Name: Cathy Jackson
Hometown: Dalton
Degrees earned: associate degree in computer operation, associate in computer networking from Dalton State, bachelor’s in information technology from Middle Georgia State University
What is your job title? Testing specialist
How long have you been at Dalton State? July will be 12 years
Why did you choose to work at Dalton State? I don’t think you choose a place to work at and make it a career, it chooses you. I began here as a student worker in the former Academic and Career Enhancement Center (ACE) and worked under the supervision of a lady who was extraordinary and loved what she did and the people that she helped, Carol Treible. The more I worked there, the more I enjoyed it and didn’t want to leave. My final semester she discussed with me, the opportunity to continue working here at Dalton State, still under her guidance, and I was happy to receive that chance!
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being part of the Roadrunner Nation means not only seeing the students grow into their careers after college but to also see the College grow and conform to the needs of our community.
What do you like best about being at Dalton State? The faculty that I deal with on a regular basis and the students that I see from semester to semester. Our campus is growing but it is still small enough that everyone knows who you are. Also, being a part of something as it grows lets you see where the College has come from and see it progress into something amazing.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments while at Dalton State? My biggest accomplishment while at Dalton State is taking the position that I was given, a secretary in the Testing Center, administering a handful of exams a year, to now serving thousands of students for a variety of tests. We have made the Testing Center self-sufficient by bringing in standardized exams that we get paid to administer. After being here for about three years, I saw the need to offer to faculty a place for their students to take exams that they missed in class, freeing up faculty from having to find a time and a place to provide that service, and it has grown significantly. We also offer testing for both on-campus and online/hybrid classes.
Where is your favorite place on campus? The swing out beside the creek and the library.
What is your favorite part about your job? Seeing students get closer and closer to their goal, graduation!
What’s on your iPad? Slot games! I love to play them.
Favorite comfort food? Chocolate!
Favorite line from a movie? “If you built it they will come” - “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in 1989’s Field of Dreams
What do you feel most proud of? Where I have come. I didn’t have it easy, and it was a real struggle but look at me now. I am proud of my husband for overcoming many obstacles in his life and being where he is now. I am proud of my kids. Being a full-time student, a full-time mom, wife, and a student worker was hard and then changing all of this up with full-time worker made it even harder. On the days that I felt that I couldn’t make it or succeed, all of these guys told me I could and had enough faith in me when I didn’t to help me become the person I am.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Take a trip to Disney.
What cheers you up? Being with my family.
Who is your hero? My mom would have to be my hero. Growing up, we don’t realize how much our moms/dads sacrifice for us. All I ever wanted in life was to make her as proud of me as I was of her.
What is your favorite app? If you consider favorite being the one I constantly use, my email. I constantly check my email nights and weekends, replying back to students and faculty with information they need right then and there.
Where is your favorite place to eat? I love to eat at Chili’s. I am not an experimental eater.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, we lived in a single wide trailer, and as a kid, I would line up all of my dolls and stuffed animals down the hall and play school.
As a Roadrunner, how do you Run Boldly? I take every opportunity to help faculty succeed in their jobs as well as students to succeed in their classes. I listen to the needs of both and look for ways to incorporate that into what the Testing Center can offer.