Category:University of North Georgia

Overview

Established in 1873, the University of North Georgia (UNG) is a distinguished public university within the University System of Georgia, designated as both a State Leadership Institution and the Military College of Georgia. Enrolling around 20,000 students, UNG ranks among the largest public universities in the state, with five campuses located in Dahlonega, Gainesville, Blue Ridge, Cumming, and Oconee. The university’s mission focuses on achieving academic excellence and nurturing leadership abilities, equipping students for success in a diverse, global community. UNG encompasses various academic divisions, including the College of Arts & Letters, Mike Cottrell College of Business, College of Education, College of Health Sciences & Professions, College of Science & Mathematics, University College, Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental & Spatial Analysis (IESA), and the Institute for Healthy Aging. Each division provides many programs aimed at promoting academic and professional advancement. Located in Georgia’s most rapidly growing area, UNG is dedicated to delivering a well-rounded education that integrates rigorous academics with leadership training, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for their future careers and societal contributions.

Promoting Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship  

The University of North Georgia (UNG) actively fosters student innovation and entrepreneurship through several dynamic programs and initiatives. To facilitate student discovery, UNG offers the "Ignite Your Spark: Finding Missions Beyond Majors" program within the Mike Cottrell College of Business, designed to help students explore entrepreneurial paths beyond their primary disciplines. Additionally, the Cottrell Speaker Series provides valuable insights from industry experts, further stimulating interest in entrepreneurship. UNG utilizes a range of marketing and communication strategies, including announcements in the campus newspaper, email lists, and campus fairs, to ensure students are aware of these opportunities. The Launch Pad, a newly established resource, also plays a key role in promoting entrepreneurship by providing information and resources through bulletin boards and student involvement offices.

UNG supports entrepreneurship through a robust array of academic offerings. The university provides three graduate-level and five undergraduate courses focused on entrepreneurship and offers both an entrepreneurship concentration and minor. UNG also fosters student engagement through at least three dedicated student organizations, two entrepreneurship/innovation competitions, and activities aimed at forming venture teams to explore specific business opportunities.

UNG offers the Launch Pad in Dahlonega, a collaborative space where students, faculty, and community members can apply their skills, develop prototypes, and engage in hands-on innovation. This facility supports a variety of experimental activities, from early-stage concept development to advanced prototyping, providing students with a valuable platform to test and refine their entrepreneurial ideas.

Encouraging Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Faculty innovation and entrepreneurship are actively supported through a range of initiatives designed to inspire and cultivate entrepreneurial activity. The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, founded in 2023 within the Mike Cottrell College of Business, acts as a key hub for promoting entrepreneurial efforts across the institution. This center plays a pivotal role in encouraging faculty to pursue innovative projects and commercialize their research, providing a collaborative environment that involves students, faculty, staff, and the regional community.

Entrepreneurship is viewed as more than just an academic field; it represents a mindset that fosters innovation, risk-taking, and the pursuit of opportunities. Faculty are urged to apply this entrepreneurial mindset not only in their research but also in practical applications that can launch new ventures or enhance existing ones. The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is vital in this regard, supporting new initiatives that engage faculty in entrepreneurial activities.

One of these initiatives is the Launch Pad, a newly created facility designed to offer a space for prototyping and innovation. This resource supports not only faculty but also the broader community, providing a platform for exploring and developing entrepreneurial ideas. By ensuring that faculty receive strong backing, the center enhances their ability to mentor and inspire students in their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Facilitating University-Industry Collaboration

UNG actively promotes university-industry collaboration through various programs and initiatives designed to connect students with industry professionals and potential employers. The Career Services department plays a central role in this effort, offering a range of resources to facilitate these connections. Programs such as virtual career chats, classroom career education sessions, and regular career fairs provide students, alumni, and employers with opportunities to interact and explore potential collaborations. Notable companies participating in these career fairs include the National Security Agency (NSA), Cox Enterprises, and Enterprise Mobility, among others.

Additionally, UNG's Career Services offers personalized support through appointments with career specialists, an artificial intelligence toolkit, and tech-based resources to assist with job search and career development. The Nigel’s Career Closet, located on the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses, further supports students by providing free career attire. Services such as internship assistance, resume reviews, and mock interviews ensure that students are well-prepared for professional opportunities.

Engaging with Regional and Economic Development Efforts

UNG is committed to fostering regional and local economic development by utilizing its resources to support the surrounding community. Our goal is to strengthen our support for businesses in Dahlonega through the Launch Pad and extend these efforts to our other campuses.

Career Services plays a crucial role in this mission by hosting career fairs and providing career education sessions that link students with a diverse array of employers. These initiatives are vital in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional opportunities, thus contributing to the local economy by developing a skilled workforce.

The Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) enhances economic development through its speaker series and advisory boards, which offer students valuable insights into industry trends and strategies for success. These programs aim to strengthen regional business connections and equip students with practical knowledge.

Our vision includes broadening these initiatives to benefit the entire North Georgia region. By offering essential resources and educational opportunities, UNG strives to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and local economic growth.