The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Michael P. “Mike” Shannon president of the University of North Georgia (UNG), effective July 1, 2023.

Shannon, a retired U.S. Army officer, currently serves as interim executive vice president for Administration and Finance and interim chief business officer at Georgia Tech.

He will replace Dr. Bonita Jacobs, who has led UNG since 2011. Jacobs previously announced plans to retire this month after a long and distinguished career in public higher education.

“UNG plays a unique role within the system. It has multiple campuses offering everything from associate degrees to graduate-level programs, while at the same time serves as the state’s Military College of Georgia and one of only six senior military colleges in the nation,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “With Mike, we have a leader who exemplifies USG’s mission of teaching, research and service given his deep experience in both the military and in higher education – the very kind of experience that will serve the uniqueness of UNG well. We’re grateful to Dr. Jacobs for her trailblazing leadership and look forward to welcoming Mike to his new role as president.”

Prior to his interim role, Shannon served as Georgia Tech’s vice president and deputy chief business officer.

“I’m thrilled to serve as the president of the University of North Georgia,” Shannon said. “The history, the tradition, the impact and the prestige of UNG, 150 years in the making, are incredibly powerful. Through its academic programs, UNG drives the region’s economy and supports Georgia’s emerging economy. As our state’s talent needs continue to increase, UNG will continue to be called upon.”

“As a career Army officer, I witnessed the national impact of UNG through its Senior Military College and the highly talented Army officers it produces,” he added. “Now, more than ever, UNG has critical roles to play. Our state and our nation are counting on UNG to continue to deliver. I look forward to teaming with the entire UNG community to make a difference for Georgia and America. Go Nighthawks!”