University of North Georgia

From July 14-18, the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cumming Campus hosted high school students from across Georgia and the U. S. for the fourth annual National Intelligence Summer Academy (NISA). Dr. Edward Mienie, executive director of the strategic and security studies bachelor's degree program and partnerships and professor of strategic and security studies, envisioned NISA along with the former Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies and created the NISA syllabus. The academy made an enormous impression on Madison Dewey, Cristin Gibson, Lydia O'Neill, and Hailey Thomas, who served as staff assistants this year providing students an exceptional experience and help networking with former members of the CIA, FBI and other agencies.

Students and faculty from the University of North Georgia (UNG) presented their research at the annual Southeastern Psychology Association (SEPA) conference in Atlanta in April. There was a total of 25 presentations given, with students presenting much of their own original research based on Honors theses, independent studies, research projects from class, Faculty Undergraduate Summer Engagement (FUSE) projects, and McNair Scholars projects. Some projects were funded by Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) mini-grants, Dr. Kathryn Narciso, senior lecturer of psychological science and leadership minor coordinator, said. In total 28 students authored research, as did 12 faculty.

Three alumnae from the University of North Georgia (UNG) were designated Fulbright finalists for 2025-26. They include students from the College of Arts & Letters, College of Science & Mathematics, and Mike Cottrell College of Business. Four additional students were named alternates.

Four University of North Georgia (UNG) students, along with Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, professor of music history, attended the fourth annual String Band Summit at the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Center for Popular Music. Morgan-Ellis said students Caroline Barron, Moriah Miller, Sawyer Shepherd, and Cooper Sandefur "had their eyes opened to all sorts of new possibilities and came away really excited about making music. I can't wait to take another group next year."

University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Greisi Voja is the recipient of a New York Classical Debut award in the soloist category. As a result, she will perform at the gala concert July 20 at Carnegie Hall, in New York City.

University of North Georgia (UNG) junior Claudia Marban took part in the Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Program Public Service Weekend from Feb. 21-23 in Arlington, Virginia. The weekend is a means for students to explore careers in public service, network with professionals and understand policy issues.

Four University of North Georgia (UNG) students have been selected as student speakers for their respective commencement ceremonies this May.

University of North Georgia (UNG) students, faculty and alumni had a valuable opportunity to provide feedback to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger at investor roundtables held March 27 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Four students represented the University of North Georgia (UNG) at the Latin American & Latinx Studies Symposium, held April 4 at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Presenters Georgia Deitz, Aidan Pavlich, Jorge Romero, and Fatima Santillan shared a panel with peers from other institutions, engaging in dialogue with fellow presenters and an engaged audience who asked thoughtful questions following their presentations.

University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Krista Willey was named Student Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Mike Cottrell College of Business in a ceremony on Oct. 25 in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology and Innovation at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Taylor Merritt, '15, was recognized as the Alumna Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Merritt is CEO of Daddy Tay Fitness, a company she founded in 2022.

A partnership between the University of North Georgia (UNG) Department of Visual Arts and a local agency provided an opportunity for students to gain valuable career skills and serve the community as they painted two murals at Avita Community Partners in Gainesville, Georgia.

University of North Georgia assistant professor of psychological science Dr. Efren Velazquez, three undergraduate students and two alumni led a panel at the annual Conference of the Americas hosted this year at the University of Georgia.

University of North Georgia junior Abby Colwell designed three challenge coins for state Rep. Will Wade, who represents Dawson, Lumpkin and White counties, and who created a contest for UNG's visual arts students.

Ten female UNG students and five alumnae were recognized on March 5 for their leadership and resiliency by the Women of UNG. Some of the honorees were unable to attend.

University of North Georgia sophomore Denim Lovett was crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA 2023 on Nov. 19. The competition took place in McDonough, Georgia, where Lovett ran on the platform "involvement counts," which emphasized the importance of student involvement in schools and communities.

Phi Kappa Phi recently announced the recipients of a 2022 Fellowship. The prestigious $8,500 fellowships were awarded to 54 students nationwide.

University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets Chandler Harris and Jasmine Valentine participated in the TechNet Indo-Pacific conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, from April 11-13.

UNG students Will Smith, Jessica Byrne, and Dawson Henricks were able to learn more about legislation and lobby on behalf of Georgia educators when they visited the General Assembly.

Five University of North Georgia (UNG) cadets are studying at UNG's partner military academies in Taiwan this spring.

UNG junior Grey Nebel was selected as UNG's Newman Civic Fellow. The opportunity allows students to network and gains access to training and resources that nurture their assets and passions.

The sixth annual Women's Leadership Luncheon recognized 10 outstanding UNG female students this year.

The fourth annual innovateUNG Pitch Challenge highlighted student creativity and ingenuity.

UNG men's basketball student-athlete Zach Brown has been named to the NCAA Division II Implementation Committee.

UNG student Carly Evans is taking part in the Governor's Internship Program for the spring 2022 semester.

The UNG poultry team recently placed fifth out of 12 teams at the 55th National Collegiate Poultry Judging competition in Arkansas.

UNG student Bryan Rocha and alumna Renee Clement swept the top two spots in the Georgia Sociological Association undergraduate research paper competition.

UNG senior Megan DeLaigle secured a dual internship with the State Department and the United Nations for the 2021-22 academic year.

UNG senior Maggie Simmons is a semifinalist for the Critical Language Scholarship, which funds American undergraduate and graduate students to complete intensive language study abroad in the summer. She aims to study in Taiwan.

A total of 13 University of North Georgia (UNG) students and alumni moved one step closer to their goal of taking part in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program as they earned recognition as Fulbright semifinalists for the 2022-23 academic year. Finalists will be announced later this semester.

Twenty-one University of North Georgia students were inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society on Nov. 18. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines