 50% appointment with us and retain duties at UGA during this interim appointment. He’ll serve in this important role until the search for the next CBO is concluded.

In this role, James will play a pivotal part in advancing UNG’s financial strategies and operational excellence. He comes to us with a wealth of experience and an impressive background in financial leadership. In his current role at UGA, James works in close collaboration with the Provost’s Office and other leadership across the University in serving as the University’s Budget Director. This responsibility includes the planning, development, and management process for the University’s $2 billion annual budget. 

Additionally, he oversees the daily operations of UGA’s University Police, Emergency Preparedness, and Insurance and Claims Management Departments. Prior to UGA, James worked at Wake Forest University serving as their Associate Vice President for Budget and Financial Planning. James holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Minor in Accounting from North Carolina State University and an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University. He lives in Watkinsville, GA with his wife Leigh Anne and their two children.

I'm also pleased to share that Brandy Hawkins, Administrative Assistant to Associate Provost-Undergrad Programs, has agreed to serve as James’ interim executive assistant at a 50%-time appointment. Brandy brings a wealth of administrative and executive support experience and will be an asset to James and all the Division of Business and Finance during this leadership transition.

Please join me in welcoming and supporting James and Brandy in these new roles. This is an exciting time at UNG, and I look forward to his leadership as we Run into our Calling.

Bold Forward!

Mike

Teammates:  

Before we depart to celebrate the holiday season, I would like to share an update regarding our senior leadership team. Gerald “Jerry” Sullivan, interim senior vice president for business and finance, has accepted a position at Middle Georgia State University. His last day at UNG will be January 7, 2024.

Jerry served UNG well for the past nine years and was instrumental in growing our auxiliaries and real estate functions as well as providing key leadership at our Oconee campus. While we’re sorry to lose Jerry at UNG, we’re excited for him as he embarks on his next chapter and continues to serve within the University System. I thank him for his service, impact, and leadership to UNG. Please take a moment to share your appreciation with him.

I am currently in discussion with our senior leadership team and University System of Georgia (USG) colleagues to craft an interim leadership and transition plan for Business and Finance. Please stay tuned as we will soon announce plans for continued strong leadership.

Have a great holiday season. Please use the time to get rested and enjoy the time away. 

Bold Forward! 

Mike 

Teammates: 

I hope the semester and the year is winding down smoothly for everyone. I’ve had a fantastic first Fall semester here at UNG and am looking forward to working alongside you all in 2024 to move Bold Forward. As we close out the year, I’m excited to announce that Eddie Garrett has accepted our offer to serve as Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing (VP-SC&M) and Chief Communications Officer, effective December 18, 2023.

Eddie is a proven marketing and communications executive with over 25 years’ experience. He has a deep background in global consumer marketing advising some of the world’s biggest brands in areas including higher education, food & beverage, technology, sports and consumer packaged goods. Most recently, he held senior agency positions at Edelman, Weber Shandwick and Current Global in Chicago. He also spent time at the global media and entertainment company, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. as Director of Corporate Communications and New Media focused across the corporate, entertainment, news and sports divisions of Turner Broadcasting. In addition, he oversaw the planning and implementation of Turner Volunteer Day, a powerful global community volunteer program that impacts the lives of 50,000 people across the globe, in a single day. Eddie has also served as an adjunct professor at Loyola University and Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. and as the chairman of the board of jurors for the prestigious Peabody Awards. Eddie, a proud Georgia native, holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Georgia and was also named in its inaugural class of 40 Under 40.

As VP-SC&M, Eddie will work closely with me and university leadership, to develop and implement a strategic communications and marketing plan that amplifies and positions UNG’s brand and reputation within our critical audiences for greater visibility of the university’s emerging reputation as the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in America.

I want to thank the advisory search committee, who did amazing work bringing me an impressive slate of candidates. Please join me in welcoming and supporting Eddie in this important leadership role. I look forward to working with him and you all as we Run into our Calling. 

Bold Forward! 

Mike

University of North Georgia (UNG) president Michael P. Shannon gave an update on his “Bold Forward Strategic Big Bets” strategy in a virtual town hall meeting November 29. Over 400 devices were logged on to the event to hear Shannon and other UNG leaders share about current initiatives and projects that lay the foundation and begin to advance the strategy of the Big Bets. He also shared the foundational strengths of UNG that position the university to realize the aspirations of each Bet. 

