Name: Kirby Jones

Age: 19

Hometown: Chickamauga

High school: Gordon Lee High School

Major: Early Childhood Education

Expected graduation date: Spring 2021

Why did you choose Dalton State? I chose Dalton State because of its affordability, closeness to home, incredible education program, and most importantly because I felt God’s peace there. Choosing the right college was a prayerful and nerve-wracking decision. Now that I am here, I know that this is exactly what God has for me.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a part of Roadrunner Nation means to be PROUD of where you go! Not only are we getting one of the most affordable educations in the state, but we also are attending one of the very BEST colleges in the state. From nursing, to education, to business, Roadrunners do it all.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? My favorite professor is Dr. John Lugthart. I had him my freshman year for environmental science, and he was so passionate about what he teaches and the environment! He remembers names and faces and will always talk to me when I pass him in the hallway. He went out of his way to make me feel welcome and important during first semester freshman year.

What activities are you involved in on campus? I am on the Student Georgia Association of Educators (SGAE) Leadership team and I have been a homecoming candidate for two years.

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? One of my biggest accomplishments at Dalton State would have to be being nominated to serve on homecoming court my freshman and sophomore year. Though I didn’t win, I truly felt like a princess. It was a huge accomplishment to me especially my freshman year because I didn’t even think people knew who I was!

Where is your favorite study spot? Anywhere my friends aren't. I’m notorious for choosing to talk and socialize.

Where is your favorite hangout? Lower Pope. I've got the best group of friends that I have made since I started at Dalton State! We are a big group so you can always find someone to laugh with.

What is the last book you read? The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Favorite line from a movie? Anything from the movie “The Switch.” I can quote most of it. It’s hilarious.

What is your guilty pleasure? Early 2000’s rap music

If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would take care of my family's financial needs, buy a Louis Vuitton, a beach house, and then save the rest and continue to act like I have no money.

What cheers you up? My kids at work and my boyfriend, Sport. I work at an elementary school aftercare program and I constantly tell them all my best friends are 11 and under. They never fail to bring a smile to my face! Also, if you know Sport, you know he is the most fun person to be around, he never stops smiling!

What is your favorite book? A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall. I love it because it almost PERFECTLY correlates with how Sport and I met.

Who is your hero? My Mama. She is the strongest and most amazing person I know. She is a mother to all, forgiving, strong, hilarious, and a true friend. I hope to grow up to be half the that woman she is.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Jesus. Sometimes he allows things that surprise us, and I would want to talk to him about that.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Soho Hibachi in Fort Oglethorpe

What did you want to be when you were a kid? An illustrator for children’s books!

As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to realize that the college experience is what you make of it. I love being a student at Dalton State, and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. People constantly will say “Kirby, you should have gone off to school,” or “Kirby, don’t you want the college experience?” What they fail to realize is that Dalton State IS my college experience. Commuting 45 minutes on the interstate, showing up at a college feeling like you know nobody, and having to navigate your way through adulthood is hard! A college experience is 1 percent where you go, and 99 percent the attitude you put in it. Dalton State College is the perfect fit for me, and I absolutely love it here. Go Roadrunners and BEEP BEEP!