Leadership
Leadership is a complex combination of experiences, lessons, challenges, and self-exploration that occur throughout a lifetime.
The Student Leadership Awards & Banquet is an annual event hosted to recognize and honor Dalton State’s most distinguished student leaders, student groups, faculty and staff who contribute to the quality of student life on Dalton State’s campus.
Individual Awards
tom deaton advisor hall of fame
The Advisor Hall of Fame award is named in honor of Tom Deaton’s support for extracurricular activities on campus and longevity in his role as the Quiz Bowl advisor – an extremely successful student organization for many years. This award will be presented to a faculty or staff advisor of an official student group (RSO’s, Club Sports, any other official student group) to recognize the longevity, continuous contributions, and support provided to a student group. Recipients must have served in an advisory role for at least three years and can only receive this award once.
Advisor of the Year Award
The Advisor of the Year award will recognize the outstanding service and leadership of a faculty or staff advisor of an official student group (RSO’s, Club Sports, any other official student group) who has made a significant contribution to both the student members and organization as a whole. The nominee should demonstrate strong advising skills, be readily available to students, and take great strides to help the organization’s leadership development. Past recipients are eligible for this award again three years after recognition.
Spence Higgins Hall of Leaders Award
This award is named in honor of the first elected Student Body President of Dalton State College, Spence Higgins. The Spence Higgins Hall of Leaders Award is given to a select group of graduating seniors earning a baccalaureate degree who have demonstrated excellence in campus involvement and who, through this service, have exemplified a commitment to the positive enhancement of Dalton State College. Students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Outstanding Student Leaders Award
The Outstanding Student Leaders award is given to student leaders with two or more years of leadership experience who have shown dedication to involvement in campus life and who have exemplified a commitment to enhancing Dalton State College. Students must have a 2.75 or higher GPA. Students may only receive this award once.
Emerging Leaders Award
The Emerging Leaders Award is given to students with two or less years of leadership experience who have shown dedication to involvement in campus life and who have demonstrated initiative, motivation, and potential for student leadership at Dalton State College. Students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Students may only receive this award once.
Truett Lomax Unsung Hero Award
This award is named in honor of Melvin Truett Lomax who was instrumental in the founding of Dalton State College and spearheaded a public relations campaign to raise awareness of a college’s value to Dalton. His innovation, determination, and ability to pull together a community-led to the donation of four adjoining parcels of land making way for Dalton State College as we know it today. Melvin Truett Lomax is the unsung hero of Dalton State College.
The Unsung Hero Award is presented to one Dalton State faculty or staff member and one student who puts his or her heart and soul into everything he or she does, but often goes unrecognized. These individuals work “behind the scenes” demonstrating determination and hard work going above and beyond as a member of the Dalton State Community. Nominees must be faculty/staff members at Dalton State College.
Melvyn Ottinger Roadrunner Pride Award
This award is named in honor of the longtime Dalton State College basketball coach Melvyn Ottinger who built the foundation and framework for the birth of Roadrunner Nation. His hard work and dedication to Dalton State set the standard for Roadrunner pride, camaraderie, and community. This award will be presented to one student who embodies and exemplifies the true qualities of a Roadrunner – confidence, success, fearlessness, and boldness. Students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Students may only receive this award once.
Group & Programmatic Awards
Diversity & Inclusion Award
This award is granted annually to a person or group at Dalton State who actively serves as an advocate for the interests of underrepresented student populations through advocacy, diversity programming, or other diversity and intercultural engagement efforts.
Jason Ramos Servant Leadership Award
This award is presented in honor of Jason Ramos and his contributions towards establishing the Birdfeeder Food Pantry to ensure that no student went hungry. The recipient(s) should be a student (returning for at least one semester after the ceremony) or a group within the Dalton State community who has completed a project exemplifying the courage and vision to actively advocate for positive change on campus and/or in the world. The completed project should leave a lasting impact and empower others to act successfully.
Program of Distinction Award
This award is presented to a new or ongoing event, project, or program at Dalton State College exemplifying innovation and creativity while benefiting the Dalton State community and contributing to the on-campus experience. The program should have originated, been planned, or been implemented by a student or group of students. An event, project, or program may only be recognized once for this award.
Registered student Organization of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding registered student organization that has made significant contributions to the Dalton State Community. The organization has set goals and furthers its mission through its work demonstrating the initiative to further advance the collegiate experience of Dalton State students beyond the classroom. The recipient of this award has gone above and beyond through programming, service, and leadership. The recognized organization has raised the bar for other student groups and strives for excellence in all of its endeavors. Nominated organizations must be active registered student organizations.
