The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has freshly reverberated on college campuses across America, igniting debates and discussions surrounding the fundamental principles of the First Amendment, particularly the rights of free speech and assembly.
At the University of North Georgia, we deeply value and uphold the cherished right of every American to freely express themselves. It is a hallmark of our history, our tradition, and permeates our culture. As a distinguished Senior Military College, with a legacy spanning over 150 years, we take great pride in our role of cultivating leaders who tirelessly defend these fundamental freedoms for all citizens. The legacy of our graduates in this regard is second to none. Power Supply Emergency
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As campus leaders, our primary responsibility is to cultivate an academic environment that ensures this exchange of ideas and the safety of our community. Across all five campuses, we are committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where individuals feel empowered to freely express themselves and engage in exploration and learning. However, it is essential that these rights are exercised in a manner that upholds our academic mission, preserves the safety of all, and is in accordance with our institutional policies, without unlawful behavior. This means breaking the law, harassment, intimidation, trespassing, violence, and other criminal acts will not be tolerated at the University of North Georgia.
Together, let us uphold the principles of respect, understanding, and civility as we equip our students to walk toward their purpose.
The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) has launched a new program this fall to help students grow their leadership and workforce skills. Ten students are part of the initial cohort of the Cottrell Leadership Fellows (CLF) program.
Fellows have access to academic scholarships, study abroad support opportunities, and undergraduate research avenues. The three-year development program includes mentoring, theory and practice, portfolio creation, and programming for MCCB undergraduate students.
"The academic financial support is there to also allow students time to practice what they are learning. Many work to make ends meet, and perhaps these funds can assist with fewer work hours and more time embracing opportunities to build their leadership voice," Kelli Crickey, senior lecturer of management and one of two CLF co-directors, said. "The fellows develop as individuals and also support other MCCB students in workshops and sharing opportunities to lead."
Jenna Gardner, a junior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, conducts economics research with faculty member Dr. Ruohan Wu, who recommended the program to Gardner.
Gardner's goal is to pursue a graduate degree in microeconomics at Georgia Tech and then a Ph.D. before becoming a professor.
"This group will help me meet people who can help me achieve this," she said. "I'm learning how to become better and hone the skills I already have."
Anthony Giordano, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing, appreciates the chance to build community and hear from industry speakers who share their expertise.
UNG senior lecturer of management
He aims to work in experiential marketing, and his dream job is to work for Nintendo Corp. In addition to networking, CLF assists in his personal growth.
"I like the diversity of the program," Giordano said. "Everybody's here for a different reason. We are all connected by our desire to be better leaders."
Anna Thompson, a sophomore from Savannah, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing and a minor in Italian, found out about the CLF program from Mike Higley, an alumnus who serves as her mentor.
Thompson aims to work in a corporate marketing firm in north Georgia or Savannah for a couple of years before opening and running her own coffee shop, drawing upon her twin passions for coffee and service.
She said CLF is a great platform for students to make an impact.
"We want to create a bigger voice for students on campus," Thompson said. "Our desire is to bring students in contact with leaders, get more input from students and allow them to bring their own input as leaders."
Dr. Jie Guo, an MCCB assistant professor and one of the group's co-directors, said one of the goals in spring 2024 is to add students at UNG's Gainesville Campus.
"We welcome students at both the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses to join our group. We envision our fellows as being the voice of the students within MCCB, inspiring one another to foster personal growth and develop leadership skills," Guo said. "They have passion, they engage and they want to serve the university and the community."
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