Jason Pruitt

Jason Pruitt, executive director of the University of North Georgia's Cumming Campus, has long-lasting ties to the institution, as it is his alma mater.

Pruitt graduated from UNG with a degree in education in 1993 and completed his officer basic course training in the Army. He was commissioned in the Georgia Army National Guard and served for six years ending as a First Lieutenant. Once he completed his officer basic course, Pruitt found a job as a recruiter for the Reserves Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at UNG, where his primary duties were visiting high school ROTC programs and discussing the ROTC program at UNG. The position was absolutely fitting.

"I've almost been here for 25 years," he said. "Getting to work at a school where you graduated is always nice. You're a little bit more vested in the institution and in your career."

Since beginning at UNG as an employee, Pruitt has transitioned through several roles. From a recruiter in admissions, to the working as the university registrar, to coordinating the business side of the athletics department, Pruitt is familiar with many sides of UNG.

"It's been a lot of variety. I've been able to do a lot of different things," he said. "Ultimately, it's very fulfilling just because at the end of the day it's all about helping students be successful and do what they want to do academically and help them set themselves up for good careers."

Currently, along with helping students be successful, Pruitt's main goal is to ensure the stability of UNG's Cumming Campus.

"I coordinate with a lot of different folks just to make sure we have the degree programs we need, our students have what they need, and we have the faculty to teach the classes. I also coordinate with facilities to make sure we have the space we need and that everything on campus is running smoothly," he said.

Along with the entire faculty and staff, Pruitt's efforts have paid off. When the Cumming Campus opened in 2012 it was comprised of 500 students. Now, that number is much higher.

"The Cumming Campus has a little more than 1,000 students," he said. "So, everyone knows everyone and it's a really tight-knit campus."

As a leader, Pruitt has learned the value of flexibility and patience. He regards the importance of seeing a need on the campus and addressing it and being an advocate for that need to the end. The success of the students at the Cumming Campus are always his main priority.

"We have a focus on students and a focus on doing what we do to provide students with opportunities to grow and to learn," he said.