Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us

Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Where I Lead
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Current Students
  • Alumni
    1. UNG
    2. News & Events
    3. Where I Lead
    4. Alumni

    Jaymee Acton

    Ever since Jaymee Acton decided she wanted to be a basketball coach, she poured her heart into that passion.

    She started off as a nursing student at the University of North Georgia (UNG), but realized she wanted a career in the sport that has shaped her life in so many ways. UNG women's basketball head coach Buffie Burson supported Acton's change of course and has served as Acton's mentor for a decade.

    Years later, UNG players knew the type of approach to expect from Acton, who served as an assistant coach for the Nighthawks.

    "I come from a place of caring, but I'm very competitive," Acton said. "Our players are going to get the truth from me."

    She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thirty Under 30 honoree, presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, in March 2021.

    The 2021-22 season marked Acton's eighth and final year on Burson's staff, the first two as a graduate assistant. Through that season, the Nighthawks won four of the past five Peach Belt Conference (PBC) tournament titles, went to four straight NCAA regional finals and earned five consecutive NCAA postseason appearances. They made the Final Four in 2022.

    While the on-court success was tangible proof of the coaching staff's success, Acton thrived on individual relationships and how she helped players grow personally.

    "All of our players don't respond the same way," she said. "You can't lead them without getting to know them."

    After playing for a year at Wake Forest University, the Gainesville, Georgia, native starred for Burson's team for three seasons, including a record-breaking sophomore season. Acton averaged a school-record 25 points per game and won NCAA Division II national, Southeast Region, and PBC player of the year honors in 2011-12.

    Between her playing days and coaching experience at UNG, Acton said her coaching job came naturally.

    "I couldn't think of a better person to learn from and work under," Acton said. "Coach Burson has built a great culture here. It's all about family and the team first. It's not just something we say. We show it every day. Our success is built on that. When I'm talking about North Georgia, it's very genuine. This is home, and it really is a special place."

    Tyler Dominy

    Tyler Dominy

    While Tyler Dominy chose to play basketball at UNG instead of football at another school, his decision turned out to be the best for him. "It seems like it was destined that I was to come here."
    Patrice Parris

    Patrice Parris

    UNG men's soccer head coach Patrice Parris enjoys setting his players up for success not only on the field but also for their futures.
    Kylee Smith

    Kylee Smith

    Kylee Smith set a Peach Belt Conference record for career strikeouts and helped the UNG softball program secure two appearances in the NCAA Division II championship during her five seasons.
    Buffie Burson

    Buffie Burson

    When your father is a coach, it seems a given that you'll spend your childhood pursuing athletics. But Buffie Burson brings more than just a family pedigree to her successful 25 plus years as head coach of the women's basketball team.
    Mike Davenport

    Mike Davenport

    The national prominence of UNG's NCAA softball team could lead one to believe that head coach Mike Davenport has spent a lifetime coaching softball. That's not the case, but Davenport has always been a student of his craft.
    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment/HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2023 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    Establishing Connection...
    AskNigel