University of North Georgia: Cottrell Center

Located just an hour north of Atlanta, the University of North Georgia's Dahlonega campus is a gem nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As one of five campuses across the state, it serves nearly 20,000 students and offers an award-winning ROTC program, among other opportunities.

The Dahlonega campus has long been known for its extensive business program. Now, with a commitment to further investment, the university sought to create a dedicated space for its College of Business. This new center would bring together courses in Accounting, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity under one roof.

Thanks to a generous donation from Mike and Lynn Cottrell, the Cottrell Center was established as the new home for the Mike Cottrell College of Business, ensuring the university's continued ability to support students and faculty in their pursuit of excellence in the business world.

What was the vision for the space?

The university team aimed to curate a variety of spaces to support both staff and students, with a particular focus on creating environments that would mirror the professional settings students would encounter in their future careers. To achieve this, they designed a mix of staff offices, collaborative workspaces, classrooms, auditoriums, community areas, study rooms, boardrooms, and cybersecurity labs.

The four-story building features expansive windows offering views of the mountain landscapes, with the design inspired by the natural beauty of the surroundings. The incorporation of the university’s colors throughout the space fosters a sense of confidence and school pride.

What has been the impact of the building?

Today, this new building has created a centralized space for the Mike Cottrell College of Business, consolidating spaces in 4 different buildings across campus to bring the business community together. The facility has fostered connection, pride, and confidence in the business school.

The Syfan Logistics Lab and additional cyber security computer labs throughout the building also provide students with an environment that simulates their future work environments, better preparing them for the future.