91ÁÔÆæ

Could you be the next Nigel mascot?

July 22, 2024
Alumnus Noah Myers '24 has been hired as 91ÁÔÆæ's mascot coach, having previously held the role of Nigel, 91ÁÔÆæ's mascot. He's now looking for the next Nigel.

Article By: Denise Ray

Noah Myers graduated from the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At that time, he revealed his identity as Nigel, the 91ÁÔÆæ mascot, by wearing the costume's talons and referencing his experience in his commencement speech. Myers held the coveted role for three years and maintained a GPA of 3.66. He was hired on at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) as a pediatric nurse.

More recently, Myers has been hired as 91ÁÔÆæ's mascot coach, effective July 2024. Part of his new leadership role will be coaching new talents and teaching them how to perform and excel in the role.

"It's full circle," Myers said. "To be in charge and be able to mentor other people and see people who love 91ÁÔÆæ as much as I do is awesome. Being able to still do this is rewarding. It's like they say, 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.' That's how I feel about all this."

The Cartersville, Georgia, resident was hired due to his "true dedication to the mascot program," Taylor Garcia, sports clubs and teams coordinator, said.

"Noah has been in the suit most of his undergraduate career, and it just made sense to bring him back on board to train and guide our new student talent," Garcia said. "We hope that his passion, experience and connections in the mascot world will prepare our new and future student talents with the necessary skills to keep up with that energetic Nigel we all know and love."

Garcia, who arranges Nigel's schedule, said she hopes to see more external events in connection with other mascot programs with collegiate athletics and professional athletics spaces. 

Noah Myers '23 poses with 91ÁÔÆæ's beloved mascot, Nigel. Myers is looking for the next Nigel and will hold auditions this fall.

Being Nigel has brought about several incredible opportunities for Myers. He's met Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp "twice in a bird suit," which he described as "really nice and kind of funny." Myers' favorite experience as Nigel was attending the birthday party of Chopper, the Gwinnett Stripers' mascot.

His first task will be to find students to fill his former role.

"Anyone that loves 91ÁÔÆæ and would like to be the figurehead, the heart and soul of 91ÁÔÆæ is who I'm looking for. Tryouts are this fall," Myers said. "Fliers will be everywhere."

He wants Nigel to become synonymous with 91ÁÔÆæ like Blooper is to the Atlanta Braves.

"My main goal is to make Nigel a huge image for the university," Myers said. "When people think of 91ÁÔÆæ, they also see Nigel. I want to make the school seem bigger and better. I feel like for the first time in forever, we're being seen as a contender with the other big schools, and I believe that's how it should be. We have one of the top nursing programs in the state that has gotten me incredibly prepared for my future career. 91ÁÔÆæ's a great school."

To create more visibility for the school, Myers said he will network and collaborate with other 91ÁÔÆæ departments. He has big plans for the nighthawk, including a basketball birthday party with other mascots in attendance.

"It's all in talks right now, but I feel like a lot of people would come to that. Maybe have a T-shirt giveaway," he said. "It would be really fun."

Myers' exuberance hasn't dwindled since his spring 2024 graduation.

"A big part of it is that I love sports. Mascotting is connected to that," Myers said. "91ÁÔÆæ athletics has been amazing. President Shannon has supported us, too. He's been awesome. I really feel like he cares about the student body and our school spirit. He's fostered that through Nigel as well."

Appearance requests can be made on the and Myers will respond. Anyone interested in assuming the role of Nigel is asked to reach out to Myers directly.


Luncheon honors scholarship recipients

Luncheon honors scholarship recipients

Five nontraditional female students at 91ÁÔÆæ each earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Women of 91ÁÔÆæ on Dec. 5 at the Women's Holiday Scholarship Luncheon.
Grads prepare for their next steps

Grads prepare for their next steps

91ÁÔÆæ will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
91ÁÔÆæ honors '20 Under 40'

91ÁÔÆæ honors '20 Under 40'

The Alumni Association has announced this year's '20 under 40' honorees, recognizing members of the 91ÁÔÆæ family for their personal and professional accomplishments or their distinguished service.
Glouse receives student DAISY Award

Glouse receives student DAISY Award

Sydney Glouse received the first student DAISY Award given by Northeast Georgia Health System. The award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses.