Three exceptional Dalton State College alumni were recognized as the inaugural Alumni Association Awards recipients during a celebration on February 22 that was part of the college’s annual homecoming festivities.
“Our mission is to cultivate graduates who excel in their careers and also become influential leaders who make a lasting impact on society. This inaugural group of award recipients exemplifies leadership, dedication, and service within their communities,” said John Fuchko, President of Dalton State College. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and confident that they will continue to drive positive change and inspire future generations.”
The awards recognize alumni for their outstanding achievements, dedication to their communities and exemplary service to Dalton State.
This year’s recipients are:
- Mark Millican, Distinguished Alumni Award
- Sandra Whaley Derrick, Dalton Junior College Legacy Award
- Caroline Frost, Young Alumni Service Award
Millican was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes an alum who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in their career and contributions to society.
Millican’s journey at Dalton State began in 1973, but his commitment to duty and sacrifice was evident even earlier when signed up for the draft at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history – during the war in Vietnam. Though he was not drafted, Millican chose to serve his country voluntarily following the withdrawal of U.S. Troop from Vietnam. Millican’s military service includes time in the United States Marine Corps and Georgia Army National Guard.
After returning to Dalton State in 1981 and earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1982, he embarked on a distinguished career in journalism. As a newspaper editor and freelance writer, he has become a voice for Northwest Georgia, especially in telling the stories of our nation’s veterans. He authored two self-published books, “Wild, But True: Stories of the Outdoors” and “Some Gave All,” which honor the legacies of local men who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
In recounting his professional career in journalism, Millican credits his time at Dalton Junior College for providing him with the opportunity to gain skills in photography that opened the door to his first job in the journalism industry with the Times-Courier in Ellijay, Ga. where he later became the editor.
Derrick was honored with the 2025 Dalton Junior College Legacy Award, which recognizes a Dalton Junior College graduate who has demonstrated dedication to the institution.
Derrick’s academic journey began at Dalton Junior College, where she earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1974, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and a Master of Education in Home Economics Education from the University of Georgia. Professionally, she excelled as an educator in Whitfield County Schools, earning the prestigious Teacher of the Year award in 2006.
Her dedication to Dalton State College and the community is evident in her leadership roles on various boards, including the Dalton State College Alumni Association and the UGA Family & Consumer Sciences Alumni Association. Her extensive community involvement includes mentoring students, participating in the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Leadership Dalton Whitfield.
“I am very excited to receive such an important award from a place that I’ve loved since I set foot on campus in 1974 as a college freshman. Dalton Junior College provided an excellent foundation for my college career and a 30-year career in education,” Derrick said. “I am thrilled to step back on campus to help with events and meet awesome DSC students. I’m smiling as I think about all the exciting times I’ve had on campus and how much receiving this prestigious award means to me.”
Frost was honored with the 2025 Dalton State Young Alumni Service Award, which recognizes an alumnus of the past 10 years who has made exceptional contributions to the institution and community through volunteer work or professional endeavors.
Since obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dalton State in 2018, Frost has devoted herself to making a significant impact on the region. As the Director of Development for Junior Achievement of Northwest Georgia, she plays a crucial role in shaping the future of middle and high school students, providing them with essential knowledge and skills. Caroline’s work in financial development and community partnerships strengthens JA’s mission and the local workforce.
Her efforts have allowed Dalton State to expand its reach, inspiring students to pursue higher education and career readiness. She is also an active member of the Dalton community, serving on the Dalton State Alumni Board, the Women in Leadership Group, and participating in organizations such as the Civitan and Kiwanis Clubs of Dalton. Her leadership and service have been recognized by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Leaders program and Leadership Dalton-Whitfield.
