In commemoration of America’s 250^th birthday, Ameris Bank is donating $25,000 to the University of North Georgia (UNG) to support education for the nation’s up-and-coming military leaders.

The funds will enable 25 high school students to attend the university’s National Leadership Challenge weekend event, along with 10 scholarships of $2,000 each for entering freshman cadets.

"We wanted to honor the nation in a way that is meaningful with lasting benefits," said Ameris CEO Palmer Proctor. "As a financial institution, we recognize the strain on many families to send their children to college, and this is one way we can provide financial peace of mind for deserving students who desire to serve our country."

Since 1873, UNG has been developing leaders of character who are prepared to serve, lead and make a difference from day one. Through America’s Corps — one of only six federally designated senior military colleges in the nation and the Military College of Georgia — UNG has built a nationally recognized model for leadership development grounded in integrity, resilience, teamwork and service. The National Leadership Challenge is offered each fall and spring semester, and space is limited to 200 students.

"The National Leadership Challenge provides prospective cadets an opportunity to experience that model firsthand through an immersive leadership experience. Participants are challenged to build confidence, solve complex problems, work as a team, and discover their own leadership potential in a demanding and supportive environment," said retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, senior vice president and superintendent of UNG’s Cadet Leadership Academy. "The donation by Ameris Bank will help many qualified students explore a career in the military and provide much-needed tuition for a group of new cadets to begin their training."

Ameris Bank was founded in 1971 and has expanded to support retail customers across the southeast, and commercial and mortgage customers nationally. "We are proud to have grown as the country has prospered, and the Ameris Bank team stands ready to support continued economic development and the American dream for years to come," Proctor said.

About Ameris Bank

Ameris Bank, a subsidiary of Ameris Bancorp (NYSE:ABCB), is a state-chartered bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Ameris operates financial centers in five southeastern states and serves consumer and business customers nationwide through select lending channels. Ameris manages $28.1 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026, and provides a full range of traditional banking and lending products, treasury and cash management, insurance premium financing, and mortgage and refinancing services. Learn more about Ameris at amerisbank.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260630740217/en/

Katie Lopez

Katie.Lopez@amerisbank.com