Shannon announced the “champion” of each bet who is tasked with leading the planning and implementation of the activities and initiatives that will realize the aspiration of their respective Bet:

• Design and Build a Leadership Foundry: Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities and the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office, dean of Honors Program, and professor of English.
• Accelerate the Fine Arts and Entertainment: Dr. Jeff Marker, director of the School of Communication, Film & Theatre in the College of Arts & Letters.
• Supercharge Workforce Development: Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business.
• Expend the STEM Value Proposition: Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics.
  Get in the National Security Game: Dr. Douglas Orr, department head of Criminal Justice.
• Deliver the Corps of the Future: Dr. Keith Antonia, interim senior vice president and superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy.
• Build the Most Competitive, Value-Added Division II Athletic Program in the Nation: Derek Suranie, senior associate athletic director for internal operations. 

“The Bets will launch July 1 officially although we are off to the races on several of them,” Shannon said.

Shortly the team members supporting the Big Bets will be identified and the groups will begin meeting in the Spring semester.

Access the Fall 2023 Town Hall Meeting video and continual updates will be posted to the“Bold Forward: Running Into Our Calling” webpage.

Dear UNG Teammates: 

December is upon us, and soon we will see nearly 700 students graduate from the colleges and institutes that comprise our university. Families of first-generation students will experience immense pride watching their graduate walk across the stage and receive their diploma. What a moment! 

But before that happens, we have an opportunity to be of service as we close out the Fall semester. I invite you to support our students this Thursday evening, December 7, at 10 p.m. and serve at the Midnight Breakfast in the Dining Hall. It's a great time to fellowship with coworkers, engage with future leaders and create memories.

Dear UNG Teammates: 

As we continue to forge a path toward the future, I invite you to join me on Wednesday, November 29, at noon for a virtual town hall. We will spend an hour together during which I will share some details about what’s next on the Big Bets, including what they will look like in practice and the champions who will lead the implementation of each bet.  

I’ll also spend a few minutes on initiatives and projects that are in the works and share how these changes will be implemented and impact the future of UNG. 

Register to attend the virtual meeting by following this link. There will also be time during the meeting to address your questions and hear your suggestions about the bets or anything else you want to discuss. If you have questions that you would like me to address during the town hall meeting, please email me at president@ung.edu.

I look forward to our time together and sharing how our Big Bets will propel the University of North Georgia forward for our state, our region, and our country. 

Take care, 

Mike

Dear UNG Faculty and Staff: 

I am pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2024-25 Presidential Awards. Since their launch win 2013, more than $2 million has been invested in our faculty and staff whose research and work have a direct impact on enhanced educational experiences for our students and innovations that improve professional practices. 

This year we are able to support new proposals for both the Presidential Semester Awards and Presidential Summer Awards (open to eligible faculty) and the Presidential Innovation Awards (open to eligible faculty and staff).   

UNG’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Administration administers the proposal review process and funding. Information about each of the categories and the submission and selection process is available at the award site. The deadline for all submissions is Thursday, January 25th, at 5 p.m. We will announce the award recipients in April. 

I believe very strongly in the value of this program and the amazing work that our faculty and staff have conducted over the past several years through this initiative. Many award recipients have leveraged their research to publish articles and books, present at conferences, and pursue external grants. I look forward to seeing the results of your scholarship and creativity! 

Sincerely,
Mike

Dear Teammates:

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I am immensely grateful for many things including family, faith, health, and collaborating with an incredible team of individuals. Focusing on my appreciation for the big and little things alike has become a conscious habit of mine. I encourage you to adopt an “Attitude of Gratitude” this Thanksgiving. We can be grateful for every aspect of our lives, both for the blessings we enjoy and the lessons we are learning. 

As we count our blessings, we are reminded that we observed Veterans Day this past week. I was honored to serve as Grand Marshall in Dahlonega’s Veterans Day parade and saw the honor and respect our communities have for those who have bravely served our great nation. Please join me in extending our attitude of gratitude to our colleagues, family and friends who have made the incredible sacrifice to provide us with this blessed way of life which we all enjoy.

