A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 13 for the new campus of the University of North Georgia in Blue Ridge. The new facility, located on the side of Highway 515, will include two state of the art classrooms and three offices.

Individuals present at the ceremony included Mayor of Blue Ridge, Donna Whitener; Fannin County Commission Chair, Bill Simonds; Fannin County school Superintendent, Mark Henson; Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch (an alumni of the University of North Georgia); Mr. Mac McConnell, University of North Georgia Senior Vice President for Business and Finance; Dr. Bonita C. Jacobs, President of the University of North Georgia; Mr. Hank Huckaby, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia; and Speaker of the House David Ralston (Another UNG alumni).

The Campus currently has one employee, Sandy Ott, who will serve as Assistant Director. Twenty students, including first student Chasity Green, will begin on August 17 taking the 2 course offerings of Psychology and Political Science. No degree programs are being offered at this time, but Chancellor Hank Huckaby said it is to be decided by growth and demand. He expects the first degree to be offered will be a popular major of other UNG satellite campuses like Business Adminstration or a technology related major.

University of North Georgia Blue Ridge Exterior

University of North Georgia President Bonita C. Jacobs Speaks

Chancellor Hank Huckaby Speaks

Speaker of The House David Ralston

First Employee Sandy Ott with UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs

State Senator Steve Gooch

Senator Steve Gooch, Speaker David Ralston, University of North Georgia President Bonita C. Jacobs, Chancellor Hank Huckaby, Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener, and Commissioner Bill Simonds cut the ribbon

UNG Blue Ridge Lobby

Conference Room at UNG Blue Ridge