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University of North Georgia marks five years as a consolidated university

By AccessWDUN Staff
Posted 10:21AM on Monday 8th January 2018 ( 6 years ago )

Monday, Jan. 8 is the fifth anniversary of the consolidation of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College to become the University of North Georgia (UNG).

University leaders say there's been great progress for the university in those five years.

"The goals of consolidation were to increase educational opportunities and access while streamlining administrative services and avoiding duplication," UNG President Bonita Jacobs said in a press release. "We have achieved that and so much more. Today, as a strong regional university, UNG continues to excel in enrollment growth, degree attainment, and student success while focusing on economic development, research, international relationships, and leadership. As a result, UNG has received numerous recognitions and continues to expand opportunities for our students to be regionally and globally competitive."

Individually, each institution had been leaders in their sectors, according to campus officials. Combined, the scope of their degree programs – from certificates and associate degrees to doctoral-level programs, along with other elements of their mission, like the Corps of Cadets and multiple campuses, created a new and rare educational experience.

Kelly McFaden, associate professor and coordinator of Social Foundations of Education, serves as the chair of the UNG Faculty Senate and describes the university’s impact post-consolidation as profoundly significant. 

"UNG has evolved into a larger comprehensive university with more resources and opportunities in the USG system than either of its legacy institutions," McFaden said. "Faculty view this evolution, particularly the more diverse faculty and student body, as tremendously valuable."

Some university highlights from the past five years include:

UNG is planning campus-based receptions Wednesday, Jan. 10, for faculty, staff and students to celebrate the many accomplishments that have been achieved since consolidation.

In fall 2017, UNG enrolled more than 18,000 students, setting new university records. The university has campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County. UNG is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States and its residential ROTC program on the Dahlonega Campus consistently ranks among the best in the country. UNG competes in the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference. Additionally, the university offers the community a variety of continuing education programs and cultural opportunities, including the award-winning Gainesville Theatre Alliance.

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