At this time, I personally am grateful for all I gained through my military service, which prepared and led me to this incredible opportunity to be here, working with all of you at UNG. As Jon Gordon said, “be a champion of what’s possible today...inspire others to keep going.” Together, we have unlimited potential - our time is now. What are we waiting for?

I appreciate all of you and the work you do every day to deliver the mission and work of the University of North Georgia. My attitude of gratitude is thankfulness for each of you. Thank you for who you are!

Take care of yourselves and each other. 

In gratitude,
Mike

Teammates:

Dr. Kate Maine, vice president for strategic communications and marketing, has shared with me and her staff that she has accepted a senior level position with a USG sister institution, and she will be leaving UNG at the end of November to begin this new role.

Kate came to the university in 2008 and has led our communications efforts over the past 15 years to help position the university as a leader in the University System of Georgia. I am grateful that UNG has benefited from her leadership, knowledge, and experience, and I wish her well as she begins this new professional chapter.

We will start a national search immediately to fill this important role, and I look forward to your participation in that process. In the meantime, Jen Herazy will serve as interim vice president of strategic communications and marketing. Also, Jessica “Bird” Brown will serve as interim director of university events to provide leadership for that unit until Anna Brown returns from parental leave.

Please join me in thanking Kate for her dedicated service to UNG and in supporting our colleagues during this transition.

Take care,
Mike

Teammates:

Fall has officially begun, and the leaves are changing, reminding us that change can be powerful. I want to take this opportunity and invite you to change your perspective on your health and wellness. It is important for you, your family, and your teammates. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, bringing attention to the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death from cancer among women, according to the American Cancer Society. An estimated 2800 men will receive the same diagnosis this year.

Please accept this as my personal invitation to create a pink Nighthawk nation by wearing pink during PINKOUT, October 26. Thank you to our Staff Council and Campus Rec and Wellness groups, who are providing various events under the Happy Alive and Built to Survive program to educate our community about breast cancer and increase support for individuals whose lives have been impacted by this health issue. 

Prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Relational wellness is one of my top priorities. Together, we are stronger.

Take care,
Mike

Teammates:

Since my arrival at the University of North Georgia in July, I have focused on hearing from students, staff, faculty, and community leaders across our five campuses to understand our strengths and opportunities, and the expectations of UNG in the coming years. Through 26 listening sessions and numerous conversations and meetings with many of you, I have begun building a strategy that is grounded in the belief that our students are first and always, leverages our existing and emerging strengths, and encompasses the opportunities and expectations that lie ahead.

This coming year, we will be strengthening our base by addressing challenges in functional areas that are essential to achieving our strategic priorities, particularly UNG’s ability to attract and retain students and the employees who educate and serve them. Shortly, we will announce seven “Strategic Big Bets” that are aligned with UNG’s existing Strategic Plan and will principally differentiate UNG. The Strategic Big Bets are key areas in which we already have a firm foothold but need strategic focus, direction, and acceleration. As we focus on strengthening our base and preparing to launch these future strategic directions, organizational restructuring in the following critical areas is necessary to align our operations with this approach.

Enrollment Management

Upon my arrival as President, I created a new role for UNG focused on guiding and implementing strategy, the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Chief of Staff (SVP/COS), and was pleased to recruit Jennifer Herazy into that position. The intention for this position is to bring focus to areas of strategic importance to university growth and success as well as monitor progress and maintain accountability of our strategic goals. Foundational to our aspirations and overall strategy is stabilizing and growing enrollment. This includes developing a high-performing enrollment management function. To emphasize the importance of enrollment to our core mission, the unit will be retitled as Strategic Enrollment Management and will be led by a vice president reporting to the SVP/COS. The incumbent, Brett Morris, will be retiring at the end of the calendar year and a search for the new leader of this unit will commence this fall. The current Enrollment Management team will report to Jen until the search for the new vice president is concluded.

Academic Affairs

To align activities and programming that support our instructional and scholarly mission, the following offices will be moved under Provost Chaudron Gille. These moves will increase collaboration with academic units in areas of co-curricular, pipeline and scholarly outreach for our faculty and students.

