Jon Mehlferber's Shared Story
What is Your Background with UNG?
I was hired as an Assistant Professor, and began working at UNG (then North Georgia College and State University) in Fall 2008. It was at that time that the Department of Fine Arts (Art, Music, Theater) split and we formed the Department of Visual Arts—we had six full-time faculty in the department. As time went by I was promoted to an Associate Professor with Tenure, and later, a full Professor.
I served on the Faculty Senate during consolidation--a time of great change when We joined with Gainesville State to form UNG. Over the years I have also served as an Associate Department Head, and when Pam Sachant retired, Acting Department Head.
What is a Memorable Story About the Department You Would like to Share?
One of the most memorable events is our moving 3D and Sculpture from the basement of the Nix building into a facility we affectionately call the “BOMB” (Big Old Metal Building). It was a huge and tiresome effort, but well worth the trouble. The vast space and equipment we gained in the move (thanks to a generous gift from a community member) has made so many opportunities available to students that we simply couldn’t offer. Metalworking, woodworking and metal casting are now easily accessible to students year-round.
I feel it’s important to note that our growth from a small new department to one of the largest in the University would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of Pam Sachant, who served as Department Head from 2008-2020. Working alongside her was an honor and a pleasure.
Why should UNG’s Department of Visual Arts be Supported?
Over the course of our 50 year history, the Department of Visual Arts has been a leader within the University and within the wider community. We have embraced new technology, but also continue to honor the traditional arts and crafts that are an important legacy of the North Georgia region. We have been good stewards of the money we have been entrusted with and used it to change the lives of hundreds of students. I look forward to what the Department will be able to achieve with its community partners and benefactors over the next 50 years.