A Catalyst for Opportunity: Celebrating Dalton State’s graduates and the mission that inspires us

Each commencement, after our graduates receive their diplomas, I take a moment to recognize the unique journeys that brought them to this moment. I ask them to stand and be acknowledged for the paths they’ve taken—first-generation college students, student-athletes, military service members, and more. But there is one group that consistently draws nearly every graduate to their feet: those who worked while pursuing their degree.

This moment is always awe-inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of the grit and determination our students embody, and of the importance of the support systems we’ve built to help them succeed. It also reflects the heart of Dalton State’s mission: to serve as a catalyst for opportunity and success, dedicated to transforming lives and cultivating partnerships that uplift both our students and our region.

On May 14, nearly 500 students earned their degrees from Dalton State College. These graduates are not just walking away with diplomas—they are stepping into careers, prepared to be the next leaders in Northwest Georgia and beyond. Their success is a testament to the power of access to a high-quality affordable education and community support.

Dalton State is proud to be a national leader in affordability, ranked in the top 10 percent of the most affordable public four-year institutions in the country. But affordability is only part of the equation. Our strategic plan emphasizes student success and community impact, and we achieve this through resume-building experiences, robust career mentoring, and deep engagement with local industry.

A recent example of this mission in action is our Para-to-Teacher Pathway Program, a new and innovative education initiative developed in partnership with the Dalton Public Schools and Whitfield County School systems. This program was designed to address a critical need for more teachers in our local schools while removing barriers for paraprofessionals who aspire to become certified teachers. By allowing participants to maintain their employment while completing coursework in the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer, we’ve created a flexible, supportive pathway to a teaching career.

This May, the first cohort of this program graduated—six dedicated individuals who are now fully certified teachers, each with a full-time position in a Northwest Georgia school. Their journeys reflect the very essence of Dalton State’s mission.

The Para-to-Teacher Pathway is just one example of the many partnerships we’ve cultivated to meet workforce needs. Whether through internships, clinical placements, or industry-aligned curriculum, we are committed to ensuring that every Dalton State student has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Ninety-one percent of our students come from Northwest Georgia, and most of our graduates remain here after earning their degrees. They go on to serve in healthcare, manufacturing, business, education, and criminal justice—fields that are vital to the health and prosperity of our region. In fact, we graduate nearly 750 students each year, each one equipped with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the workforce or to pursue advanced education.

As we reflect on this year’s commencement, let us celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates, but also the enduring mission that makes those achievements possible. Dalton State is more than a college—we transform lives and strengthen our communities in Northwest Georgia.