University of North Georgia News

When Courtney Hause, campus victim advocate at the University of North Georgia (UNG), wanted to enhance her engagement with students, she reached out to UNG's Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and quickly learned participation in Grants Academy would provide tremendous support. "I applied for a Walmart grant before I went to Grants Academy, and I was unsuccessful. I was so new to grants that I wasn't quite sure or understanding of what I really needed to do," Hause said.

The University of North Georgia (UNG) took another major step in its Bold Forward strategy on July 7, breaking ground on the STEM Excellence Center — a new facility designed to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers for challenges that have yet to emerge. Scheduled to open in spring 2028, the $49.3 million, 52,018-square-foot facility will become the new home of UNG's College of Science & Mathematics.

The University of North Georgia (UNG) hosted 26 high school students and 21 teachers for cybersecurity camps from June 8-12 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Both camps were funded by a grant through UNG's Institute for Cyber Operations, which is funded by the U.S. Department of War. Cyber Warrior Academy marked UNG's eighth student camp in an 11-year span, with almost 300 total attendees.

Kristin Bennett doesn't seek out the spotlight. She simply works diligently to take care of students as a nurse practitioner with Student Health Services at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus. That's exactly why Vanessa Jones, director of Student Health Services, was excited to see Bennett receive the Unsung Hero Award from the University System of Georgia (USG) this spring.

For four University of North Georgia (UNG) students, leading academies within the Center for Civic Engagement's ENGAGE Youth in Government Expo was an opportunity to hone their leadership skills and interact with youth about various aspects of government this spring. A memorandum of agreement between both parties was signed in fall 2025 to formalize the volunteer relationship between UNG and the Center for Civic Engagement.

University of North Georgia (UNG) graduate student Aliou Aboubakar Mouhamed took part in the inaugural University System of Georgia (USG) Startup Studio this summer. A Flowery Branch, Georgia, resident pursuing a Master of Science in computer science, Aboubakar Mouhamed said the one-day virtual program helped him realize the importance of understanding customer's needs when starting a business. "You can build something great that nobody wants to use," he said.

A team of University of North Georgia (UNG) students finished in fourth place at the Kennesaw State University Regional American Marketing Association Conference and Case Competition during the spring semester. Two other UNG teams also competed at the event. Kayla Gaudino, Lorelei Gnepper, Sage Loftin, and Alexandria Proto were on the fourth-place team. Mollie Corum, Alison Hulsey, Preston Reid, and Evan Westling, came together for another UNG team.

Biology research teams from the University of North Georgia (UNG) presented their work on 12 projects at the Georgia Academy of Science (GAS) meeting during the spring semester, with two of the groups bringing home awards. The event was held at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Summer Scholars STEM Institute served as a pivotal experience this summer for pre-service teachers in the College of Education to teach alongside experienced mentor teachers who supported them. It also inspired rising fourth-graders through eighth-graders with hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Sales students at the University of North Georgia (UNG) made strong showings in multiple sales competitions during the spring semester. At the University of South Florida's (USF) Selling with the Bulls, a team of Diego Gomez-Sanchez, Grayson Huff, Emma Englishby, and Billy Brown took first place in the Copient AI Sales Prep Competition with a combined average of 97.5%. Also at the same event, the UNG group took fifth in the Top Bull Second Flight.