Meet US Army veteran and 2012 graduate Charles (Chase) Sanger. Currently a key member of the staff of US Representative Barry Loudermilk of Georgia’s 11th District, Chase took some time out of his busy schedule recently to join us on our Dahlonega campus to share with you a little of his journey from high school student to congressional staffer.  

Chase grew up in Cobb County, GA., and after graduating from Dominion Christian High School, Chase knew he wanted to join the military. So, with that desire to join the military, the University of North Georgia, with its unique Corp of Cadets program, seemed like the right fit for him. 

During his time at UNG, Chase continued to feed his love for politics by majoring in political science and reaching towards his goal of joining the military by joining the Corp of Cadets and being a part of Charlie company.  

Within the PSIA department, Chase said he was able to gain “a great foundation and understanding of issues.” Looking back on his four years at UNG and in the PSIA department, Chase specifically recalled the impact of Dr. Cavalli’s congressional course as well as Dr. Miner’s and Dr. Harris’ international politics courses.  

Chase attributes his leadership skills whether in active duty or working on a U.S. Congressman’s staff were thanks to “getting to interact with different professors, advisors, and military science department staff [at UNG]” 

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2012, Chase went on to get commissioned active duty with the Army in the chemical branch. Then after his time in the Army ended around four years later, Chase sought out a career in his passion: politics. After opening the “Global Programs Office” at Texas A&M School of Law, Chase began applying for jobs via USA Jobs, a site listing federal job openings.  

When browsing USA Jobs, Chase stumbled upon the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program in Congressman Loudermilk’s Office. The fellowship peaked Chase’s interest with it being in politics and because it was in his home Congressional district. Chase applied for the fellowship and was accepted. He spent two years in this fellowship and then when his program ended Congressman Loudermilk offered Chase a full-time job on his staff. 

Chase describes his role current role as community relations: “I’m [Congressman Loudermilk’s] representative at the Chambers of Commerce and business associations. I liaise with county and city governments, and state-level elected officials.” 

When asked about advice he had for perspective and current students, Chase said that prospective students, when deciding on a major, need to “look at what your passions are and try to align those passions with a degree.” To current students, Chase emphasizes the importance of being involved in one’s academic career and not just going through the motions — “really engage with your classes and professors.” 

To hear more about Chase’s time with the PSIA department and with UNG’s Boar’s Head Brigade, as well as his time in the Army, and role as Congressional staffer check out our interview with him on the PSIA’s YouTube channel 

[Author: Orla Fennell, IA’23]