Leadership Award Nominations may be submitted by any current Dalton State student, faculty, or staff member. The timeline for submission and review is outlined below:
Nominations Open: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Nominations Close: Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 11:59 pm
Nomination Review Begins: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Nomination Review Ends: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Formal Invitations E-Mailed: Monday, March 18, 2024
Leadership Awards Ceremony and Banquet: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Please be sure to review the requirements of each award before submitting your nomination.
Click here to view a sample nomination form.
Congratulations to all award recipients!
Tom Deaton Advisor Hall of Fame
2018-2019: Amber Lesicko, Student Government Association
2019-2020: Dr. Barbara Tucker, Baptist Collegiate Ministry
2020-2021: Dr. David Williams, Alpha Sigma Tau
2021-2022: Dr. Tricia Scott, Chemist Honors Society
This award was named in honor of Tom Deaton for the spring 2018 ceremony.
Advisor of the Year Award
2010-2011: Dr. John Lugthart, Environmental Club
2011-2012: Dr. Thomas Gonzalez, Club Cycling
2012-2013: Dr. Marina Smitherman, Beta Chi Nu
2013-2014: Dr. Sarah Mergel, History Club
2014-2015: Dr. Jonathan Gulledge, Psi Chi
2015-2016: Elizabeth Lucht, Beta Chi Nu
2016-2017: Michael Hoff, Alpha Omicron Pi
2017-2018: Katelyn Humphrey, Orientation
2018-2019: Dr. David Williams, Alpha Sigma Tau
2019-2020: Dr. Jennifer Randall, Sigma Tau Delta
2020-2021: Dr. Tricia Scott, Chemist Society
2021-2022: Courtnee Bunch
William Mast, Alpha Kappa Lambda
Spence Higgins Hall of Leaders
2010-2011: Monica Elrod, Jonathan Marks
2011-2012: Heather Bennett, Diego Deharo, Joseph Patton, Kelly Hunt, Eloa Menezes, Marisol Sanchez
2012-2013: Amber Stanyer
2013-2014: Faith Stokes, Hilary Wallin
2014-2015: Russell Smith, Kayla Almazan
2015-2016: Cristina Pena, Katherine Fromm, Brooklyn Herrera, Jose Gonzales
2016-2017: Laurely Caycho, Latifah Collins, Annalia Ramos
2017-2018: Autumn Hooton, Guadalupe Lopez, Juan Zapata
2018-2019: Kristina Momich, Carolina Gomez, Bukky Subulade, Morgan Reid Jones
2019-2020: Laura Alton, Cody Oglesby, Sean Cranney, Neeley Keeton, Diego Alvarado
2020-2021: Grace Neff, Emily Statham, Mariela Vazquez, Logan Hugins, Cynthia Evans
2021-2022: Evanna Bonese, Kennedy Morgan, Emiy Lay, Ashley Fann, Terry Brown
Outstanding Student Leaders
2014-2015: Jose Gonzales, Brooklyn Cole Herrera, Will Skiffen, Katherine Fromm, Laurely Caycho, Shawna Ellis
2015-2016: Viviana Roqueta, Roniqua Wright, Chigozie Obonna, H. Ellie Bradford, Dustin Arnold, Felicia Shorey
2016-2017: Marlen Hernandez-Garcia, Autumn Hooton, Jonathan Leberman 2017-2018: Janeli Bacerra, Blane Bennett, Clint Dodd, Laurabeth Pettigrew, Carrie Swinney
2018-2019: Alvaro Cortez, Mariela Vazquez, Cristian Peinado, Rebecca Winkler
2019-2020: Grace Neff, Jennifer Granados, Morgan Johnson, Stephanie Langga, Logan Huggins
2020-2021: Mackenzie Manley, Zachary Hulsey, Anna Bramblett, Emily Lay
2021-2022: Carson Cox, Emily Neises, Carolina Oyla-Rodriguez, Rayna Wilson, Yaphet Salgado
This award was formerly known as the Shooting Star Award from 2014-2016.
