University of North Georgia News

Winning competitions is nothing new for cybersecurity students at the University of North Georgia (UNG), but they found a new competitive avenue to showcase their skills recently. UNG swept the top two team spots at the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Gen AI Challenge at Norwich University in an event that featured all but one of the nation's six senior military colleges.

Student leaders from the University of North Georgia (UNG) shared their wisdom and experience with almost 500 high school student organization leaders Sept. 9 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Hosted by UNG's TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership in partnership with UNG’s Office for Community Engagement, the Career/Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Leadership & Planning Summit helped the high school students engage in strategic planning for their 2026-27 activities.

A passion that launched decades ago led to a recognition from Mongolia President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa for Dr. Timothy May, associate dean of the College of Arts & Letters and professor of Central Eurasian history at the University of North Georgia (UNG), this August. It all began while at archaeological field school in the Caribbean while he was an undergraduate student at The College of William & Mary, when May read a book that convinced him he wanted to study the Mongols.

Students across multiple disciplines at the University of North Georgia (UNG) took part in National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and similar programs across the country this summer.

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Department of Music will host several events this fall, including its traditional events and featuring students and faculty. "There are so many performances we offer each year, from student ensembles and recitals to our distinguished faculty to guest soloists/artists from around the globe," Dr. Benjamin Schoening, department head and professor of music, said.

Their story is emblematic of the support UNG provides veterans and military-connected students, from Veteran Resource Lounges at UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses to "Got Your Six" training to assist faculty and staff in understanding the needs of these students. UNG was named a Military Friendly School Gold and Military Spouse Friendly School designee by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.

University of North Georgia (UNG) President Michael P. Shannon has been selected to serve as the next president of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Shannon has served as UNG’s 18th president since July 2023, leading the university through a period of significant growth, investment and institutional transformation.

Jake Kucera's college journey began as a swimming student-athlete at Piedmont University, but after two years there, the Ellijay, Georgia, native returned home and is studying at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Blue Ridge Campus. His goal is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in one of the program's first years in Blue Ridge. He is already eyeing a career as intensive care unit nurse at Northside Cherokee Hospital and later earning a master's degree in nursing from UNG.

Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis recently co-authored an article with alumna Charlotte Nease and student Sofia Perez that was accepted into a peer-reviewed journal. The article is titled "Partnering on AI Policies for Upper-Level Humanities Courses," and it details the collaboration of two music history classes to write, revise, and adopt AI policies. “Charlotte and Sofia are both really exceptional young women.

Makenzie Burge's impact has been a constant with both Delta Zeta and Fraternity and Sorority Life at large since stepping foot on the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus in fall 2024. This fall, her contributions gained further recognition as one of 12 national recipients of the Grace Mason Lundy Award.