Thirty University of North Georgia (UNG) 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.
“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, 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 UNG 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 UNG has allowed her to gain confidence.
“UNG 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.”