Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Shannon updates Big Bets strategy

December 8, 2023
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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 (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ) 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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."


McGill takes reins as brigade commander

McGill takes reins as brigade commander

Grace McGill has been named Corps of Cadets brigade commander for 2026-27. She is also a captain on the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ women's soccer team.
Contest win sets up South Korea opportunity

Contest win sets up South Korea opportunity

Anna Shelley's win in the Southeastern U.S. Korean Speech Contest earned her a full-tuition scholarship and dormitory support to attend the Dankook University International Summer School.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ honors Purcell's lifetime of service

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ honors Purcell's lifetime of service

Seventy-seven years after first arriving at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ as a student, Anne Purcell returned to the commencement stage to receive an honorary degree.
Chandler secures Goldwater Scholarship

Chandler secures Goldwater Scholarship

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ junior Micah Chandler has won the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the preeminent undergraduate award in the sciences, engineering and mathematics.