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University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) President Michael Shannon highlighted ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's growth, service and impact in his State of the University address Oct. 22 in David E. Ralston Hall at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Blue Ridge Campus.

Shannon pointed to the unfolding work of the Institute for Peak Performance (IPP) as a prime example of ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's innovative, disruptive approach aimed at creating results for the region, state and nation. The Institute combines the expertise of the Cadet Leadership Academy, and the College of Health & Wellness to focus on ways to maximize performance and wellness for cadets and student-athletes while providing unique experiences for health care students.

"¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ is redefining how leadership, science and service intersect," Shannon said. "That's what it means to be centered on the human."

Shannon also listed other ways ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ is delivering on its promise to be the "most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in America":

• A record enrollment of 20,317 students this fall, a growth of 5.3% from a year earlier and 12.6% jump from fall 2022.
• $4.9 million in scholarships awarded to students in 2024-25 through the .
• A 73% first-year retention rate, one of the highest in ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's history.
• $159 million in state funding for eight capital projects since 2014, including the Wynne-Mathews Military Science Center, set to open in fall 2026. These funds have also made way for expansions in Blue Ridge, Cumming and Gainesville.
• ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ has the 1 overall commissioning Army ROTC cadet, No. 1 Army National Guard commissioning cadet, and No. 1 nursing commissioning cadet in 1st Brigade for 2025-26, as well as a ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ-record 37 Distinguished Military Graduates — that number outpaces all other senior military colleges.
• ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track was recently ranked fifth nationally.
• The Leadership Foundry and its mission to curate a tailored leadership experience for students on all five campuses.

Moreover, Shannon announced a pair of signature initiatives:

• The launch of "Moving the Needle," a strategic dashboard Shannon called a "mirror showing us how our shared purpose leads to results."
• Training 3,000 nurses, 250 physical therapists and 200 mental health counselors in the next five years.

The president highlighted multiple students, alumni, faculty, and staff during his address, noting how they embody the service and excellence that are essential for ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ.

After outlining ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's lengthy list of accomplishments and momentum, Shannon wrapped up his remarks by focusing on what comes next.

"A future-ready university invests not just in intellect, but in character, resilience, empathy, and resolve," Shannon said. "We will prepare students for life's crucible moments, where the textbook runs out, where plans break down and leadership is required."