Spring FROG class joins Corps of Cadets
The week before the University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) spring semester started, about 25 incoming cadets experienced Freshmen Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week. During Jan. 4-8, the group experienced activities and programs that acclimated them to life as Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets.
They learned about the expectations of the Corps of Cadets from cadre, Â鶹ÊÓƵ staff, and their peers.
Under the leadership of brigade commander cadet Col. Warren Walker and battalion commanders cadet Lt. Col. Christian Brooks and cadet Lt. Col. Allyson Smith, the FROGs started their days before sunrise and ended with taps at 10 p.m. They took part in arduous physical activity and learned everything there is to know about being a cadet, from recognizing ranks to dorm-room standards.
"Not only was I able to observe all of the hard work from my command team and thorough planning from my staff, but I was able to see how that hard work helps to shape the new FROGs into promising cadets in less than a week," Walker said.
Not only was I able to observe all of the hard work from my command team and thorough planning from my staff, but I was able to see how that hard work helps to shape the new FROGs into promising cadets in less than a week.
Cadet Col. Warren Walker
Corps of Cadets brigade commander
Heather Plummer, who is from Fayetteville, Georgia, is pursuing an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). She already has a bachelor's degree in public health from Georgia Southern University.
Plummer, having no prior military experience, said the week was challenging but her fellow cadets helped with the transition from civilian to military life.
"The other FROGs and cadets have been very supportive and helpful," Plummer said.
There has always been a part of her that wanted to be in the military, and a nursing major made a lot of sense with her self-described caring personality, Plummer said.
"Â鶹ÊÓƵ had both the accelerated nursing program and the discipline of the corps," she said.
Landon Gnade, who is from Dallas, Georgia, and pursuing a degree in finance, was in the junior ROTC program at South Paulding High School in Douglasville, Georgia.
"My JROTC instructor, Lt Col. Christopher Moore, commissioned through Â鶹ÊÓƵ as an infantry officer," Gnade said. "He greatly influenced my decision to enroll at Â鶹ÊÓƵ."
Gnade said he currently serves in the Army National Guard.
"FROG Week was great," Gnade said. "They kept saying that they're not making privates in the Army, they're making leaders who will commission as officers."
Mental health grad assistant program starts
Two Â鶹ÊÓƵ students in the Master of Science in counseling program are serving as mental health graduate assistants for the Athletic Department, and one is serving in the same capacity for the Corps of Cadets.
Experiences prepared cadets to commission
Almost 40 members of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Corps of Cadets are commissioning as second lieutenants in the active-duty Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve in a Dec. 9 ceremony.
2 alumni inducted into veterans Hall of Fame
Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumni retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard '88 and the late Col. Robert Barclay '68 have been inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame this fall.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ formalizes its role with career expo
Â鶹ÊÓƵ has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Civic Engagement to support its Youth in Government Expo in March 2026.