Investiture of Dr. John M. Fuchko, III
About the Investiture
Steeped in academic tradition, investiture ceremonies are held during a president’s first year in office to provide the college and community an opportunity to celebrate a new chapter of leadership. The ceremony includes an academic procession of the college’s faculty and delegates from other colleges and universities, each who wears the colorful academic regalia of their own alma mater. College and community leaders bring greetings to honor the new president. During the ceremony, the new president highlights their vision for the future of the college, and the official transfer of leadership is symbolized by the presentation of the presidential medallion. All members of the Dalton State community are invited to celebrate with us at the following events. Please help us plan for your attendance or participation by responding via the links below.
President John M. Fuchko, III
Dr. John M. Fuchko, III, began his tenure at Dalton State as interim president in June 2023, following the retirement of President Margaret Venable. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia named him as the sixth president of Dalton State College on Oct. 5, 2023.
A Georgia native, Dr. Fuchko joined the staff of the University System of Georgia’s Office of Internal Audits in 2006. He has served as USG’s chief audit officer and vice chancellor for internal audit, which included responsibility for 25 campus audit shops and 80 professional staff. In addition, he oversaw the University System’s compliance program, Enterprise Risk Management Initiative, and the development of the USG’s ethics policy. Just prior to coming to Dalton State, he served as interim president of Columbus State University.
RESERVE YOUR PLACE IN THE CELEBRATION - Please let us know your plans to attend any of the following events by completing this brief registration form.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS |
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Thursday, April 25 |
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| 3 p.m. |
A Celebration of Dalton State College’s History and Legacy Burran Bell Tower and Quadrangle (located behind Westcott Hall) 650 College Drive | Dalton, GA |
| 6:30 p.m. | Community Concert, featuring Smith & Wesley Burr Performing Arts Park 101 S. Hamilton Street | Dalton, GA Join us for this casual, family-friendly celebration of Dalton State College and the community. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy selections from food trucks that will be on-site or one of the many restaurants in downtown Dalton. |
Friday, April 26 |
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| 10 a.m. | Presidential Investiture Ceremony Bandy Gymnasium 661 George Rice Drive | Dalton GA **Doors will open at 9:15 a.m. Event details for ceremony participants (stage party, delegates, marching faculty) |
| 11:30 a.m. | Investiture Reception Burran Bell Tower and Quadrangle (located behind Westcott Hall) 650 College Drive | Dalton, GA |
Guest Information
A special event rate is available at the Hilton Garden Inn near campus.
Hilton Garden Inn - Dalton
879 College Drive | Dalton, Georgia 30720
706-529-6000
Hotel website
Check-in: Thursday, April 25, 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: Friday, April 26, 11:00 a.m.
If you prefer other hotel arrangements, there are additional national brand hotels near campus and a boutique hotel in downtown Dalton. For information, visit the Dalton Convention & Vistors Bureau website.
The investiture ceremony will be in Bandy Gymnasium. Once you arrive on campus, please follow signs to the event.
If you are unable to attend the investiture in person, please note that we will provide a livestream option via Dalton State College’s YouTube channel.
About Dalton State College
Dalton State serves nearly 5,000 students at its campuses in Dalton and Ellijay and online. Dalton State attracts students from 35 countries and 26 states.
The college was founded as Dalton Junior College in July 1963 and opened in September 1967. It offered programs designed to provide the first two years of college work for students preparing to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The addition of a technical division in 1976 enabled the school to serve students wishing to develop work skills at the certificate or associate degree level. In 1987, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia removed the word "Junior" from the college's name, and it became Dalton College.
In 1998, the University System of Georgia authorized Dalton College to offer bachelor's degrees, and it became Dalton State College. The first bachelor's programs began that year, in business and technology. Today, Dalton State College Dalton State offers 24 bachelor’s degrees and seven associate degrees in an array of high-demand professions, including business, education, health professions, criminal justice, and STEM disciplines.
Dalton State College serves a diverse student population seeking challenging academics and rich collegiate experiences. About 50% of Dalton State’s students are the first in their families to attend college, and Dalton State is Georgia’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Dalton State was ranked number one in the nation for Student Experience in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, based on student and alumni survey data relative to campus facilities, community and social life, and diversity on campus.
Dalton State’s campus includes 12 academic buildings and facilities. Following the completion of two planned renovations this year, nearly all buildings and facilities on campus will have been renovated or newly constructed within the past decade.
Former Presidents of Dalton State College
- Dr. Arthur M. Gignilliat, 1966-1970
- Dr. Derrell C. Roberts, 1970-1995
- Dr. James A. Burran, 1995-2008
- Dr. John O. Schwenn, 2008-2015
- Dr. Margaret H. Venable, 2015-2023