“Building the Corps of the Future”
The Pennington Military Leadership Complex
“It's imperative that we provide cutting edge educational facilities for those students who aspire to join the North Georgia Corps. The competition among SMCS is fierce, but I am convinced the MLC Expansion Campaign will keep us in the forefront for the immediate future. Once all phases of construction are competed, we will have positioned ourselves to sustain our leadership reputation for many decades. Most importantly, the "Corps of the Future" will benefit from this expansion. I am grateful to all alumni and friends who have chosen to donate the funds necessary to move forward. Let's build the "best for the best."
— Tom and Judy Palmer, ‘73/’74
University of North Georgia Corps of Cadets
The Corps of Cadets is a signature element that dates to the founding of the University of North Georgia in 1873. Through World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror, alumni have served to defend and protect the nation loyally and gallantly. Leaders in government, business, healthcare, education and other professions frequently credit the lessons of service, loyalty and integrity gained on this campus as a critical factor in their success.
This foundational pillar of UNG comprises more than 750 current students, who are responding to our nation’s call, and embodies the principles that continue to shape the university – leadership, integrity, courage and wisdom.
Today’s soldiers are often operating in unconventional environments, making it imperative that we develop leaders who are well-trained in the latest technology and adaptive leadership skills. To produce leaders with these skills, we must provide cadets with world-class facilities and the resources needed to acquire the skills necessary to successfully lead in combat, in the public sector or private industry.
Facilities play a vital role in shaping the educational experience by ensuring that cadets and faculty learn and teach in an environment where they can thrive and succeed, by attracting the finest cadets and faculty, and by serving as a symbol of the strength of an institution.
To compete with our peer institutions for the best and brightest, UNG needs the ability to offer an enhanced facility that is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and training spaces.
The Pennington Military Leadership Center was built when the Corps of Cadets numbered 370. Today, the Corps of Cadets comprises 750 cadets, with plans to reach 850. The Corps’ facilities must keep pace with its growth, training regimen and the technological advances in the military in order to produce leaders who are better-prepared to command and serve our 21st century American Army.
