Dalton State College President James A. Burran announced today that he will be retiring effective December 31, 2007, owing to health issues.

“While I have enjoyed an extremely gratifying tenure at DSC over the last 12 years, health considerations have led me to the conclusion that this decision will best serve the institution as well as my personal circumstances.

“It has been my singular privilege to be associated with such a talented and dedicated group of faculty, staff, and students. The progress we have achieved together has laid the foundation for even bigger and better things at DSC.

“In addition, the enthusiastic support from the larger Dalton State community, and in particular as reflected in the growth of the DSC Foundation, guarantees the future success of our fine institution in ways that would otherwise not be possible.

“Sally and I are deeply indebted to all those who have helped make this time in our lives so special, and we look forward to following the College’s progress under its new leadership. We will be avid sideline supporters.”

Burran joined then Dalton College as its third president in May 1995. In 1998 the institution’s name was changed to Dalton State College in order to reflect its new mission as a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Dalton State currently offers seven bachelor’s degree majors as well as comprehensive technical and associate degree programs of study. The College enrolled 4,350 credit students during fall semester 2006 and attracts about 8,000 non-credit participants each year.

Upon his retirement, Burran will have served almost 30 years within the University System of Georgia.