Emerging Leaders Award
2010-2011: Eldon Baines, Russell Smith, Austin Wallin, Ethan Zehr
2011-2012: Brooklyn Cole, Katherine Fromm
2012-2013: Malaka Awad, Kaylee Johnson
2013-2014: Vicki Crane, Harrison Pace, Austin Wade
2014-2015: Jonathan Schwan, Krystal Tee Au Yuik, Caleb Earle, Stephanie Skiffen
2015-2016: Sonia Mendoza Pablo, Jordan Fuquea
2016-2017: Emma Brown, A’Keila Raines, Diego Alvarado Ruiz, Emily Test 2017-2018: Rachel Morones, Cristian Peinado, Maryruth Trusty, Mariela Vazquez
2018-2019: Logan Huggins, Sabrina Benoit, Caroline Kenemer
2019-2020: Anna Bramblett, Danae Cossairt, Isabel Mendez
2020-2021: Mary Saylors, Kaycee Painter, Kristina Almazan
2021-2022: Allison Keyes, Clayton Waters, Makayla White, Rachel Thurman
This award was formerly known as the Rising Star Award from 2010-2016.
President's Volunteer Service Award
2018-2019: Mariela Vazquez (B), Alvaro Cortez (B), Logan Huggins (B), Bill Rogers (B)
2020-2021: Kaycee Painter (G), Logan Huggins (B)
B= Bronze, S = Silver, G = Gold
Volunteer of the Year
2019-2020: Logan Huggins
2020-2021: Kaycee Painter
2021-2022: Davey Sentell
Truett Lomax Unsung Hero Award - Faculty/Staff
2010-2011: Dr. James Adams, Professor of Biology
2011-2012: Janet Hayes, Enrollment Services
2012-2013: Amanda Smith
2013-2014: Dr. John Lugthart
2014-2015: Dr. Jacquelyn Mesco
2015-2016: Dylan Haley
2016-2017: David Elrod
2017-2018: Dr. Robert Overstreet
2018-2019: Dr. Kim Hayes
2019-2020: Carmen Flammini
2020-2021: Dr. Natalie Johnson
2021-2022: Amanda Smith
This award was named in honor of Truett Lomax for the spring 2017 ceremony.
Truett Lomax Unsung Hero Award - Student
2010-2011: Justin Goforth
2011-2012: Zachary Plumley
2012-2013: Katelyn Humphrey
2013-2014: Nate Baggett
2014-2015: Drew Serrette
2015-2016: Meagan Sage
2016-2017: Mary Kaytlin Pepper
2017-2018: Zack Brandenburg
2018-2019: Chelsea Young
2019-2020: Marcos Rojo
2020-2021: Morgan Robinson
2021-2022: Mackenzie Mitchell
This award was named in honor of Truett Lomax for the spring 2017 ceremony.
Melvyn Ottinger Roadrunner Pride Award
2019-2020: Marilea Vazquez
2020-2021: Igor Stokic
2021-2022: Jen Granados
This award was named in honor of Melvyn Ottinger for the spring 2017 ceremony.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
2014-2015: Montana Gray
2015-2016: Laurely Caycho
2016-2017: Annalia Ramos
2017-2018: Alpha Omicron Pi
2018-2019: Campus Activity Board’s Drag Show
2019-2020: Latin American Student Organization
2020-2021: Immigration Attorney Event (LASO)
2021-2022: JEDI Leaders
Jason Ramos Servant Leadership Award
2010-2011: Students Advocating for Volunteer Efforts
2011-2012: No Award
2012-2013: Dalton State International: Cultural Fair
2013-2014: Dalton State Athletics, Special Olympics
2014-2015: Dalton State Athletics, Habitat for Humanity
2015-2016: DSC Environmental Club, Chestnut Restoration Project
2016-2017: School of Social Work, Make a Difference Day
2017-2018: The Birdfeeder Food Pantry
2018-2019: Cody Oglesby for Constitution Week Programming
2019-2020: Counseling Centers LGBTQ+ Meet Up Program
2020-2021: Navigating the Online Environment Series (Peer Education)
2021-2022: Fitness Coaches: FAFSA Night
This award was formerly known as the Outstanding Community Service Project Award from 2010-2016. This award was named in honor of Jason Ramos for the spring 2017 ceremony.
Program of Distinction Award
2010-2011: Campus Activities Board
2011-2012: Halloween Bash Flag Football Tournament-Campus Recreation
2017-2018: 2018 Mental Health Fair, sponsored by Psi Chi
2018-2019: Department of Social Works Make a Difference Day Collection of Events
2019-2020: Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together Study Skills Workshop Series
2020-2021: Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Efforts (SAVE)
2021-2022: Alpha Kappa Lambda
This award was formerly known as the Outstanding Campus Event from 2010-2017.
