91ÁÔÆæ President Visits PSIA
91ÁÔÆæ President Dr. Michael Shannon took time out his March 4th, 2024, day to share some insights and advice with PSIA students and faculty members based on his experiences in academia, government and the military.
President Shannon opened his discussion by expressing how students have no idea where their journey will take them, which from his perspective and based on his diversity of experiences throughout his career should be exciting because "your journey will give you opportunities to explore things."
The president spent most of his time discussing several key ideas PSIA students should keep in mind as they move forward during their academic careers. First, and he was quite emphatic: "The nation needs you…We need good people of high character that want to take on the work of our social constructs, our community constructs. We need great people that are value centered, that think creatively and innovatively about the challenges ahead of us…"
Throughout his talk President Shannon expressed what a basic worldview he believes students will find most beneficial once they venture into the world after college. "I don't believe in challenges — I believe in opportunities."
Going to a college far away from home allowed President Shannon to meet a variety of people. Along this same vein, President Shannon expressed how his experience oversees in the Army showed him a new perspective, as well as how important empathy is to have as you go through life. "We've got to be empathetic … I would encourage you to interact with as many people who don't look like you as possible. You will learn a lot and you will be able to operate inside of this experiment [called the United States].
President Shannon emphasized the importance of getting through Political Science courses as they will provide students with the necessary tools to be successful to be successful in the world. "You have to do incredibly well in your courses".
To end his discussion President Shannon answered questions from the audience with one important point being how much opportunity students have here at 91ÁÔÆæ, not just in Dahlonega but at other campuses as well.
To view the entirety of with PSIA visit our YouTube channel.