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

    Joshua Searcy

    2nd Lt. Joshua Searcy always wanted to serve his country in the military, FBI or CIA. His grandfather served in the U.S. Army for 24 years, and his father and cousin served in the military.

    "For me, it is a family tradition," Searcy said.

    The main question was which path he would take. In high school, Searcy looked at the University of North Georgia (UNG) and the Citadel. Earning the University of North Georgia Military Scholarship (UNGMS) made his college choice an easy one.

    The state-funded scholarship is offered each year to 42 Georgia high school seniors to attend UNG, graduate with a bachelor's degree and commission as officers in the Georgia Army National Guard. The scholarship pays for room, meals, tuition, books, uniforms, and fees. They must be enlisted in the National Guard while in the Corps of Cadets.

    "This is a clear path to join the Army, which is what I wanted to do," Searcy said.

    Being a cadet offered him the chance to grow in a variety of ways.

    "I enjoyed my time in the Corps of Cadets and having the opportunity to teach and lead the cadets around me," Searcy said. "If I can make a good impression on them, then they will turn out to be great leaders in the Army and civilian world."

    The intersection of cadet and civilian life has made UNG, one of six federally designated senior military colleges (SMC) in the nation, an enjoyable experience for Searcy. The civilian experience sets UNG cadets apart from the service academies and all but two of the nation's other SMCs.

    Searcy, who is from Newnan, Georgia, earned a degree in international affairs with a European concentration in December 2019. He was grateful for an atmosphere of diverse viewpoints at UNG.

    "I am extremely proud of the environment created at the school," Searcy said. "Despite differences between people and what goes on with our nation, the student body at the school has found a way to continue on united and being accepting of everyone's views and ideals."

    Searcy was awarded commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation.

    The dream of a job at the CIA, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service is also still on his radar. He even has thought of running for public office in the future.

    "I hope to continue to lead and help others in their career toward becoming an Army officer or even civilian leaders," Searcy said.

    Chase Strickland

    Chase Strickland

    2nd Lt. Chase Strickland, who commissioned and graduated from UNG in May 2015, was ranked the top ROTC cadet in the nation his senior year.
    Courtney Hall

    Courtney Hall

    Courtney Hall helped new students love UNG through orientation and now assists them through her work in Academic Advising.
    Rosaria Meek

    Rosaria Meek

    As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (UNG), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
    Dan Emmett

    Dan Emmett

    UNG alumnus Dan Emmett, '78, said UNG re-emphasized his parents' teachings of honor, discipline, service to one's country, and trying to do your best at everything you attempt.
    Phil O'Donnell

    Phil O'Donnell

    Before he launched a career with his degree in criminal justice, Phil O'Donnell of Suwanee, Georgia, tested himself against the best cyclists in the world.
    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