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. Students

    Deborah Kakou

    The Black Student Union (BSU) on the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus gave Deborah Kakou a chance to step out of her comfort zone and find meaningful community in her early days as a student. It was "the place for me," she said.

    So when Kakou became president of the group, she approached the role with great attention to detail, asking the right questions to ensure she could provide the type of support that meant so much to her.

    "There's no such thing as being overly prepared or ready to embark on a new journey," Kakou said. "You're always going to encounter something new. Just be willing to learn."

    This process entailed examining what truly mattered to her so she could put those convictions into action. Realizing the interconnected nature of her work with BSU shifted her perspective.

    "It made me see things differently. I couldn't only think about what I thought was right or needed to be changed," Kakou said. "It needed to be in the context of our community. I was lucky to have a supportive team."

    She won the Outstanding Commitment to Diversity Award in spring 2022. Kakou, a Lawrenceville, Georgia, resident scheduled to graduate in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, particularly appreciated a cookout the BSU hosted at the end of the spring 2022 semester where people could learn about different African countries through the celebration of diverse foods and culture.

    "I enjoyed seeing people engaged and curious about other cultural backgrounds," she said. "It's important for people to step out of their comfort zone and be willing to ask questions."

    That inquisitive nature has remained an integral portion of her leadership, too.

    "Don't feel pressured to know all the answers and have to figure it out alone," Kakou said. "Leadership is a team effort."

    Logan Bell

    Logan Bell

    After living in dorms, walking to class, seeing the same faces, and meeting someone new every day, Logan Bell fell in love with the community feel of UNG.
    Eric Norris

    Eric Norris

    Eric Norris gained skills in UNG's Corps of Cadets and the military that continue to benefit him as a Superior Court judge.
    Brittany Young

    Brittany Young

    Brittany H. Young's time at UNG prepared her to be a leader for Georgia's Department of Economic Development.
    Steve Gooch

    Steve Gooch

    Two degrees at UNG have helped equip Georgia state Sen. Steve Gooch to lead at the state legislature.
    Sheila  Sanchez

    Sheila Sanchez

    Sheila Sanchez has a passion for proper health care and skills of financial planning. She plans to use both to become an advocate for elderly and low-income patients.
    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