A Message from Chairman Ed Nix

As a North Georgia graduate, and as Chairman of the NGCSU Foundation, I can say with certainty that now is an exciting time at North Georgia. Together, you and I have the opportunity to build the university of tomorrow, and that work is already underway.

From the very beginning, North Georgia has played a valuable role in the lives of so many citizens of Georgia. We have trained leaders in business and industry, government, education, journalism, science and medicine, and the military. In every endeavor our graduates have served the communities and countries where they have lived.

Today, North Georgia is doing very well. The pace of change is rapid - and for very good reasons:

• North Georgia serves one of the fastest growing regions in Georgia and the United States.
• The University System of Georgia anticipates enrollment to grow by more than 200,000 over the next few years, and North Georgia will accept its part of that overall growth.
• In Fall 2009, our total enrollment was 5,652 - including 5,014 undergraduate and 638 graduate students.
  
• North Georgia's graduation rate remains among the highest in the state.
  
• Enrollment in the Corps of Cadets was over 700, which represents one of the largest groups ever.
• In order to accommodate a 100% increase in the commissioning mission from U.S. Army Cadet Command, we anticipate enrollment in the Corps to approach 1,000 over the next few years. In anticipation of that growth, a new cadet dormitory is being built on campus beginning, with others to follow soon thereafter.
• Two additional dormitories are being constructed to accommodate more resident students who are not in the Corps, including a 1000-space parking deck.
  
• The MBA program, which is located in Cumming, GA, is still thriving. New master's degree programs are beign added in Music and History.
• North Georgia's Physical Therapy program was recently approved to award the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree - North Georgia's first doctoral degree.
  
• Our accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), renewed North Georgia's accreditation for an additional 10-year period, and approved the service level change relating to the new doctoral degree.
• North Georgia was reclassified as a Level V doctoral institution.
  
• Our NCAA sports teams are performing very well in the competitive Peach Belt Conference, including the Softball team's 2009 trip to the NCAA Division II College World Series, where they finished with a #3 national ranking.
• Upcoming additions to campus will include a new university bookstore and a large dining hall.
  

As you can see, much has been accomplished over the past few years, and there is much yet to do. With state revenues declining, and in this challenging economic climate, we need your support more than ever. The university has a strong plan to accommodate growth, while maintaining quality and the special nature of the campus in Dahlonega. That plan calls for additional teaching and learning space, additional residence halls, a greater number of full-time faculty, expanded student research opportunities, student scholarships and internship opportunities, and funds to strengthen each of the four schools that make up the university.

On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, and my fellow Foundation trustees, I thank you for your past support, and for your continuing interest in the future of North Georgia. Your input and involvement are welcomed, as well as your generous financial contributions.

Thanks for helping us maintain North Georgia's "Legacy of Leadership."

COL (Ret.) Edward J. Nix '51, Chairman