University of North Georgia Celebrates Academic Achievements

Significant academic achievements were recognized at the University of North Georgia (UNG) this December, highlighting the dedication of students who excelled during the Fall 2025 semester. Among the honorees is Charles Taylor, a student from Tifton, who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average, earning him a place on the president’s Honor Roll.

Recognition for Academic Excellence

Dr. Michael P. Shannon, the president of UNG, commended students who reached this notable academic milestone. To qualify for the President’s Honor Roll, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in bachelor’s degree programs and achieve a 4.0 GPA. Additionally, students enrolled in associate degree or dual enrollment programs who attain the same GPA were included in the president’s list.

Another Tifton resident, Sophie Compton, also received recognition, making the Dean’s List with an impressive academic average of at least 3.5 while carrying 12 or more credit hours. To qualify, students must not have received any grade lower than a B.

Commencement Highlights

The Fall 2025 semester saw UNG awarding over 1,000 degrees and certificates to its graduates. A commencement ceremony took place on December 9-10, 2025, at the Convocation Center located on UNG’s Dahlonega Campus. Among the graduates was Tia Kohler from Tifton, who received a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice.

In addition to UNG, Berry College also honored its top-performing students. The college’s Dean’s List recognizes those who achieve an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours. Students from Tifton, including Ryley Delbrey and Susanne Peters, were celebrated for their academic success.

These accomplishments reflect the hard work and commitment of students in the region, showcasing the importance of higher education in fostering academic excellence.