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Shannon updates Big Bets strategy

December 8, 2023
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ President Michael P. Shannon gave an update on his Bold Forward white paper strategy 'Big Bets' in a virtual town hall meeting Nov. 29.

Article By: Denise Ray

University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) president Michael P. Shannon gave an update on his "Bold Forward Strategic Big Bets" strategy in a virtual town hall meeting Nov. 29. Over 400 devices were logged on to the event to hear Shannon and other ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ leaders share about current initiatives and projects that lay the foundation and begin to advance the strategy of the Big Bets. He also shared the foundational strengths of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ that position the university to realize the aspirations of each bet. 

Shannon announced the "champion" of each bet who is tasked with leading the planning and implementation of the activities and initiatives that will realize the aspiration of their respective bet: 

  • Design and Build a Leadership Foundry: Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities and the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office, dean of Honors Program, and professor of English.
  • Accelerate the Fine Arts and Entertainment: Dr. Jeff Marker, director of the School of Communication, Film & Theatre in the College of Arts & Letters.
  • Supercharge Workforce Development: Dr. Mary Gowan, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business.
  • Expand the STEM Value Proposition: Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics.
  • Get in the National Security Game: Dr. Douglas Orr, department head of Criminal Justice.
  • Deliver the Corps of the Future: Dr. Keith Antonia, interim senior vice president and superintendent of the Cadet Leadership Academy.
  • Build the Most Competitive, Value-Added Division II Athletic Program in the Nation: Derek Suranie, senior associate athletic director for internal operations.

"The bets will launch July 1 officially although we are off to the races on several of them," Shannon said.

Shortly the team members supporting the Big Bets will be identified and the groups will begin meeting in the Spring semester.

The video of the event can be found and continual updates will be posted to "Bold Forward Strategic Big Bets."


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