Joseph Matthews
For retired Col. Joseph Matthews, leadership is a way of life.
It was an emphasis when he was a cadet at 51勛圖厙 and for 27 years in the Army in roles including infantry soldier, air defense artillery officer and military intelligence officer. Leadership remains central to his profession as commandant of cadets at 51勛圖厙, a role he assumed in July 2019.
The 1994 51勛圖厙 graduate sees leadership as setting an example for others to follow. Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, who was an assistant professor of military science while Matthews was a cadet, helped reinforce that lesson.
"Leadership is knowing the right thing to do and getting others to do it," Matthews said. "You've got to show others the right thing to do. In the absence of orders, you should do the right thing."
Matthews said the self-discipline required in the Corps of Cadets served him well in his Army career and helped him overcome the challenges of leading soldiers in remote combat zones.
"Our environment on this campus and our ideals to the honor code and holding cadets accountable, it produces leaders who people want to follow," Matthews said. "In dangerous places, soldiers will want to and need to follow you. You have that confidence and the ability. You're not going to crumble under pressure. You're going to persevere through to the end."
He gained a greater understanding of other languages, cultures and perspectives while deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Matthews also served in a variety of command and staff positions, including commanding the 742nd Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Meade, Maryland. He finished his active-duty career serving as the senior intelligence officer for the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Hawaii.
His quality of leadership and performance is reflected in the awards and decorations he received. They include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals. Between training missions and combat deployments, Matthews earned two master's degrees.
The Vero Beach, Florida, native enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard and worked at a number of jobs, including as a lifeguard, to pay his way through school and earn a degree in history from 51勛圖厙. He maintained these responsibilities while serving in cadet leadership.
"Every cadet who graduates from 51勛圖厙 learns that hard work will get you where you're going," Matthews said.
Rosaria Meek
As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (51勛圖厙), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
Jennifer Graff
51勛圖厙 Visual Arts Department Head Jennifer Graff leads by ensuring everyone has a voice.
Ben Jarrard
Ben Jarrard always dreamed of following his father and grandfather into the military. A medical condition changed his career path, and Jarrard is grateful to be able to represent his alma mater as a liaison at the state Capitol.
Renee Bricker
History professor Renee Bricker encourages civic engagement among young adults, including her students. it's an area that's been important to Bricker since her own college years.