The Georgia Department of Economic Development arranged a tour that brought members of the Georgia Consular Corps to the University of North Georgia (UNG) on March 18 to learn more about education and workforce development programs with an emphasis on UNG’s global initiatives, as well as its military and cyber programs.      

UNG President Michael Shannon; retired Col. Bryan Kirk, associate vice president and chief of staff of the Cadet Leadership Academy; and retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard, co-champion of UNG's national security big bet and part-time professor of practice, spoke with the group.

"We were so grateful to host these representatives of countries from across the world. There is great potential for us to work together at this complex time in history to prepare our students for global contexts while also helping these countries," Shannon said. "We look forward to the conversations that will continue to emerge out of this meeting."

As of fall 2024, UNG had international students from more than 40 nations studying at UNG, as well as about 300 UNG students studying in more than 30 countries abroad in calendar year 2024.

The consular offices and/or trade representation from 70 nations comprise the Georgia Consular Corps, based in Atlanta. The offices help promote economic, commercial, cultural, and scientific relations and offer services to foreign citizens living in or traveling in Georgia. 

Since 1986, the Georgia Department of Economic Development has hosted the annual International VIP Tour, introducing members of the Georgia Consular Corps to a different region of the state and the local communities within that region. Hosted by the International Relations division, this tour aims to showcase the collaborative, business-friendly environment, leading universities, vibrant cultural attractions, and passionate citizens that exemplify Georgia. 

Communities visited during the 2025 tour included Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Cleveland, Gainesville, and Toccoa.