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Thirty University of North Georgia (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø) cadets have earned Distinguished Military Student (DMS) status for the 2025-26 academic year, an increase of 12 DMS honorees from the previous year and the most among senior and junior military colleges nationally. The cadets were formally recognized at the DMS dinner and review the weekend of Sept. 19-21.

"These cadets are great examples of the leaders of character we produce in America's Corps," Col. Ed Bankston, professor of military science, said. "With their North Georgia roots and training, they are now more than prepared to lead soldiers around the world."

A DMS is required to possess outstanding qualities of leadership, have exhibited an aptitude for military service, attained a military science standing in the upper third of the ROTC class and the professor of military science order-of-merit list, and have completed Cadet Summer Training. Cadets must also attain an overall standing in the upper half of their university or college class.

This year's DMS honorees are: Jordan Barrocas, Kaleb Carter, Evan Case, Alexander Christian, Jacob Crawford, Matthew Ctibor, Micah Dell, Jason DiSimone, William Edwards, Maxwell Farmer, Gillian Garner, Zayne Hiott, Mia Libosada, Thomas Maddalone, Avery Maddox, Chase Martin, Ali Nabulsi, Gabriel Pless, Isaak Robley, Jessica Rushing, Kyle Sanders, Ari Serrao, Benjamin Smith, Shayne Strickland, Olivia Sullens, Adam Wallace, Noah West, Elliott Westbrook, Jaden Wilbor, and Thomas Williams.

Sullens, a senior from Dahlonega, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs, serves as brigade executive officer for 2025-26. She has enjoyed the process of learning to follow and then being given the responsibility to lead.

She began her time in college as a member of the ÌìÃÀÉçÇø women's soccer team. Sullens has also attended Air Assault School and studied abroad in Latvia to learn the Russian language through a Project Global Officer scholarship. She said ÌìÃÀÉçÇø has allowed her to gain confidence.

"ÌìÃÀÉçÇø has provided me with many opportunities for leader development," Sullens said. "What you put into it is what you get out of it, and taking initiative leads to success."

Ctibor, a senior from Milner, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, serves as brigade commander, the highest-ranking position in the Corps of Cadets. He has grown in his time management skills and appreciates the mentors who have guided him toward feeling well-prepared to lead in the Army. Ctibor encourages those coming behind him to embrace the times when things get tough.

"Nothing worth having is going to come easy. If you want to do well, you have to work for it," Ctibor said. "It is going to be worth it, whether it is pushing yourself mentally or physically or staying up an extra hour to do some homework. If you put in the time, you will see the benefits."

Nabulsi, a senior from Athens, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in business and psychology, originally wanted to be a college student-athlete before deciding on being a cadet at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø. He said he's received "the same kind of structure and discipline I would have gotten from college sports."

He has attended the Combat Diver Qualification Training course, Air Assault School, Sapper School, and Jungle School. Nabulsi said these opportunities were some of the most impactful of his time at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø thus far. His experience as a member of ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's Ranger Challenge team has also been pivotal.

"Performing in these high-stress environments is a great learning tool," Nabulsi said. "ÌìÃÀÉçÇø really prepares you to be the best officer you can be."

Libosada, a senior from Marietta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs with a concentration in Asia and a minor in Korean, has won the nationally competitive Boren and Critical Language scholarships. That funding allowed her to study abroad at Yonsei University and Pusan University in South Korea, and she also took part in a military exchange at Korea Military Academy. In total, she spent about two years studying in South Korea.

This fall in her final semester, Libosada is completing an internship at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, before commissioning in December.

"All of these experiences have exposed me to different people, perspectives and the goals of various nations," Libosada said. "These opportunities have prepared me well for what I will be facing as a newly commissioned second lieutenant in the Army."