Dalton State College recognized 474 graduates during its Spring 2026 Commencement exercises on May 19, marking a 6% increase over the spring 2025 graduating class and celebrating students whose academic journeys reflected persistence, growth and preparation for careers and community service.
“Commencement is a powerful reminder of what is possible when determination meets opportunity,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “Our Spring 2026 graduates represent the heart of Dalton State—students who persisted through challenges, embraced experiential learning and are now prepared to lead, serve and strengthen the communities and industries that depend on them.”
This spring, 32 students earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting, the highest number of accounting graduates the college has produced in a single term.
Among those graduates was Josue Lovo‑Machado, who earned a BBA in accounting and was selected as this year’s University System of Georgia Academic Recognition Day honoree. Honorees are selected by their institutions for academic excellence, leadership and the ability to share knowledge across disciplines. He was formally recognized during Dalton State’s 51st annual Honors Convocation, where he received an academic recognition resolution from the Georgia General Assembly, presented by State Senator Chuck Payne of District 54.
“This recognition means a great deal to me, especially as a first-generation college student,” Lovo‑Machado said. “It allows me to honor the sacrifices my parents made and carry forward the dreams and opportunities they were not able to pursue.”
Lovo‑Machado, who is from Rocky Face, said he was drawn to accounting for its job security and variety of career paths within the field.
“My interest in accounting originally came from my sister and brother-in-law, who are both accountants,” Lovo‑Machado said. “Hearing about their careers helped me understand the stability, work-life balance and long-term opportunities that the profession can offer.”
After graduation, he plans to transition into a full-time cost accounting position at Huali Floors USA, where he completed an internship while pursuing his degree. He also received a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) scholarship from the Institute of Management Accountants and plans to take the first part of the CMA exam in September, with long-term goals of earning CPA licensure.
For Kailey Boulware, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and served as the student speaker for the ceremony honoring graduates of the School of Education and the School of Health Professions, commencement represented the culmination of years of resilience both inside and outside the classroom.
“It is through blood, sweat and tears that I can stand here before you,” Boulware said. “This is not a story of tragedy. This is a story of resilience.”
Boulware, who is from LaFayette, transferred to Dalton State during her sophomore year seeking a new beginning while navigating a legal trial against her abuser. She said the experience shaped her desire to pursue a career in social work and serve others facing similar circumstances.
“Dalton State allowed me the space to overcome and find community during the hardest time of my life,” she said.
While enrolled, Boulware completed a field placement with the Children’s Advocacy Center, where she is now employed serving children who have experienced abuse. She said hands-on learning was critical to her professional confidence.
“If it were not for real-world experience, I would not be confident in entering the field following graduation,” she said.
Boulware plans to pursue a Master of Social Work through Georgia State University, and she will continue her work at the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Cameron Prado‑West, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and served as the student speaker at the ceremony recognizing graduates of the School of Arts and Sciences and the Wright School of Business, said his time at Dalton State shaped both his academic and personal growth as a leader.
“Dalton State has had a transformative impact on my life by teaching me the importance of timing, commitment and leadership,” Prado‑West said. “Through mentors who genuinely cared and invested in my success, I was able to see what it means to lead with purpose and serve others.”
Prado‑West, who is from Calhoun, was heavily involved in student engagement and belonging leadership roles while also prioritizing undergraduate research and internship opportunities available at Dalton State.
“My undergraduate research elevated my college experience by allowing me to think more critically, strengthen my communication and analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of how research can connect to real-world challenges and solutions,” Prado-West said. “Additionally, my internship experience helped bridge classroom learning with professional application, giving me hands-on exposure to leadership, operations, and problem-solving within a corporate environment. Together, both experiences helped prepare me academically and professionally for the next chapter of my career and education.”
He plans to pursue an Master of Business Administration in international business through Barry University, with the goal of working across global markets and building connections between diverse communities and organizations.
Dalton State prepares graduates for high-demand fields through internships, industry partnerships and academic programs that are responsive to regional employer needs. Learn more at www.daltonstate.edu.
