Retired Col. Bryan Kirk has been named the inaugural executive director of the Institute for Peak Performance (IPP) at the University of North Georgia, effective June 2. Kirk served in this role in an interim capacity since the IPP's launch in September 2024 and now officially assumes the permanent position.

"The Institute for Peak Performance is a bold and visionary initiative — a place where military science, athletics and health sciences converge to advance human performance, leadership and holistic well-being," UNG President Michael Shannon said. "It brings together the collective expertise and resources of the Cadet Leadership Academy, UNG Athletics, and the College of Health Sciences & Professions to fuel innovation and drive results."

The IPP stands at the intersection of three of UNG’s most transformative Strategic Big Bets, which have local and national significance:

• Delivering the Corps of the Future.

• Building the most competitive, value-added Division II athletics program in the nation.
• Supercharging workforce development through applied, real-world innovation.

"The opportunity to serve our UNG cadets and student-athletes in this role is a privilege and honor. I couldn't be more proud of the ongoing support from our Athletic Department, College of Health Sciences and Professions, and Student Health Services," Kirk said. "This is about transforming lifestyles and lives through education and training to enable peak performance on the ballfield, in the boardroom and on the battlefield. The impacts to our student body through our coordinated approach and application with UNG's Live Well initiatives will change the culture of our future leaders and enable them to achieve their higher purpose, at scale."

A retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, Kirk brings over 27 years of distinguished military service. He most recently served as associate vice president and chief of staff for the Cadet Leadership Academy (CLA). Prior to that, he was UNG’s professor of military science from 2021-2024. His operational background includes global deployments and leadership positions in the 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups (Airborne), culminating in his role as director of operations for Theater Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.

Kirk is a graduate of Campbell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and commissioned as a U.S. Army officer. He also holds three graduate degrees — Master of Science in strategic studies (U.S. Army War College), Master of Science in national security and strategic studies (Naval War College), and Master of Arts in liberal arts (LSU).

Retired Lt. Col. Heath Williams, current director of cadet career success in the CLA will assume responsibility as the interim chief of staff for the CLA.

"Since its launch, the IPP has garnered significant interest, collaborative agreements and opportunities for investment from across America. I look forward to the work ahead as we continue developing an institute that not only elevates the experience of our cadets, student-athletes and health sciences students — but also helps shape the future of human performance on a national scale," Shannon said. "The IPP is uniquely positioned to drive innovation, influence national conversations and become a trusted source of research and thought leadership at the intersection of readiness, resilience and real-world application."