Dalton State College, on behalf of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, awarded posthumous Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degrees to Mr. James E. Brown and Mrs. Mary M. “Sis” Brown during its spring commencement exercises May 19.
“The Browns were extraordinary community leaders whose vision and generosity continue to inspire Dalton State students, alumni, and the broader community,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “Their lives stand as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of leadership, philanthropy, and a steadfast belief in the promise of education.”
The Browns’ entrepreneurial success, philanthropic commitment and decades of service helped transform both Dalton State College and the broader northwest Georgia community.
“Our family is deeply honored to receive this recognition on behalf of our parents, James and Sis Brown,” said Lynn Whitworth, the Browns’ daughter. “Their unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, affordable education for everyone in this community fueled their involvement with Dalton State College from its inception until the end of their lives. Their legacy continues to support the mission of Dalton State College through this generation and generations to come.”
James E. Brown, a native of Dalton, and Mary M. “Sis” Brown, originally of Oneida, Tennessee, built a life of partnership and impact after marrying in 1949. In 1958, they founded Brown Printing, which grew into Brown Industries. Alongside business partners, they were pioneers in the carpet sample industry of the 1950s, helping establish practices that continue to shape the field today.
Though neither held a college degree, the Browns became among Dalton State’s earliest and most dedicated champions following its founding in 1963. Over more than 50 years, they supported the institution through philanthropic leadership, the employment of countless Dalton State graduates, and a bold vision for the college’s future.
Mr. Brown served as chairman of Brown Industries until his death in 2004. A Charter Trustee of the Dalton State Foundation, he provided enduring leadership to the college and region. From 1987 to 1994, he served on the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, where he played a key role in Dalton State’s transition from a two-year institution to a four-year, bachelor’s degree–granting college. In the late 1990s, he led a pivotal fundraising initiative that secured $1.7 million to support that transformation.
Mrs. Brown continued that legacy of leadership following her husband’s passing, serving as chairwoman of Brown Industries from 2003 until her death in 2017. She also served on the Dalton State Foundation Board of Trustees Executive Committee for 12 years and chaired the college’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $21 million and significantly expanded Dalton State’s capacity to serve future generations.
At the request of the Brown family, David Elrod, vice president of institutional advancement, accepted the degrees on their behalf. Reflecting on their legacy, Elrod noted the Browns’ half-century of unwavering support for Dalton State and their pivotal role in its evolution.
“In every instance over those 50 years when the College would make a step forward—or even a leap forward—you could know with certainty that the Browns were involved,” Elrod said. “They helped build a future—a community, a region, a college—that we all benefit from today.”
The Browns’ influence remains visible across campus and beyond through James E. Brown Hall; the James E. Brown Scholarship; the Mary M. “Sis” Brown Scholarship; and the James & Sis Brown Endowed Chair, which supports outstanding faculty in areas of strategic importance.
Elrod also emphasized that the recognition, while significant, aligns with the Browns’ lifelong humility. “This is a recognition neither of the Browns would have sought for themselves, but it is nevertheless long overdue,” he said.
