Dalton State College recognized more than 340 graduates during its Fall Commencement ceremony, marking a 6% increase over the fall 2024 graduating class. The event celebrated students who have completed their degrees and are prepared to contribute to the region’s workforce, with many already stepping into full-time roles through internships and industry partnerships.
“Our mission is to provide a transformational education that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to step confidently into their professions and lead in their communities,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “Their success is made possible by their hard work, the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of their families and the partnerships across our community that offer internships, fund scholarships and strengthen our programs. We are incredibly proud of this graduating class and the impact they are already making in our region.”
As Andrea Barajas, Collin Hadders and Patton Pickard crossed the commencement stage, each stepped into their next professional chapters. Like many of their peers, these graduates participated in internships while at Dalton State and credit those experiences with opening doors to secure full-time positions in their fields of study before graduation.
For Barajas, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems, Dalton State offered the balance of affordability, support and opportunity she was seeking.
“I chose Dalton State because it felt like the right place to grow. It was close to home, affordable and supportive with a strong focus on student success,” she said.
Barajas interned with Mohawk Industries’ Quality Department beginning in May 2024, contributing to AI training models that improve efficiency and operations, and she will begin her full-time role in the company’s ASPIRE Program.
“The mentorship, support and hands-on learning opportunities I received at Dalton State gave me the confidence to pursue meaningful opportunities,” Barajas said. “This opportunity is a significant step toward my long-term career goals, and I’m grateful my education at Dalton State helped me stand out in a highly competitive program.”
Hadders, who is the first person in his family to graduate from college, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and said affordability and direct access to faculty drew him to Dalton State.
“I chose Dalton State College because of its affordability and the opportunity to receive a high-quality business education with direct access to faculty who are genuinely invested in student success,” Hadders said. “From my first semester, DSC felt like a place where I could grow academically and personally.”
Hadders said the Wright School of Business prepared him for his career by helping him apply what he learned beyond the classroom through an emphasis on ethical decision-making and professional development.
“One of the most impactful aspects of my experience was the mentorship and support from faculty, especially Dr. Jamie Connors. She was the first accounting professor I had at DSC and continued to guide me through my final semester as both an instructor and my academic advisor,” Hadders said. “Her dedication and guidance have helped shape my academic journey.”
With graduation behind him, Hadders will join Novogradac & Company LLP, a Top 100 CPA firm based in Alpharetta.
“I am incredibly grateful for the foundation Dalton State College has given me and the people who helped me reach this milestone,” he said.
Pickard, also a first-generation college student, graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology. According to Pickard, Dalton State offered him support and direction that helped him develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to be successful in his career.
“Dalton State gave me more than I could ever ask for. It gave me a career to look forward to and leadership skills I will take with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
Pickard interned with System Concepts Plus while attending Dalton State, later earning a full-time role as a controls and automation engineer.
His involvement on campus—from the Campus Activity Board to serving as Student Government Association President—helped him discover new interests and build confidence. Pickard now plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer and electrical engineering at Georgia Tech in addition to working a full-time job in engineering.
Dalton State prepares graduates for high-demand fields through internships, industry partnerships and academic programs designed with employer needs in mind. The college is also responding to regional workforce needs by expanding capacity in healthcare programs and developing new academic programs, including industry-recognized micro-credentials, fire science and occupational safety, and education.
