Dalton State College recognized eight faculty and staff members with Awards of Excellence during the college’s annual spring campus assembly. The awards, sponsored by the Dalton State Foundation, honor consistently superior professional achievement in teaching, scholarship and service.
“Our Awards of Excellence honor the faculty and staff who shape an exceptional student experience every day through outstanding teaching, service and scholarship,” President John Fuchko said. “Their dedication and innovation create meaningful opportunities for our students and strengthen both our campus and our region.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Hannah Makarczyk – Barbara Shiffler ’76 Award for Business Teaching
- James Davis and Dean Paul – Beth Burdick Service Excellence Award
- James Adams – Excellence in Scholarship and Professional Development
- Susan Burran – Excellence in Service
- Ryan Hoffpauir – Excellence in Teaching
- Carole Shealy – Staff Excellence in Community and College Collaboration
- Andrea Roberson – Staff Excellence in Achievement and Performance
The Barbara Shiffler ’76 Award for Business Teaching recognizes outstanding faculty in the Wright School of Business who demonstrate exceptional teaching. Makarczyk, assistant professor of marketing and Honors Program coordinator, is known for bringing real-world business concepts into the classroom and creating engaging learning experiences. Endowed by Dalton State alumna Barbara Shiffler, class of 1976, and her husband, Ron Shiffler, the award is the college’s only donor-endowed faculty award and includes a $900 cash prize.
The Beth Burdick Service Excellence Award honors staff members who consistently perform their roles at the highest level. For the first time in the award’s 21-year history, the honor was presented to two recipients—Davis and Paul, who work in plant operations. The longtime colleagues were recognized for their exceptional dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts that keep campus facilities safe, functional and welcoming, supporting the daily success of students, faculty and staff.
Adams, a professor of biology who has earned national recognition for his contributions to biodiversity, taxonomy and conservation, received the Excellence in Scholarship and Professional Development Award for sustained engagement in research and professional growth. He serves as editor of News of the Lepidopterists’ Society and collaborates with national institutions on research. Adams maintains a database of more than 3,000 species of Georgia Lepidoptera and his research informs conservation decisions for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Burran, a professor of biology, received the Excellence in Service Award recognizing her leadership, collaboration and commitment to institutional success, including work on Dalton State’s Vision 2050 strategic plan and student success initiatives. She also serves at the system level with the University System of Georgia where she has helped advance high-impact practices and expand student access to transformative learning experiences.
Hoffpauir, an associate professor of education, received the Excellence in Teaching Award, for his student-centered approach and ability to make mathematics accessible and engaging. Widely praised for his clear instruction, use of real-world applications and commitment to student support both inside and outside the classroom, he is a leader in curricular innovation and the preparation of future educators.
The Award for Staff Excellence in Community and College Collaboration honored Shealy, who serves as an experiential learning coordinator, for significantly expanding student internship opportunities and undergraduate research participation.
Roberson, assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students, received the Award for Staff Excellence in Achievement and Performance in recognition of her compassionate, collaborative leadership, and commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful campus culture.