Organization of the Year Award
2010-2011: Baptist Collegiate Ministries
2011-2012: Dalton State International
2012-2013: Beta Chi Nu
2013-2014: Dalton State International
2014-2015: The DSC Social Work Club
2015-2016: Beta Chi Nu
2016-2017: Alpha Omicron Pi, Lambda Delta
2017-2018: Psychology Club
2018-2019: Beta Chi Nu
2019-2020: Latin American Student Organization
2020-2021: Peer Education Leadership Team
2021-2022: Alpha Sigma Tau
Outstanding New Initiative
2012-2013: Beta Chi Nu: Reach Out and Research
2013-2014: Campus Activities Board: Roasted
2014-2015: Campus Activities Board: Roadrunner Music Festival
2015-2016: Beta Chi Nu: ColorCycle
2016-2017: Beta Chi Nu, Terracycle
This award was discontinued following the 2017 awards ceremony.
Student Employee of the Year
2010-2011: Michelle Amaya
2011-2012: Ethan Williams
2012-2013: Darshan Patel
2013-2014: Lexi Wilson
2014-2015: Erik Simpson
2015-2016: Catherine Hickey
2016-2017: Marlen Hernandez-Garcia
This award was discontinued following the 2017 awards ceremony.
Student Life realizes leadership is a complex combination of experiences, lessons, challenges and self-exploration that occur throughout a lifetime. Therefore, we have created a Leadership Consultation and Coaching program for both individuals and student groups. By participating in the Leadership Consultation and Coaching process, participants will:
- Gain and improve personal leadership knowledge and skills;
- Increase self-awareness through exploration of values, beliefs, and identity;
- Understand one’s role within the larger community to become engaged, global and ethical leaders.
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Steps for participating in this program include:
- Scheduling an appointment with the Assistant Director for Leadership and Civic Engagement here.
- The individual or leadership team for the group will then attend the initial consultation meeting to reflect on existing leadership experiences and areas of potential growth.
- The individual or student group will complete a facilitated leadership development workshop or an assigned leadership assessment with a trained consultant.
- The individual or leadership team will work with Student Life Staff to create a personalized leadership development plan and set goals based on the designed plan.
For more information on the opportunities outlined, please contact Student Life at 706-272-4428.
Student Life offers multiple opportunities for students to attend student leadership conferences both on and off-campus. Attending leadership conferences allow students the opportunity to develop leadership capacity and connect with like-minded people to expand their professional network. Conferences also provide a structured opportunity for students to step back, sort through, think creatively and critically and reflect on new perspectives.
These opportunities typically require a time commitment of one or more days. For more information on the opportunities outlined below, please contact Student Life at 706-272-4428 or sign-up here to schedule an in-person meeting to learn more.
The Emerging Leaders Institute is open to any currently enrolled Dalton State student with a 2.5 GPA or Higher! First-year students who have not, yet, received a GPA are still eligible to apply. Students will focus on self-discovery and developing their leadership capacity. Students must commit to attending all cohort meetings scheduled to happen on the following dates from 10 am to Noon:
August: 20th
September: 3rd, 10th
October: 1st, 15th
November: 5th, 19th
Apply to join the Emerging Leaders Cohort today by clicking here.
The application priority deadline to join the fall 2020 cohort is July 31st.
The Facilitators in Training (FIT) program is open to any currently enrolled student who has successfully completed the ELI Cohort or who has 1+ years of positional leadership experience at Dalton State. All participants must have a 2.75 GPA. Student Leaders in this cohort will explore leadership development theories, learn to facilitate leadership workshops, and develop skills that will help them better manage groups of people.
Meetings occur the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month in the spring semester. The meeting time will be from 10 am to Noon. "FIT" cohort members will also have the opportunity to help facilitate sessions for the Emerging Leaders Cohort to practice the skills learned throughout this program.
Each cohort begins in January and ends in April. Following this training, "FIT" graduates will be certified to facilitate on campus leadership workshops. Apply to the "FIT" cohort by completing this application.
Apply to join the Facilitator is Training Program by clicking here.
The application deadline to join the spring 2020 cohort is December 20, 2019.
The Collegiate Leadership Conference (CLC) is a one-day leadership conference hosted by the Center for Student Activities & Involvement at the University of Georgia. The 24th annual Collegiate Leadership Conference will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Collegiate Leadership Conference is designed to provide leadership development opportunities for emerging, as well as seasoned leaders, at institutions across the Southeast. CLC sessions are presented in the form of tracks including the following:
- Foundations
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Seasoned Leaders
- Self Discovery
- Team Dynamics
- Toolkit
- Advisors
Each spring, Student Life sends a group of up to 24 students to attend. If you have questions or would like to express interest, please contact Student Life staff.