• Center for Global Engagement, which will continue to be led by Associate Vice President for International Programs Sheila Schulte.
• University Press, which will continue to be led by Director BJ Robinson.
• Professional and Continuing Education, where Teresa Moore has agreed to serve as Interim Director until the search for the next permanent director results in a hire later this academic year.

Community and State Relations

To elevate the importance and visibility of state government relations, the Director of State Government Relations will report directly to the President, and Mark Pettitt will continue as the interim Director.

The regional campuses provide UNG a unique reach into our 30-county service region. This is a positioning that can be further leveraged by bringing our economic development and community engagement activities in closer collaboration with our regional campuses. The Executive Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, Bobbi Larson, will report to the Vice President of Regional Campuses, Steven Smith.

Cadet Leadership Academy (CLA)

We will further strengthen our identity and mission as the Army’s Senior Military College by building the Corps of the Future. To facilitate this ambitious vision, we will eliminate the Division of Leadership and Global Engagement and the Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies, and create a single unit focused on the complete development of our cadets.  The new unit, the Cadet Leadership Academy, will be led by the Senior Vice President & Superintendent and will be part of the Senior Leadership Team reporting to me. Lt. Col. (Ret) Keith Antonia has agreed to serve as the interim Senior Vice President & Superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy until a national search results in a permanent hire later this academic year. 

The following offices will consolidate under the leadership of the Superintendent:

• Commandant of Cadets; Col. (Ret) Joseph Matthews will continue in this role.
• Professor of Military Science; Col. Bryan Kirk will continue in this role.
• Cadet Recruiting; Nicholas Rossi will assume the role of interim Director until the search for the next permanent director results in a hire later this fall.
• Global Military Programs, which will be led by Lt. Col. (Ret) Wesley Pirkle.
• The current Director of Federal Liaison and Military Education Coordinator will assume responsibilities under the title of Executive Director of Cadet Career Success, and Lt. Col. (Ret) Heath Williams will assume this role.

Coordinating relationships will be maintained between the Commandant of Cadets and the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Professor of Military Science and the Office of the Provost, and the Director of Cadet Recruiting and the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management.

This reorganization will strengthen the university's mission as the premier senior military college – the Army’s Senior Military College and The Military College of Georgia. It will result in more efficient and effective communication and collaboration among cadet program-related entities. It will better enable the purpose of the cadet leadership program: to develop leaders of character for the Total Army, public or private entities, other military services, and civic organizations for the good of our Nation, and the states and communities they serve.

Communications & Marketing

Upon my arrival, I announced the creation of a new position, Vice President for Strategic Communications & Marketing, with an exclusive focus on developing a robust strategic communications and marketing function that aligns with our aspirations. As announced previously, Kate Maine will lead this unit (formerly titled University Relations), which will include the current communications and marketing staff as well as the university events team.

Serving our People through Operational Efficiency

To further support our faculty and staff in their work, we are realigning some additional administrative functions.

• The university’s chief legal officer will be titled General Counsel to align with industry best practices, and Elene Garrison will continue in this role on a permanent basis.
• The Policy and Procedure Coordinator, Wesley Burnett, will report to the General Counsel.
• The position held by our university human resources lead, Beth Arbuthnot, will be retitled from Associate Vice President for HR/Risk/Compliance to the Associate Vice President for HR to reflect the exclusive focus of this position, and the human resources team, on employee recruitment, retention engagement, and development. The following additional moves will support this refocus of human resources:
  • The position of Director of Diversity and Inclusion will be changed to the Director of Multicultural Employee Affairs and will report to the AVP-HR. Pablo Mendoza will continue to serve in this role. This realignment will foster a broader focus on faculty and staff engagement as well as ensure our employee and student community is reflective of the diversity of our service region.
  • The Director of Risk Management and Compliance, Darren Martin, will report to the General Counsel.
  • The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Specialist, Steven Thellman, will report to Associate Vice President for Facilities, Todd Berman.

The employees associated with each of these above-named units will be transferred as part of these described changes. We plan to roll out these changes over the coming weeks and make them fully effective during October 2023. 

