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Mark Barnett knows that “you don’t get a lot of second chances in life,” but if you do, “you better make good on it.”

That’s exactly what Barnett, now 41, did when he reentered college as an adult several years ago, and began a journey that resulted in earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Operation Management.

“I first started at Dalton State in 1982, but other priorities at the time prevented me from obtaining my degree.”

When his daughter Nicole, an honors student, graduated from Dalton High in 2003, Barnett graduated from Dalton State, having made all “A’s” and “B’s” during his second college career.

Barnett says he came back to school “with a mission in mind. I wanted to help myself personally and professionally and to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Not earning my degree the first go-round was unfinished business that I needed to wrap up.”

“What I’ve learned is that anything’s achievable,” says Barnett, who credits earning his bachelor’s degree with receiving several company promotions, including the most recent one as the Hard Surfaces Division Quality Manager for Shaw Industries.

“Without my bachelor’s degree, that would not have happened,” he says of his promotions, adding that Shaw leadership was “extremely supportive” of his return to the classroom, and encouraged him all along the way.

Barnett was able to work full time while attending classes mostly at night, and his company’s tuition reimbursement plan made the whole experience more affordable.

“Coming back to Dalton State was unbelievably rewarding,” he says, noting that he “absolutely enjoyed 100 percent of my time here. The teamwork between the professors and the students was awesome. From the administration to the staff, everyone here will help you succeed.”

He finds that in his current job, the principles he learned in Operations Management help him on a day-to-day basis.

Barnett oversees the quality control operations of several Shaw plants which produce hard-surface products, and is responsible for the quality of a wide range of products including hardwood, ceramic, engineered hardwood, and laminate flooring.

“In business today, there’s no doubt about it. You need both good skills and a strong knowledge base to perform on a certain level. Before I started here, I already had the skills. Dalton State helped me gain the knowledge.”

Currently, Mark stays involved with Dalton State College by serving on the DSC Business Advisory Council. “I enjoy giving back in a small way to the College through my involvement with the Advisory Council,” Mark says.