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 |
|
|---|---|
Thursday, April 25 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 from other institutions, marching faculty and staff) |
| 11:30 a.m. | Investiture Reception Burran Bell Tower and Quadrangle (located behind Westcott Hall) 650 College Drive | Dalton, GA |
Guest Information
Accommodations
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
Book now via 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 boutique hotels in downtown Dalton. For information, visit the Dalton Convention & Vistors Bureau website.
Campus Maps
The investiture ceremony will be in Bandy Gymnasium. Once you arrive on campus, please follow signs to the event.
Livestream Option
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.
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