BLUE RIDGE - Chasity Green, a 2015 graduate of Fannin County High School, says she is "really family-oriented and small town," and for those reasons wanted to stay close to home when it came time to decide where to go to college.
Green chose the University of North Georgia and was the first student to enroll at the school's new Blue Ridge campus.
Green, who wants to study athletic training and pursue an advanced degree in physical therapy, says UNG was her first choice. "I never wanted to move away from my home...I was raised here, my entire family lives here and I'm one of the few people who actually wants to stay here."
Green's mom, Michelle, encouraged her to enroll in courses at Blue Ridge after she was accepted to UNG. She decided to take classes two days a week in Blue Ridge and three days a week in Dahlonega. The former high school drummer said she's looking forward to extracurricular experiences like band and activities like concerts; student activities and events are open to students on all UNG campuses. Green said taking courses in Blue Ridge means a tremendous money savings and a great way to "ease into" college life.
"You can go to UNG, and even stay here in Blue Ridge, and still get sense of pride of being on your own but still having everyone there to make sure you're where you need to be. It's a safety net," Green said.
FIRST STAFF MEMBER
UNG also has hired the first staff member for the new campus; Cassandra "Sandy" Ott will serve as the assistant director of UNG's Blue Ridge Campus. Ott currently serves as the extended campus coordinator at the Dalton State College-Gilmer Center in Ellijay. In her role at Dalton State, Ott worked with campus administration, faculty, students, and the community and coordinated the dual-enrollment programs in the region.
"I am so excited to begin my position at the University of North Georgia's Blue Ridge Campus," Ott said. "The commitment by UNG to this campus, the community and the region has already been overwhelming. The potential and impact of this campus is unlimited, and the future is very bright."
Prior to her work at Dalton State, Ott served in several administrative roles at Appalachian Technical College. Ott holds a Master of Education in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University and a bachelor's degree in public relations and business administration from Shorter College. Ott will begin her role at UNG on Aug. 24.
UNG still is accepting applications for admission this fall at the new Blue Ridge Campus. Fall semester begins Aug. 17, and UNG will offer two courses – political science and psychology – on-site and a variety of online courses. All of the courses are open to traditional students just beginning their college career, adult learners who want to begin or return to college to complete a degree and dual enrollment students.
To begin the application process, contact Lauren Robertson at 706-864-1671 or [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/327491/ungblue-ridge-has-first-student-first-staff-member