New Military Science Center coming to UNG

Symbolic ground was broken Saturday on a new $13.3 million Military Science Center for the University of North Georgia’s Corps of Cadets program.
The Wynne-Mathews Military Science Center will be a two-story, 22,500 square-foot facility, and is the first of four planned buildings in a new military district, the Pennington Military Leadership Complex.
So far, UNG has received $5 million in private donations to supplement the $8.3 million it received in state funds from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the Georgia General Assembly.
The new two-story, free-standing structure will be situated between the cadet resident halls and the drill field, and is expected to be completed in time for the Fall 2025 semester. It will offer technology-enhanced classrooms for 1,000 cadets, including one large, reconfigurable teaching space that can accommodate up to 100.

REVIEWING THE BRIGADE

Onlookers gathered around the reviewing stand of the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field were treated to a gorgeous, sunny afternoon of military pageantry, as the eighth annual Boar’s Head Corps Alumni Weekend Military Review and the Presentation of Distinguished Military Students preceded the groundbreaking ceremony.
UNG President Dr. Michael Shannon delivered the keynote address at the event, followed by guest speakers Dr. Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, and state Sen. Steve Gooch.
Shannon said the planned complex is “so critical to delivering the Corps of the future, the best possible way to celebrate this milestone was to incorporate it into today’s Review, and share it with our Corps of Cadets and our Boar’s Head Brigade alumni.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

After each Distinguished Military Student had been recognized, Col. (ret) Joseph Matthews introduced Shannon.
Shannon began his keynote speech by recognizing the university’s assembled Corps of Cadets.
He said that in his 85 short days serving as president, he has learned that UNG is a legacy-making institution.
He said cadets from UNG’s all-army ROTC program voluntarily commission in the military as second lieutenants at a rate of 80-85 percent, compared to only a 30-40 percent commission rate for the other five Senior Military Colleges.
“We commission to the UNG standard, and our officers are known throughout the United States Army. They’re warriors, they’re leaders, they’re pathfinders and they’re disruptors,” Shannon said.
Shannon indicated that during the first week of October he will deliver a white paper entitled ‘Bold, Forward, Running into our Calling.’
“This white paper will outline seven strategic bets which will set the course for the future of the University of North Georgia over the next five years,” Shannon said.
Shannon said the new strategy includes increasing the size of the Corps and delivering impactful leaders, with a goal of aligning with the university’s “aspirational peer,” the United States Military Academy at West Point.
As an example, Shannon announced a plan to turn a visit to the UNG drill field into a “symbol of American leadership” on par with The Plain, the parade field at West Point, which he referred to as “sacred” and “breathtaking.”
“This project, which will be completed next year, will symbolize the pride we have as the Army’s Senior Military College,” Shannon said.
Shannon also announced that, due to the generosity of private donors, the Wynne-Mathews Military Science Center is breaking ground a full year ahead of schedule. The facility is named in honor of UNG Real Estate Foundation founding chairman Bob Mathews and his late wife Mary Joan Wynne Mathews.

CHANCELLOR PERDUE

Chancellor Perdue began his remarks by saluting all of the assembled cadets on the drill field below.
“President Shannon, you’ve inspired us. You’ve assembled a great group of very important people. But I need to tell you today the most important people, the most inspirational people, are standing before me as I look out at these young men and women,” Perdue said.
Perdue noted UNG’s unique role within the University System of Georgia, and across the country, as a premier Senior Military College.
“This immersive leadership development experience UNG provides is distinctive from other ROTC programs and it certainly requires perseverance, integrity and a commitment to excellence for each [student],” Perdue said.
Before congratulating the Distinguished Military Students, Perdue had a closing message for the new UNG president.
“President Shannon, I think we get the message. You’re committed to further enhancing military education at UNG, and your plans to build the Corps of Cadets of the future will continue to propel our cadets to new and greater heights,” he said.