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University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) President Michael Shannon set the tone for the 2023-2024 academic year as he encouraged faculty and staff to remember the impact they are making every day. In his first State of the University address during ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's faculty-staff convocation Aug. 11 in the Convocation Center at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Dahlonega Campus, Shannon said, "We build leaders. We build servants. We build pioneers. And most importantly, we build legacy-makers. The world we live in today is hungry and desperate, and they're crying out for help. And we're here to serve." 

Shannon pointed to the tensions caused by declining enrollment and tight budgets in coming years, as well as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shannon specifically thanked the Enrollment Management team ahead of the fall semester as ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ is up 9.2% in new undergraduate students, up in graduate students, up in dual enrollment, and up in cadets.  

"We have nothing but opportunity here," he said.  

The president shared the stories of students from each of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's five campuses and some of the challenges they have faced in pursuing their education. The common thread was the love and support each of the students felt from ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ faculty and staff.  

"Students are our priority first and always," Shannon said.  

Shannon outlined multiple ways he plans to lead ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ in strengthening its base — the foundation of its work — during this academic year: 

• Establish what "the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Way" is, outlining what the university believes and how it delivers for its students. 
• Understand ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's competitive position.
• Strategic communications and marketing.
• Focus the budget.
• Reimagine student engagement and success.
• Align and build strategy around regional campuses. 
• Over-engage in ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's 30-county service region.
• Reenergize corporate engagement. 
• Become more efficient.
• Make employees a priority through relational wellness. 

The president encouraged faculty and staff to fall in love with ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ every day and embrace the chance to change students' lives. Ultimately, Shannon called for a bold, forward-looking service. 

"Boldness believes. Boldness acts. Boldness transforms, and boldness is also held accountable," he said.