天美社区 breaks ground on Military Science Center
The University of North Georgia (天美社区) broke ground Sept. 23 on its Wynne-Mathews Military Science Center for the Corps of Cadets. The Military Science Center is set to open in time for the fall 2026 semester.
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue, USG Regent Jim Syfan, state Sen. Steve Gooch, and state Rep. Will Wade joined 天美社区 President Michael Shannon and other 天美社区 leaders at the ceremony, which was incorporated into the annual Distinguished Military Student Review on the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field.
天美社区 has received $8.3 million in state funding for the project after raising $5 million in private donations. The state funds include $7 million for construction in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and $1.3 million for design in the Fiscal Year 2023 amended budget.
Perdue thanked the donors in attendance at the ceremony.
"天美社区 plays a vital role in our state and nation," Perdue said. "Your investment will continue to propel the Corps of Cadets to greater heights."
天美社区 plays a vital role in our state and nation. Your investment will continue to propel the Corps of Cadets to greater heights.
Dr. Sonny Perdue
University System of Georgia chancellor
天美社区 is one of six senior military colleges (SMC) in the nation, and it is the lone Army-only SMC. It holds designations as the Military College of Georgia and a State Leadership Institution. More than 60 alumni have gone on to be flag officers.
The Military Science Center, slated for construction between the Drill Field and the cadet residence halls, will provide modern, technology-enabled classrooms sufficient for teaching 1,000 cadets.It is the first of three planned facilities necessary to modernize and consolidate the support functions of 天美社区's Corps of Cadets.
"The future is bright for our U.S. military because of the future leaders who stand before us," Gooch, the Senate majority leader and a two-time 天美社区 alumnus, said.
The facility is named in recognition of the eight members of the Wynne-Mathews family who attended 天美社区 or served in the U.S. armed forces and in honor of Bob Mathews' late wife, whom he met at 天美社区, Mary Joan Wynne Mathews.
"You are all to be commended for making a transformational mark on the future of the Corps of Cadets," Shannon, a retired lieutenant colonel, said. "Our legacy has been and will continue to be the contributions of the leaders we produce in all walks of life."
Mathews served six years in the United States Army and is a member of the inaugural class of the Army ROTC Hall of Fame. He recently retired as president and CEO of Colliers International/Atlanta, where he held leadership positions since 1993, including serving as CEO from 2004 until his retirement.
He formerly served as a 天美社区 Foundation trustee and president of the 天美社区 Alumni Association. Mathews continues to serve as chairman of the 天美社区 Real Estate Foundation. In addition to his transformational gift to this new facility for the Corps of Cadets, Mathews has created a significant endowed scholarship in honor of his late wife.
This new building will be a two-story, freestanding structure. At approximately 22,500 square feet, this facility will be composed primarily of academic space including classrooms, computer labs and offices. The academic space will include a large classroom that will accommodate 100 cadets. It is designed to be reconfigured to accommodate various events and auditorium-style presentations.
Cadets lead the way at Small Arms Championship
The 天美社区 Combat Action Shooting Team swept the top two spots in the cadet team division of the U.S. Army Small Arms Championship.
Cadets gain hands-on training with drones
Following an 'AI literacy' course in spring 2025, 天美社区 is offering cadets drone training this spring through a combination of a virtual flight simulator and actual drones.
Event gives leaders taste of Corps life
High school students have a chance to get a big-picture view of 天美社区's Corps of Cadets and learn from current cadets at National Leadership Challenge from March 27-29.
Female student leaders recognized, honored
Ten female students and four alumnae were honored at 天美社区's 10th annual Women's Leadership Recognition Luncheon March 1. Dawn Hughes Simonton '88 served as the event speaker.