This updated organizational structure will allow us to fully embrace the opportunities and expectations that lie ahead for the University of North Georgia. Please join me in thanking all of our above-named teammates for their nimbleness and resolute commitment to working collaboratively toward UNG’s mission. I look forward to working with all of you as we move forward in strengthening our base and preparing to launch the Strategic Big Bets that will define and differentiate UNG over the coming years!

If you have any questions about these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Take care,
Mike

 

Teammates:

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I am pleased to share with you updates on a few appointments to the administrative team.

First, Jerry Sullivan, associate vice president real estate & auxiliary services, has accepted the role of interim senior vice president for business and finance, effective December 1, following the pending retirement of Dr. Mac McConnell. Jerry joined UNG nine years ago and has led the auxiliary services operations across the entire university and twice served as interim executive director for our Oconee Campus. Prior to joining UNG, he was a vice president with the Follett Higher Education Group, a provider of campus retail services and course materials technologies at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across North America. Jerry earned an MBA from Brenau University and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Valdosta State University.

I am confident in Jerry’s ability to lead our business operations through this leadership transition, and I appreciate him taking on this significant responsibility. Jerry has big shoes to fill following Mac’s incredible and impactful leadership. Soon, we’ll be sharing more information about the celebration of Mac’s service to be held later this semester. We will initiate a national search later this semester to fill the role on a permanent basis, and I have asked Dr. Jen Herazy to lead that search committee.

To lead our auxiliary and real estate operations while Jerry is serving as senior vice president, Derek Leonard has agreed to step in as interim associate vice president for real estate and auxiliary services, also effective December 1. Derek joined UNG in 2011 and has served as executive director of campus recreation & wellness and student facilities since 2021. Derek earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Georgia Tech and a master’s degree in higher education and student personnel from the University of Mississippi.

I’m also pleased to share that we have concluded the search for my new executive assistant, and I look forward to welcoming Sarah Harper, effective Sept. 25. Sarah’s administrative experience includes providing support for executives and management teams in a variety of organizations, most recently with the American-Caribbean Experience in Atlanta. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Georgia.

I am very grateful to Shannon Shockley and other administrative professionals for their tremendous support in the period following Ellen Cormack’s retirement.

Please provide Sarah with a warm UNG welcome when she arrives and extend your support to her and to Jerry and Derek as they take on these roles.  Please let me know how I can be helpful.

Take care,
Mike

Teammates:

As the sun rises this morning over northeast Georgia, I am reminded of where I was 22 years ago when America and the world were forever changed – 9/11/2001. It was a beautiful morning that was abruptly clouded by the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the loss of Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. From those moments forward, my personal journey as an American soldier changed forever. Likewise, the lives of so many Americans changed forever. 

Today, we reflect and honor all those whose lives were changed by 9/11. The countless thousands of Americans who were involved in the events of 9/11 and the events that followed (and even to this day). The University of North Georgia’s strong legacy of service transcends the past 22 years, but our post-9/11 contributions of service and sacrifice are rich and sacred. I am so thankful for every member of the UNG community who played a role in service to America because of the 9/11 attacks. Today, I thank you and all Americans who answered the call to serve – the nation and their communities.

Today, I encourage you to pause and reflect. We will NEVER forget!

All my honor and respect,
Mike

Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

Dear UNG Faculty and Staff:

We are completing our third week of fall semester, and it is wonderful to see our students active and engaged on our campuses! September brings many opportunities to focus on campus safety and personal wellness for employees as well as students. Check out events related to Campus Safety Awareness Month, Fresh Check Days and Staff Council’s Staff Steps. Also, UNG’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, hosted by the Student Government Association and the Corps of Cadets, will take place tonight in the Convocation Center at the Dahlonega Campus.

In addition, the USG Walk and Talk challenge continues for 17 more days, and you can continue to earn points toward USG well-being credits by participating in healthy activities through the end of September.

These are all valuable opportunities to reflect on and take steps to improve our personal wellness and support one another as a community. With a goal of enhancing relational wellbeing, I encourage you to connect with a colleague, friend or family member and take advantage of these resources and activities.

Take time to take care of yourself. You will never regret it. Please let me know how I can be helpful.

