Dan Emmett

Graduating in 1978, Dan earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at UNG and also has a master's degree in education.

He was a member of the Corps of Cadets while at the UNG and is currently an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Auburn University.

"After graduating, I commissioned into the Marine Corps and served from 1977 to 1981, rising to the rank of captain.

"After being accepted into the Secret Service training program in 1983, I spent 21 years as a Secret Service agent, including six years on the Presidential Protection Detail. I protected presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. My daily duties and challenges included conducting presidential advances, dealing with the media, driving the president in a bullet-proof limousine, jogging alongside him through the streets of Washington, and flying with him on Airforce One.

"Following the September 11 attacks, the Central Intelligence Agency offered me a job in the counterterrorism center, where I remained for six years. I retired from the Secret Service in 2004, then worked as an instructor in the U.S. Secret Service Academy.

"I chose UNG for the same reasons as hundreds, if not thousands, of people who have passed through the school since its inception -- North Georgia is a place where you learn the values of leadership, discipline, honor and commitment.

"How did UNG help me prepare for my career? As a child, I wanted to be a Secret Service agent and I wanted to be a military officer. North Georgia just seemed to be the most logical starting point. It was an environment that encouraged people to be their best and really re-emphasized what I'd been taught by my parents: honor, discipline, service to one's country, and trying to do your best at everything you attempt."