The L3 Summit is a statewide, five day conference that is held every summer at the University of North Georgia. The Summit focuses on leadership development, goal-setting and the training will help emerging leaders grow to become vital contributors to their college campuses. Applicants for L3 Summit should be an emerging leader with the class rank of a rising sophomore or junior in good academic standing with Dalton State College.
Each year at the end of spring semester, one student who presents themselves as strong candidate are chosen to attend a national LeaderShape session. The LeaderShape Institute is an interactive, energizing and life changing experience that builds leadership skills no other program can match. Since 1986, over 31,000 participants from all over the world have graduated from our program. But be prepared! It is six days of non-stop self-discovery and learning from practical experiences that build your leadership concepts and abilities. Get ready to change the world! Students interested in attending LeaderShape must be a rising junior or senior in good academic standing and must be seeking a baccalaureate degree at Dalton State College. In addition, students must show a strong will to advance their current leadership skills, as well as using those skills and applying them in everyday situations.
Dalton State offers a variety of positional leadership roles for students to get involved. To learn more about positional leadership opportunities at Dalton State, please checkout the resources below:
The Campus Activities Board is a group of students who work with Student Life to plan and implement social, cultural, and educational programs for the campus community. Common CAB events include: comedians, music groups, novelty events (decor, art pieces, photobooths), and lecture series events, and recreational opportunities.
Positions available include:
Social Coordinator
Recreational Coordinator
These positions offer students an opportunity to gain valuable experience within leadership, learn how to network, and build lifelong skills to complement your academic experience. Positions pay $7.25/hour, and working hours are super flexible!
You can learn more about the job responsibilities and requirements by clicking the role you are interested in.
Have any questions? Let us know at cabatdsc@gmail.com
The Birdfeeder is a not-for-profit food pantry created to help meet the basic needs of all Roadrunners. Each year we recruit student leaders to serve as pantry staff. If you are interested in learning more about the Birdfeeder and our staffing opportunities, please visit our website, here. For additional questions, please contact birdfeeder@daltonstate.edu.
Orientation Leaders are a group of students who are trained and excited to help welcome the next generation of Roadrunners to campus. These students work together to plan and host first year orientation sessions throughout the summer. If you are interested in joining the orientation team, please reach out to the Orientation Coordinator, Katelyn Humphrey, for the timeline and application materials.
Peer educators assist other students in developing the skills needed to become independent learners who grow personally and academically.
Positions available include:
One-on-one Tutors
Math & Science Learning Center Assistants
Supplemental Instruction Leaders
Peer Money Mentors
These roles offer students an opportunity to gain valuable experience related to their field and develop vital leadership and communication skills. Positions pay $7.25/hour, and working hours can be flexible.
Qualifications and job responsibilities vary by position. Please click on the role above that you are interested in learning more about.
Visit our website for additional information. Questions? Email: peereducation@daltonstate.edu
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Resident Assistants are a group of student leaders who essential serve as the mayor of a small town (their floor). As the architect of the community, the primary responsibility of the Resident Assistant (RA) in Residential Life is to develop community within a unit by bringing about the realization of the role of each individual within that community. Called upon to respond to changing needs and situations, the RA position is one that requires flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, and commitment, as well as strong administrative and peer counseling skills. The areas of responsibilities listed below are a representative of the major expectations of the RA. Additional guidelines are provided in the Resident Assistant Conditions of Employment.
If you are interested in learning more about RA positions at Dalton State, please contact the Assistant Director of Residential Life, Casey Mashburn, to learn more about the timeline and application process.
SAVE Leaders are a group of students committed to creating and hosting programs designed to identify and address social issues locally, nationally, and globally.
All students are eligible to participate in programs hosted by SAVE. Students may also apply to serve on one of four committees. Serving on a committee provides students with practical opportunities to develop leadership capacity and apply leadership awareness, knowledge, competencies, and skills.
To learn more about programs offered through SAVE, you should visit their website. If you have questions or want to get involved, you may contact their advisor, Heather Williams.
The Student Government Association, typically referred to as the SGA, is made up of diverse student representation from the student body and two faculty representatives who are appointed annually. The Student Government Association is here to serve the students of Roadrunner Nation.
If you are interested in learning more about SGA, please visit their website, here.
Contact Us
Location: Dean of Students Office, Pope Student Center
Email: hwilliams@daltonstate.edu
Phone: 706-272-4428
Have Questions? Book a meeting here.