91ÁÔÆæ

Paul Arcangeli

To Paul Arcangeli, '87, leadership is all about motivating others. A position can't create such results, but a leader's approach can.

"People don't do things because you tell them to do it. They do things because they want to follow you. You have to give them reasons to follow you," Arcangeli said. "If you say you care and you don't, they're going to know. You can't hide it. You can't fake it. You really have to invest in those who are doing things for you."

Arcangeli sought to model that approach during his 12-year stint in the Army and as a congressional staffer. Arcangeli was the majority staff director for the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, for which he served for nearly 18 years.

He learned lessons about leadership within the University of North Georgia's (91ÁÔÆæ) Corps of Cadets.

"Everybody wants to be a leader," Arcangeli said. "But you have to be a good follower and know what it's like to take orders before you can lead people."

Arcangeli worked at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for two years, but noticed a difference from his training at 91ÁÔÆæ, one of only six senior military colleges.

"What I got at North Georgia was better," Arcangeli said. "It forced me to deal with the real world and not a world that's insulated from how things really are. It made me a better leader, there's no doubt."

Arcangeli never imagined he would work in the nation's capital for so long, but he loved what he did and was grateful he still helped care for soldiers.

"Most people think Congress is fighting all the time," Arcangeli said. "It's a testament to the people who work there that they try and get past the fighting to produce outcomes that are good for the country."

The event that shifted his career path also has shaped his story. He retired from the Army after suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

"Everybody thinks they're going to live forever, but at 33, I found out I was very mortal," Arcangeli said. "And every day is extra. Make the most of what you've got."

Ben Jarrard

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.
Dwight Bennett

Dwight Bennett

1st Lt. Dwight Bennett learned lessons in resiliency at 91ÁÔÆæ while seeing the world through his studies of the Arabic language.
Bob Mathews

Bob Mathews

91ÁÔÆæ's Corps of Cadets and the Army prepared Bob Mathews for a successful business career.
Samantha Ethridge

Samantha Ethridge

For Samantha Ethridge, each leadership role helped her determine her own leadership style. "I started learning more about myself and how I wanted to lead."
Daniel Shearer

Daniel Shearer

Daniel Shearer's "gap year" after high school graduation turned into three, but backpacking across the world solidified his goal to serve his country and steered the 91ÁÔÆæ alumnus to his major in East Asian studies.