A 1994 graduate has been selected as the next Commandant of Cadets for the University of North Georgia (UNG) in Dahlonega.
Dr. James Conneely, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at UNG, announced the hiring of Col. Joseph Matthews, a military intelligence officer and 1994 graduate of UNG.
"In addition to Col. Matthews' 26 years of military service and leadership experience, he brings to the position enormous dedication and passion to our cadets’ success. I am confident that his leadership will continue the positive momentum established by retired Col. Tom Palmer and our Corps of Cadets,” Conneely said in a press statement. “Matthews’ background and experience in military intelligence will be an asset as we continue to build our cyber and strategic studies programs, and he is enthusiastic about our language programs and global engagement opportunities for cadets."
Matthews currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2), 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii.
“I feel this is a great opportunity to give back to the university and Corps of Cadets; they gave so much to my wife and I when we were students in Dahlonega,” Matthews said. “This is truly a dream come true. Now after 26 years of military service, I look forward to continuing to serve our country by helping mold the next generation of UNG cadets into great leaders in our Army and society.”
Matthews enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard in 1992 and received an Army commission as an Air Defense Artillery Officer upon graduating from UNG with a bachelor’s degree in history. He also has earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from the Air Force Command and Staff College. He has edited and been published in scholarly publications and also has experience teaching and training both American and foreign military personnel.
Retired Lt. Col. Mike Ivy, director of cadet admissions at UNG, led the search committee that included cadets, students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“I did not envy the decision of the university leadership,” Ivy said. “Each of the finalists for this position was exceptional and possessed a unique skill set that would benefit UNG and the Corps of Cadets. Without a doubt, thousands of future leaders will benefit from this decision and have a transformational experience at UNG.”
He also is a recipient of the Knowlton Award for exceptional service and significant contribution to the Military Intelligence Corps and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Award for outstanding competence and unwavering support to the Air Defense Artillery Corps.
Matthews fills the position following the retirement of Col. Tom Palmer, who has been the Commandant for the last 20 years.
Matthews is expected to arrive on campus in mid-July.
