University of North Georgia Expands Blue Ridge Campus with Opening of David E. Ralston Hall

BLUE RIDGE, GA— On July 30, 2025, CPL joined University of North Georgia (UNG) leadership, state officials and residents to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of David E. Ralston Hall, a transformative addition to UNG’s Blue Ridge Campus.

The event paid tribute to the late David E. Ralston—a UNG alumnus and former Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives—whose leadership and vision helped bring new higher education opportunities to North Georgia.

Spanning 22,427 sq. ft., the facility was envisioned to serve as both a center for learning and a hub for community engagement. It features four classrooms and three contemporary healthcare simulation labs for the College of Health Sciences & Professions, offering immersive training environments to prepare students for real-world clinical work.

A 3,800 sq. ft. conference center, complete with a warming kitchen, provides flexible accommodations for academic programs, civic gatherings and local business events, further strengthening ties between the university and the surrounding area. Students also benefit from thoughtfully planned commons, including an open lounge, computer lab and breakout rooms, which encourage focused study and social connection.

“These new spaces have made it possible for UNG to launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program; support blended cohorts for education degrees; and open doors for dual-enrollment high school students—all without students ever having to leave Blue Ridge,” explained CPL Project Manager Scott Hughes, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP.

Architecturally, the structure draws on the region’s signature timber aesthetic, visually linking it to the campus’ flagship facility for a cohesive, welcoming environment. CPL served as Architect of Record, collaborating with the Georgia Board of Regents and Palacio Collaborative, Inc. (Cost Estimating) to bring the vision to life.

Since UNG opened its first Blue Ridge location in 2015 with just 20 students, enrollment has grown to 237 for the 2024–25 academic year. With David E. Ralston Hall now open for the fall 2025 semester, students are empowered to pursue nursing, education and other career paths close to home—ushering in a new era of opportunity for all.