Take care,
Mike

Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

President Mike Shannon’s Listening Tour started in July and will continue through next week. President Shannon has been visiting each campus to meet with students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Listening Tour is designed to enable President Shannon to learn more about UNG and our university priorities and opportunities. A virtual session has been added for August 31, and it is open to anyone who would like to attend.

The remaining sessions are listed below. Please note, the sessions in Dahlonega for August 29 have been moved to the Hoag Student Center Auditorium and registration is required for the virtual listening session, which will be conducted via Zoom.

Date	Campus	Location	Time	Group
Aug. 29	Dahlonega	Hoag Auditorium	10:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Staff
			Noon - 1:00 p.m.	Students
			2:00 - 3:00 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 30	Blue Ridge	101 Learning Commons	8:30 - 9:30 a.m.	Staff
			10:00 - 11:00 p.m.	Faculty
			1:30 - 2:30 p.m.	Students
August 31	Virtual	Register via Zoom Link	1:30 - 2:30 p.m.	All

 

Dear UNG Faculty and Staff:

Dr. Mac McConnell, senior vice president for business and finance, has shared with me and his immediate staff that he plans to retire from UNG, effective December 1. Mac has served UNG with extraordinary dedication for 36 years, and I am so grateful for his leadership and expertise that have contributed to UNG’s success.

Mac first joined the university in 1987 as director of procurement and later served as comptroller before becoming a vice president for business and finance. He has served as the university’s chief business officer for 25 years. Beyond overseeing units related to our budget and financial operations, Mac’s division includes human resources, facilities, public safety, purchasing and logistical services, auxiliary services, and information technology.

A graduate of then-North Georgia College, Mac went on to earn his MBA from Mercer University and his Ed.D. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia. In addition to his administrative role, Mac is an assistant professor in our College of Education doctoral program.

Mac’s leadership has been vital to UNG’s success, so his retirement announcement is bittersweet. I hope you will join me in wishing him the very best as he prepares for this next season of his life. I will announce a transitional leadership plan in the near future. In the meantime, please let me know how I can be helpful.

Take care,
Mike

Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

Dear UNG Faculty and Staff:

It was great to see and meet so many of you at Friday’s Faculty-Staff Convocation and Awards Ceremony! One important person missing from our celebration was Ellen Cormack, who served as the president’s executive assistant since May 2020. Some of you may know that at the end of June, just before I took office, Ellen suffered a detached retina, a medical emergency that involves a long recovery and accelerated her intention to retire later this year. 

Ellen has shared how much she enjoyed working with everyone at UNG, and I know her service to UNG was exceptional. I knew of Ellen from my time with Georgia Tech, where she served in a variety of roles, including as executive assistant to former President Clough. Her reputation, both at Georgia Tech and UNG, is outstanding, and I am disappointed that I did not have the opportunity to work with her. Unfortunately, because Ellen’s retirement occurred sooner than she planned, we did not have a chance to properly celebrate her many contributions to UNG. I hope you will send Ellen a congratulatory message and thank her for her service and support.

I anticipate that Ellen’s successor will be hired and on board in the next few weeks. In the meantime, I want to thank our team of administrative professionals, particularly Shannon Shockley, who have provided extraordinary temporary support during this transition.

Sincerely,
Mike

Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

 

President Mike Shannon has initiated a 45-day Listening Tour to learn more about UNG and our university priorities and opportunities. The Listening Tour includes a wide variety of campus meetings and community events as we prepare for the beginning of our 2023-2024 academic year, as well as the following one-hour meetings scheduled for August.

The focused sessions for students, faculty and staff (see column at far right) are open to UNG community members and no registration is required. Alumni and community members will be invited to additional sessions scheduled for those stakeholder groups.

President Shannon looks forward to meeting you!

