On July 30, the University of North Georgia (UNG) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Blue Ridge Campus to formally inaugurate David E. Ralston Hall, its newest structure. The occasion paid tribute to the late Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a UNG alumni whose foresight and guidance were crucial to the establishment and ongoing growth of the institution.
From 2010 until his passing in November 2022, Ralston presided over the Georgia House of Representatives as its 73rd speaker. His commitment to expanding access to education in rural Georgia was a major theme of the ceremony, which attracted an unprecedented number of state leaders, including Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, State Senator Steve Gooch, a double UNG alumnus, and four governors: current Governor Brian Kemp, former Governor Roy Barnes, former Governor Nathan Deal, and current University System of Georgia Chancellor and former Governor Sonny Perdue.
In times of turbulence, he remained steady. He also had strong feelings about matters that were important to him. Kemp added that he was prepared to take action when others would be hesitant. Above all, though, his aim was to make this town and our state better.
With the addition of a second building, the $15 million project expands the Blue Ridge Campus’s classroom and event space by 22,427 square feet. Three simulation labs, four classrooms, and a 3,800-square-foot multipurpose area are all part of the complex. With the addition of a new blended cohort for the College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the College of Health Sciences & Professions, it will enable UNG to broaden its offerings in the fields of education and health sciences.
According to Matthew Ralston, Dad was always emphasizing that your ZIP code shouldn’t dictate your fate in life. People should have the right to a top-notch education even if they choose not to leave their homes. Additionally, this structure enhances the availability of top-notch education in north Georgia.
Perdue agreed, complimenting Ralston’s heritage and dedication to the area.
He never lost sight of his origins. I was impressed by it since, according to Perdue, “people frequently come to Atlanta and want to act like they’re from somewhere else.” That was never done by David Ralston. He took pride in both his people and his home.
Michael Shannon, president of UNG, described the new facility as more than a building.
According to Shannon, this is more than just a building. It serves as a link between students and better futures.
According to Gooch, who co-worked with Ralston at the Capitol, Ralston’s perseverance is the reason the campus still exists today.
Gooch stated, “This campus is not here by accident.” David Ralston spent every day in the State Capitol fighting for this university.
Ralston is a leader whose influence on Georgia will last for years, according to House Speaker Burns.
According to Burns, few individuals have had such a significant and enduring influence on our state and its citizens. David Ralston, the speaker, was an enormous public servant. He had a heart and a vision for our magnificent state that matched his size, making him larger than life in many ways.
The Blue Ridge Campus has expanded from its initial enrollment of 20 students in 2015 to 237 students for the 2024–25 school year. Numerous students, including Ellijay sophomore John Ponders, who studies business administration, have profited from Ralston’s work.
The presence of this campus is fantastic. According to Ponders, it provides chances for those in this community who are not wealthy. It relieves that stress and provides us with the opportunity to pursue further education. Seeing this campus develop has been incredible.
Born in Gilmer County, Ralston attended what was then North Georgia College before graduating from the University of Georgia with a law degree. In 1998, he ran for attorney general and served in both houses of the Georgia General Assembly. From 2002 until his passing, he served as the representative for Georgia’s 7th District in the House of Representatives.
