Tour helps build national security strategy

Dr. Elisabeth Burgess, dean of UNG's College of Arts & Letters and co-champion of the national security strategic big bet, saw great value in reconnecting with these groups who have relationships with UNG.

"These Nighthawk Impact Tours give us an opportunity to connect with community agencies and organizations to enhance collaboration and partnerships. National security is a broad topic, and most people think about the federal implications," Burgess said. "But local and state agencies play a pivotal role in the national security game, and this was an excellent opportunity for us to get in front of these officials with the state and Gwinnett and Hall counties. We are excited to open up new opportunities for UNG students to engage in internships and full-time jobs with these various groups."

Hall County Communications and Strategic Engagement Manager Sarah Crowe, who earned a degree in communication with a concentration in organizational leadership from UNG, was grateful to welcome UNG to hear from a variety of Hall County professionals, ranging from emergency management to planning and zoning. That visit included an emergency response tabletop exercise.

"It was an honor to host the University of North Georgia's Nighthawk Impact Tour. Opportunities like this are critical in connecting higher education to the real-world impact of local government and the essential services that shape our communities," Crowe said. "We value our partnership with UNG and are committed to supporting opportunities that strengthen that connection and advance the development of future civic leaders."

Allen Fox, Georgia Center of Innovation director of entrepreneurial and small business ecosystems, likewise welcomed the chance to collaborate with UNG leaders.

"We were honored to host the Nighthawk Impact Tour, as the University of North Georgia is a leader in Georgia's defense technology ecosystem," Fox said. "The event was a great opportunity to showcase how innovation in this sector drives economic growth and workforce development across the state. As always, we are grateful for our partnership with UNG."