Listening Tour Campus Dates

Date	Campus	Location	Time	Group
Aug. 1	Dahlonega	Library Technology Center - 382, Archives & Special Collections	10:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Staff
			4:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 2	Gainesville	Martha T Nesbitt Building - 3310-A	3:30 - 4:30 p.m.	Staff
			4:30 - 5:30 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 3	Oconee	Student Resource Center - 581	2:30 - 3:30 p.m.	Faculty
			3:30 - 4:30 p.m.	Staff
Aug. 22	Cumming	Room 125	2:30 - 3:30 p.m.	Students
			4:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 23	Oconee	Student Resource Center - 581	9:30 - 10:30 a.m.	Staff
			1:30 - 2:30 p.m.	Students
			3:30 - 4:30 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 24	Gainesville	Martha T Nesbitt Building - 3110-A	2:30 - 3:30 p.m.	Students
			4:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 25	Cumming	Room 125	8:30 - 9:30 a.m.	Staff
Aug. 29	Dahlonega	Hoag Auditorium	10:30 - 11:30 a.m.	Staff
			Noon - 1:00 p.m.	Students
			2:00 - 3:00 p.m.	Faculty
Aug. 30	Blue Ridge	101 Learning Commons	8:30 - 9:30 a.m.	Staff
			10:00 - 11:00 p.m.	Faculty
			1:30 - 2:30 p.m.	Students

Dear UNG Faculty and Staff:

Dr. Jim Conneely, vice president for student affairs, has shared with me and his staff his plans to retire from UNG at the end of August. Jim came to UNG in 2018 with more than 35 years of experience in higher education administration, and I am grateful that UNG has been able to benefit from his leadership and knowledge these past five years. With a goal of always putting students at the forefront of our work, Jim has built a very strong student affairs leadership team, and I wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter of his life.

I am incredibly pleased that Dr. Alyson Paul has agreed to serve as interim vice president for student affairs, effective September 1. Alyson joined UNG in 2004 and has held progressive leadership roles in the Division of Student Affairs. She currently serves as the associate vice president & dean of students for our Gainesville and Cumming campuses, and she previously served as dean of students and director of residence life at our Dahlonega Campus. Alyson earned her doctorate in education leadership with a concentration in higher education from Valdosta State University. She also holds a master’s degree in public administration from UNG, a bachelor's degree from Shorter University and an associate degree from Truett McConnell University. I am confident that Alyson’s institutional knowledge, experience and leadership will serve UNG and our students well during this transition. We will start a national search for the permanent role in the next few months, and I look forward to your participation in that process.

Take care and thank you for all you do to serve our students.

Mike
Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

 

Dear UNG Faculty and Staff:

As I said in my introductory message earlier this week, it is a true honor to serve with you at the University of North Georgia. While I have learned a great deal about UNG and its mission during the past several months and in my recent visits to UNG’s campuses, I know I have much more to learn. Toward that end, I want to share my plans for the next few weeks and announce the realignment of some administrative functions.

Like most universities, we face important challenges with enrollment and limited resources. However, we face them from a position of great strength and have many opportunities to continue building upon UNG’s mission and the momentum you have achieved. UNG’s recently adopted strategic plan offers us a solid path forward, and I am confident that we can leverage it to further elevate our work and identify valuable resources and partnerships to advance our mission. Later this month, I will begin a 45-day listening tour to meet with groups of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders to learn even more about UNG and to gather input for our next steps.

To support these efforts, a valued colleague, Jennifer Herazy, will join me at UNG as senior vice president of strategy and chief of staff, effective August 1. Jennifer has worked at Georgia Tech since 1997, and she currently serves in a dual role as interim deputy chief business officer in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance and as associate vice president for strategy and administration in the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research. Jennifer earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign and her doctorate in higher education management from the University of Georgia.

Kate Maine, who has done a tremendous job serving as UNG’s chief of staff and as vice president for university relations, will become vice president for strategic communications and marketing. In this role, she will lead the overall strategic and creative direction of the university’s branding, marketing and communications efforts, as well as university events. It is more important than ever that we enhance UNG’s competitiveness by strengthening our brand, reputation and visibility, and Kate has excelled in doing this over the past 15 years. Her institutional knowledge and expertise will be integral to our success.

I am collaborating with my administrative team to strategically align our efforts and functions across the university, and I will announce additional changes as we make those decisions over the next few weeks. I am very excited about our future and to begin working with all of you to write the next chapter in UNG’s history. Take care and thank you for all you do to serve our students.

Mike Michael P. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

 

Greetings, UNG Nighthawks!

 July 3 - President Shannon's First Day Photos