The University of North Georgia (UNG) officially opened its newest facility, David E. Ralston Hall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 30 at the university’s Blue Ridge Campus. The event honored the legacy of the late Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a UNG alumnus whose vision and leadership were instrumental in the campus’s creation and continued expansion.
Ralston served as the 73rd speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives from 2010 until his death in November 2022. His dedication to improving educational access in rural Georgia was a central theme of the ceremony, which drew an unprecedented lineup of state leaders, including four governors — current Gov. Brian Kemp, current University System of Georgia Chancellor and former Gov. Sonny Perdue, former Gov. Nathan Deal, and former Gov. Roy Barnes — as well as Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and State Sen. Steve Gooch, a double UNG alumnus.
“He was steady through turbulent times. He was also passionate about issues close to him. And he was also ready to act when others would hesitate,” Kemp said. “But above all, he had a vision to improve this community and our entire state.”
The $15 million project adds a second building to the Blue Ridge Campus, bringing 22,427 square feet of new learning and event space. The facility includes four classrooms, three simulation labs, and a 3,800-square-foot multipurpose room. It will allow UNG to expand its offerings in education and health sciences, including a new blended cohort for the College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the College of Health Sciences & Professions.
“Dad stressed constantly that your ZIP code should not determine your lot in life,” said Matthew Ralston. “For people who do not want to leave home, they should be entitled to a world-class education. And this building further expands world-class learning here in North Georgia.”
Perdue echoed that sentiment, praising Ralston’s roots and commitment to the region.
“He never forgot where he came from. And that impressed me because oftentimes people come to Atlanta and they want to act like they’re from somewhere else,” Perdue said. “David Ralston never did that. He was proud of his home, and he was proud of his people.”
UNG President Michael Shannon called the new facility more than just a structure.
“This is more than a building,” Shannon said. “It is a bridge connecting students to brighter futures.”
Gooch, who worked alongside Ralston at the Capitol, emphasized that the campus exists today because of Ralston’s determination.
“This campus is not here by accident,” Gooch said. “David Ralston fought for this university every day he was at the State Capitol.”
House Speaker Burns praised Ralston as a leader whose impact on Georgia will be felt for generations.
“There are few people who have made such a profound and lasting impact on our state and on the people of our great state,” Burns said. “Speaker David Ralston was a giant of a public servant. He was larger than life in so many ways, with a heart and a vision for this great state to match.”
Since opening with just 20 students in 2015, the Blue Ridge Campus has grown to serve 237 students for the 2024-25 academic year. Sophomore John Ponders, a business administration student from Ellijay, is one of many who have benefited from Ralston’s efforts.
“It’s great that this campus is here. It offers opportunities for people here who don’t have a lot of finances,” Ponders said. “It takes that burden away and gives us a chance to get higher education. It’s been amazing seeing this campus grow.”
Ralston, a Gilmer County native, graduated from what was then North Georgia College and later earned his law degree from the University of Georgia. He served in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly and ran for attorney general in 1998. He represented the 7th District in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2002 until his death.
