2 /5 Paul King: A Beautiful Campus With Deep Flaws (Dahlonega Campus, Corps of Cadets Focus)
UNG’s Dahlonega campus is undeniably beautiful and steeped in tradition, but that beauty can be misleading. My experience is specifically tied to the Corps of Cadets, and while there were a few shining highlights, there are serious, systemic issues that students—especially cadets—should be aware of.
Pros:
Stunning Campus: The grounds are well-maintained and picturesque.
Great Trails Nearby: Yahoola Creek and the Reservoir are peaceful and easily accessible.
Some Passionate Professors: A few go above and beyond, especially in the sciences, and medical fields.
Supportive ROTC Staff: People like Ms. Prince and Armstrong were phenomenal.
Town Square Access: Easily walkable with food, shops, and the “Dahlonega Mile” bar crawl.
Cons:
Dining Services: Repeated issues with food quality, including reports of mold, bugs, and food poisoning. While the dining hall was updated, problems persist—especially during weekends and summer leading to students eating out in town.
Facilities: Parking is chaotic, especially during events. Dorms are overcrowded (especially in the Corps), mold-prone, and outdated. The gym is undersized, and laundry isnt free.
Student Life: Most clubs are inactive or barely functioning. Corps and Greek life have faced suspensions for hazing/bigotry and other serious issues.
ROTC / Corps Culture: Cadet-led programs can lead to toxic power dynamics. Some abuse leadership roles to avoid responsibilities or mistreat others. Corps politics often trump fairness.
Final Thoughts:
There’s a lot of potential here, and I met some incredible mentors and peers during my time. However, the systemic problems—especially in the Corps—undermine that potential. Leadership should be about building others up, not tearing them down. If UNG wants to live up to its history and promise, it needs to seriously address these internal issues, not just put a fresh coat of paint over them.


