Allison Wolfe-Driver, of Ringgold, is Dalton State’s 2025 University System of Georgia (USG) Academic Recognition Day honoree and was honored by the USG Board of Regents on May 15, a day after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
“Receiving this prestigious award means the absolute world to me,” Wolfe-Driver said. “It’s truly an honor to be selected as a representative of Dalton State College—a place I deeply love and have given my absolute best over the past four years. I will forever be grateful for the support I have received from Dalton State faculty, staff and my peers, who helped me complete my degree and boldly step into new territory as I pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.”
Academic Recognition Day celebrates students who exemplify the highest scholastic ideals of the USG. Honorees are selected by their institutions for their academic excellence, leadership and ability to share knowledge across disciplines. She was formally recognized during Dalton State’s 50th annual Honors Convocation, where she received an academic recognition resolution from the Georgia General Assembly, presented by State Senator Chuck Payne of District 54.
“During my time at Dalton State, I have grown more than I ever imagined–personally, academically and professionally,” Wolfe-Driver said. “That growth didn’t come without challenges; it took hard work and pushing myself far beyond my comfort zone.”
Her academic journey at Dalton State was marked by a deep commitment to both learning and service. She served as a STEM peer mentor, supplemental instruction leader, peer tutor and assistant in the Math and Science Learning Center. She also conducted undergraduate research in chemistry, presenting her findings at the 2024 Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Southeastern Undergraduate Research Conference sponsored by the American Chemical Society. Currently, she is applying her knowledge of analytical chemistry as an intern at McKee Foods and has been accepted to the University of Tennessee Knoxville to pursue a Ph.D. in physical chemistry.
Faculty members who recommended Wolfe-Driver for the honor praised her academic excellence and her leadership and impact across campus, describing her as a standout student.
“She has served as an exceptional supplemental instructor and peer educator, as well as a STEM peer mentor… an all-round exceptional student through and through,” Marina Smitherman, interim dean for the School of Health Professions, said.
In addition to this statewide honor, Wolfe-Driver was selected by the chemistry faculty as the 2025 recipient of the Bob Cooper Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry.
“She took my Advanced Organic Chemistry course and consistently scored at the top of the class,” Tricia Scott, professor of chemistry, said. “She is an excellent student and great choice for our Academic Recognition Day Student.”
Reflecting on her journey, Wolfe-Driver offered words of encouragement to her former peers: “Keep moving forward, even when the path feels steep. Focus on one step at a time, not the entire climb. With strength and perseverance, one day you’ll look back and realize you’ve reached the summit.”
