91ÁÔÆæ wins award for technology innovation
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) was honored as the winner of the Atlanta Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Innovative Driven Company of the Year in the Government, Nonprofit and Education sector at a March 29 banquet. The award application focused on the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation, home to the Mike Cottrell College of Business, and the programs in the college.
"We are honored to be recognized by Atlanta TAG for our investment in ensuring that students not only know the theory behind technology and business practices, but also that they learn to apply that theory in labs and workspaces in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation that mirror corporate spaces," Dr. Mary Gowan, MCCB dean, said.
The north Georgia region's knowledge economy faces a shortage of adequately trained technology workers. Companies occupying this premier innovation hub rely on specialized skills such as advanced programming, systems design, cyber operations, or technology leadership to maintain competitiveness. Such human capital is expensive to acquire, difficult to maintain, and requires ongoing learning opportunities to maintain currency.
"The MCCB is successfully positioned to develop technologically advanced human capital," Dr. Russell Teasley, professor of management and international business, said. "We offer graduate certificates in cybersecurity, technology leadership, compliance and ethics, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. These certificates provide continuous learning opportunities for tech workers seeking mid-career advancement. They supplement MCCB undergraduate programs that supply affordable, technology-savvy, entry-level hires."
The new MCCB building supports a growing number of students majoring in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, logistics, and finance. Donors and grants have provided funds for access to premier software, such as the McLeod Software for logistics and Bloomberg terminals for finance and analytics students. The Institute for Cyber Operations, funded by the Department of Defense, enables the use of NetLab+ for the cyber range.
Clapp-Smith named business college dean
Dr. Rachel Clapp-Smith has been named the dean of 91ÁÔÆæ's Mike Cottrell College of Business, a role she will begin July 21.
Three selected as Fulbright finalists
91ÁÔÆæ has three Fulbright finalists for 2025-26. They include alumnae from the College of Arts & Letters, College of Science & Mathematics, and Mike Cottrell College of Business.
Students take second at investment competition
Three 91ÁÔÆæ students teamed up to place second out of nine schools in the portfolio-building competition at the Student Management Investment Fund Consortium-South.
Grads well-prepared for what comes next
91ÁÔÆæ students are earning nearly 1,700 degrees and certificates in spring 2025, and more than half of them will take part in commencement ceremonies May 14-15.