Retired Lt. Gen. Jamie Jarrard '88, an esteemed alumnus of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets, has returned to UNG as the co-champion of the "get in the national security game" strategic big bet and a part-time-professor of practice.

"This strategic addition will significantly advance UNG's commitment to developing exceptional leaders in national security, intelligence, diplomacy, and homeland security, and move UNG forward to becoming the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in America," UNG President Michael Shannon said.

Jarrard, who was stationed around the world in his various Army assignments, is grateful to be able to return to Dahlonega for this strategic role.

"The huge impact North Georgia had on me and my career, I've always felt the desire to come back and help in some way. I want to help Dr. Shannon realize his vision for all of the big bets, but especially for the national security big bet," Jarrard said. "North Georgia is a special place that really brings out the best in people, and part of the best in people is the desire to serve something larger than themselves. The national security big bet is all about that, as well, whether it's Homeland Security, the intelligence community or the diplomatic corps."

As outlined in Shannon's "Big Bets" white paper, UNG is committed to addressing critical national security needs through innovative education and leadership development. Jarrard's distinguished career, spanning over 40 years in the Georgia Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, aligns perfectly with this ambitious vision. His experience leading both conventional and special operations forces during peacetime and combat brings unparalleled expertise to UNG.

His leadership roles include:

• Assistant commanding general for the 7th Infantry Division
• Assistant to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Pentagon)
• Commanding general for a Special Operations Joint Task Force - Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Director of operations for U.S. Special Operations Command
• Commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division
• Chief of staff for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
• Deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Pacific

He is part of the UNG class of 1988 that produced five general officers. The other four were retired Lt. Gen. Paul Calvert, retired Maj. Gen. William K. Gayler, Maj. Gen. Joseph Jarrard, and retired Brig. Gen. Michael L. Scholes.

Jarrard holds a Bachelor of Science in business from North Georgia College and a MSA in military art and operational science from U.S. Air Force Air University.

Key to UNG's vision for the national security strategic big bet is cultivating relationships with external partners in government and the national security industry to support internships, faculty and program development, and strategic investment in UNG. As co-champion alongside Dr. Elisabeth Burgess, dean of the College of Arts & Letters, Jarrard will work closely with the dean, Provost Chaudron Gille and Shannon to drive this vision forward.

As a professor of practice, Jarrard will offer symposia for the university community and a seminar each year for UNG students. His first symposium, "The World is an Uncertain Place: National Security in Our Current Environment," will be held later this spring.

"Retired Lt. Gen. Jarrard's extensive experience and strategic insights will be invaluable as we build a national model for national security education," Gille said. "His leadership will greatly contribute to the success of the national security strategic big bet, ensuring UNG continues to be a leader in developing the next generation of national security leaders."